Identification and evaluation of small-molecule inhibitors against the dNTPase SAMHD1 via a comprehensive screening funnel

SAMHD1 is a dNTP triphosphohydrolase governing nucleotide pool homeostasis and can detoxify chemotherapy metabolites controlling their clinical responses. To understand SAMHD1 biology and investigate the potential of targeting SAMHD1 as neoadjuvant to current chemotherapies, we set out to discover selective small-molecule inhibitors. Here, we report a discovery pipeline encompassing a biochemical screening campaign and a set of complementary biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based readouts for rigorous characterization of the screen output. The identified small molecules, TH6342 and analogs, accompanied by inactive control TH7126, demonstrated specific, low μM potency against both physiological and oncology-drug-derived substrates. By coupling kinetic studies with thermal shift assays, we reveal the inhibitory mechanism of TH6342 and analogs, which engage pre-tetrameric SAMHD1 and deter oligomerization and allosteric activation without occupying nucleotide-binding pockets. Altogether, our study diversifies inhibitory modes against SAMHD1, and the discovery pipeline reported herein represents a thorough framework for future SAMHD1 inhibitor development.

PSW-Designer: An Open-Source Computational Platform for the Design and Virtual Screening of Photopharmacological Ligands

Photoswitchable (PSW) molecules offer an attractive opportunity for the optical control of biological processes. However, the successful design of such compounds remains a challenging multioptimization endeavor, resulting in several biological target classes still relatively poorly explored by photoswitchable ligands, as is the case for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here, we present the PSW-Designer, a fully open-source computational platform, implemented in the KNIME Analytics Platform, to design and virtually screen novel photoswitchable ligands for photopharmacological applications based on privileged scaffolds. We demonstrate the applicability of the PSW-Designer to GPCRs and assess its predictive capabilities via two retrospective case studies. Furthermore, by leveraging bioactivity information on known ligands, typical and atypical strategies for photoswitchable group incorporation, and the increasingly structural information available for biological targets, the PSW-Design will facilitate the design of novel photoswitchable molecules with improved photopharmacological properties and increased binding affinity shifts upon illumination for GPCRs and many other protein targets.

The First Structure of Human MTHFD2L and Its Implications for the Development of Isoform-Selective Inhibitors

Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2) is a mitochondrial 1-carbon metabolism enzyme, which is an attractive anticancer drug target as it is highly upregulated in cancer but is not expressed in healthy adult cells. Selective MTHFD2 inhibitors could therefore offer reduced side-effects during treatment, which are common with antifolate drugs that target other 1C-metabolism enzymes. This task is challenging however, as MTHFD2 shares high sequence identity with the constitutively expressed isozymes cytosolic MTHFD1 and mitochondrial MTHFD2L. In fact, one of the most potent MTHFD2 inhibitors reported to date, TH7299, is actually more active against MTHFD1 and MTHFD2L. While structures of MTHFD2 and MTHFD1 exist, no MTHFD2L structures are available. We determined the first structure of MTHFD2L and its complex with TH7299, which reveals the structural basis for its highly potent MTHFD2L inhibition. Detailed analysis of the MTHFD2L structure presented here clearly highlights the challenges associated with developing truly isoform-selective MTHFD2 inhibitors.

Small-molecule activation of OGG1 increases oxidative DNA damage repair by gaining a new function

Oxidative DNA damage is recognized by 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), which excises 8-oxoG, leaving a substrate for apurinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) and initiating repair. Here, we describe a small molecule (TH10785) that interacts with the phenylalanine-319 and glycine-42 amino acids of OGG1, increases the enzyme activity 10-fold, and generates a previously undescribed β,δ-lyase enzymatic function. TH10785 controls the catalytic activity mediated by a nitrogen base within its molecular structure. In cells, TH10785 increases OGG1 recruitment to and repair of oxidative DNA damage. This alters the repair process, which no longer requires APE1 but instead is dependent on polynucleotide kinase phosphatase (PNKP1) activity. The increased repair of oxidative DNA lesions with a small molecule may have therapeutic applications in various diseases and aging.

Pharmacological targeting of MTHFD2 suppresses acute myeloid leukemia by inducing thymidine depletion and replication stress

The folate metabolism enzyme MTHFD2 (methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase/cyclohydrolase) is consistently overexpressed in cancer but its roles are not fully characterized, and current candidate inhibitors have limited potency for clinical development. In the present study, we demonstrate a role for MTHFD2 in DNA replication and genomic stability in cancer cells, and perform a drug screen to identify potent and selective nanomolar MTHFD2 inhibitors; protein cocrystal structures demonstrated binding to the active site of MTHFD2 and target engagement. MTHFD2 inhibitors reduced replication fork speed and induced replication stress followed by S-phase arrest and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo, with a therapeutic window spanning four orders of magnitude compared with nontumorigenic cells. Mechanistically, MTHFD2 inhibitors prevented thymidine production leading to misincorporation of uracil into DNA and replication stress. Overall, these results demonstrate a functional link between MTHFD2-dependent cancer metabolism and replication stress that can be exploited therapeutically with this new class of inhibitors.

