Structure activity and molecular modeling analyses of ribose- and base-modified uridine 5′-triphosphate analogues at the human P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors

With the long-term goal of developing receptor subtype-selective high affinity agonists for the uracil nucleotide-activated P2Y receptors we have carried out a series of structure activity and molecular modeling studies of the human P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors. UTP analogues with substitutions in the 2′-position of the ribose moiety retained capacity to activate both P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors. Certain of these analogues were equieffective for activation of both receptors whereas 2′-amino-2′-deoxy-UTP exhibited higher potency for the P2Y2 receptor and 2′-azido-UTP exhibited higher potency for the P2Y4 receptor. 4-Thio substitution of the uracil base resulted in a UTP analogue with increased potency relative to UTP for activation of both the P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors. In contrast, 2-thio substitution and halo- or alkyl substitution in the 5-position of the uracil base resulted in molecules that were 3–30-fold more potent at the P2Y2 receptor than P2Y4 receptor. 6-Aza-UTP was a P2Y2 receptor agonist that exhibited no activity at the P2Y4 receptor. Stereoisomers of UTPαS and 2′-deoxy-UTPαS were more potent at the P2Y2 than P2Y4 receptor, and the R-configuration was favored at both receptors. Molecular docking studies revealed that the binding mode of UTP is similar for both the P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptor binding pockets with the most prominent dissimilarities of the two receptors located in the second transmembrane domain (V90 in the P2Y2 receptor and I92 in the P2Y4 receptor) and the second extracellular loop (T182 in the P2Y2 receptor and L184 in the P2Y4 receptor). In summary, this work reveals substitutions in UTP that differentially affect agonist activity at P2Y2 versus P2Y4 receptors and in combination with molecular modeling studies should lead to chemical synthesis of new receptor subtype-selective drugs

Adenine Nucleotide Analogues Locked in a Northern Methanocarba Conformation: Enhanced Stability and Potency as P2Y 1 Receptor Agonists

Preference for the Northern (N) ring conformation of the ribose moiety of nucleotide 5′-triphosphate agonists at P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, and P2Y11 receptors, but not P2Y6 receptors, was established using a ring-constrained methanocarba (a 3.1.0-bicyclohexane) ring as a ribose substitute (Kim et al. J. Med. Chem. 2002, 45, 208–218.). We have now combined the ring-constrained (N)-methanocarba modification of adenine nucleotides with other functionalities known to enhance potency at P2 receptors. The potency of the newly synthesized analogues was determined in the stimulation of phospholipase C through activation of turkey erythrocyte P2Y1 or human P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors stably expressed in astrocytoma cells. An (N)-methanocarba-2-methylthio-ADP analogue displayed an EC50 at the hP2Y1 receptor of 0.40 nM and was 55-fold more potent than the corresponding triphosphate and 16-fold more potent than the riboside 5′-diphosphate. 2-Cl–(N)-methanocarba-ATP and its N6-Me analogue were also highly selective, full agonists at P2Y1 receptors. The (N)-methanocarba-2-methylthio and 2-chloromonophosphate analogues were full agonists exhibiting micromolar potency at P2Y1 receptors, while the corresponding ribosides were inactive. Although β,γ-methylene-ATP was inactive at P2Y receptors, β,γ-methylene-(N)-methanocarba-ATP was a potent hP2Y1 receptor agonist with an EC50 of 160 nM and was selective versus hP2Y2 and hP2Y4 receptors. The rates of hydrolysis of Northern (N) and Southern (S) methanocarba analogues of AMP by rat 5′-ectonucleotidase were negligible. The rates of hydrolysis of the corresponding triphosphates by recombinant rat NTPDase1 and 2 were studied. Both isomers were hydrolyzed by NTPDase 1 at about half the rate of ATP hydrolysis. The (N) isomer was hardly hydrolyzed by NTPDase 2, while the (S) isomer was hydrolyzed at one-third of the rate of ATP hydrolysis. This suggests that new, more stable and selective nucleotide agonists may be designed on the basis of the (N)-conformation, which greatly enhanced potency at P2Y1 receptors

Human P2Y 6 Receptor: Molecular Modeling Leads to the Rational Design of a Novel Agonist Based on a Unique Conformational Preference

Combining molecular dynamics (MD) in a hydrated phospholipids (DOPC) bilayer, Monte Carlo search, and synthesis of locked nucleotide analogues we discovered that the Southern conformation of the ribose is preferred for ligand recognition by the P2Y6 receptor. 2′-Deoxy-(S)-methanocarbaUDP was found to be a full agonist of the receptor and displayed a 10-fold higher potency than the corresponding flexible 2′-deoxyUDP. MD results also suggested a conformational change of the second extracellular loop consequent to agonist binding

Nucleotide analogues containing 2-oxa-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and l-α-threofuranosyl ring systems: interactions with P2Y receptors

