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Livingstone DEW, Sooy K, Sykes C, Webster SP, Walker BR, Andrew R. 5α-Tetrahydrocorticosterone: A topical anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid with an improved therapeutic index in a murine model of dermatitis. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1256-1267. [PMID: 37990638 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Glucocorticoids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, but are associated with many side-effects. Topical application in atopic dermatitis leads to skin thinning, metabolic changes, and adrenal suppression. 5α-Tetrahydrocorticosterone (5αTHB) is a potential selective anti-inflammatory with reduced metabolic effects. Here, the efficacy and side-effect profile of 5αTHB were compared with hydrocortisone in preclinical models of irritant dermatitis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Acute irritant dermatitis was invoked in ear skin of male C57BL/6 mice with a single topical application of croton oil. Inflammation was assessed as oedema via ear weight following treatment with 5αTHB and hydrocortisone. Side-effects of 5αTHB and hydrocortisone were assessed following chronic topical steroid treatment (28 days) to non-irritated skin. Skin thinning was quantified longitudinally by caliper measurements and summarily by qPCR for transcripts for genes involved in extracellular matrix homeostasis; systemic effects of topical steroid administration also were assessed. Clearance of 5αTHB and hydrocortisone were measured following intravenous and oral administration. KEY RESULTS 5αTHB suppressed ear swelling in mice, with ED50 similar to hydrocortisone (23 μg vs. 13 μg). Chronic application of 5αTHB did not cause skin thinning, adrenal atrophy, weight loss, thymic involution, or raised insulin levels, all of which were observed with topical hydrocortisone. Transcripts for genes involved in collagen synthesis and stability were adversely affected by all doses of hydrocortisone, but only by the highest dose of 5αTHB (8× ED50 ). 5αTHB was rapidly cleared from the systemic circulation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Topical 5αTHB has potential to treat inflammatory skin conditions, particularly in areas of delicate skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Elizabeth Watson Livingstone
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Karen Sooy
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Catherine Sykes
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Scott Peter Webster
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian Robert Walker
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ruth Andrew
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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2
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Flori E, Mosca S, Kovacs D, Briganti S, Ottaviani M, Mastrofrancesco A, Truglio M, Picardo M. Skin Anti-Inflammatory Potential with Reduced Side Effects of Novel Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:267. [PMID: 38203435 PMCID: PMC10778823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, although the balance between therapeutic benefits and side effects is still crucial in clinical practice. One of the major and well-known adverse effects of topical GCs is cutaneous atrophy, which seems to be related to the activation of the glucorticoid receptor (GR) genomic pathway. Dissociating anti-inflammatory activity from atrophogenicity represents an important goal to achieve, in order to avoid side effects on keratinocytes and fibroblasts, known target cells of GC action. To this end, we evaluated the biological activity and safety profile of two novel chemical compounds, DE.303 and KL.202, developed as non-transcriptionally acting GR ligands. In primary keratinocytes, both compounds demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties inhibiting NF-κB activity, downregulating inflammatory cytokine release and interfering with pivotal signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory process. Of note, these beneficial actions were not associated with GC-related atrophic effects: treatments of primary keratinocytes and fibroblasts with DE.303 and KL.202 did not induce, contrarily to dexamethasone-a known potent GC-alterations in extracellular matrix components and lipid synthesis, thus confirming their safety profile. These data provide the basis for evaluating these compounds as effective alternatives to the currently used GCs in managing inflammatory skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Flori
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (D.K.); (S.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Sarah Mosca
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (D.K.); (S.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Daniela Kovacs
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (D.K.); (S.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Stefania Briganti
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (D.K.); (S.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Monica Ottaviani
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (D.K.); (S.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Arianna Mastrofrancesco
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Mauro Truglio
- Microbiology and Virology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (M.T.)
| | - Mauro Picardo
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata, IDI-IRCCS, 00167 Rome, Italy;
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Dodonova SA, Zhidkova EM, Kryukov AA, Valiev TT, Kirsanov KI, Kulikov EP, Budunova IV, Yakubovskaya MG, Lesovaya EA. Synephrine and Its Derivative Compound A: Common and Specific Biological Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17537. [PMID: 38139366 PMCID: PMC10744207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This review is focused on synephrine, the principal phytochemical found in bitter orange and other medicinal plants and widely used as a dietary supplement for weight loss/body fat reduction. We examine different aspects of synephrine biology, delving into its established and potential molecular targets, as well as its mechanisms of action. We present an overview of the origin, chemical composition, receptors, and pharmacological properties of synephrine, including its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity in various in vitro and animal models. Additionally, we conduct a comparative analysis of the molecular targets and effects of synephrine with those of its metabolite, selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA) Compound A (CpdA), which shares a similar chemical structure with synephrine. SEGRAs, including CpdA, have been extensively studied as glucocorticoid receptor activators that have a better benefit/risk profile than glucocorticoids due to their reduced adverse effects. We discuss the potential of synephrine usage as a template for the synthesis of new generation of non-steroidal SEGRAs. The review also provides insights into the safe pharmacological profile of synephrine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A. Dodonova
- Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Kursk State Medical University, 305041 Kursk, Russia; (S.A.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Ekaterina M. Zhidkova
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.Z.); (T.T.V.); (K.I.K.); (M.G.Y.)
| | - Alexey A. Kryukov
- Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Kursk State Medical University, 305041 Kursk, Russia; (S.A.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Timur T. Valiev
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.Z.); (T.T.V.); (K.I.K.); (M.G.Y.)
| | - Kirill I. Kirsanov
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.Z.); (T.T.V.); (K.I.K.); (M.G.Y.)
- Faculty of Oncology, Ryazan State Medical University Named after Academician I.P. Pavlov, 390026 Ryazan, Russia
| | - Evgeny P. Kulikov
- Laboratory of Single Cell Biology, Russian University of People’s Friendship (RUDN) University, 117198 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Irina V. Budunova
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Marianna G. Yakubovskaya
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.Z.); (T.T.V.); (K.I.K.); (M.G.Y.)
- Faculty of Oncology, Ryazan State Medical University Named after Academician I.P. Pavlov, 390026 Ryazan, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A. Lesovaya
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 115478 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.Z.); (T.T.V.); (K.I.K.); (M.G.Y.)