NUDT15-mediated hydrolysis limits the efficacy of anti-HCMV drug ganciclovir

Ganciclovir (GCV) is the first-line therapy against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a widespread infection that is particularly dangerous for immunodeficient individuals. Closely resembling deoxyguanosine triphosphate, the tri-phosphorylated metabolite of GCV (GCV-TP) is preferentially incorporated by the viral DNA polymerase, thereby terminating chain extension and, eventually, viral replication. However, the treatment outcome of GCV varies greatly among individuals, therefore warranting better understanding of its metabolism. Here we show that NUDT15, a Nudix hydrolase known to metabolize thiopurine triphosphates, can similarly hydrolyze GCV-TP through biochemical studies and co-crystallization of the NUDT15/GCV-TP complex. More critically, GCV efficacy was potentiated in HCMV-infected cells following NUDT15 depletion by RNAi or inhibition by an in-house-developed, nanomolar NUDT15 inhibitor, TH8321, suggesting that pharmacological targeting of NUDT15 is a possible avenue to improve existing anti-HCMV regimens. Collectively, the data further implicate NUDT15 as a broad-spectrum metabolic regulator of nucleoside analog therapeutics, such as thiopurines and GCV.

Targeting OGG1 arrests cancer cell proliferation by inducing replication stress

Altered oncogene expression in cancer cells causes loss of redox homeostasis resulting in oxidative DNA damage, e.g. 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG), repaired by base excision repair (BER). PARP1 coordinates BER and relies on the upstream 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (OGG1) to recognise and excise 8-oxoG. Here we hypothesize that OGG1 may represent an attractive target to exploit reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation in cancer. Although OGG1 depletion is well tolerated in non-transformed cells, we report here that OGG1 depletion obstructs A3 T-cell lymphoblastic acute leukemia growth in vitro and in vivo, validating OGG1 as a potential anti-cancer target. In line with this hypothesis, we show that OGG1 inhibitors (OGG1i) target a wide range of cancer cells, with a favourable therapeutic index compared to non-transformed cells. Mechanistically, OGG1i and shRNA depletion cause S-phase DNA damage, replication stress and proliferation arrest or cell death, representing a novel mechanistic approach to target cancer. This study adds OGG1 to the list of BER factors, e.g. PARP1, as potential targets for cancer treatment.

In silico Druggability Assessment of the NUDIX Hydrolase Protein Family as a Workflow for Target Prioritization

Computational chemistry has now been widely accepted as a useful tool for shortening lead times in early drug discovery. When selecting new potential drug targets, it is important to assess the likelihood of finding suitable starting points for lead generation before pursuing costly high-throughput screening campaigns. By exploiting available high-resolution crystal structures, an in silico druggability assessment can facilitate the decision of whether, and in cases where several protein family members exist, which of these to pursue experimentally. Many of the algorithms and software suites commonly applied for in silico druggability assessment are complex, technically challenging and not always user-friendly. Here we applied the intuitive open access servers of DoGSite, FTMap and CryptoSite to comprehensively predict ligand binding pockets, druggability scores and conformationally active regions of the NUDIX protein family. In parallel we analyzed potential ligand binding sites, their druggability and pocket parameter using Schrödinger's SiteMap. Then an in silico docking cascade of a subset of the ZINC FragNow library using the Glide docking program was performed to assess identified pockets for large-scale small-molecule binding. Subsequently, this initial dual ranking of druggable sites within the NUDIX protein family was benchmarked against experimental hit rates obtained both in-house and by others from traditional biochemical and fragment screening campaigns. The observed correlation suggests that the presented user-friendly workflow of a dual parallel in silico druggability assessment is applicable as a standalone method for decision on target prioritization and exclusion in future screening campaigns.

Computational and Experimental Druggability Assessment of Human DNA Glycosylases

Due to a polar or even charged binding interface, DNA-binding proteins are considered extraordinarily difficult targets for development of small-molecule ligands and only a handful of proteins have been targeted successfully to date. Recently, however, it has been shown that development of selective and efficient inhibitors of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase is possible. Here, we describe the initial druggability assessment of DNA glycosylases in a computational setting and experimentally investigate several methods to target endonuclease VIII-like 1 (NEIL1) with small-molecule inhibitors. We find that DNA glycosylases exhibit good predicted druggability in both DNA-bound and -unbound states. Furthermore, we find catalytic sites to be highly flexible, allowing for a range of interactions and binding partners. One flexible catalytic site was rationalized for NEIL1 and further investigated experimentally using both a biochemical assay in the presence of DNA and a thermal shift assay in the absence of DNA.

