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European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Feb 2023The combination of incretin-based therapies and PYY analogue has shown great potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity. In this study we...
The combination of incretin-based therapies and PYY analogue has shown great potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity. In this study we developed the first example of a unimolecular triple agonist peptide to simultaneously target GLP-1, glucagon and Y receptors, aiming for superior weight loss and better glycemic control. The strategy for constructing such a unimolecular triple agonist peptide is the conjugation of the GLP-1R/GCGR dual-agonistic moiety and PYY moiety via maleimide-thiol specific reaction. A novel triple agonist peptide, 3b, was identified via stepwise structure optimization, long-acting modification and in vitro receptor screens. Peptide 3b exhibited potent and balanced GCGR and GLP-1R activities as well as potent and highly selective YR activity. Peptide 3b potently reduced food intake without triggering nausea associated behavior in kaolin consumption and conditioned taste aversion assays. In diet induced obesity (DIO) mice, a lower dose of 3b achieved significantly better effects on lipid metabolism, body weight, and glycemic control than higher dose of GLP-1R mono-agonist, GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist and GLP-1R/YR dual agonist counterparts. Collectively, these data support the therapeutic potential of our GLP-1R/GCGR/YR triple agonist 3b as a novel anti-obesity and anti-diabetic agent. Targeting GLP-1R, GCGR and YR with unimolecular triple agonist peptide offers a route to develop new obesity and T2DM treatments.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Glucagon; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Xenopus laevis; Receptors, Glucagon; Obesity; Peptides; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
PubMed: 36571995
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115036 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2021We recently reported on a potent synthetic agent, 135H11, that selectively targets the receptor tyrosine kinase, EphA2. While 135H11 possesses a relatively high binding...
We recently reported on a potent synthetic agent, 135H11, that selectively targets the receptor tyrosine kinase, EphA2. While 135H11 possesses a relatively high binding affinity for the ligand-binding domain of EphA2 (Kd~130 nM), receptor activation in the cell required the synthesis of dimeric versions of such agent (namely 135H12). This was expected given that the natural ephrin ligands also need to be dimerized or clustered to elicit agonistic activity in cell. In the present report we investigated whether the agonistic activity of 135H11 could be enhanced by biotin conjugation followed by complex formation with streptavidin. Therefore, we measured the agonistic EphA2 activity of 135H11-biotin (147B5) at various agent/streptavidin ratios, side by side with 135H12, and a scrambled version of 147B5 in pancreatic- and breast-cancer cell lines. The (147B5)-streptavidin complexes (when = 2, 3, 4, but not when = 1) induced a strong receptor degradation effect in both cell lines compared to 135H12 or the (scrambled-147B5)-streptavidin complex as a control, indicating that multimerization of the targeting agent resulted in an increased ability to cause receptor clustering and internalization. Subsequently, we prepared an Alexa-Fluor-streptavidin conjugate to demonstrate that (147B5)-AF-streptavidin, but not the scrambled equivalent complex, concentrates in pancreatic and breast cancers in orthotopic nude-mouse models. Hence, we conclude that these novel targeting agents, with proper derivatization with imaging reagents or chemotherapy, can be used as diagnostics, and/or to deliver chemotherapy selectively to EphA2-expressing tumors.
Topics: Animals; Binding Sites; Biotin; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Female; Humans; Ligands; Mice; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Protein Binding; Receptor, EphA2; Streptavidin
PubMed: 34204178
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123687 -
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Jul 2022The apelin receptor (APJ) is a target for cardiovascular indications. Previously, we had identified a novel pyrazole-based agonist 1...
The apelin receptor (APJ) is a target for cardiovascular indications. Previously, we had identified a novel pyrazole-based agonist 1 ((S)-N-(1-(cyclobutylamino)-1-oxo-5-(piperidin-1-yl)pentan-3-yl)-1-cyclopentyl-5-(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride) of this GPCR. Systematic modification of 1 was performed to produce compounds with improved potency and ADME properties. Orally bioavailable compound 47 with favorable agonist potency (CaEC = 24 nM, cAMPi EC = 6.5 nM) and pharmacokinetic properties (clearance ∼20 mL/min/kg in rats) was identified. This compound has vastly reduced brain penetration and is devoid of significant off-target liability. In summary, a potent and selective APJ agonist suitable for in vivo studies of APJ in peripheral tissues after oral administration has been identified.