- Faculty of Oncology, Ryazan State Medical University Named after Academician I.P. Pavlov, 390026 Ryazan, Russia
- Laboratory of Single Cell Biology, Russian University of People’s Friendship (RUDN) University, 117198 Moscow, Russia;
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Pofi R, Caratti G, Ray DW, Tomlinson JW. Treating the Side Effects of Exogenous Glucocorticoids; Can We Separate the Good From the Bad? Endocr Rev 2023; 44:975-1011. [PMID: 37253115 PMCID: PMC10638606 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that 2% to 3% of the population are currently prescribed systemic or topical glucocorticoid treatment. The potent anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids to deliver therapeutic benefit is not in doubt. However, the side effects associated with their use, including central weight gain, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and osteoporosis, often collectively termed iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, are associated with a significant health and economic burden. The precise cellular mechanisms underpinning the differential action of glucocorticoids to drive the desirable and undesirable effects are still not completely understood. Faced with the unmet clinical need to limit glucocorticoid-induced adverse effects alongside ensuring the preservation of anti-inflammatory actions, several strategies have been pursued. The coprescription of existing licensed drugs to treat incident adverse effects can be effective, but data examining the prevention of adverse effects are limited. Novel selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators have been designed that aim to specifically and selectively activate anti-inflammatory responses based upon their interaction with the glucocorticoid receptor. Several of these compounds are currently in clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy. More recently, strategies exploiting tissue-specific glucocorticoid metabolism through the isoforms of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase has shown early potential, although data from clinical trials are limited. The aim of any treatment is to maximize benefit while minimizing risk, and within this review we define the adverse effect profile associated with glucocorticoid use and evaluate current and developing strategies that aim to limit side effects but preserve desirable therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pofi
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Giorgio Caratti
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - David W Ray
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Kavli Centre for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX37LE, UK
| | - Jeremy W Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
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5
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Mao L, Wei W, Chen J. Biased regulation of glucocorticoid receptors signaling. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115145. [PMID: 37454592 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs), steroid hormones that depend on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding for their action, are essential for regulating numerous homeostatic functions in the body.GR signals are biased, that is, GR signals are various in different tissue cells, disease states and ligands. This biased regulation of GR signaling appears to depend on ligand-induced metameric regulation, protein post-translational modifications, assembly at response elements, context-specific assembly (recruitment of co-regulators) and intercellular differences. Based on the bias regulation of GR, selective GR agonists and modulators (SEGRAMs) were developed to bias therapeutic outcomes toward expected outcomes (e.g., anti-inflammation and immunoregulation) by influencing GR-mediated gene expression. This paper provides a review of the bias regulation and mechanism of GR and the research progress of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Mao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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6
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7
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Metin R, Akten ED. Drug repositioning to propose alternative modulators for glucocorticoid receptor through structure-based virtual screening. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:11418-11433. [PMID: 34355665 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1960608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Drug repositioning has recently become one of the widely used drug design approaches in proposing alternative compounds with potentially fewer side effects. In this study, structure-based pharmacophore modelling and docking was used to screen existing drug molecules to bring forward potential modulators for ligand-binding domain of human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR). There exist several drug molecules targeting hGR, yet their apparent side effects still persist. Our goal was to disclose new compounds via screening existing drug compounds to bring forward fast and explicit solutions. The so-called shared pharmacophore model was created using the most persistent pharmacophore features shared by several crystal structures of the receptor. The shared model was first used to screen a small database of 75 agonists and 300 antagonists/decoys, and exhibited a successful outcome in its ability to distinguish agonists from antagonists/decoys. Then, it was used to screen a database of over 5000 molecules composed of FDA-approved, worldwide used and investigational drug compounds. A total of 110 compounds satisfying the pharmacophore requirements were subjected to different docking experiments for further assessment of their binding ability. In the final hit list of 54 compounds which fulfilled all scoring criteria, 19 of them were nonsteroidal and when further investigated, each presented a unique scaffold with little structural resemblance to any known nonsteroidal GR modulators. Independent 100 ns long MD simulations conducted on three selected drug candidates in complex with hGR displayed stable conformations incorporating several hydrogen bonds common to all three compounds and the reference molecule dexamethasone.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhan Metin
- Graduate Program of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ebru Demet Akten
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey
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8
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He T, Liang C, Huang S. Cobalt-electrocatalytic C-H hydroxyalkylation of N-heteroarenes with trifluoromethyl ketones. Chem Sci 2022; 14:143-148. [PMID: 36605737 PMCID: PMC9769098 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc05198b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Trifluoromethyl carbinols and N-heteroarenes are both prevalent in bioactive molecules. However, access to high-value pharmacophores combining these two functional groups still remains a challenge. Herein, we report an electro-chemical redox-neutral coupling for the synthesis of N-heteroaryl trifluoromethyl carbinols from readily available N-heteroarenes and trifluoromethyl ketones. The reaction starts with reversing the polarity of ketones to nucleophilic ketyl radicals through an electrocatalytic proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), followed by radical addition to heteroarenes and rearomatization to afford tertiary alcohol products. Importantly, the merging of paired electrolysis and cobalt catalysis is crucial to this regioselective C-H hydroxyalkylation of heteroarenes, and thus avoids several known competing pathways including the spin-center shift (SCS) process. Collectively, this protocol provides straightforward access to heteroaryl trifluoromethyl carbinols, featuring ideal atom economy, excellent regioselectivity, and paired redox-neutral electrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu He
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry UniversityNanjing 210037China
| | - Chaoqiang Liang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry UniversityNanjing 210037China
| | - Shenlin Huang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry UniversityNanjing 210037China
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Van Moortel L, Thommis J, Maertens B, Staes A, Clarisse D, De Sutter D, Libert C, Meijer OC, Eyckerman S, Gevaert K, De Bosscher K. Novel assays monitoring direct glucocorticoid receptor protein activity exhibit high predictive power for ligand activity on endogenous gene targets. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113218. [PMID: 35709653 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Exogenous glucocorticoids are widely used in the clinic for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and auto-immune diseases. Unfortunately, their use is hampered by many side effects and therapy resistance. Efforts to find more selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists and modulators (called SEGRAMs) that are able to separate anti-inflammatory effects via gene repression from metabolic effects via gene activation, have been unsuccessful so far. In this study, we characterized a set of functionally diverse GR ligands in A549 cells, first using a panel of luciferase-based reporter gene assays evaluating GR-driven gene activation and gene repression. We expanded this minimal assay set with novel luciferase-based read-outs monitoring GR protein levels, GR dimerization and GR Serine 211 (Ser211) phosphorylation status and compared their outcomes with compound effects on the mRNA levels of known GR target genes in A549 cells and primary hepatocytes. We found that luciferase reporters evaluating GR-driven gene activation and gene repression were not always reliable predictors for effects on endogenous target genes. Remarkably, our novel assay monitoring GR Ser211 phosphorylation levels proved to be the most reliable predictor for compound effects on almost all tested endogenous GR targets, both driven by gene activation and repression. The integration of this novel assay in existing screening platforms running both in academia and industry may therefore boost chances to find novel GR ligands with an actual improved therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Van Moortel
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jonathan Thommis
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Brecht Maertens
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - An Staes
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Dorien Clarisse
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Delphine De Sutter
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Claude Libert
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Sven Eyckerman
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kris Gevaert
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
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10
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Caramori G, Nucera F, Mumby S, Lo Bello F, Adcock IM. Corticosteroid resistance in asthma: Cellular and molecular mechanisms. Mol Aspects Med 2022; 85:100969. [PMID: 34090658 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.100969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inhaled glucocorticoids (GCs) are drugs widely used as treatment for asthma patients. They prevent the recruitment and activation of lung immune and inflammatory cells and, moreover, have profound effects on airway structural cells to reverse the effects of disease on airway inflammation. GCs bind to a specific receptor, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory gene transcription through a number of distinct and complementary mechanisms. Targets genes include many pro-inflammatory mediators such as chemokines, cytokines, growth factors and their receptors. Inhaled GCs are very effective for most asthma patients with little, if any, systemic side effects depending upon the dose. However, some patients show poor asthma control even after the administration of high doses of topical or even systemic GCs. Several mechanisms relating to inflammation have been considered to be responsible for the onset of the relative GC resistance observed in these patients. In these patients, the side-effect profile of GCs prevent continued use of high doses and new drugs are needed. Targeting the defective pathways associated with GC function in these patients may also reactivate GC responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Caramori
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università di Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Nucera
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sharon Mumby
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Federica Lo Bello
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Ian M Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and the NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
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11
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Labib BA, Chigbu DI. Therapeutic Targets in Allergic Conjunctivitis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:547. [PMID: 35631374 PMCID: PMC9147625 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a common condition resulting from exposure to allergens such as pollen, animal dander, or mold. It is typically mediated by allergen-induced crosslinking of immunoglobulin E attached to receptors on primed conjunctival mast cells, which results in mast cell degranulation and histamine release, as well as the release of lipid mediators, cytokines, and chemokines. The clinical result is conjunctival hyperemia, tearing, intense itching, and chemosis. Refractory and chronic cases can result in ocular surface complications that may be vision threatening. Patients who experience even mild forms of this disease report an impact on their quality of life. Current treatment options range from non-pharmacologic therapies to ocular and systemic options. However, to adequately control AC, the use of multiple agents is often required. As such, a precise understanding of the immune mechanisms responsible for this ocular surface inflammation is needed to support ongoing research for potential therapeutic targets such as chemokine receptors, cytokine receptors, non-receptor tyrosine kinases, and integrins. This review utilized several published articles regarding the current therapeutic options to treat AC, as well as the pathological and immune mechanisms relevant to AC. This review will also focus on cellular and molecular targets in AC, with particular emphasis on potential therapeutic agents that can attenuate the pathology and immune mechanisms driven by cells, receptors, and molecules that participate in the immunopathogenesis and immunopathology of AC.