Small-molecule inhibitor of OGG1 suppresses proinflammatory gene expression and inflammation

The onset of inflammation is associated with reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage to macromolecules like 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) in DNA. Because 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) binds 8-oxoG and because Ogg1-deficient mice are resistant to acute and systemic inflammation, we hypothesized that OGG1 inhibition may represent a strategy for the prevention and treatment of inflammation. We developed TH5487, a selective active-site inhibitor of OGG1, which hampers OGG1 binding to and repair of 8-oxoG and which is well tolerated by mice. TH5487 prevents tumor necrosis factor-α-induced OGG1-DNA interactions at guanine-rich promoters of proinflammatory genes. This, in turn, decreases DNA occupancy of nuclear factor κB and proinflammatory gene expression, resulting in decreased immune cell recruitment to mouse lungs. Thus, we present a proof of concept that targeting oxidative DNA repair can alleviate inflammatory conditions in vivo.

Validation and development of MTH1 inhibitors for treatment of cancer

BACKGROUND

Previously, we showed cancer cells rely on the MTH1 protein to prevent incorporation of otherwise deadly oxidised nucleotides into DNA and we developed MTH1 inhibitors which selectively kill cancer cells. Recently, several new and potent inhibitors of MTH1 were demonstrated to be non-toxic to cancer cells, challenging the utility of MTH1 inhibition as a target for cancer treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Human cancer cell lines were exposed in vitro to MTH1 inhibitors or depleted of MTH1 by siRNA or shRNA. 8-oxodG was measured by immunostaining and modified comet assay. Thermal Proteome profiling, proteomics, cellular thermal shift assays, kinase and CEREP panel were used for target engagement, mode of action and selectivity investigations of MTH1 inhibitors. Effect of MTH1 inhibition on tumour growth was explored in BRAF V600E-mutated malignant melanoma patient derived xenograft and human colon cancer SW480 and HCT116 xenograft models.

RESULTS

Here, we demonstrate that recently described MTH1 inhibitors, which fail to kill cancer cells, also fail to introduce the toxic oxidized nucleotides into DNA. We also describe a new MTH1 inhibitor TH1579, (Karonudib), an analogue of TH588, which is a potent, selective MTH1 inhibitor with good oral availability and demonstrates excellent pharmacokinetic and anti-cancer properties in vivo.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that in order to kill cancer cells MTH1 inhibitors must also introduce oxidized nucleotides into DNA. Furthermore, we describe TH1579 as a best-in-class MTH1 inhibitor, which we expect to be useful in order to further validate the MTH1 inhibitor concept.

MTH1 inhibition eradicates cancer by preventing sanitation of the dNTP pool

Cancers have dysfunctional redox regulation resulting in reactive oxygen species production, damaging both DNA and free dNTPs. The MTH1 protein sanitizes oxidized dNTP pools to prevent incorporation of damaged bases during DNA replication. Although MTH1 is non-essential in normal cells, we show that cancer cells require MTH1 activity to avoid incorporation of oxidized dNTPs, resulting in DNA damage and cell death. We validate MTH1 as an anticancer target in vivo and describe small molecules TH287 and TH588 as first-in-class nudix hydrolase family inhibitors that potently and selectively engage and inhibit the MTH1 protein in cells. Protein co-crystal structures demonstrate that the inhibitors bind in the active site of MTH1. The inhibitors cause incorporation of oxidized dNTPs in cancer cells, leading to DNA damage, cytotoxicity and therapeutic responses in patient-derived mouse xenografts. This study exemplifies the non-oncogene addiction concept for anticancer treatment and validates MTH1 as being cancer phenotypic lethal.

C5-substituted derivatives of 5-OMe-BPAT: synthesis and interactions with dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors

Eight new C5-substituted derivatives of the potential atypical antipsychotic agent 5-methoxy-2-[N-(2-benzamidoethyl)-N-n-propylamino]tetralin (5-OMe-BPAT, 1) have been prepared by chemical conversion of the 5-trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy (triflate) analogue 4 via various Stille-type cross-couplings, a Heck reaction, and an amidation in moderate to good yields. The 5-acetyl, 5-cyano, 5-methyl, 5-(2-furyl), 5-phenyl, methyl 5-carboxylate, and the 5-carboxamido analogues 5-11 thus obtained, the previously disclosed 5-methoxy, 5-hydroxy, and 5-unsubstituted analogues 1-3, and the 5-triflate analogue 4 were evaluated for their ability to compete for [3H]-spiperone binding to rat striatal membranes containing dopamine D2 receptors, and their ability to compete for [3H]-8-OH-DPAT binding to rat frontal cortex membranes containing serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in vitro. Compounds 1-11 displayed weak to high affinities for dopamine D2 receptors, with Ki-values ranging from 550 nM for the 5-carboxamido analogue to 4.9 nM for the 5-hydroxy analogue. The relative affinities of the 5-methoxy, 5-hydroxy, and 5-unsubstituted analogues suggested that these compounds may bind to the same site and in a similar way as the 5-oxygenated DPATs, with the 5-methoxy substituent of 1 functioning as a hydrogen bond acceptor. The serotonin 5-HT1A receptor tolerated more structural diversity at the C5-position of 1, as revealed by the higher Ki-values of 1-11, which ranged from 60 nM for the 5-carboxamido analogue to 1.0 nM for the 5-unsubstituted analogue. Partial least-squares (PLS) analysis of a set of 24 molecular descriptors, generated for each analogue, revealed no significant correlation between the dopamine D2 receptor affinities of 1-11 and their molecular properties, supporting the view that they may have different binding modes at this receptor subtype. A PLS model with moderate predictability (Q2 = 0.49) could be derived for the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor affinities of 1-11. According to the model, a relatively lipophilic, nonpolar C5-substituent should be optimal for a high affinity at this receptor subtype.

Novel non-indolic melatonin receptor agonists differentially entrain endogenous melatonin rhythm and increase its amplitude

In this study we have examined the ability of melatonin and four synthetic melatonin receptor agonists to entrain endogenous melatonin secretion in rats, free running in constant darkness. The circadian melatonin profile was measured by trans-pineal microdialysis, which not only reveals the time of onset and end of production (phase), but also the amplitude of the rhythm. Exogenous melatonin given at the onset of subjective darkness (clock time 12 h) was effective to entrain endogenous melatonin production. Only one agonist, 2-chloroacetamido-8-methoxytetralin (AH-017), mimicked this action. Two other agonists, 4-methoxy-2-(methylene propylamide)indan (GG-012) and N-[2-[2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-furo(2, 3-g)indol-1-yl]ethyl]acetamide (GR196429), induced a phase-delay under free running conditions, possibly by increasing tau (tau) period. One agonist, 2-acetamido-8-methoxytetralin (AH-001) did not show any phase effect on the free running rhythm. Unexpectedly, all melatonin receptor agonists increased the amplitude of melatonin secretion. The amount of the increase varied from just below the level of significance (AH-001) to an approximately 2-fold increase (GG-012 and GR196429). This is in clear contrast to entrainment with melatonin, which significantly decreased the amplitude. It is hypothesized that entrainment and effects on amplitude of melatonin secretion are mediated by different mechanisms which can be differentially modulated using specific ligands.

Molecular modeling of the dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptor binding modes of the enantiomers of 5-OMe-BPAT

Molecular modeling studies were undertaken in order to elucidate the possible dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptor binding modes of the enantiomers of 5-methoxy-2-[N-(2-benzamidoethyl)-N-n-propylamino]tetralin (5-OMe-BPAT, 1). For this purpose, a combination of indirect molecular modeling and direct construction of the seven transmembrane (7TM) domains of the receptors was employed in a stepwise, objective manner. Pharmacophore models and corresponding receptor maps were identified by superimposing selected sets of receptor agonists in their presumed pharmacologically active conformations, while taking the conformational freedom of the ligands into account. The 7TM models were then constructed around the agonist pharmacophore models, by adding the TM domains one-by-one. Initially, the relative positions of TM3, TM4, and TM5 were determined using the three-dimensional structure of bacteriorhodopsin, but subsequently the orientations of all TM domains were adjusted in order to mimic the topology of the TM domains of rhodopsin. The presumed dopamine D2 receptor binding conformations of (S)- and (R)-1 were determined by using the semirigid dopamine D2 receptor antagonist N-benzylpiquindone as a template for superposition. Similarly, the selective serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist flesinoxan was employed for identifying the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor binding conformations of the enantiomers of 1. After docking of the presumed pharmacologically active conformations in the 7TM models and subsequent optimization of the binding sites, specific interactions between the ligands and the surrounding amino acid residues, consistent with the structure-activity relationships, were observed. Thus, both enantiomers of 1 bound to the dopamine D2 receptor model in a similar fashion: a reinforced electrostatic interaction was present between the protonated nitrogen atoms and Asp114 in TM3; their carbonyl groups accepted a H-bond from Ser121 in TM3; their amide NH groups acted as H-bond donor to Tyr416 in TM7; and their benzamide phenyl rings were involved in a hydrophobic edge-to-face interaction with Trp386 in TM6. Differences were observed in the orientations of the 2-aminotetralin moieties, which occupied the agonist binding site. Whereas the (S)-enantiomer could form a H-bond between its 5-methoxy substituent and Ser193 in TM5, the (R)-enantiomer could not, which may account for the differences in their intrinsic efficacies at the dopamine D2 receptor. In the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor model, the benzamide phenyl rings of both enantiomers were involved in hydrophobic face-to-face interactions with Phe112 in TM3, while their protonated nitrogen atoms formed a reinforced electrostatic interaction with Asp116 in TM3. Consistent with the structure-affinity relationships of 1, the amide moieties were not involved in specific interactions. Both enantiomers of 1 could form a hydrogen bond between their 5-methoxy substituent and Thr200 in TM5, which may account for their full serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist properties.