The ribose moiety of adenine nucleotide 3′,5′-bisphosphate antagonists of the P2Y1 receptor has been successfully substituted with a rigid methanocarba ring system, leading to the conclusion that the North (N) ring conformation is preferred in receptor binding. Similarly, at P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors, nucleotides constrained in the (N) conformation interact equipotently with the corresponding ribosides. We now have synthesized and examined as P2Y receptor ligands nucleotide analogues substituted with two novel ring systems: (1) a (N) locked-carbocyclic (cLNA) derivative containing the oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane ring system and (2) L-α-threofuranosyl derivatives. We have also compared potencies and preferred conformations of these nucleotides with the known anhydrohexitol-containing P2Y1 receptor antagonist MRS2283. A cLNA bisphosphate derivative MRS2584 21 displayed a Ki value of 22.5nM in binding to the human P2Y1 receptor, and antagonized the stimulation of PLC by the potent P2Y1 receptor agonist 2-methylthio-ADP (30nM) with an IC50 of 650nM. The parent cLNA nucleoside bound only weakly to an adenosine receptor (A3). Thus, this ring system afforded some P2Y receptor selectivity. A L-α-threofuranosyl bisphosphate derivative 9 displayed an IC50 of 15.3μM for inhibition of 2-methylthio-ADP-stimulated PLC activity. L-α-Threofuranosyl-UTP 13 was a P2Y receptor agonist with a preference for P2Y2 (EC50 = 9.9μM) versus P2Y4 receptors. The P2Y1 receptor binding modes, including rotational angles, were estimated using molecular modeling and receptor docking

Structure−Activity Relationships of Uridine 5‘-Diphosphate Analogues at the Human P2Y 6 Receptor

The structure activity relationships and molecular modeling of the uracil nucleotide-activated P2Y6 receptor have been studied. A series of UDP analogues bearing substitutions of the ribose moiety, the uracil ring, and the diphosphate group was synthesized and assayed for activity at the human P2Y6 receptor. The uracil ring was modified at the 4-position, with the synthesis of 4-substituted-thiouridine-5′-diphosphate analogues, as well as at positions 3 and 5. The effect of modifications at the level of the phosphate chain was studied by preparing a cyclic 3′,5′-diphosphate analogue, a 3′-diphosphate analogue and several dinucleotide diphosphates. 5-Iodo-UDP 32 (EC50 0.15 μM) was equipotent to UDP, while substitutions of the 2′-hydroxyl (amino, azido) greatly reduce potency. 2- and 4-Thio analogues, 20 and 21, respectively, were also relatively potent in comparison to UDP. However, most other modifications greatly reduced potency. Molecular modeling indicates that the β-phosphate of 5′-UDP and analogs is essential for the establishment of electrostatic interactions with two of the three conserved cationic residues of the receptor. Among 4-thioether derivatives, a 4-ethylthio analogue 23 displayed an EC50 of 0.28 μM, indicative of favorable interactions predicted for a small 4-alkylthio moiety with the aromatic ring of Y33 in TM1. The activity of analogue 19 in which the ribose was substituted with a 2-oxabicyclohexane ring in a rigid (S) conformation (P= 126°, 1′-exo) was consistent with molecular modeling. These results provide a better understanding of molecular recognition at the P2Y6 receptor and will be helpful in designing selective and potent P2Y6 receptor ligand

Molecular Modeling of the Human P2Y2 Receptor and Design of a Selective Agonist, 2′-Amino-2′-deoxy-2-thio-UTP

A rhodopsin-based homology model of the nucleotide-activated human P2Y2 receptor, including loops, termini, and phospholipids, was optimized with Monte Carlo Multiple Minimum. Docked UTP formed a nucleobase π–π complex with conserved Phe3.32. Selectivity-enhancing 2′-amino-2′-deoxy substitution interacted through π-hydrogen bonding with aromatic Phe6.51 and Tyr3.33. A “sequential ligand composition” approach for docking the flexible dinucleotide agonist Up4U demonstrated a shift of conserved cationic Arg3.29 from the UTP γ position to δ position of Up4U and Up4ribose. Sysnthesized nucleotides were tested as agonists at human P2Y receptors expressed in 1321N1 astrocytoma cells. 2′-Amino and 2-thio modifications synergized to enhance potency and selectivity; compound 8 (8 nM EC50) was 300-fold P2Y2-selective versus P2Y4. 2′-Amine acetylation reduced potency, and trifluoroacetylation produced intermediate potency. 5-Amino nucleobase substitution did not enhance potency through a predicted hydrophilic interaction, possibly because of destabilization of the receptor-favored (N)-ribose conformation. This detailed view of P2Y2 receptor recognition suggests mutations for model validation

2-Substitution of Adenine Nucleotide Analogues Containing a Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane Ring System Locked in a Northern Conformation: Enhanced Potency as P2Y 1 Receptor Antagonists