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Hu X, Pang J, Chen C, Jiang D, Shen C, Chai X, Yang L, Zhang X, Xu L, Cui S, Hou T, Li D. Discovery of novel non-steroidal selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators by structure- and IGN-based virtual screening, structural optimization, and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114382. [PMID: 35483323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs. However, their excellent therapeutic effects are often accompanied by undesirable side effects. To discover selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SGRMs) that preferentially induce transrepression with little or no transactivation activity, a structure-based virtual screening by combining molecular docking and InteractionGraphNet (IGN) rescoring was performed, and compound HP210 was identified. HP210 did not induce the transactivation functions of GR while still acted on the NF-κB mediated tethered transrepression function (IC50 = 2.32 μM), and suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammation cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Compared with dexamethasone, HP210 showed no cross activities with phylogenetically related mineralcorticoid receptor and progesterone receptor and no significant effect on osteoprotegerin, exhibiting a reduced side-effect profile. Then, guided by the molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations, compound HP210_b4 with over two-fold higher transrepression activity (IC50 = 0.99 μM) was discovered. This study reported a group of non-steroidal new-scaffold SGRMs, providing valuable clues for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Hu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; State Key Lab of CAD&CG, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Jinping Pang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Changwei Chen
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dejun Jiang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Chao Shen
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xin Chai
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xujun Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, 213001, China
| | - Sunliang Cui
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; State Key Lab of CAD&CG, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Dan Li
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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Lesovaya EA, Chudakova D, Baida G, Zhidkova EM, Kirsanov KI, Yakubovskaya MG, Budunova IV. The long winding road to the safer glucocorticoid receptor (GR) targeting therapies. Oncotarget 2022; 13:408-424. [PMID: 35198100 PMCID: PMC8858080 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (Gcs) are widely used to treat inflammatory diseases and hematological malignancies, and despite the introduction of novel anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer biologics, the use of inexpensive and effective Gcs is expected to grow. Unfortunately, chronic treatment with Gcs results in multiple atrophic and metabolic side effects. Thus, the search for safer glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-targeted therapies that preserve therapeutic potential of Gcs but result in fewer adverse effects remains highly relevant. Development of selective GR agonists/modulators (SEGRAM) with reduced side effects, based on the concept of dissociation of GR transactivation and transrepression functions, resulted in limited success, and currently focus has shifted towards partial GR agonists. Additional approach is the identification and inhibition of genes associated with Gcs specific side effects. Others and we recently identified GR target genes REDD1 and FKBP51 as key mediators of Gcs-induced atrophy, and selected and validated candidate molecules for REDD1 blockage including PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors. In this review, we summarized classic and contemporary approaches to safer GR-mediated therapies including unique concept of Gcs combination with REDD1 inhibitors. We discussed protective effects of REDD1 inhibitors against Gcs–induced atrophy in skin and bone and underlined the translational potential of this combination for further development of safer and effective Gcs-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina A. Lesovaya
- Deparment of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin NMRCO, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Oncology, I.P. Pavlov Ryazan State Medical University, Ryazan, Russia
| | - Daria Chudakova
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gleb Baida
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ekaterina M. Zhidkova
- Deparment of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin NMRCO, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kirill I. Kirsanov
- Deparment of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin NMRCO, Moscow, Russia
- Deparment of General Medical Practice, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marianna G. Yakubovskaya
- Deparment of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Institute of Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin NMRCO, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Budunova
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Eirefelt S, Stahlhut M, Svitacheva N, Carnerup MA, Da Rosa JMC, Ewald DA, Marstrand TT, Krogh-Madsen M, Dünstl G, Dack KN, Ollerstam A, Norsgaard H. Characterization of a novel non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor agonist optimized for topical treatment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1501. [PMID: 35087193 PMCID: PMC8795149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05471-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used topical treatments for skin diseases but are associated with both local and systemic side effects. In this study, we describe a selective non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist for topical use, LEO 134310, which is rapidly deactivated in the blood resulting in low systemic exposure and a higher therapeutic index in the TPA-induced skin inflammation mouse model compared with betamethasone valerate (BMV) and clobetasol propionate (CP). Selectivity of LEO 134310 for GR was confirmed within a panel of nuclear receptors, including the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which has been associated with induction of skin atrophy. Topical treatment with LEO 134310 in minipigs did not result in any significant reduction in epidermal thickness in contrast to significant epidermal thinning induced by treatment with BMV and CP. Thus, the profile of LEO 134310 may potentially provide an effective and safer treatment option for skin diseases compared with currently used glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Georg Dünstl
- LEO Pharma A/S, Industriparken 55, Ballerup, Denmark
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Hu X, Pang J, Zhang J, Shen C, Chai X, Wang E, Chen H, Wang X, Duan M, Fu W, Xu L, Kang Y, Li D, Xia H, Hou T. Discovery of Novel GR Ligands toward Druggable GR Antagonist Conformations Identified by MD Simulations and Markov State Model Analysis. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2102435. [PMID: 34825505 PMCID: PMC8787434 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Binding of different ligands to glucocorticoid receptor (GR) may induce different conformational changes and even trigger completely opposite biological functions. To understand the allosteric communication within the GR ligand binding domain, the folding pathway of helix 12 (H12) induced by the binding of the agonist dexamethasone (DEX), antagonist RU486, and modulator AZD9567 are explored by molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state model analysis. The ligands can regulate the volume of the activation function-2 through the residues Phe737 and Gln738. Without ligand or with agonist binding, H12 swings from inward to outward to visit different folding positions. However, the binding of RU486 or AZD9567 perturbs the structural state, and the passive antagonist state appears more stable. Structure-based virtual screening and in vitro bioassays are used to discover novel GR ligands that bias the conformation equilibria toward the passive antagonist state. HP-19 exhibits the best anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 0.041 ± 0.011 µm) in nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway, which is comparable to that of DEX. HP-19 also does not induce adverse effect-related transactivation functions of GR. The novel ligands discovered here may serve as promising starting points for the development of GR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Hu
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
- State Key Lab of CAD&CGZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Jinping Pang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Jintu Zhang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Chao Shen
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Xin Chai
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Ercheng Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Haiyi Chen
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Xuwen Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Mojie Duan
- Key Laboratory of magnetic Resonance in Biological SystemsState Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular PhysicsNational Center for Magnetic Resonance in WuhanWuhan Institute of Physics and MathematicsChinese Academy of SciencesWuhanHubei430071China
| | - Weitao Fu
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical EngineeringSchool of Electrical and Information EngineeringJiangsu University of TechnologyChangzhou213001China
| | - Yu Kang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Dan Li
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Hongguang Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Research Center of Clinical Pharmacy of The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
- State Key Lab of CAD&CGZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
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Kurimoto T, Tamai I, Nakagawa T, Miyai A, Yamamoto Y, Kosugi Y, Deai K, Hata T, Ohta T, Matsushita M, Yamada T. JTP-117968, a novel selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effect while maintaining bone mineral density in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173880. [PMID: 33476654 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Classic glucocorticoids have been prescribed for various inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, due to their outstanding anti-inflammatory effects. However, glucocorticoids cause numerous unwanted side effects, including osteoporosis and diabetes. Hence, selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SGRMs), which retain anti-inflammatory effects with minimized side effects, are among the most anticipated drugs in the clinical field. The assumption is that there are two major mechanisms of action via glucocorticoid receptors, transrepression (TR) and transactivation (TA). In general, anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids are largely due to TR, while the side effects associated with glucocorticoids are mostly mediated through TA. We previously reported that JTP-117968, a novel SGRM, maintained partial TR activity while remarkably reducing the TA activity. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of JTP-117968 on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge model and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice. Meanwhile, we tested the effect of JTP-117968 on the bone mineral density (BMD) in mouse femur to evaluate the side effect. Based on the evaluation, JTP-117968 reduced the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor α induced by LPS challenge in mice significantly. Remarkably, CIA development was suppressed by JTP-117968 comparably with prednisolone and PF-802, an active form of fosdagrocorat that has been developed clinically as an orally available SGRM. Strikingly, the side effect of JTP-117968 on mouse femoral BMD was much lower than those of PF-802 and prednisolone. Therefore, JTP-117968 has attractive potential as a new therapeutic option against inflammatory diseases with minimized side effects compared to classic glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Kurimoto