Synthesis and Pharmacology of the enantiomers of the potential atypical antipsychotic agents 5-OMe-BPAT and 5-OMe-(2,6-di-OMe)-BPAT

The optically pure enantiomers of the potential atypical antipsychotic agents 5-methoxy-2-[N-(2-benzamidoethyl)-N-n-propylamino]tetralin (5-OMe-BPAT, 5) and 5-methoxy-2-{N-[2-(2,6-dimethoxy)benzamidoethyl]-N-n-propylamino}t etralin [5-OMe-(2,6-di-OMe)-BPAT, 6] were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro binding affinities at alpha1-, alpha2-, and beta-adrenergic, muscarinic, dopamine D1, D2A, and D3, and serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors. In addition, their intrinsic efficacies at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors were established in vitro. (S)- and (R)-5 had high affinities for dopamine D2A, D3, and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, moderate affinities for alpha1-adrenergic and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors, and no affinity (Ki > 1000 nM) for the other receptor subtypes. (S)- and (R)-6 had lower affinities for the dopamine D2A and the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, compared to (S)- and (R)-5, and hence showed some selectivity for the dopamine D3 receptor. The interactions with the receptors were stereospecific, since the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor preferred the (S)-enantiomers, while the dopamine D2A and D3 receptors preferred the (R)-enantiomers of 5 and 6. The intrinsic efficacies at the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor were established by measuring their ability to inhibit VIP-induced cAMP production in GH4ZD10 cells expressing serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. Both enantiomers of 5 behaved as full serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonists in this assay, while both enantiomers of 6 behaved as weak partial agonists. The potential antipsychotic properties of (S)- and (R)-5 were evaluated by establishing their ability to inhibit d-amphetamine-induced locomotor activity in rats, while their propensity to induce extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS) in man was evaluated by determining their ability to induce catalepsy in rats. Whereas (R)-5 was capable of blocking d-amphetamine-induced locomotor activity, indicative of dopamine D2 receptor antagonism, (S)-5 even enhanced the effect of d-amphetamine, suggesting that this compound has dopamine D2 receptor-stimulating properties. Since both enantiomers also were devoid of cataleptogenic activity, they are interesting candidates for further exploring the dopamine D2/serotonin 5-HT1A hypothesis of atypical antipsychotic drug action.

Structural analogues of 5-OMe-BPAT: synthesis and interactions with dopamine D2, D3, and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors

Several structural analogues of 5-methoxy-2-[N-(2-benzamidoethyl)-N-n-propylamino]tetralin (5-OMe-BPAT, 1), a representative of a series of 2-aminotetralin-derived benzamides with potential atypical antipsychotic properties, were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to bind to dopamine D2A, D3, and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in vitro. The structure affinity relationships revealed that the aromatic ring of the benzamide moiety of 1 contributes to the high affinities for all three receptor subtypes. Furthermore, 1 may interact with the dopamine D2 and D3 receptors through hydrogen bond formation with its carbonyl group. Investigation of the role of the amide hydrogen atom by amide N-alkylation was not conclusive, since conformational aspects may be responsible for the decreased dopaminergic affinities of the N'-alkylated analogues of 1. The effects of the amide modifications on the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor affinity were less pronounced, suggesting that the benzamidoethyl side-chain of 1 as a whole enhances the affinity for this receptor subtype probably through hydrophobic interactions with an accessory binding site. The structural requirements for the substituents at the basic nitrogen atom supported the hypothesis that the 2-aminotetralin moieties of the 2-aminotetralin-derived substituted benzamides may share the same binding sites as the 2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)tetralins.

Transgenic cattle produced by reverse-transcribed gene transfer in oocytes

A critical requirement for integration of retroviruses, other than HIV and possibly related lentiviruses, is the breakdown of the nuclear envelope during mitosis. Nuclear envelope breakdown occurs during mitotic M-phase, the envelope reforming immediately after cell division, thereby permitting the translocation of the retroviral preintegration complex into the nucleus and enabling integration to proceed. In the oocyte, during metaphase II (MII) of the second meiosis, the nuclear envelope is also absent and the oocyte remains in MII arrest for a much longer period of time compared with M-phase in a somatic cell. Pseudotyped replication-defective retroviral vector was injected into the perivitelline space of bovine oocytes during MII. We show that reverse-transcribed gene transfer can take place in an oocyte in MII arrest of meiosis, leading to production of offspring, the majority of which are transgenic. We discuss the implications of this mechanism both as a means of production of transgenic livestock and as a model for naturally occurring recursive transgenesis.

