N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a crucial role in excitatory neurotransmission, with numerous pathogenic variants identified in the GluN subunits, including their ligand-binding domains (LBDs). The prevailing hypothesis postulates that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control machinery verifies the agonist occupancy of NMDARs, but this was tested in a limited number of studies. Using microscopy and electrophysiology in the human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells, we found that surface expression of GluN1/GluN2A receptors containing a set of alanine substitutions within the LBDs correlated with the measured EC50 values for glycine (GluN1 subunit mutations) while not correlating with the measured EC50 values for l-glutamate (GluN2A subunit mutations). The mutant cycle of GluN1-S688 residue, including the pathogenic GluN1-S688Y and GluN1-S688P variants, showed a correlation between relative surface expression of the GluN1/GluN2A receptors and the measured EC50 values for glycine, as well as with the calculated ΔGbinding values for glycine obtained from molecular dynamics simulations. In contrast, the mutant cycle of GluN2A-S511 residue did not show any correlation between the relative surface expression of the GluN1/GluN2A receptors and the measured EC50 values for l-glutamate or calculated ΔGbinding values for l-glutamate. Coexpression of both mutated GluN1 and GluN2A subunits led to additive or synergistic alterations in the surface number of GluN1/GluN2A receptors. The synchronized ER release by ARIAD technology confirmed the altered early trafficking of GluN1/GluN2A receptors containing the mutated LBDs. The microscopical analysis from embryonal rat hippocampal neurons (both sexes) corroborated our conclusions from the HEK293 cells.

• MeSH
• glycin metabolismus   MeSH
• HEK293 buňky MeSH
• hipokampus cytologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• kyselina glutamová metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ligandy MeSH
• mutace genetika   MeSH
• proteinové domény MeSH
• proteiny nervové tkáně MeSH
• receptory N-methyl-D-aspartátu * metabolismus   genetika   chemie   MeSH
• transport proteinů fyziologie   genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifaceted neurodegenerative disorder for which current treatments provide only symptomatic relief, primarily through cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonism. To improve therapeutic efficacy and safety, we designed and synthesized 16 novel tacrine derivatives modified at position 7 with various (hetero)aryl groups or deuterium substitution. Initially, in silico screening predicted favorable CNS permeability and oral bioavailability. Subsequent in vitro evaluations demonstrated significant inhibitory potency against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with derivatives 5i and 5m displaying particularly promising profiles. Metabolic stability assessed using human liver microsomes revealed enhanced stability for compound 5e, whereas 5i and 5m underwent rapid metabolism. Notably, compound 7 showed improved metabolic stability attributed to deuterium incorporation. The newly synthesized compounds were further tested for antagonistic activity on the GluN1/GluN2B subtype of NMDAR, with compound 5m exhibiting the most potent and voltage-independent inhibition. The ability of these compounds to permeate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was confirmed through in vitro PAMPA assays. In preliminary hepatotoxicity screening (HepG2 cells), most derivatives exhibited higher cytotoxicity than tacrine, emphasizing the ongoing challenge in hepatotoxicity management. Based on its overall favorable profile, compound 5m advanced to in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in mice, demonstrating efficient CNS penetration, with brain concentrations exceeding plasma levels (brain-to-plasma ratio 2.36), indicating active transport across the BBB. These findings highlight compound 5m as a promising tacrine-based multi-target-directed ligand, supporting further preclinical development as a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.