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agrobiology, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Isao Tamai
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakagawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsuko Miyai
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuo Yamamoto
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kosugi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsuya Deai
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hata
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ohta
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Takahisa Yamada
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agrobiology, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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Berger M, May E, Rehwinkel H, Schäcke H, Neuhaus R, Rottmann A, Zollner TM, Jaroch S. Discovery of the potent non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor modulator BAY 1003803 as clinical candidate. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127298. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Zhang T, Liang Y, Zhang J. Natural and synthetic compounds as dissociated agonists of glucocorticoid receptor. Pharmacol Res 2020; 156:104802. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Kirk SG, Samavati L, Liu Y. MAP kinase phosphatase-1, a gatekeeper of the acute innate immune response. Life Sci 2020; 241:117157. [PMID: 31837332 PMCID: PMC7480273 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)§ cascades are crucial signaling pathways in the regulation of the host immune response to infection. MAPK phosphatase (MKP)-1, an archetypal member of the MKP family, plays a pivotal role in the down-regulation of p38 and JNK. Studies using cultured macrophages have demonstrated a pivotal role of MKP-1 in the restraint of the biosynthesis of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as chemokines. Using MKP-1 knockout mice, several groups have not only confirmed the critical importance of MKP-1 in the regulation of the cytokine synthesis in vivo during the acute host response to bacterial infections, but also revealed novel functions of MKP-1 in maintaining bactericidal functions and host metabolic activities. RNA-seq analyses on livers of septic mice infected with E. coli have revealed that MKP-1 deficiency caused substantial perturbation in the expression of over 5000 genes, an impressive >20% of the entire murine genome. Among the genes whose expression are dramatically affected by MKP-1 deficiency are those encoding metabolic regulators and acute phase response proteins. These studies demonstrate that MKP-1 is an essential gate-keeper of the acute innate immune response, facilitating pathogen killing and regulating the metabolic response during pathogenic infection. In this review article, we will summarize the studies on the function of MKP-1 during acute innate immune response in the regulation of inflammation, metabolism, and acute phase response. We will also discuss the role of MKP-1 in the actions of numerous immunomodulatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G. Kirk
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Lobelia Samavati
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Yusen Liu
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43205, USA,Corresponding author at: Center for Perinatal Research The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 575 Children’s Cross Road, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. (Y. Liu)
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Van Moortel L, Gevaert K, De Bosscher K. Improved Glucocorticoid Receptor Ligands: Fantastic Beasts, but How to Find Them? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:559673. [PMID: 33071974 PMCID: PMC7541956 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.559673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Exogenous glucocorticoids are widely used in the clinic for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and hematological cancers. Unfortunately, their use is associated with debilitating side effects, including hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, mood swings, and weight gain. Despite the continued efforts of pharma as well as academia, the search for so-called selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SEGRMs), compounds with strong anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties but a reduced number or level of side effects, has had limited success so far. Although monoclonal antibody therapies have been successfully introduced for the treatment of certain disorders (such as anti-TNF for rheumatoid arthritis), glucocorticoids remain the first-in-line option for many other chronic diseases including asthma, multiple sclerosis, and multiple myeloma. This perspective offers our opinion on why a continued search for SEGRMs remains highly relevant in an era where small molecules are sometimes unrightfully considered old-fashioned. Besides a discussion on which bottlenecks and pitfalls might have been overlooked in the past, we elaborate on potential solutions and recent developments that may push future research in the right direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Van Moortel
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Karolien De Bosscher
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Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones widely used for the treatment of inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. To exert their broad physiological and therapeutic effects, GCs bind to the GC receptor (GR) which belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors. Despite their success, GCs are hindered by the occurrence of side effects and glucocorticoid resistance (GCR). Increased knowledge on GC and GR biology together with a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the GC side effects and GCR are necessary for improved GC therapy development. We here provide a general overview on the current insights in GC biology with a focus on GC synthesis, regulation and physiology, role in inflammation inhibition, and on GR function and plasticity. Furthermore, novel and selective therapeutic strategies are proposed based on recently recognized distinct molecular mechanisms of the GR. We will explain the SEDIGRAM concept, which was launched based on our research results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Timmermans
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolien Souffriau
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Libert
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Hua G, Zein N, Paulen L, Chambon P. The glucocorticoid receptor agonistic modulators CpdX and CpdX-D3 do not generate the debilitating effects of synthetic glucocorticoids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:14200-9. [PMID: 31221758 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908264116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Seventy years after the discovery of their anti-inflammatory properties, glucocorticoids (GCs) remain the mainstay treatment for major allergic and inflammatory disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and conjunctivitis, among others. However, their long-term therapeutical administration is limited by major debilitating side effects, e.g., skin atrophy, osteoporosis, Addison-like adrenal insufficiency, fatty liver, and type 2 diabetes syndrome, as well as growth inhibition in children. These undesirable side effects are mostly related to GC-induced activation of both the direct transactivation and the direct transrepression functions of the GC receptor (GR), whereas the activation of its GC-induced indirect tethered transrepression function results in beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. We have reported in the accompanying paper that the nonsteroidal compound CpdX as well as its deuterated form CpdX-D3 selectively activate the GR indirect transrepression function and are as effective as synthetic GCs at repressing inflammations generated in several mouse models of major pathologies. We now demonstrate that these CpdX compounds are bona fide selective GC receptor agonistic modulators (SEGRAMs) as none of the known GC-induced debilitating side effects were observed in the mouse upon 3-mo CpdX treatments. We notably report that, unlike that of GCs, the administration of CpdX to ovariectomized (OVX) mice does not induce a fatty liver nor type 2 diabetes, which indicates that CpdX could be used in postmenopausal women as an efficient "harmless" GC substitute.
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Souffriau J, Eggermont M, Van Ryckeghem S, Van Looveren K, Van Wyngene L, Van Hamme E, Vuylsteke M, Beyaert R, De Bosscher K, Libert C. A screening assay for Selective Dimerizing Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists and Modulators (SEDIGRAM) that are effective against acute inflammation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12894. [PMID: 30150712 PMCID: PMC6110732 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31150-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists that promote GR homodimerization more than standard glucocorticoids such as Dexamethasone could be more effective anti-inflammatory molecules against acute and life-threatening inflammatory conditions. To test this hypothesis, we set up a screening pipeline aimed at discovering such Selective Dimerizing GR Agonists and Modulators (SEDIGRAM). The pipeline consists of a reporter gene assay based on a palindromic glucocorticoid responsive element (GRE). This assay represents GR dimerization in human A549 lung epithelial cells. In the pipeline, this is followed by analysis of endogenous GRE-driven gene expression, a FRET assay confirming dimerization, and monitoring of in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. In a proof of principle experiment, starting from seven candidate compounds, we identified two potentially interesting compounds (Cortivazol and AZD2906) that confer strong protection in a mouse model of aggressive TNF-induced lethal inflammation. A screening pipeline for SEDIGRAM may assist the search for compounds that promote GR dimerization and limit overwhelming acute inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Souffriau
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Melanie Eggermont
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara Van Ryckeghem
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kelly Van Looveren
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lise Van Wyngene
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Van Hamme
- Bio Imaging Core, Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Rudi Beyaert
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- Receptor Research Laboratories, Nuclear Receptor Lab, Center for Medical Biotechnology Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Libert
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium. .,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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24