2-aminotetralin-derived substituted benzamides with mixed dopamine D2, D3, and serotonin 5-HT1A receptor binding properties: a novel class of potential atypical antipsychotic agents

A new chemical class of potential atypical antipsychotic agents, based on the pharmacological concept of mixed dopamine D2 receptor antagonism and serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonism, was designed by combining the structural features of the 2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)tetralins (DPATs) and the 2-pyrrolidinylmethyl-derived substituted benzamides in a structural hybrid. Thus, a series of 35 differently substituted 2-aminotetralin-derived substituted benzamides was synthesized and the compounds were evaluated for their ability to compete for [3H]-raclopride binding to cloned human dopamine D2A and D3 receptors, and for [3H]-8-OH-DPAT binding to rat serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in vitro. The lead compound of the series, 5-methoxy-2-[N-(2-benzamidoethyl)-N-n-propylamino]tetralin (12a), displayed high affinities for the dopamine D2A receptor (Ki = 3.2 nM), the dopamine D3 receptor (Ki = 0.58 nM) as well as the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor (Ki = 0.82 nM). The structure-affinity relationships of the series suggest that the 2-aminotetralin moieties of the compounds occupy the same binding sites as the DPATs in all three receptor subtypes. The benzamidoethyl side chain enhances the affinities of the compounds for all three receptor subtypes, presumably by occupying an accessory binding site. For the dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, this accessory binding site may be identical to the binding site of the 2-pyrrolidinylmethyl-derived substituted benzamides.

A multiway 3D QSAR analysis of a series of (S)-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-6-methoxybenzamides

Recently, the multilinear PLS algorithm was presented by Bro and later implemented as a regression method in 3D QSAR by Nilsson et al. In the present article a well-known set of (S)-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-6-methoxybenzamides, with affinity towards the dopamine D2 receptor subtype, was utilised for the validation of the multilinear PLS method. After exhaustive conformational analyses on the ligands, the active analogue approach was employed to align them in their presumed pharmacologically active conformations, using (-)-piquindone as a template. Descriptors were then generated in the GRID program, and 40 calibration compounds and 18 test compounds were selected by means of a principal component analysis in the descriptor space. The final model was validated with different types of cross-validation experiments, e.g. leave-one-out, leave-three-out and leave-five-out. The cross-validated Q2 was 62% for all experiments, confirming the stability of the model. The prediction of the test set with a predicted Q2 of 62% also established the predictive ability. Finally, the conformations and the alignment of the ligands in combination with multilinear PLS, obviously, played an important role for the success of our model.

Exogenous melatonin entrains rhythm and reduces amplitude of endogenous melatonin: an in vivo microdialysis study

The circadian rhythm of melatonin production was studied using on-line, in vivo microdialysis in the rat pineal gland. With this technique it was possible to record a pronounced melatonin rhythm with very high time resolution. Three phase-markers of the rhythm were calculated from the data, indicating increase (IT50), decrease (DT50) and amplitude of the rhythm. Comparing these phase markers led to several conclusions. Entrainment of the rhythm under constant darkness was performed with melatonin administration at different circadian stages [circadian time (CT) 8 and CT12] and for different periods of time (2 weeks and 4 weeks). Also, entrainment was established by applying 15 min light pulses at CT0. Entrainment of IT50 with melatonin partially uncoupled it from DT50. Four weeks entrainment in constant darkness (DD) caused a phase-delay in DT50 of 2.2 hr. Entrainment of IT50 with light at CT0 for 2 weeks in DD caused a phase-advance in DT50 of 1.3 hr. The entrainment with melatonin was restricted to a narrow window for melatonin to be applied, since injections at CT8 did not result in entrainment. Exogenous melatonin reduced the amplitude of the rhythm of endogenous melatonin. This effect was not circadian time dependent, since administration at CT8 for 2 weeks and at CT12 for 4 weeks resulted in a highly significant decrease. Light did not seem to have an effect on the amplitude. The data presented here provide us with new information about the nature of entrainment by melatonin. Since the present development of melatonergic agents for clinical use focuses on the entrainment capacity, effects of these compounds on amplitude of circadian rhythms needs to be addressed. In vivo microdialysis seems to be a good technique for that.