Topics: Animals; Apelin Receptors; Pyrazoles; Rats
PubMed: 35594649
DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116789 -
Journal of Natural Products Nov 2023An LC-MS/MS-guided analysis of the aerial parts of afforded new phenethyl (amorfrutin)- and alkyl (cannabis)-type phytocannabinoids (six and four compounds,...
An LC-MS/MS-guided analysis of the aerial parts of afforded new phenethyl (amorfrutin)- and alkyl (cannabis)-type phytocannabinoids (six and four compounds, respectively). The structural diversity of the new amorfrutins was complemented by the isolation of six known members and the synthesis of analogues modified on the aralkyl moiety. All of the compounds so obtained were assayed for agonist activity on PPARα and PPARγ nuclear receptors. Amorfrutin A () showed the highest agonist activity on PPARγ, amorfrutin H () selectively targeted PPARα, and amorfrutin E () behaved as a dual agonist, with the pentyl analogue of amorfrutin A () being inactive. Decarboxyamorfrutin A () was cytotoxic, and modifying its phenethyl moiety to a styryl or a phenylethynyl group retained this trait, suggesting an alternative biological scenario for these compounds. The putative binding modes of amorfrutins toward PPARα and PPARγ were obtained by a combined approach of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, which provided insights on the structure-activity relationships of this class of compounds.
Topics: Glycyrrhiza; PPAR alpha; PPAR gamma; Molecular Docking Simulation; Chromatography, Liquid; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Plant Components, Aerial; Molecular Structure
PubMed: 37940359
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00509 -
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2020The discovery of δ opioid receptor inverse agonist activity induced by ICI-174,864, which was previously reported as an δ opioid receptor antagonist, opened the door... (Review)
Review
The discovery of δ opioid receptor inverse agonist activity induced by ICI-174,864, which was previously reported as an δ opioid receptor antagonist, opened the door for the investigation of inverse agonism/constitutive activity of the receptors. Various peptidic or non-peptidic δ opioid receptor inverse agonists have since been developed. Compared with the reports dealing with in vitro inverse agonist activities of novel compounds or known compounds as antagonists, there have been almost no publications describing the in vivo pharmacological effects induced by a δ opioid receptor inverse agonist. After the observation of anorectic effects with the δ opioid receptor antagonism was discussed in the early 2000s, the short-term memory improving effects and antitussive effects have been very recently reported as possible pharmacological effects induced by a δ opioid receptor inverse agonist. In this review, we will survey the developed δ opioid receptor inverse agonists and summarize the possible in vivo pharmacological effects by δ opioid receptor inverse agonists. Moreover, we will discuss important issues involved in the investigation of the in vivo pharmacological effects produced by a δ opioid receptor inverse agonist.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Enkephalin, Leucine; Humans; Receptors, Opioid, delta
PubMed: 32238139
DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200402115654 -
ACS Chemical Biology May 2022Recent clinical trials have revealed that the chimeric peptide hormones simultaneously activating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucose-dependent...
Recent clinical trials have revealed that the chimeric peptide hormones simultaneously activating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) demonstrate superior efficacy in glycemic control and body weight reduction, better than those activating the GLP-1R alone. However, the linear peptide-based GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonists are susceptible to proteolytic cleavage by common digestive enzymes present in the gastrointestinal tract and thus not suitable for oral administration. Here, we report the design and synthesis of biaryl-stapled peptides, with and without fatty diacid attachment, that showed potent GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonist activities. Compared to a linear peptide dual agonist and semaglutide, the biaryl-stapled peptides displayed drastically improved proteolytic stability against the common digestive enzymes. Furthermore, two stapled peptides showed excellent efficacy in an oral glucose tolerance test in mice, owing to their potent receptor activity in vitro and good pharmacokinetics exposure upon subcutaneous injection. By exploring a more comprehensive set of biaryl staplers, we expect that this stapling method could facilitate the design of the stapled peptide-based dual agonists suitable for oral administration.
Topics: Animals; Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Mice; Peptides; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone
PubMed: 35417146
DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00175 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2021Although several potent bile acid Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5, GPBAR1) dual agonists such as INT-767 have been reported, no...