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Chirumamilla CS, Palagani A, Kamaraj B, Declerck K, Verbeek MWC, Oksana R, De Bosscher K, Bougarne N, Ruttens B, Gevaert K, Houtman R, De Vos WH, Joossens J, Van Der Veken P, Augustyns K, Van Ostade X, Bogaerts A, De Winter H, Vanden Berghe W. Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Properties of GSK866 Analogs with Cysteine Reactive Warheads. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1324. [PMID: 29163463 PMCID: PMC5672024 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic glucocorticoids (GC) are the mainstay therapy for treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders. Due to the high adverse effects associated with long-term use, GC pharmacology has focused since the nineties on more selective GC ligand-binding strategies, classified as selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists (SEGRAs) or selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SEGRMs). In the current study, GSK866 analogs with electrophilic covalent-binding warheads were developed with potential SEGRA properties to improve their clinical safety profile for long-lasting topical skin disease applications. Since the off-rate of a covalently binding drug is negligible compared to that of a non-covalent drug, its therapeutic effects can be prolonged and typically, smaller doses of the drug are necessary to reach the same level of therapeutic efficacy, thereby potentially reducing systemic side effects. Different analogs of SEGRA GSK866 coupled to cysteine reactive warheads were characterized for GR potency and selectivity in various biochemical and cellular assays. GR- and NFκB-dependent reporter gene studies show favorable anti-inflammatory properties with reduced GR transactivation of two non-steroidal GSK866 analogs UAMC-1217 and UAMC-1218, whereas UAMC-1158 and UAMC-1159 compounds failed to modulate cellular GR activity. These results were further supported by GR immuno-localization and S211 phospho-GR western analysis, illustrating significant GR phosphoactivation and nuclear translocation upon treatment of GSK866, UAMC-1217, or UAMC-1218, but not in case of UAMC-1158 or UAMC-1159. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis of tryptic peptides of recombinant GR ligand-binding domain (LBD) bound to UAMC-1217 or UAMC-1218 confirmed covalent cysteine-dependent GR binding. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations, as well as glucocorticoid receptor ligand-binding domain (GR-LBD) coregulator interaction profiling of the GR-LBD bound to GSK866 or its covalently binding analogs UAMC-1217 or UAMC-1218 revealed subtle conformational differences that might underlie their SEGRA properties. Altogether, GSK866 analogs UAMC-1217 and UAMC-1218 hold promise as a novel class of covalent-binding SEGRA ligands for the treatment of topical inflammatory skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra S Chirumamilla
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ajay Palagani
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Balu Kamaraj
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ken Declerck
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marinus W C Verbeek
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ryabtsova Oksana
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- Receptor Research Laboratories, Nuclear Receptor Lab (NRL) and Cytokine Receptor Lab (CRL), VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nadia Bougarne
- Receptor Research Laboratories, Nuclear Receptor Lab (NRL) and Cytokine Receptor Lab (CRL), VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Ruttens
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, VIB, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Center for Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, VIB, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - René Houtman
- PamGene International B.V., Den Bosch, Netherlands
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Joossens
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Der Veken
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Koen Augustyns
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Xaveer Van Ostade
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hans De Winter
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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25
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Yoshioka H, Yamada A, Nishiyama Y, Kagechika H, Hashimoto Y, Fujii S. Development of nonsteroidal glucocorticoid receptor modulators based on N-benzyl-N-(4-phenoxyphenyl)benzenesulfonamide scaffold. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:3461-3470. [PMID: 28506584 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
N-Benzyl-N-(4-phenoxyphenyl)benzenesulfonamide derivatives were developed as a novel class of nonsteroidal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulators, which are promising drug candidates for treating immune-related disorders. Focusing on the similarity of the GR and progesterone receptor (PR) ligand-binding domain (LBD) structures, we adopted our recently developed PR antagonist 10 as a lead compound and synthesized a series of derivatives. We found that the N-(4-phenoxyphenyl)benzenesulfonamide skeleton serves as a versatile scaffold for GR antagonists. Among them, 4-cyano derivative 14m was the most potent, with an IC50 value of 1.43μM for GR. This compound showed good selectivity for GR; it retained relatively weak antagonistic activity toward PR (IC50 for PR: 8.00μM; 250-fold less potent than 10), but showed no activity toward AR, ERα or ERβ. Interestingly, the 4-amino derivative 15a exhibited transrepression activity toward NF-κB in addition to GR-antagonistic activity, whereas 14m did not. The structure-activity relationship for transrepression was different from that for GR-antagonistic activity. Computational docking simulations suggested that 15a might bind to the ligand-binding pocket of GR in a different manner from 14m. These findings open up new possibilities for developing novel nonsteroidal GR modulators with distinctive activity profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Yoshioka
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, 113-0032 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yamada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, 101-0062 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Nishiyama
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, 113-0032 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kagechika
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, 101-0062 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Hashimoto
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, 113-0032 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Fujii
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, 113-0032 Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, 101-0062 Tokyo, Japan.
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26
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Gastaldello A, Livingstone DEW, Abernethie AJ, Tsang N, Walker BR, Hadoke PWF, Andrew R. Safer topical treatment for inflammation using 5α-tetrahydrocorticosterone in mouse models. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 129:73-84. [PMID: 28131845 PMCID: PMC5342892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Use of topical glucocorticoid for inflammatory skin conditions is limited by systemic and local side-effects. This investigation addressed the hypothesis that topical 5α-tetrahydrocorticosterone (5αTHB, a corticosterone metabolite) inhibits dermal inflammation without affecting processes responsible for skin thinning and impaired wound healing. The topical anti-inflammatory properties of 5αTHB were compared with those of corticosterone in C57Bl/6 male mice with irritant dermatitis induced by croton oil, whereas its effects on angiogenesis, inflammation, and collagen deposition were investigated by subcutaneous sponge implantation. 5αTHB decreased dermal swelling and total cell infiltration associated with dermatitis similarly to corticosterone after 24 h, although at a five fold higher dose, but in contrast did not have any effects after 6 h. Pre-treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486 attenuated the effect of corticosterone on swelling at 24 h, but not that of 5αTHB. After 24 h 5αTHB reduced myeloperoxidase activity (representative of neutrophil infiltration) to a greater extent than corticosterone. At equipotent anti-inflammatory doses 5αTHB suppressed angiogenesis to a limited extent, unlike corticosterone which substantially decreased angiogenesis compared to vehicle. Furthermore, 5αTHB reduced only endothelial cell recruitment in sponges whereas corticosterone also inhibited smooth muscle cell recruitment and decreased transcripts of angiogenic and inflammatory genes. Strikingly, corticosterone, but not 5αTHB, reduced collagen deposition. However, both 5αTHB and corticosterone attenuated macrophage infiltration into sponges. In conclusion, 5αTHB displays the profile of a safer topical anti-inflammatory compound. With limited effects on angiogenesis and extracellular matrix, it is less likely to impair wound healing or cause skin thinning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Gastaldello
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Dawn E W Livingstone
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Centre for Integrative Physiology, Hugh Robson Building, University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, United Kingdom.
| | - Amber J Abernethie
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicola Tsang
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Brian R Walker
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Patrick W F Hadoke
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Ruth Andrew
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
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Kurimoto T, Tamai I, Miyai A, Kosugi Y, Nakagawa T, Yamamoto Y, Deai K, Misaki S, Bessho Y, Negoro T, Yamaguchi T, Hata T, Matsushita M. JTP-117968, a novel selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator, exhibits improved transrepression/transactivation dissociation. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 803:179-86. [PMID: 28366807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Classic glucocorticoids that have outstanding anti-inflammatory effects are still widely prescribed for the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Conversely, glucocorticoids cause numerous unwanted side effects, particularly systemically dosed glucocorticoids. Therefore, selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator (SGRM), which maintains beneficial anti-inflammatory effects while reducing the occurrence of side effects, is one of the most anticipated drugs. However, there have been no SGRMs marketed to date. The assumption is that there are two major mechanisms of action of glucocorticoids via glucocorticoid receptors, transrepression (TR) and transactivation (TA). In general, the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids are mostly mediated through TR, while the side effects associated with glucocorticoids are largely caused by TA. We started to evaluate novel orally available SGRMs that maintain anti-inflammatory effects while minimizing adverse effects by favoring TR over TA. Based on this evaluation, we discovered JTP-117968, (4b'S,7'R,8a'S)-4b'-benzyl-7'-hydroxy-N-(2-methylpyridin-3-yl)-7'-(trifluoromethyl)-4b',6',7',8',8a',10'-hexahydro-5'H-spiro[cyclopropane-1,9'-phenanthrene]-2'-carboxamide, a non-steroidal SGRM. JTP-117968 has partial TR activity, but exhibits extremely low TA activity. The maximum TR efficacy of JTP-117968 was comparable to its structural analogue, PF-802, (4bS,7R,8aR)-4b-Benzyl-7-hydroxy-N-(2-methylpyridin-3-yl)-7-(trifluoromethyl)-4b,5,6,7,8,8a,9,10-octahydrophenanthrene-2-carboxamide, which is the active form of Fosdagrocorat that has been developed clinically as a first-in-class orally available SGRM. Remarkably, the TA activity of JTP-117968 was much weaker than PF-802 not only in in vitro assays, but also in in vivo mice experiments. These findings indicate that JTP-117968 exhibits improved TR/TA dissociation because the compound has significantly lower TA activity compared with an already reported SGRM. Therefore, JTP-117968 is expected to be a useful compound for evaluating ideal SGRMs in the future.