Virulence-associated antigenic and genetic characteristics of bluetongue virus-17 isolates

Bluetongue virus (BLU), an orbivirus, is of importance to the sheep and cattle industries. We have obtained 5 United States BLU-17 isolates which have been tested for virulence in sheep and 16 BLU-17 field isolates from the Caribbean and Central America. Using a panel of 15 monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against an avirulent BLU-17, we observed that 6 MAbs had negligible or very low neutralization titers for the virulent isolates in contrast to moderate to high titers for the avirulent isolates. These MAbs also differentiated the field isolates into two groups--inadequate vs effective neutralization. All 6 MAbs immunoprecipitated the outer capsid protein, VP2. Electropherotyping of genomic RNA from all 21 viruses identified an increase in RNA segment 3 mobility for those isolates which were not neutralized by the 6 specific MAbs. RNA segment 3 codes for the inner core protein, VP3. There were no detectable electrophoretic differences for RNA segment 2, which encodes VP2. In summary, the virulent BLU-17 isolates differed from the avirulent isolates in both the antigenicity of the outer capsid protein, VP2, and the electrophoretic mobility of RNA segment 3, and we hypothesize that one or both of these changes may result in BLU virulence.

Bluetongue virus isolations from vectors and ruminants in Central America and the Caribbean. Interamerican Bluetongue Team

A regional prospective study of the epidemiology of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotypes covering 11 countries in Central America and the Caribbean took place between 1987 and 1992. Active surveillance revealed BTV infection to be endemic in the absence of confirmed indigenous cases of bluetongue. During the 6-year span of the study, over 300 BTV isolations were obtained from cattle and sheep. Results of the earlier years of the study were summarized, and surveillance activities in the concluding months of the study from November 1990 to February 1992 were evaluated. Forty-five BTV isolations were made during this time, 44 from sentinel cattle and 1 from a ram with clinical signs compatible with contagious ecthyma. Virus isolation from potential vectors also was attempted, yielding a further 9 BTV isolates from parous Culicoides insignis and C pusillus, 2 BTV isolates from blood-engorged C filarifer, and 1 epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus type-2 isolate from parous C pusillus. Our extensive network of sentinel herds in the region detected BTV-1 as the predominant serotype in Central America in 1991, after an apparent absence of 1 year in the sentinel animals. Other serotypes in Central America at that time included BTV-3 and BTV-6. In Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, BTV-4 became the predominant serotype, without detection of BTV-8 and BTV-17, which were common in recent years of the study. The serotypes found in the Caribbean Basin continued to have marked differences from those in North America. The importance of viewing bluetongue as an infection, the distribution of which is determined principally by ecologic factors, is emphasized.

Epidemiology of bluetongue in Central America and the Caribbean: initial entomological findings. Regional Bluetongue Team

Forty-four species of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were caught in insect light traps during the first 2 years of studies on the epidemiology of bluetongue virus in the Caribbean and Central America. Traps were operated near sentinel ruminants which were bled monthly for serologic evaluation and then virus isolation. More than 570,000 individuals were identified. Culicoides insignis Lutz accounted for 90% of the catch, C. filarifer Hoffman/C. ocumarensis Ortiz 5%, C. furens Poey 3% and C. pusillus Lutz 2%. Other species accounted for less than 1% of the total catch. Sentinel ruminants became seropositive when C. insignis populations were high at many study sites. At a few sites C. pusillus and C. filarifer/C. ocumarensis were predominant or were present in large numbers during seroconversions of sentinels. Virus isolations were obtained from sentinel ruminants during times when these same species were present in large populations.

Epidemiology of bluetongue viruses in the American tropics. Regional Bluetongue Team

A study of the epidemiology of bluetongue viruses is in progress with the collaboration of 11 Central American and Caribbean countries. To date, over 200 bluetongue virus isolates have been obtained from cattle and sheep in sentinel groups distributed in the participating countries. Bluetongue serotypes identified include 1, 3, 6, and 12, virus types not previously recorded in the Western Hemisphere. Although the clinical impact of bluetongue virus infections in this hyperendemic environment appears to be minimal, the ubiquity of infection causes restrictions on the export of ruminant livestock and germ plasm. The stability of the Caribbean region ecosystem and the long-range implications of the interface with the northern temperate bluetongue virus ecosystem are reviewed.

Epidemiologic study of bluetongue viruses in Central America and the Caribbean: 1986-1988. Regional Bluetongue Team

Results of a prospective serologic and virologic study of ruminant livestock in Central America and the Caribbean islands revealed bluetongue virus (BTV) to be enzootic in the 9 countries participating in the study. Bluetongue virus serotypes 1, 3, 6, and 12 were isolated from sentinel animals. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first isolations of BTV from the region studied and the first isolations of these serotypes in the Western Hemisphere. Clinical disease attributable to BTV infection was not observed in sentinel animals. The incidence pattern, with respect to age and geographic location, was determined. The need to evaluate the epizootiologic features or arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) on a regional ecologic basis is stressed.

Growth of bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer viruses in poikilothermic cell systems

Continuous cell lines from the ticks Dermacentor variabilis, D. parumapertus, D. nitens, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R. appendiculatus, the mosquitoes Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus and the African toad Xenopus laevis were tested for their ability to replicate bluetongue (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer (EHD) viruses, and for their sensitivity as potential isolation systems. BT serotype 17 grew to peak titers of 10(4.5)-10(7.5) TCID50 ml-1 in all except one of the tick cell lines, EHD 2 virus attained titers similar to that of BT 17 in the mosquito and toads cells, but failed to replicate in tick cells. Only Aedes albopictus and Xenopus laevis cells were as sensitive to infection with low-passage BT 11 and EHD 2 viruses as control cultures of Vero and BHK cells. At 27 degrees C, persistent infection of Xenopus laevis cells occurred, producing low yields of BT 17 and EHD 2. When shifted to 32 degrees C, these cultures expressed virus in exponential increments. No cytopathic effect (CPE) was seen in any of the tick-virus systems, but infected mosquito and toad cells detached from the monolayer within 3-6 days after inoculation with either virus. In the toad cells, this CPE was presaged by the development of plaques within 48 h after infection. Potential applications of poikilotherm systems in orbivirus research are discussed.

Studies on the transmission of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus by Colombian simuliidae (Diptera)

The ability of Simulium mexicanum and Simulium metallicum to serve as biological or mechanical vectors of an enzootic and an epizootic strain of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus was examined. Guinea pigs were inoculated with the epizootic Cordoba strain or the enzootic RPVP407 strain of VEE virus. Wild-caught adult Simuliidae were fed on the viremic guinea pigs and the virus content of groups of flies was determined at daily intervals post-engorgement to test for viral replication. Flies were refed on suckling mice at greater than or equal to 8 days post-engorgement to test for biological transmission. Other flies were interrupted while feeding on viremic guinea pigs and refed on suckling mice to test for mechanical transmission. Neither S. mexicanum nor S. metallicum appear to be efficient vectors of either strain of VEE virus, although occasional mechanical transmission was obtained. Titers of virus in flies decreased rapidly after engorgement and from 3-12 days post-engorgement virus was detected only in 5%-25% of both species of flies. Although earlier field evidence implicated both S. mexicanum and S. metallicum as vectors of epizootic VEE, we conclude that it is highly unlikely that they play an important role as vectors of the virus in nature.

Characterization of bovine herpesvirus-1 isolated from trigeminal ganglia of clinically healthy cattle

Isolates of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) recovered from tissue explants of trigeminal ganglia of clinically healthy cattle were studied in vitro and in an animal model, and their characteristics were compared with those of vaccine and field strains of BHV-1. The isolates could be distinguished by their plaque size on cell monolayers, but were not significantly different in their thermal inactivation profiles at 48 C. Temperature-sensitive mutants were not found among the isolates when they were grown at 41 C. Selected isolates had different pathogenicity when inoculated in young rabbits.

Experimental latent and recrudescent bovine herpesvirus-1 infections in calves

Latent bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) infection was established in 6 calves and was demonstrated by reinduction of virus shedding after administration of corticosteroids. Latently infected calves failed to transmit BHV-1 during 4 weeks' contact with sentinel calves. Infected calves were killed and necropsied during latency or induced recrudescence. The BHV-1 DNA was demonstrated intranuclearly in trigeminal ganglion neurons by in situ hybridization. The BHV-1 antigen was demonstrated by immunofluorescence in trigeminal ganglion neurons during recrudescence. By electron microscopy, changes in the appearance of the Nissl bodies and a high frequency of nuclear bodies were observed in trigeminal ganglion neurons.

Further studies of naturally occurring latent bovine herpesvirus infection

Attempts were made to enhance the isolation rate of latent bovine herpesviruses from trigeminal ganglia by using a fibroblastic fetal bovine kidney cell line, in addition to Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells, and by superinfecting with a temperature-sensitive helper strain of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1). Four isolates of latent BHV-1 were obtained from 44 pairs of trigeminal ganglia--thus reflecting no increase in isolation rate over that previously observed. Two isolates of a latent bovine herpesvirus-3 strain DN599 were also obtained. Analysis of plaque morphology of BHV-1 isolates obtained in this and a previous study indicated that several biologically heterogeneous strains were capable of establishing latent infections.

Isolation of bovine herpesvirus-1 from trigeminal ganglia of clinically normal cattle

Trigeminal ganglia collected from 56 adult dairy cattle at slaughter were maintained in explant culture. Bovine herpesvirus-1 was isolated from six ganglia after periods of 7 to 24 days' maintenance in vitro. Antibody against bovine herpesvirus-1, indicating exposure to that virus, was found in 45.4% of the sample population from which ganglia were collected.