Preference for the northern (N) ring conformation of the ribose moiety of adenine nucleotide 3′,5′-bisphosphate antagonists of P2Y1 receptors was established by using a ring-constrained methanocarba (a bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane) ring as a ribose substitute (Nandanan et al. J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 829–842). We have now combined the ring-constrained (N)-methanocarba modification with other functionalities at the 2-position of the adenine moiety. A new synthetic route to this series of bisphosphate derivatives was introduced, consisting of phosphorylation of the pseudoribose moiety prior to coupling with the adenine base. The activity of the newly synthesized analogues was determined by measuring antagonism of 2-methylthio-ADP-stimulated phospholipase C (PLC) activity in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells expressing the recombinant human P2Y1 receptor and by using the radiolabeled antagonist [3H]2-chloro-N6-methyl-(N)-methanocarba-2′-deoxyadenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate 5 in a newly developed binding assay in Sf9 cell membranes. Within the series of 2-halo analogues, the most potent molecule at the hP2Y1 receptor was an (N)-methanocarba N6-methyl-2-iodo analogue 12, which displayed a Ki value in competition for binding of [3H]5 of 0.79 nM and a KB value of 1.74 nM for inhibition of PLC. Thus, 12 is the most potent antagonist selective for the P2Y1 receptor yet reported. The 2-iodo group was substituted with trimethyltin, thus providing a parallel synthetic route for the introduction of an iodo group in this high-affinity antagonist. The (N)-methanocarba-2-methylthio, 2-methylseleno, 2-hexyl, 2-(1-hexenyl), and 2-(1-hexynyl) analogues bound less well, exhibiting micromolar affinity at P2Y1 receptors. An enzymatic method of synthesis of the 3′,5′-bisphosphate from the corresponding 3′-monophosphate, suitable for the preparation of a radiophosphorylated analogue, was explored

DLC-1 suppresses non-small cell lung cancer growth and invasion by RhoGAP-dependent and independent mechanisms

Expression of the tumor suppressor deleted in liver cancer-1 (DLC-1) is lost in non-small cell lung (NSCLC) and other human carcinomas, and ectopic DLC-1 expression dramatically reduces proliferation and tumorigenicity. DLC-1 is a multidomain protein that includes a Rho GTPase Activating Protein (RhoGAP) domain which has been hypothesized to be the basis of its tumor suppressive actions. To address the importance of the RhoGAP function of DLC-1 in tumor suppression, we performed biochemical and biological studies evaluating DLC-1 in NSCLC. Full length DLC-1 exhibited strong GAP activity for RhoA as well as RhoB and RhoC, but only very limited activity for Cdc42 in vitro. In contrast, the isolated RhoGAP domain showed 5- to 20-fold enhanced activity for RhoA, RhoB, RhoC and Cdc42. DLC-1 protein expression was absent in six of nine NSCLC cell lines. Restoration of DLC-1 expression in DLC-1-deficient NSCLC cell lines reduced RhoA activity, and experiments with a RhoA biosensor demonstrated that DLC-1 dramatically reduces RhoA activity at the leading edge of cellular protrusions. Furthermore, DLC-1 expression in NSCLC cell lines impaired both anchorage-dependent and -independent growth, as well as invasion in vitro. Surprisingly, we found that the anti-tumor activity of DLC-1 was due to both RhoGAP-dependent and -independent activities. Unlike the rat homologue p122RhoGAP, DLC-1 was not capable of activating the phospholipid hydrolysis activity of phospholipase C-δ1. Combined, these studies provide information on the mechanism of DLC-1 function and regulation, and further support the role of DLC-1 tumor suppression in NSCLC

Generation and characterization of three CRISPR/Cas9 edited RB1 null hiPSC lines for retinoblastoma disease modelling

Complete loss of RB1 causes retinoblastoma. Here, we report the generation of three RB1-/- iPSC lines using CRISPR/Cas9 based editing at exon 18 of RB1 in a healthy control hiPSC line. The edited cells were clonally expanded, genotyped and characterized to establish the mutant lines. Two of the mutant lines are compound heterozygous, with different in-del mutations in each of their alleles, while the third mutant line is homozygous, with identical edits in both alleles. All lines maintained their stemness, pluripotency, formed embryoid bodies with cell types of all three lineages, displayed a normal karyotype and lost RB1 expression

Generation of Leber congenital amaurosis, type 12 patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell line (LVPEIi006-A), harboring a homozygous mutation in RD3

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a congenital, early onset, autosomal recessive inherited retinal disease (IRD). This report describes an LCA12 patient-specific iPSC line (LVPEIi006-A), generated by the reprogramming of dermal fibroblasts using integration-free episomal plasmids.This disease-specific iPSC model carries a homozygous point mutation in RD3, within the donor splice site at the end of exon 2 (c.296 + 1G > A). The stable line at passage 15 has displayed a normal colony morphology, expressed multiple stemness and pluripotency markers, lost all transgenes, differentiated into cell types of all three germ layers, and maintained a normal karyotype