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28
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Abstract
Allergic disorders are the result of a complex pathophysiology, involving major cellular lineages and a multitude of humoral factors of the innate and adaptive immune system, and have the tendency to involve multiple organs. Consequently, even standard pharmacological treatment of allergies is rarely specific but usually targets more than one pathway/cellular system at a time. Accordingly, many of the classic anti-allergic drugs have a critical impact also on T helper cells, which are pivotal not only during the sensitization but also the maintenance phase of allergic diseases. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase of novel drugs with the potency to interfere, more or less specifically, with T lymphocyte function, which might, possibly together with classic anti-allergic drugs, help harnessing one of the central cellular players in allergic responses. A major theme in the years to come will be a thoughtful combination of previously established with recently developed treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Tauber
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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29
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Berger M, Rehwinkel H, Schmees N, Schäcke H, Edman K, Wissler L, Reichel A, Jaroch S. Discovery of new selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist leads. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:437-442. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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30
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Strehl C, van der Goes MC, Bijlsma JW, Jacobs JWG, Buttgereit F. Glucocorticoid-targeted therapies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:187-195. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1276562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Strehl
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marlies C. van der Goes
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes W.J. Bijlsma
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes W. G. Jacobs
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
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31
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Lesovaya E, Yemelyanov A, Swart AC, Swart P, Haegeman G, Budunova I. Discovery of Compound A--a selective activator of the glucocorticoid receptor with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. Oncotarget 2016; 6:30730-44. [PMID: 26436695 PMCID: PMC4741564 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are among the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs, and are widely used for cancer therapy. Unfortunately, chronic treatment with glucocorticoids results in multiple side effects. Thus, there was an intensive search for selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activators (SEGRA), which retain therapeutic potential of glucocorticoids, but with fewer adverse effects. GR regulates gene expression by transactivation (TA), by binding as homodimer to gene promoters, or transrepression (TR), via diverse mechanisms including negative interaction between monomeric GR and other transcription factors. It is well accepted that metabolic and atrophogenic effects of glucocorticoids are mediated by GR TA. Here we summarized the results of extensive international collaboration that led to discovery and characterization of Compound A (CpdA), a unique SEGRA with a proven “dissociating” GR ligand profile, preventing GR dimerization and shifting GR activity towards TR both in vitro and in vivo. We outlined here the unusual story of compound's discovery, and presented a comprehensive overview of CpdA ligand properties, its anti-inflammatory effects in numerous animal models of inflammation and autoimmune diseases, as well as its anti-cancer effects. Finally, we presented mechanistic analysis of CpdA and glucocorticoid effects in skin, muscle, bone, and regulation of glucose and fat metabolism to explain decreased CpdA side effects compared to glucocorticoids. Overall, the results obtained by our and other laboratories underline translational potential of CpdA and its derivatives for treatment of inflammation, autoimmune diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Lesovaya
- Department of Chemical Carcinogenesis, N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Yemelyanov
- Pulmonary Division, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amanda C Swart
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Pieter Swart
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Irina Budunova
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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32
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Bäumer W, Rossbach K, Schmidt BH. The selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist mapracorat displays a favourable safety-efficacy ratio for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases in dogs. Vet Dermatol 2016; 28:46-e11. [DOI: 10.1111/vde.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Bäumer
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; NC State University; 1060 William Moore Drive Raleigh NC 27607 USA
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover; Bünteweg 17 Hannover 30559 Germany
| | - Kristine Rossbach
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy; University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover; Bünteweg 17 Hannover 30559 Germany
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33
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Harris E, Tiganescu A, Tubeuf S, Mackie SL. The prediction and monitoring of toxicity associated with long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2015; 17:513. [PMID: 25903665 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-015-0513-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are often required for adequate control of inflammation in many serious inflammatory diseases; common indications for long-term treatment include polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Long-term glucocorticoid therapy is, however, associated with many adverse effects involving skin, gastro-intestinal, eye, skeletal muscle, bone, adrenal, cardio-metabolic and neuropsychiatric systems. This balance between benefits and risks of glucocorticoids is important for clinical practice and glucocorticoid-related adverse effects can significantly impair health-related quality of life. Understanding the nature and mechanisms of glucocorticoid-related adverse effects may inform how patients are monitored for toxicity and identify those groups, such as older people, that may need closer monitoring. For clinical trials in diseases commonly treated with glucocorticoids, standardised measurement of glucocorticoid-related adverse effects would facilitate future evidence synthesis and meta-analysis.
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34
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Klopot A, Baida G, Bhalla P, Haegeman G, Budunova I. Selective Activator of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Compound A Dissociates Therapeutic and Atrophogenic Effects of Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in Skin. J Cancer Prev 2015; 20:250-9. [PMID: 26734587 PMCID: PMC4699752 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2015.20.4.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Glucocorticoids are effective anti-inflammatory drugs widely used in dermatology and for the treatment of blood cancer patients. Unfortunately, chronic treatment with glucocorticoids results in serious metabolic and atrophogenic adverse effects including skin atrophy. Glucocorticoids act via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a transcription factor that causes either gene transactivation (TA) or transrepression (TR). Compound A (CpdA), a novel non-steroidal GR ligand, does not promote GR dimerization and TA, retains anti-inflammatory potential but induces fewer metabolic side effects compared to classical glucocorticoids when used systemically. As topical effects of CpdA have not been well studied, this work goal was to compare the anti-inflammatory and side effects of topical CpdA and glucocorticoids and to assess their effect on GR TA and TR in keratinocytes. Methods: We used murine immortalized keratinocytes and F1 C57BlxDBA mice. Effect of glucocorticoid fluocinolone acetonide (FA) and CpdA on gene expression in keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo was evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in the model of tumor promoter 12-O-tertradecanoyl-acetate (TPA)-induced dermatitis and in croton oil-induced ear edema test. Skin atrophy was assessed by analysis of epidermal thickness, keratinocyte proliferation, subcutaneous adipose hypoplasia, and dermal changes after chronic treatment with FA and CpdA. Results: In mouse keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo, CpdA did not activate GR-dependent genes but mimicked closely the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoid FA on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases. When applied topically, CpdA inhibited TPA-induced skin inflammation and hyperplasia. Unlike glucocorticoids, CpdA itself did not induce skin atrophy which correlated with lack of induction of atrophogene regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1) causatively involved in skin and muscle steroid-induced atrophy. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that CpdA and its derivatives represent novel promising class of anti-inflammatory compounds with reduced topical side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Klopot
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Bacteriophage Laboratory, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Gleb Baida
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pankaj Bhalla
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Guy Haegeman
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Chulalonkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Irina Budunova
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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35
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Hua G, Ganti KP, Chambon P. Glucocorticoid-induced tethered transrepression requires SUMOylation of GR and formation of a SUMO-SMRT/NCoR1-HDAC3 repressing complex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E635-43. [PMID: 26712006 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1522826113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon binding of a glucocorticoid (GC), the GC receptor (GR) can exert one of three transcriptional regulatory functions. We recently reported that SUMOylation of the GR at position K293 in humans (K310 in mice) within the N-terminal domain is indispensable for GC-induced evolutionary conserved inverted repeated negative GC response element (IR nGRE)-mediated direct transrepression. We now demonstrate that the integrity of this GR SUMOylation site is mandatory for the formation of a GR-small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMOs)-SMRT/NCoR1-HDAC3 repressing complex, which is indispensable for NF-κB/AP1-mediated GC-induced tethered indirect transrepression in vitro. Using GR K310R mutant mice or mice containing the N-terminal truncated GR isoform GRα-D3 lacking the K310 SUMOylation site, revealed a more severe skin inflammation than in WT mice. Importantly, cotreatment with dexamethasone (Dex) could not efficiently suppress a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced skin inflammation in these mutant mice, whereas it was clearly decreased in WT mice. In addition, in mice selectively ablated in skin keratinocytes for either nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR1)/silencing mediator for retinoid or thyroid-hormone receptors (SMRT) corepressors or histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), Dex-induced tethered transrepression and the formation of a repressing complex on DNA-bound NF-κB/AP1 were impaired. We previously suggested that GR ligands that would lack both (+)GRE-mediated transactivation and IR nGRE-mediated direct transrepression activities of GCs may preferentially exert the therapeutically beneficial GC antiinflammatory properties. Interestingly, we now identified a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory selective GR agonist (SEGRA) that selectively lacks both Dex-induced (+)GRE-mediated transactivation and IR nGRE-mediated direct transrepression functions, while still exerting a tethered indirect transrepression activity and could therefore be clinically lesser debilitating on long-term GC therapy.