Although several potent bile acid Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5, GPBAR1) dual agonists such as INT-767 have been reported, no non-bile acid FXR/TGR5 dual agonist has been investigated to date. Therefore, we attempted to discover potent non-bile acid FXR/TGR5 dual agonists and identified some non-bile acid FXR/TGR5 dual agonists, such as isonicotinamide derivatives in vitro assay. Compound 20p was evaluated in C57BL/6J mice, that were administered a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) consisting of 60 kcal% fat and 0.1% methionine by weight for one week. Compound 20p dose-dependently induced small heterodimer partner (SHP) mRNA and decreased cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1) in the liver at 10 and 30 mg/kg, respectively, which were used as FXR agonist markers. Compound 20p significantly increased the plasma levels of GLP-1 as a TGR5 agonist, and a high concentration of GLP-1 lowered blood glucose levels. We confirmed that compound 20p was a non-bile acid FXR/TGR5 dual agonist.
Topics: Animals; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase; Drug Discovery; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Liver; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pharmaceutical Preparations; RNA-Binding Proteins; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
PubMed: 33911126
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88493-0 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Chagas disease causes a cardiac illness characterized by immunoinflammatory reactions leading to myocardial fibrosis and remodeling. The development of Chronic Chagas...
INTRODUCTION
Chagas disease causes a cardiac illness characterized by immunoinflammatory reactions leading to myocardial fibrosis and remodeling. The development of Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC) in some patients while others remain asymptomatic is not fully understood, but dysregulated inflammatory responses are implicated. The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation. Certain tryptophan (Trp) metabolites have been identified as AhR ligands with regulatory functions.
METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
We investigated AhR expression, agonist response, ligand production, and AhR-dependent responses, such as IDO activation and regulatory T (Treg) cells induction, in two T. cruzi-infected mouse strains (B6 and Balb/c) showing different polymorphisms in AhR. Furthermore, we assessed the metabolic profile of Trp catabolites and AhR agonistic activity levels in plasma samples from patients with chronic Chagas disease (CCD) and healthy donors (HD) using a luciferase reporter assay and liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS) analysis. T. cruzi-infected B6 mice showed impaired AhR-dependent responses compared to Balb/c mice, including reduced IDO activity, kynurenine levels, Treg cell induction, CYP1A1 up-regulation, and AhR expression following agonist activation. Additionally, B6 mice exhibited no detectable AhR agonist activity in plasma and displayed lower CYP1A1 up-regulation and AhR expression upon agonist activation. Similarly, CCC patients had decreased AhR agonistic activity in plasma compared to HD patients and exhibited dysregulation in Trp metabolic pathways, resulting in altered plasma metabolite profiles. Notably, patients with severe CCC specifically showed increased N-acetylserotonin levels in their plasma. The methods and findings presented here contribute to a better understanding of CCC development mechanisms and may identify potential specific biomarkers for T. cruzi infection and the severity of associated heart disease. These insights could be valuable in designing new therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this research aims to establish the AhR agonistic activity and Trp metabolic profile in plasma as an innovative, non-invasive predictor of prognosis for chronic Chagas disease.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Chagas Cardiomyopathy; Chagas Disease; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Tryptophan
PubMed: 38283348
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267641 -
The Journal of Neuroscience : the... Aug 2022While effective in treating abdominal pain, opioids have significant side effects. Recent legalization of cannabis will likely promote use of cannabinoids as an adjunct...