• MeSH
• acetylcholinesterasa metabolismus   MeSH
• Alzheimerova nemoc * farmakoterapie   metabolismus   MeSH
• biologická dostupnost MeSH
• butyrylcholinesterasa metabolismus   MeSH
• cholinesterasové inhibitory * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• hematoencefalická bariéra metabolismus   MeSH
• jaterní mikrozomy metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ligandy MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• myši MeSH
• receptory N-methyl-D-aspartátu * antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• takrin * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

• MeSH
• informační systémy MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• zdravotnické informační systémy MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH

• Publikační typ
• tisková chyba MeSH

We aimed to prepare novel dibenzo [a,d][7]annulen derivatives that act on N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors with potential neuroprotective effects. Our approach involved modifying the tropane moiety of MK-801, a potent open-channel blocker known for its psychomimetic side effects, by introducing a seven-membered ring with substituted base moieties specifically to alleviate these undesirable effects. Our in silico analyses showed that these derivatives should have high gastrointestinal absorption and cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our pharmacokinetic studies in rats supported this conclusion and confirmed the ability of leading compounds 3l and 6f to penetrate the BBB. Electrophysiological experiments showed that all compounds exhibited different inhibitory activity towards the two major NMDA receptor subtypes, GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B. Of the selected compounds intentionally differing in the inhibitory efficacy, 6f showed high relative inhibition (∼90 % for GluN1/GluN2A), while 3l showed moderate inhibition (∼50 %). An in vivo toxicity study determined that compounds 3l and 6f were safe at 10 mg/kg doses with no adverse effects. Behavioral studies demonstrated that these compounds did not induce hyperlocomotion or impair prepulse inhibition of startle response in rats. Neuroprotective assays using a model of NMDA-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration showed that compound 3l at a concentration of 30 μM significantly reduced hippocampal damage in rats. These results suggest that these novel dibenzo [a,d][7]annulen derivatives are promising candidates for developing NMDA receptor-targeted therapies with minimal psychotomimetic side effects.

• MeSH
• dizocilpinmaleát * farmakologie   MeSH
• hematoencefalická bariéra metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• neuroprotektivní látky * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• potkani Sprague-Dawley MeSH
• receptory N-methyl-D-aspartátu * antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Alzheimerova choroba (AD) a další neurodegenerativní onemocnění vedoucí k demenci představují závažný zdravotní, sociální a ekonomický problém projevující se jako kognitivní porucha a demence. Současná léčba poklesu kognitivních funkcí je založena na podávání inhibitorů acetylcholinesterázy (AChEI) a / nebo memantinu, antagonisty N-methyl-D-aspartátového receptoru (NMDAR). Tedy, současná potenciace cholinergního přenosu a současné blokování Ca2 + excitotoxicity se jeví jako slibná strategie přinejmenším k oddálení progrese onemocnění, zpomalení neurodegenerace a ke zlepšení kognivních funkcí. Motivováni předchozími výsledky budeme zkoumat vliv memantinu na expresi NDMAR u lidských vzorků a následně potenciální přínosy duálně působících sloučenin jakožto kognitivních stimulantů a protektivních látek proti neurogeneraci. V rámci projektu budeme aplikovat in vitro a in vivo proces vývoje léčiv včetně validace farmakodynamického účinku pomocí GMO zvířat, tak abychom vyvinuli duálně účinné klinické kandidáty; Alzheimer ́s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases leading to dementia represent a serious health, social and economic problem symptomatologically manifesting as cognitive disorder and dementia. Currently available treatment of the cognitive decline is based on the administration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) and/or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist memantine. Thus, to potentiate cholinergic transmission and simultaneously block the excessive Ca2+ excitotoxicity is supposed to be a promising strategy to, at least, delay the progression of the disease and enhance cognition. Motivated by previous findings, we will investigate the effect on memantine on NDMAR expression using human samples and subsequently potential benefits of dually acting compounds as the cognitive enhancers and neuroprotectants against neurogeneration. We will perform in vitro and in vivo drug development process including the GMO animals in order to deliver dually acting clinical candidates

• Klíčová slova
• kognice, cognition, alzheimerova choroba, Alzheimer's disease, Acetylcholinesterasa, neuroprotekce, acetylcholinesterase, Neuroprotection, duální léčiva, NMDA receptor, dual drugs, NMDA receptor,