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Abstract
Osteoporosis is among the most devastating side effects of glucocorticoid (GC) therapy for the management of inflammatory and auto-immune diseases. Evidence from both humans and mice indicate deleterious skeletal effects within weeks of pharmacological GC administration, both related and unrelated to a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). Osteoclast numbers and bone resorption are also rapidly increased, and together with osteoblast inactivation and decreased bone formation, these changes lead the fastest loss in BMD during the initial disease phase. Bone resorption then decreases to sub-physiological levels, but persistent and severe inhibition of bone formation leads to further bone loss and progressively increased fracture risk, up to an order of magnitude higher than that observed in untreated individuals. Bone forming osteoblasts are thus considered the main culprits in GC-induced osteoporosis (GIO). Accordingly, we focus this review primarily on deleterious effects on osteoblasts: inhibition of cell replication and function and acceleration of apoptosis. Mediating these adverse effects, GCs target pivotal regulatory mechanisms that govern osteoblast growth, differentiation and survival. Specifically, GCs inhibit growth factor pathways, including Insulin Growth Factors, Growth Hormone, Hepatocyte Growth/Scatter Factor and IL6-type cytokines. They also inhibit downstream kinases, including PI3-kinase and the MAP kinase ERK, the latter attributable in part to direct transcriptional stimulation of MAP kinase phosphatase 1. Most importantly, however, GCs inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway, which plays a pivotal role in osteoblast replication, function and survival. They transcriptionally stimulate expression of Wnt inhibitors of both the Dkk and Sfrp families, and they induce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which result in loss of ß-catenin to ROS-activated FoxO transcription factors. Identification of dissociated GCs, which would suppress the immune system without causing osteoporosis, is proving more challenging than initially thought, and GIO is currently managed by co-treatment with bisphosphonates or PTH. These drugs, however, are not ideally suited for GIO. Future therapeutic approaches may aim at GC targets such as those mentioned above, or newly identified targets including the Notch pathway, the AP-1/Il11 axis and the osteoblast master regulator RUNX2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baruch Frenkel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, Institute for Genetic Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, CSC-240, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA,
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Caratti G, Matthews L, Poolman T, Kershaw S, Baxter M, Ray D. Glucocorticoid receptor function in health and disease. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2015; 83:441-8. [PMID: 25627931 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones are essential for life in vertebrates. They act through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is expressed in virtually all cells of the human body. Yet the actions of glucocorticoids (GCs) are specific to particular cell types. Broadly GCs regulate carbohydrate metabolism, inflammation, stress and cell fate. Synthetic GCs are widely used in medicine and are by far the most frequent cause of Cushing's syndrome in routine practice. The advent of novel drugs targeting the GR offers new opportunities to treat patients with immune, or malignant disease, and may also offer new opportunities to manage patients with adrenal insufficiency also. This review covers the latest understanding of how GCs work, how their actions are affected by disease, and where the new drugs may take us.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Caratti
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura Matthews
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Toryn Poolman
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Matthew Baxter
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Ray
- Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhaled corticosteroids are the only drugs that effectively suppress the airway inflammation, but they can induce considerable systemic and adverse effects when they are administered chronically at high doses. Consequently, the pharmaceutical industry is still searching for newer entities with an improved therapeutic index. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors review the research in the glucocorticoid field to identify ligands of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). These ligands preferentially induce transrepression with little or no transactivating activity, in order to have a potent anti-inflammatory action and a low side-effects profile. EXPERT OPINION Several agents have been synthesized, but few have been tested in experimental models of asthma. Furthermore, only three (BI-54903, GW870086X and AZD5423) have entered clinical development, although the development of at least one of them (BI-54903) was discontinued. The reason for the limited success so far obtained is that the model of transactivation versus transrepression is a too simplistic representation of GR activity. It is difficult to uncouple the therapeutic and harmful effects mediated by GR, but some useful information that might change the current perspective is appearing in the literature. The generation of gene expression 'fingerprints' produced by different GR agonists in target and off-target human tissues could be useful in identifying drug candidates with an improved therapeutic ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cazzola
- a 1 University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Systems Medicine , Rome, Italy.,b 2 University of Rome Tor Vergata, Respiratory Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Systems Medicine , Rome, Italy .,c 3 University Hospital Tor Vergata, Division of Respiratory Medicine , Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Coppola
- a 1 University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Systems Medicine , Rome, Italy.,c 3 University Hospital Tor Vergata, Division of Respiratory Medicine , Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Rogliani
- a 1 University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Systems Medicine , Rome, Italy.,c 3 University Hospital Tor Vergata, Division of Respiratory Medicine , Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Matera
- d 4 Second University of Naples, Unit of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine , Naples, Italy
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Baida G, Bhalla P, Kirsanov K, Lesovaya E, Yakubovskaya M, Yuen K, Guo S, Lavker RM, Readhead B, Dudley JT, Budunova I. REDD1 functions at the crossroads between the therapeutic and adverse effects of topical glucocorticoids. EMBO Mol Med 2015; 7:42-58. [PMID: 25504525 PMCID: PMC4309667 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201404601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous atrophy is the major adverse effect of topical glucocorticoids; however, its molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we identify stress-inducible mTOR inhibitor REDD1 (regulated in development and DNA damage response 1) as a major molecular target of glucocorticoids, which mediates cutaneous atrophy. In REDD1 knockout (KO) mice, all skin compartments (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat), epidermal stem, and progenitor cells were protected from atrophic effects of glucocorticoids. Moreover, REDD1 knockdown resulted in similar consequences in organotypic raft cultures of primary human keratinocytes. Expression profiling revealed that gene activation by glucocorticoids was strongly altered in REDD1 KO epidermis. In contrast, the down-regulation of genes involved in anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid response was strikingly similar in wild-type and REDD1 KO mice. Integrative bioinformatics analysis of our and published gene array data revealed similar changes of gene expression in epidermis and in muscle undergoing glucocorticoid-dependent and glucocorticoid-independent atrophy. Importantly, the lack of REDD1 did not diminish the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids in preclinical model. Our findings suggest that combining steroids with REDD1 inhibitors may yield a novel, safer glucocorticoid-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleb Baida
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pankaj Bhalla
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kit Yuen
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shuchi Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert M Lavker
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ben Readhead
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joel T Dudley
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Irina Budunova
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma is one of the most frequent chronic diseases worldwide. For decades, asthma has been treated with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). However, adverse effects of ICS and disease heterogeneity necessitate improvements in the existing treatment regimes. Recently approved ICS show improved pharmocodynamic properties. Nevertheless, emerging drugs acting on the same receptor as the ICS, glucocorticoid receptor agonists (GRAs), are under current research. These drugs exhibit selective action on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which may improve their adverse effect profile, compared to the currently approved ICS that act unselectively on the GR. AREAS COVERED The present article reviews emerging GRAs for the treatment of asthma. Furthermore, the more recently approved ICS with improved safety profiles are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Compared with drugs acting on other pathological pathways, research in GRAs for asthma is sparse. However, a few promising agents acting selectively on the GR are currently under investigation and may reach approval for asthma treatment. These drugs exhibit improved pharmacodynamic properties due to selectivity in the mechanism of action, including promotion of transrepression and reduction of transactivation. However, competition from already approved ICS and other emerging treatment options may lead to cessation of development of the new GRAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian G Westergaard
- a Bispebjerg University Hospital, Respiratory Research Unit , Copenhagen, Denmark +45 3531 3569 ; +45 3531 2179 ;
| | - Celeste Porsbjerg
- a Bispebjerg University Hospital, Respiratory Research Unit , Copenhagen, Denmark +45 3531 3569 ; +45 3531 2179 ;
| | - Vibeke Backer
- a Bispebjerg University Hospital, Respiratory Research Unit , Copenhagen, Denmark +45 3531 3569 ; +45 3531 2179 ;
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Sundahl N, Bridelance J, Libert C, De Bosscher K, Beck IM. Selective glucocorticoid receptor modulation: New directions with non-steroidal scaffolds. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 152:28-41. [PMID: 25958032 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids remain the frontline treatment for inflammatory disorders, yet represent a double-edged sword with beneficial therapeutic actions alongside adverse effects, mainly in metabolic regulation. Considerable efforts were made to improve this balance by attempting to amplify therapeutic beneficial anti-inflammatory actions and to minimize adverse metabolic actions. Most attention has focused on the development of novel compounds favoring the transrepressing actions of the glucocorticoid receptor, assumed to be important for anti-inflammatory actions, over the transactivating actions, assumed to underpin the undesirable actions. These compounds are classified as selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists (SEGRAs) or selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SEGRMs). The latter class is able to modulate the activity of a GR agonist and/or may not classically bind the glucocorticoid receptor ligand-binding pocket. SEGRAs and SEGRMs are collectively denominated SEGRAMs (selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and modulators). Although this transrepression vs transactivation concept proved to be too simplistic, the developed SEGRAMs were helpful in elucidating various molecular actions of the glucocorticoid receptor, but have also raised many novel questions. We discuss lessons learned from recent mechanistic studies of selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators. This is approached by analyzing recent experimental insights in comparison with knowledge obtained using mutant GR research, thus clarifying the current view on the SEGRAM field. These insights also contribute to our understanding of the processes controlling glucocorticoid-mediated side effects as well as glucocorticoid resistance. Our perspective on non-steroidal SEGRAs and SEGRMs considers remaining opportunities to address research gaps in order to harness the potential for more safe and effective glucocorticoid receptor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Sundahl
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research (LECR), Department of Radiation Oncology & Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Jolien Bridelance
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research (LECR), Department of Radiation Oncology & Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Claude Libert
- Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, VIB, Gent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- Receptor Research Laboratories, Nuclear Receptor Lab (NRL), VIB Department of Medical Protein Research, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.
| | - Ilse M Beck
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research (LECR), Department of Radiation Oncology & Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
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Varadarajan S, Breda C, Smalley JL, Butterworth M, Farrow SN, Giorgini F, Cohen GM. The transrepression arm of glucocorticoid receptor signaling is protective in mutant huntingtin-mediated neurodegeneration. Cell Death Differ 2015; 22:1388-96. [PMID: 25656655 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2015.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The unfolded protein response (UPR) occurs following the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and orchestrates an intricate balance between its prosurvival and apoptotic arms to restore cellular homeostasis and integrity. However, in certain neurodegenerative diseases, the apoptotic arm of the UPR is enhanced, resulting in excessive neuronal cell death and disease progression, both of which can be overcome by modulating the UPR. Here, we describe a novel crosstalk between glucocorticoid receptor signaling and the apoptotic arm of the UPR, thus highlighting the potential of glucocorticoid therapy in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Several glucocorticoids, but not mineralocorticoids, selectively antagonize ER stress-induced apoptosis in a manner that is downstream of and/or independent of the conventional UPR pathways. Using GRT10, a novel selective pharmacological modulator of glucocorticoid signaling, we describe the importance of the transrepression arm of the glucocorticoid signaling pathway in protection against ER stress-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we also observe the protective effects of glucocorticoids in vivo in a Drosophila model of Huntington's disease (HD), wherein treatment with different glucocorticoids diminished rhabdomere loss and conferred neuroprotection. Finally, we find that growth differentiation factor 15 has an important role downstream of glucocorticoid signaling in antagonizing ER stress-induced apoptosis in cells, as well as in preventing HD-mediated neurodegeneration in flies. Thus, our studies demonstrate that this novel crosstalk has the potential to be effectively exploited in alleviating several neurodegenerative disorders.
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Donnenfeld ED. Current trends in postsurgical management of ocular inflammation following cataract surgery. Expert Review of Ophthalmology 2015. [DOI: 10.1586/17469899.2015.996548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Honeder C, Engleder E, Schöpper H, Krause M, Landegger LD, Plasenzotti R, Gabor F, Gstoettner W, Arnoldner C. Evaluation of the selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist compound A for ototoxic effects. Laryngoscope 2014; 125:E149-55. [PMID: 25382757 DOI: 10.1002/lary.25011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To evaluate the selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA) compound A, a potential novel therapeutic for inner ear disorders, for ototoxic effects. STUDY DESIGN Laboratory animal study. METHODS Experimental guinea pigs were grouped as follows: Systemic application of compound A (1.5 mg/kg and 4.5 mg/kg; n = 6/group) and intratympanic application of compound A (1 mM and 10 mM; n = 6/group). Contralateral ears in topically treated animals served as controls. Hearing thresholds were determined by auditory brainstem response before and directly after the application of compound A, as well as on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. At the end of the experiments, temporal bones were harvested for histological evaluation. RESULTS Systemic administration of compound A (1.5 mg/kg and 4.5 mg/kg) did not cause hearing threshold shifts, whereas the intratympanic injection (1 mM and 10 mM) resulted in a hearing loss. Histological analysis of the middle and inner ears after topical compound A application showed alterations in the tympanic membranes, the auditory ossicles, and the round window membranes, whereas spiral ganglion cells and hair cells were not affected. CONCLUSION SEGRAs such as compound A could provide novel therapeutic options for the treatment of inner ear disorders and reduce metabolic side effects. Whereas the intratympanic application of compound A resulted in a hearing loss, the systemic application of compound A merits evaluation for otoprotective effects in trauma models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Honeder
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Schoepe S, Schäcke H, Asadullah K. Test systems for the determination of glucocorticoid receptor ligand induced skin atrophy. Dermato-Endocrinology 2014. [DOI: 10.4161/derm.15065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Spinelli SL, Xi X, McMillan DH, Woeller CF, Richardson ME, Cavet ME, Zhang JZ, Feldon SE, Phipps RP. Mapracorat, a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist, upregulates RelB, an anti-inflammatory nuclear factor-kappaB protein, in human ocular cells. Exp Eye Res 2014; 127:290-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Ayroldi E, Macchiarulo A, Riccardi C. Targeting glucocorticoid side effects: selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator or glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper? A perspective. FASEB J 2014; 28:5055-70. [PMID: 25205742 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-254755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones that are necessary for life and important in health and disease. They regulate crucial homeostatic functions, including metabolism, cell growth, and development. Although GCs are regulated by circadian rhythm, increased production is associated with stress. Synthetic GCs are a valuable resource for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy. Natural and synthetic GCs transduce signals mainly through GC receptor (GR) activation. Extensive research has explored the downstream targets of the GR, and optimization of GC therapy has required collaborative efforts. One highly promising approach involves new dissociative GR modulators. Because transrepression and transactivation of GR genes induce beneficial and adverse effects, respectively, this approach favors transrepression. Another approach involves the use of GC-dependent genes to generate proteins to mediate therapeutic GC effects. In a third approach, drug discovery is used to identify agents that selectively target GR isoforms to obtain differential gene transcription and effects. In this review, we focus on mechanisms of GR function compatible with the use of dissociative drugs. We highlight GC-induced leucine zipper (GILZ), a gene cloned in our laboratory, as a mediator of GC anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, to outline our perspective on the future of GC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emira Ayroldi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, and
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Chemistry and Drug Technology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Uings IJ, Needham D, Matthews J, Haase M, Austin R, Angell D, Leavens K, Holt J, Biggadike K, Farrow SN. Discovery of GW870086: a potent anti-inflammatory steroid with a unique pharmacological profile. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 169:1389-403. [PMID: 23639214 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Glucocorticoids are highly effective therapies for a range of inflammatory diseases. Advances in the understanding of the diverse molecular mechanisms underpinning glucocorticoid action suggest that anti-inflammatory molecules with reduced side effect liabilities can be discovered. Here we set out to explore whether modification of the 17α position of the steroid nucleus could generate molecules with a unique pharmacological profile and to determine whether such molecules would retain anti-inflammatory activity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The pharmacological properties of GW870086 were compared with fluticasone propionate (FP) using a range of cellular and in vivo model systems, including extensive gene expression profiling. KEY RESULTS GW870086 repressed inflammatory cytokine release from lung epithelial cells in a similar manner to FP but antagonized the effect of dexamethasone on MMTV-driven reporter gene transactivation. GW870086 had a strong effect on the expression of some glucocorticoid-regulated genes (such as PTGS2), while having minimal impact on the expression of other known target genes (such as SGK). GW870086 retained the ability to strengthen tight junctions in epithelial cell culture but, unlike FP, was unable to protect the culture from elastase-mediated damage. In murine models of irritant-induced contact dermatitis and ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation, GW870086 showed comparable anti-inflammatory efficacy to FP. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS GW870086 is a potent anti-inflammatory compound with a unique ability to regulate only a subset of those genes that are normally affected by classical glucocorticoids. It has the potential to become a new topical steroid with a different safety profile to existing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- I J Uings
- GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage Herts, UK.
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