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Grossi G, Scarano N, Musumeci F, Tonelli M, Kanov E, Carbone A, Fossa P, Gainetdinov RR, Cichero E, Schenone S. Discovery of a Novel Chemo-Type for TAAR1 Agonism via Molecular Modeling. Molecules 2024; 29:1739. [PMID: 38675561 PMCID: PMC11052455 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081739] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The search for novel effective TAAR1 ligands continues to draw great attention due to the wide range of pharmacological applications related to TAAR1 targeting. Herein, molecular docking studies of known TAAR1 ligands, characterized by an oxazoline core, have been performed in order to identify novel promising chemo-types for the discovery of more active TAAR1 agonists. In particular, the oxazoline-based compound S18616 has been taken as a reference compound for the computational study, leading to the development of quite flat and conformationally locked ligands. The choice of a "Y-shape" conformation was suggested for the design of TAAR1 ligands, interacting with the protein cavity delimited by ASP103 and aromatic residues such as PHE186, PHE195, PHE268, and PHE267. The obtained results allowed us to preliminary in silico screen an in-house series of pyrimidinone-benzimidazoles (1a-10a) as a novel scaffold to target TAAR1. Combined ligand-based (LBCM) and structure based (SBCM) computational methods suggested the biological evaluation of compounds 1a-10a, leading to the identification of derivatives 1a-3a (hTAAR1 EC50 = 526.3-657.4 nM) as promising novel TAAR1 agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Grossi
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.G.); (N.S.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (A.C.); (P.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Naomi Scarano
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.G.); (N.S.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (A.C.); (P.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.G.); (N.S.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (A.C.); (P.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.G.); (N.S.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (A.C.); (P.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Evgeny Kanov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia (R.R.G.)
- St. Petersburg University Hospital, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.G.); (N.S.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (A.C.); (P.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Paola Fossa
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.G.); (N.S.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (A.C.); (P.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Raul R. Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia (R.R.G.)
- St. Petersburg University Hospital, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elena Cichero
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.G.); (N.S.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (A.C.); (P.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.G.); (N.S.); (F.M.); (M.T.); (A.C.); (P.F.); (S.S.)
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2
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Zbeeb H, Baldini F, Zeaiter L, Vergani L. The Anti-Inflammatory Potential of an Ethanolic Extract from Sarcopoterium spinosum Fruits for Protection and/or Counteraction against Oxidative Stress in Dysfunctional Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1601. [PMID: 38338880 PMCID: PMC10855414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031601] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Plants and plant extracts are a relevant source of bioactive compounds widely employed as functional foods. In the Mediterranean area, the shrub Sarcopoterium spinosum is traditionally used as an herbal medicine for weight loss and a diabetes treatment. Inflammation is a protective mechanism involved in the development of many pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to investigate in vitro the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of an ethanolic extract from S. spinosum fruits (SEE) in a cellular model of endothelium dysfunction. Corilagin and quercetin are two polyphenols abundant in SEE and were tested for comparison. The exposure of HECV cells for 24 h to 30 µM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) lead to an oxidative stress condition. When HECV cells were treated with 10 µg/mL of SEE or single compounds after or before the oxidative insult, the results showed their ability to (i) decrease the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production quantified using fluorometric analysis and the lipid peroxidation measured with a spectrophotometric assay; (ii) rescue both the glutathione reduced to oxidized (GSH/GSSG) ratio and nitric oxide impair and the protein denaturation; and (iii) accelerate the wound repair measured using a T-scratch assay. Taken together, our findings indicate that the ethanolic extract from S. spinosum fruits could be a potential candidate for nutraceutical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawraa Zbeeb
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Baldini
- Nanoscopy and NIC@IIT, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Lama Zeaiter
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Nanoscopy and NIC@IIT, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Vergani
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
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3
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Scarano N, Di Palma F, Origlia N, Musumeci F, Schenone S, Spinelli S, Passalacqua M, Zocchi E, Sturla L, Cichero E, Cavalli A. New Insights into the LANCL2- ABA Binding Mode towards the Evaluation of New LANCL Agonists. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2754. [PMID: 38140095 PMCID: PMC10747503 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122754] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The lanthionine synthetase C-like (LANCL) proteins include LANCL2, which is expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues. LANCL2 exhibits glutathionylation activity and is involved in the neutralization of reactive electrophiles. Several studies explored LANCL2 activation as a validated pharmacological target for diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. In this context, LANCL2 was found to bind the natural product abscisic acid (ABA), whose pre-clinical effectiveness in different inflammatory diseases was reported in the literature. More recently, LANCL2 attracted more attention as a valuable resource in the field of neurodegenerative disorders. ABA was found to regulate neuro-inflammation and synaptic plasticity to enhance learning and memory, exhibiting promising neuroprotective effects. Up until now, a limited number of LANCL2 ligands are known; among them, BT-11 is the only compound patented and investigated for its anti-inflammatory properties. To guide the design of novel putative LANCL2 agonists, a computational study including molecular docking and long molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of both ABA and BT-11 was carried out. The results pointed out the main LANCL2 ligand chemical features towards the following virtual screening of a novel putative LANCL2 agonist (AR-42). Biochemical assays on rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes showed a similar, LANCL2-mediated stimulation by BT-11 and by AR-42 of the mitochondrial proton gradient and of the transcriptional activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/Sirt1 axis, the master regulator of mitochondrial function, effects that are previously observed with ABA. These results may allow the development of LANCL2 agonists for the treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction, a common feature of chronic and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Scarano
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesco Di Palma
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; (F.D.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Nicola Origlia
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Sonia Spinelli
- Laboratorio di Nefrologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Mario Passalacqua
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.Z.)
| | - Elena Zocchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.Z.)
| | - Laura Sturla
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.Z.)
| | - Elena Cichero
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (F.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Computational & Chemical Biology, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; (F.D.P.); (A.C.)
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Baroni D, Scarano N, Ludovico A, Brandas C, Parodi A, Lunaccio D, Fossa P, Moran O, Cichero E, Millo E. In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of the Mechanism of Action of Three VX809-Based Hybrid Derivatives as Correctors of the F508del CFTR Protein. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1702. [PMID: 38139828 PMCID: PMC10748060 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121702] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common autosomal recessive fatal genetic disease in the Caucasian population, is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), an anion channel that regulates salt and water transport across a variety of secretory epithelia. Deletion of phenylalanine at position 508, F508del, the most common CF-causing mutation, destabilises the CFTR protein, causing folding and trafficking defects that lead to a dramatic reduction in its functional expression. Small molecules called correctors have been developed to rescue processing-defective F508del CFTR. We have combined in silico and in vitro approaches to investigate the mechanism of action and potential as CFTR correctors of three hybrid derivatives (2a, 7a, and 7m) obtained by merging the amino-arylthiazole core with the benzodioxole carboxamide moiety characterising the corrector lumacaftor. Molecular modelling analyses suggested that the three hybrids interact with a putative region located at the MSD1/NBD1 interface. Biochemical analyses confirmed these results, showing that the three molecules affect the expression and stability of the F508del NBD1. Finally, the YFP assay was used to evaluate the influence of the three hybrid derivatives on F508del CFTR function, assessing that their effect is additive to that of the correctors VX661 and VX445. Our study shows that the development and testing of optimised compounds targeting different structural and functional defects of mutant CFTR is the best strategy to provide more effective correctors that could be used alone or in combination as a valuable therapeutic option to treat an even larger cohort of people affected by CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Baroni
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via De Marini, 6, 16149 Genova, Italy; (A.L.); (O.M.)
| | - Naomi Scarano
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (P.F.)
| | - Alessandra Ludovico
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via De Marini, 6, 16149 Genova, Italy; (A.L.); (O.M.)
| | - Chiara Brandas
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via De Marini, 6, 16149 Genova, Italy; (A.L.); (O.M.)
| | - Alice Parodi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (A.P.); (D.L.); (E.M.)
| | - Dario Lunaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (A.P.); (D.L.); (E.M.)
| | - Paola Fossa
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (P.F.)
| | - Oscar Moran
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via De Marini, 6, 16149 Genova, Italy; (A.L.); (O.M.)
| | - Elena Cichero
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (N.S.); (P.F.)
| | - Enrico Millo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (A.P.); (D.L.); (E.M.)
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5
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Olivero G, Roggeri A, Pittaluga A. Anti-NMDA and Anti-AMPA Receptor Antibodies in Central Disorders: Preclinical Approaches to Assess Their Pathological Role and Translatability to Clinic. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14905. [PMID: 37834353 PMCID: PMC10573896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914905] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoantibodies against NMDA and AMPA receptors have been identified in the central nervous system of patients suffering from brain disorders characterized by neurological and psychiatric symptoms. It has been demonstrated that these autoantibodies can affect the functions and/or the expression of the targeted receptors, altering synaptic communication. The importance to clarify, in preclinical models, the molecular mechanisms involved in the autoantibody-mediated effects has emerged in order to understand their pathogenic role in central disorders, but also to propose new therapeutic approaches for preventing the deleterious central consequences. In this review, we describe some of the available preclinical literature concerning the impact of antibodies recognizing NMDA and AMPA receptors in neurons. This review discusses the cellular events that would support the detrimental roles of the autoantibodies, also illustrating some contrasting findings that in our opinion deserve attention and further investigations before translating the preclinical observations to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guendalina Olivero
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFar), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (G.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Alessandra Roggeri
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFar), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (G.O.); (A.R.)
| | - Anna Pittaluga
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, 3Rs Center, Department of Pharmacy (DiFar), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16145 Genoa, Italy
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6
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Abbotto E, Casini B, Piacente F, Scarano N, Cerri E, Tonelli M, Astigiano C, Millo E, Sturla L, Bruzzone S, Cichero E. Novel Thiazole-Based SIRT2 Inhibitors Discovered via Molecular Modelling Studies and Enzymatic Assays. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1316. [PMID: 37765125 PMCID: PMC10535842 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the development of sirtuin small molecule inhibitors (SIRTIs) has been gaining attention for the treatment of different cancer types, but also to contrast neurodegenerative disease, diabetes, and autoimmune syndromes. In the search for SIRT2 modulators, the availability of several X-crystallographic data regarding SIRT2-ligand complexes has allowed for setting up a structure-based study, which is herein presented. A set of 116 SIRT2 inhibitors featuring different chemical structures has been collected from the literature and used for molecular docking studies involving 4RMG and 5MAT PDB codes. The information found highlights key contacts with the SIRT2 binding pocket such as Van der Waals and π-π stacking with Tyr104, Phe119, Phe234, and Phe235 in order to achieve high inhibitory ability values. Following the preliminary virtual screening studies, a small in-house library of compounds (1a-7a), previously investigated as putative HSP70 inhibitors, was described to guide the search for dual-acting HSP70/SIRT2 inhibitors. Biological and enzymatic assays validated the whole procedure. Compounds 2a and 7a were found to be the most promising derivatives herein proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Abbotto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (F.P.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (E.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Beatrice Casini
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.C.); (N.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Francesco Piacente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (F.P.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (E.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Naomi Scarano
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.C.); (N.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Elena Cerri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (F.P.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (E.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.C.); (N.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Cecilia Astigiano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (F.P.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (E.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Enrico Millo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (F.P.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (E.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Laura Sturla
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (F.P.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (E.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Santina Bruzzone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (F.P.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (E.M.); (L.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Cichero
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.C.); (N.S.); (M.T.)
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7
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Cervetto C, Amaroli A, Amato S, Gatta E, Diaspro A, Maura G, Signore A, Benedicenti S, Marcoli M. Photons Induce Vesicular Exocytotic Release of Glutamate in a Power-Dependent Way. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10977. [PMID: 37446155 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310977] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that photobiomodulation, based on tissue irradiation with photons in the red to near-infrared spectrum, may be an effective therapeutic approach to central nervous system disorders. Although nervous system functionality has been shown to be affected by photons in animal models, as well as in preliminary evidence in healthy subjects or in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, the mechanisms involved in the photobiomodulation effects have not yet been clarified. We previously observed that photobiomodulation could stimulate glutamate release. Here, we investigate mechanisms potentially involved in the glutamate-releasing effect of photons from adult mouse cerebrocortical nerve terminals. We report evidence of photon ability to induce an exocytotic vesicular release of glutamate from the terminals of glutamatergic neurons in a power-dependent way. It can be hypothesized that photobiomodulation, depending on the potency, can release glutamate in a potentially neurotoxic or physiological range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Amaroli
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Gatta
- DIFILAB, Department of Physics, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Diaspro
- DIFILAB, Department of Physics, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
- Nanoscopy, Nanophysics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia-IIT, Via Morego 30, 16133 Genova, Italy
- Biophysics Institute, National Research Council-CNR, Via de Marini, 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Signore
- Therapeutic Dentistry Department, Institute of Dentistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya Str. 8, b. 2, 119992 Moskow, Russia
| | - Stefano Benedicenti
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
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8
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Mingardi J, Ndoj E, Bonifacino T, Misztak P, Bertoli M, La Via L, Torazza C, Russo I, Milanese M, Bonanno G, Popoli M, Barbon A, Musazzi L. Functional and Molecular Changes in the Prefrontal Cortex of the Chronic Mild Stress Rat Model of Depression and Modulation by Acute Ketamine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10814. [PMID: 37445990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310814] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is a primary risk factor in the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). We have previously used the chronic mild stress (CMS) model of depression in male rats to show that CMS induces morphological, functional, and molecular changes in the hippocampus of vulnerable animals, the majority of which were recovered using acute subanesthetic ketamine in just 24 h. Here, we focused our attention on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a brain area regulating emotional and cognitive functions, and asked whether vulnerability/resilience to CMS and ketamine antidepressant effects were associated with molecular and functional changes in the mPFC of rats. We found that most alterations induced by CMS in the mPFC were selectively observed in stress-vulnerable animals and were rescued by acute subanesthetic ketamine, while others were found only in resilient animals or were induced by ketamine treatment. Importantly, only a few of these modifications were also previously demonstrated in the hippocampus, while most are specific to mPFC. Overall, our results suggest that acute antidepressant ketamine rescues brain-area-specific glutamatergic changes induced by chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Mingardi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Elona Ndoj
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paulina Misztak
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Matteo Bertoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca La Via
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Isabella Russo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Musazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
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Scarano N, Abbotto E, Musumeci F, Salis A, Brullo C, Fossa P, Schenone S, Bruzzone S, Cichero E. Virtual Screening Combined with Enzymatic Assays to Guide the Discovery of Novel SIRT2 Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119363. [PMID: 37298312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sirtuin isoform 2 (SIRT2) is one of the seven sirtuin isoforms present in humans, being classified as class III histone deacetylases (HDACs). Based on the high sequence similarity among SIRTs, the identification of isoform selective modulators represents a challenging task, especially for the high conservation observed in the catalytic site. Efforts in rationalizing selectivity based on key residues belonging to the SIRT2 enzyme were accompanied in 2015 by the publication of the first X-ray crystallographic structure of the potent and selective SIRT2 inhibitor SirReal2. The subsequent studies led to different experimental data regarding this protein in complex with further different chemo-types as SIRT2 inhibitors. Herein, we reported preliminary Structure-Based Virtual Screening (SBVS) studies using a commercially available library of compounds to identify novel scaffolds for the design of new SIRT2 inhibitors. Biochemical assays involving five selected compounds allowed us to highlight the most effective chemical features supporting the observed SIRT2 inhibitory ability. This information guided the following in silico evaluation and in vitro testing of further compounds from in-house libraries of pyrazolo-pyrimidine derivatives towards novel SIRT2 inhibitors (1-5). The final results indicated the effectiveness of this scaffold for the design of promising and selective SIRT2 inhibitors, featuring the highest inhibition among the tested compounds, and validating the applied strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Scarano
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Abbotto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Salis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Brullo
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Fossa
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Santina Bruzzone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Cichero
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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