While effective in treating abdominal pain, opioids have significant side effects. Recent legalization of cannabis will likely promote use of cannabinoids as an adjunct or alternative to opioids, despite a lack of evidence. We aimed to investigate whether cannabinoids inhibit mouse colonic nociception, alone or in combination with opioids at low doses. Experiments were performed on C57BL/6 male and female mice. Visceral nociception was evaluated by measuring visceromotor responses (VMR), afferent nerve mechanosensitivity in flat-sheet colon preparations, and excitability of isolated DRG neurons. Blood oxygen saturation, locomotion, and defecation were measured to evaluate side effects. An agonist of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R), arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA), dose-dependently decreased VMR. ACEA and HU-210 (another CB1R agonist) also attenuated colonic afferent nerve mechanosensitivity. Additionally, HU-210 concentration-dependently decreased DRG neuron excitability, which was reversed by the CB1R antagonist AM-251. Conversely, cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) agonists did not attenuate VMR, afferent nerve mechanosensitivity, or DRG neuron excitability. Combination of subanalgesic doses of CB1R and µ-opioid receptor agonists decreased VMR; importantly, this analgesic effect was preserved after 6 d of twice daily treatment. This combination also attenuated afferent nerve mechanosensitivity and DRG neuron excitability, which was inhibited by neuronal nitric oxide synthase and guanylate cyclase inhibitors. This combination avoided side effects (decreased oxygen saturation and colonic transit) caused by analgesic dose of morphine. Activation of CB1R, but not CB2R, decreased colonic nociception both alone and in synergy with µ-opioid receptor. Thus, CB1R agonists may enable opioid dose reduction and avoid opioid-related side effects. One of the most cited needs for patients with abdominal pain are safe and effective treatment options. The effectiveness of opioids in the management of abdominal pain is undermined by severe adverse side effects. Therefore, strategies to replace opioids or reduce the doses of opioids to suppress abdominal pain is needed. This study in mice demonstrates that cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) agonists inhibit visceral sensation. Furthermore, a combination of subanalgesic doses of µ-opioid receptor agonist and CB1R agonist markedly reduce abdominal pain without causing the side effects of high-dose opioids. Thus, CB1R agonists, alone or in combination with low-dose opioids, may be a novel and safe treatment strategy for abdominal pain.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Analgesics; Analgesics, Opioid; Animals; Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; Cannabinoids; Female; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; Receptors, Opioid
PubMed: 35790401
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0641-22.2022 -
The Journal of Neuroscience : the... Aug 2022Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affects ∼68% of patients undergoing chemotherapy, causing debilitating neuropathic pain and reducing quality of life....
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affects ∼68% of patients undergoing chemotherapy, causing debilitating neuropathic pain and reducing quality of life. Cisplatin is a commonly used platinum-based chemotherapeutic drug known to cause CIPN, possibly by causing oxidative stress damage to primary sensory neurons. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are widely hypothesized to be involved in pain processing and pain mitigation. Meclizine is an H1 histamine receptor antagonist known to have neuroprotective effects, including an anti-oxidative effect. Here, we used a mouse model of cisplatin-induced CIPN using male and female mice to test agonists of mGluR8 and Group II mGluR as well as meclizine as interventions to reduce cisplatin-induced pain. We performed behavioral pain tests, and we imaged Ca activity of the large population of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons For the latter, we used a genetically-encoded Ca indicator, Pirt-GCaMP3, which enabled us to monitor different drug interventions at the level of the intact DRG neuronal ensemble. We found that CIPN increased spontaneous Ca activity in DRG neurons, increased number of Ca transients, and increased hyper-responses to mechanical, thermal, and chemical stimuli. We found that mechanical and thermal pain caused by CIPN was significantly attenuated by the mGluR8 agonist, (S)-3,4-DCPG, the Group II mGluR agonist, LY379268, and the H1 histamine receptor antagonist, meclizine. DRG neuronal Ca activity elevated by CIPN was attenuated by LY379268 and meclizine, but not by (S)-3,4-DCPG. Furthermore, meclizine and LY379268 attenuated cisplatin-induced weight loss. These results suggest that Group II mGluR agonist, mGluR8 agonist, and meclizine are promising candidates as new treatment options for CIPN, and studies of their mechanisms are warranted. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a painful condition that affects most chemotherapy patients and persists several months or longer after treatment ends. Research on CIPN mechanism is extensive but has produced only few clinically useful treatments. Using GCaMP Ca imaging in live animals over 1800 neurons/dorsal root ganglia (DRG) at once, we have characterized the effects of the chemotherapeutic drug, cisplatin and three treatments that decrease CIPN pain. Cisplatin increases sensory neuronal Ca activity and develops various sensitization. Metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist, LY379268 or the H1 histamine receptor antagonist, meclizine decreases cisplatin's effects on neuronal Ca activity and reduces pain hypersensitivity. Our results and experiments provide insights into cellular effects of cisplatin and drugs preventing CIPN pain.
PubMed: 35772967
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1064-21.2022