• NLK Publikační typ
• závěrečné zprávy o řešení grantu AZV MZ ČR

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a significant role in developing several central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Currently, memantine, used for treating Alzheimer's disease, and ketamine, known for its anesthetic and antidepressant properties, are two clinically used NMDAR open-channel blockers. However, despite extensive research into NMDAR modulators, many have shown either harmful side effects or inadequate effectiveness. For instance, dizocilpine (MK-801) is recognized for its powerful psychomimetic effects due to its high-affinity and nearly irreversible inhibition of the GluN1/GluN2 NMDAR subtypes. Unlike ketamine, memantine and MK-801 also act through a unique, low-affinity "membrane-to-channel inhibition" (MCI). We aimed to develop an open-channel blocker based on MK-801 with distinct inhibitory characteristics from memantine and MK-801. Our novel compound, K2060, demonstrated effective voltage-dependent inhibition in the micromolar range at key NMDAR subtypes, GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B, even in the presence of Mg2+. K2060 showed reversible inhibitory dynamics and a partially trapping open-channel blocking mechanism with a significantly stronger MCI than memantine. Using hippocampal slices, 30 μM K2060 inhibited excitatory postsynaptic currents in CA1 hippocampal neurons by ∼51 %, outperforming 30 μM memantine (∼21 % inhibition). K2060 exhibited No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 15 mg/kg upon intraperitoneal administration in mice. Administering K2060 at a 10 mg/kg dosage resulted in brain concentrations of approximately 2 μM, with peak concentrations (Tmax) achieved within 15 minutes. Finally, applying K2060 with trimedoxime and atropine in mice exposed to tabun improved treatment outcomes. These results underscore K2060's potential as a therapeutic agent for CNS disorders linked to NMDAR dysfunction.

• MeSH
• antagonisté excitačních aminokyselin farmakologie   MeSH
• dizocilpinmaleát * farmakologie   MeSH
• excitační postsynaptické potenciály účinky léků   MeSH
• hipokampus účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• memantin farmakologie   MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši MeSH
• neurony účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• receptory N-methyl-D-aspartátu * antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease are limited. Dual compounds targeting two pathways concurrently may enable enhanced effect. The study focuses on tacrine derivatives inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and simultaneously N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Compounds with balanced inhibitory potencies for the target proteins (K1578 and K1599) or increased potency for AChE (K1592 and K1594) were studied to identify the most promising pro-cognitive compound. Their effects were studied in cholinergic (scopolamine-induced) and glutamatergic (MK-801-induced) rat models of cognitive deficits in the Morris water maze. Moreover, the impacts on locomotion in the open field and AChE activity in relevant brain structures were investigated. The effect of the most promising compound on NMDA receptors was explored by in vitro electrophysiology. The cholinergic antagonist scopolamine induced a deficit in memory acquisition, however, it was unaffected by the compounds, and a deficit in reversal learning that was alleviated by K1578 and K1599. K1578 and K1599 significantly inhibited AChE in the striatum, potentially explaining the behavioral observations. The glutamatergic antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) induced a deficit in memory acquisition, which was alleviated by K1599. K1599 also mitigated the MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion in the open field. In vitro patch-clamp corroborated the K1599-associated NMDA receptor inhibitory effect. K1599 emerged as the most promising compound, demonstrating pro-cognitive efficacy in both models, consistent with intended dual effect. We conclude that tacrine has the potential for development of derivatives with dual in vivo effects. Our findings contributed to the elucidation of the structural and functional properties of tacrine derivatives associated with optimal in vivo pro-cognitive efficacy.

• MeSH
• acetylcholinesterasa metabolismus   MeSH
• antagonisté excitačních aminokyselin farmakologie   MeSH
• bludiště - učení * účinky léků   MeSH
• cholinesterasové inhibitory * farmakologie   MeSH
• dizocilpinmaleát * farmakologie   MeSH
• kognice * účinky léků   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• paměť účinky léků   MeSH
• potkani Wistar * MeSH
• receptory N-methyl-D-aspartátu * antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• skopolamin MeSH
• takrin * farmakologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH