scholarly journals Discovery of a Positive Allosteric Modulator of Cholecystokinin Action at CCK1R in Normal and Elevated Cholesterol

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaleeckal G. Harikumar ◽  
Thomas Coudrat ◽  
Aditya J. Desai ◽  
Maoqing Dong ◽  
Daniela G. Dengler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Metabolic Regulation ◽  
Partial Agonist ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Agonist Activity ◽  
High Cholesterol ◽  
Computational Docking ◽  
Elevated Cholesterol ◽  
Treatment Of Obesity

Drugs useful in prevention/treatment of obesity could improve health. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a key regulator of appetite, working through the type 1 CCK receptor (CCK1R); however, full agonists have not stimulated more weight loss than dieting. We proposed an alternate strategy to target this receptor, while reducing likelihood of side effects and/or toxicity. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) with minimal intrinsic agonist activity would enhance CCK action, while maintaining spatial and temporal characteristics of physiologic signaling. This could correct abnormal stimulus–activity coupling observed in a high-cholesterol environment observed in obesity. We utilized high-throughput screening to identify a molecule with this pharmacological profile and studied its basis of action. Compound 1 was a weak partial agonist, with PAM activity to enhance CCK action at CCK1R, but not CCK2R, maintained in both normal and high cholesterol. Compound 1 (10 µM) did not exhibit agonist activity or stimulate internalization of CCK1R. It enhanced CCK activity by slowing the off-rate of bound hormone, increasing its binding affinity. Computational docking of Compound 1 to CCK1R yielded plausible poses. A radioiodinatable photolabile analogue retained Compound 1 pharmacology and covalently labeled CCK1R Thr211, consistent with one proposed pose. Our study identifies a novel, selective, CCK1R PAM that binds to the receptor to enhance action of CCK-8 and CCK-58 in both normal and disease-mimicking high-cholesterol environments. This facilitates the development of compounds that target the physiologic spatial and temporal engagement of CCK1R by CCK that underpins its critical role in metabolic regulation.

scholarly journals An Innovative High-Throughput Screening Approach for Discovery of Small Molecules That Inhibit TNF Receptors

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 950-961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih Hung Lo ◽  
Nagamani Vunnam ◽  
Andrew K. Lewis ◽  
Ting-Lan Chiu ◽  
Benjamin E. Brummel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Necrosis Factor ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Small Molecules ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Tumor Necrosis ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Computational Docking ◽  
Necrosis Factor

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) is a transmembrane receptor that binds tumor necrosis factor or lymphotoxin-alpha and plays a critical role in regulating the inflammatory response. Upregulation of these ligands is associated with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Current treatments reduce symptoms by sequestering free ligands, but this can cause adverse side effects by unintentionally inhibiting ligand binding to off-target receptors. Hence, there is a need for new small molecules that specifically target the receptors, rather than the ligands. Here, we developed a TNFR1 FRET biosensor expressed in living cells to screen compounds from the NIH Clinical Collection. We used an innovative high-throughput fluorescence lifetime screening platform that has exquisite spatial and temporal resolution to identify two small-molecule compounds, zafirlukast and triclabendazole, that inhibit the TNFR1-induced IκBα degradation and NF-κB activation. Biochemical and computational docking methods were used to show that zafirlukast disrupts the interactions between TNFR1 pre-ligand assembly domain (PLAD), whereas triclabendazole acts allosterically. Importantly, neither compound inhibits ligand binding, proving for the first time that it is possible to inhibit receptor activation by targeting TNF receptor–receptor interactions. This strategy should be generally applicable to other members of the TNFR superfamily, as well as to oligomeric receptors in general.

Exploring Proteomic Drug Targets, Therapeutic Strategies and Protein - Protein Interactions in Cancer: Mechanistic View

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 430-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Bashir Dar ◽  
Aashiq Hussain Bhat ◽  
Shajrul Amin ◽  
Syed Anjum ◽  
Bilal Ahmad Reshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cancer Therapeutics ◽  
Adaptor Proteins ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Small Gtpases ◽  
Beta Catenin ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Apoptosis Protein

Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) drive major signalling cascades and play critical role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and trafficking. Deregulated PPIs are implicated in multiple malignancies and represent the critical targets for treating cancer. Herein, we discuss the key protein-protein interacting domains implicated in cancer notably PDZ, SH2, SH3, LIM, PTB, SAM and PH. These domains are present in numerous enzymes/kinases, growth factors, transcription factors, adaptor proteins, receptors and scaffolding proteins and thus represent essential sites for targeting cancer. This review explores the candidature of various proteins involved in cellular trafficking (small GTPases, molecular motors, matrix-degrading enzymes, integrin), transcription (p53, cMyc), signalling (membrane receptor proteins), angiogenesis (VEGFs) and apoptosis (BCL-2family), which could possibly serve as targets for developing effective anti-cancer regimen. Interactions between Ras/Raf; X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)/second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac/DIABLO); Frizzled (FRZ)/Dishevelled (DVL) protein; beta-catenin/T Cell Factor (TCF) have also been studied as prospective anticancer targets. Efficacy of diverse molecules/ drugs targeting such PPIs although evaluated in various animal models/cell lines, there is an essential need for human-based clinical trials. Therapeutic strategies like the use of biologicals, high throughput screening (HTS) and fragment-based technology could play an imperative role in designing cancer therapeutics. Moreover, bioinformatic/computational strategies based on genome sequence, protein sequence/structure and domain data could serve as competent tools for predicting PPIs. Exploring hot spots in proteomic networks represents another approach for developing targetspecific therapeutics. Overall, this review lays emphasis on a productive amalgamation of proteomics, genomics, biochemistry, and molecular dynamics for successful treatment of cancer.

scholarly journals Computational-Driven Epitope Verification and Affinity Maturation of TLR4-Targeting Antibodies

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 5989
Author(s):  
Bilal Ahmad ◽  
Maria Batool ◽  
Moon Suk Kim ◽  
Sangdun Choi
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Autoimmune Encephalitis ◽  
Affinity Maturation ◽  
Antibody Binding ◽  
Computational Techniques ◽  
Multiple Strategies ◽  
Binding Epitope

Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling plays a critical role in the induction and progression of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, experimental autoimmune encephalitis, type 1 diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases. Deciphering antigen recognition by antibodies provides insights and defines the mechanism of action into the progression of immune responses. Multiple strategies, including phage display and hybridoma technologies, have been used to enhance the affinity of antibodies for their respective epitopes. Here, we investigate the TLR4 antibody-binding epitope by computational-driven approach. We demonstrate that three important residues, i.e., Y328, N329, and K349 of TLR4 antibody binding epitope identified upon in silico mutagenesis, affect not only the interaction and binding affinity of antibody but also influence the structural integrity of TLR4. Furthermore, we predict a novel epitope at the TLR4-MD2 interface which can be targeted and explored for therapeutic antibodies and small molecules. This technique provides an in-depth insight into antibody–antigen interactions at the resolution and will be beneficial for the development of new monoclonal antibodies. Computational techniques, if coupled with experimental methods, will shorten the duration of rational design and development of antibody therapeutics.

scholarly journals PPARs as Metabolic Sensors and Therapeutic Targets in Liver Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 8298
Author(s):  
Hugo Christian Monroy-Ramirez ◽  
Marina Galicia-Moreno ◽  
Ana Sandoval-Rodriguez ◽  
Alejandra Meza-Rios ◽  
Arturo Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Diseases ◽  
Metabolic Regulation ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The Body ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Signal Pathways ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Hepatic Level

Carbohydrates and lipids are two components of the diet that provide the necessary energy to carry out various physiological processes to help maintain homeostasis in the body. However, when the metabolism of both biomolecules is altered, development of various liver diseases takes place; such as metabolic-associated fatty liver diseases (MAFLD), hepatitis B and C virus infections, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and in more severe cases, hepatocelular carcinoma (HCC). On the other hand, PPARs are a family of ligand-dependent transcription factors with an important role in the regulation of metabolic processes to hepatic level as well as in other organs. After interaction with specific ligands, PPARs are translocated to the nucleus, undergoing structural changes to regulate gene transcription involved in lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, inflammation and metabolic homeostasis. This review aims to provide updated data about PPARs’ critical role in liver metabolic regulation, and their involvement triggering the genesis of several liver diseases. Information is provided about their molecular characteristics, cell signal pathways, and the main pharmacological therapies that modulate their function, currently engaged in the clinic scenario, or in pharmacological development.

High-throughput Screening for CD8+ T Cell Epitopes Targeted in Type 1 Diabetes

2010 ◽  
Vol 135 ◽  
pp. S19
Author(s):  
Brian Hondowicz ◽  
Katharine Schwedhelm ◽  
Arnold Kas ◽  
Michael Tasch ◽  
Nirasha Ramchurren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
T Cell ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Cd8 T Cell ◽  
T Cell Epitopes

Ferulic acid alleviates abnormal behaviors in isolation-reared mice via 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist activity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryota Araki ◽  
Akira Yasubuchi ◽  
Marina Ikegaya ◽  
Chihiro Hojo ◽  
Hayato Tachioka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ferulic Acid ◽  
Partial Agonist ◽  
Agonist Activity ◽  
Partial Agonist Activity ◽  
Abnormal Behaviors

Haemodynamic Effects of Different Beta Blockers in Angina Pectoris

1977 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Åström ◽  
B. Jonsson
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Angina Pectoris ◽  
Stroke Volume ◽  
Partial Agonist ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Haemodynamic Effects ◽  
Agonist Activity ◽  
Peripheral Vascular ◽  
Reduce Heart Rate ◽  
Beta Blocking

Beta-blocking agents with partial agonist activity seem to reduce heart rate at rest slightly less than those without this property. Cardio-selective drugs have no effect on stroke volume at rest contrary to the non-selective ones which will reduce it somewhat. This difference is abolished during exercise. The only difference seen during work between different beta-blockers is the effect on the peripheral vascular resistance. The selective drugs lower the arterial pressure with unchanged resistance.

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