Regulator of G-protein signaling 18 controls both platelet generation and function.

RGS18 is a myeloerythroid lineage-specific regulator of G-protein signaling, highly expressed in megakaryocytes (MKs) and platelets. In the present study, we describe the first generation of a RGS18 knockout mouse model (RGS18-/-). Interesting phenotypic differences between RGS18-/- and wild-type (WT) mice were identified, and show that RGS18 plays a significant role in both platelet generation and function. RGS18 deficiency produced a gain of function phenotype in platelets. In resting platelets, the level of CD62P expression was increased in RGS18-/- mice. This increase correlated with a higher level of plasmatic serotonin concentration. RGS18-/- platelets displayed a higher sensitivity to activation in vitro. RGS18 deficiency markedly increased thrombus formation in vivo. In addition, RGS18-/- mice presented a mild thrombocytopenia, accompanied with a marked deficit in MK number in the bone marrow. Analysis of MK maturation in vitro and in vivo revealed a defective megakaryopoiesis in RGS18-/- mice, with a lower bone marrow content of only the most committed MK precursors. Finally, RGS18 deficiency was correlated to a defect of platelet recovery in vivo under acute conditions of thrombocytopenia. Thus, we highlight a role for RGS18 in platelet generation and function, and provide additional insights into the physiology of RGS18.

N-[6-(4-butanoyl-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl]-5-chloro-1-[2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-2-oxoethyl]-1H-indole-3-carboxamide (SAR216471), a novel intravenous and oral, reversible, and directly acting P2Y12 antagonist.

In the search of a potential backup for clopidogrel, we have initiated a HTS campaign designed to identify novel reversible P2Y12 antagonists. Starting from a hit with low micromolar binding activity, we report here the main steps of the optimization process leading to the identification of the preclinical candidate SAR216471. It is a potent, highly selective, and reversible P2Y12 receptor antagonist and by far the most potent inhibitor of ADP-induced platelet aggregation among the P2Y12 antagonists described in the literature. SAR216471 displays potent in vivo antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities and has the potential to differentiate from other antiplatelet agents.

5-Chlorothiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-2-[2-methyl-3-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)benzenesulfonylamino]-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-3-oxopropyl]amide (SAR107375), a selective and potent orally active dual thrombin and factor Xa inhibitor.

Compound 15 (SAR107375), a novel potent dual thrombin and factor Xa inhibitor resulted from a rational optimization process. Starting from compound 14, with low factor Xa and modest anti-thrombin inhibitory activities (IC50's of 3.5 and 0.39 µM, respectively), both activities were considerably improved, notably through the incorporation of a neutral chlorothiophene P1 fragment and tuning of P2 and P3-P4 fragments. Final optimization of metabolic stability with microsomes led to the identification of 15, which displays strong activity in vitro vs factor Xa and thrombin (with Ki's of 1 and 8 nM, respectively). In addition 15 presents good selectivity versus related serine proteases (roughly 300-fold), including trypsin (1000-fold), and is very active (0.39 µM) in the thrombin generation time (TGT) coagulation assay in human platelet rich plasma (PRP). Potent in vivo activity in a rat model of venous thrombosis following iv and, more importantly, po administration was also observed (ED50 of 0.07 and 2.8 mg/kg, respectively). Bleeding liability was reduced in the rat wire coil model, more relevant to arterial thrombosis, with 15 (blood loss increase of 2-fold relative to the ED80 value) compared to rivaroxaban 2 and dabigatran etexilate 1a.

Effect of SR58611A, a potent beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist, on cutaneous wound healing in diabetic and obese mice.

In diabetic patients, impairment of wound healing is a serious problem which represents a significant health burden. The effect of a highly selective beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist, SR58611A, on wound healing was assessed in animal models of type II diabetes. In db/db diabetic mice, a daily oral treatment with SR58611A (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg/day for two weeks) significantly reduced hyperglycaemia from 3 mg/kg/day onwards. The compound also normalized wound healing, starting from the lowest dose tested (1 mg/kg/day). SR58611A did not affect wound healing of control (lean) mice. An oral anti-diabetic agent, devoid of affinity for beta-3 adrenoceptors, troglitazone (130 mg/kg/day p.o.), normalized glycaemia but did not improve wound healing in db/db mice. Local application of SR58611A (200 microg/day in db/db mice) did not affect wound healing. SR58611A also normalized glucose levels in ob/ob mice, but only slightly improved wound healing in this strain. Moreover, in 17-week old db/db mice (i.e. severely insulin resistant) and in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, SR58611A slightly decreased hyperglycaemia and did not affect wound healing. In conclusion, SR58611A improves wound healing in animal models of non-insulin-dependent diabetes. This effect is not related to its effect on glucose levels, but probably implicates systemic effects of the compound.

Life-threatening thrombosis in mice with targeted Arg48-to-Cys mutation of the heparin-binding domain of antithrombin.

Antithrombin (AT) inhibits thrombin and some other coagulation factors in a reaction that is dramatically accelerated by binding of a pentasaccharide sequence present in heparin/heparan-sulfate to a heparin-binding site on AT. Based on the involvement of R47 in the heparin/AT interaction and the frequent occurrence of R47 mutations in AT deficiency patients, targeted knock-in of the corresponding R48C substitution in AT in mice was performed to generate a murine model of spontaneous thrombosis. The mutation efficiently abolished the effect of heparin-like molecules on coagulation inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Mice homozygous for the mutation (AT(m/m) mice) developed spontaneous, life-threatening thrombosis, occurring as early as the day of birth. Only 60% of the AT(m/m) offspring reached weaning age, with further loss at different ages. Thrombotic events in adult homozygotes were most prominent in the heart, liver, and in ocular, placental, and penile vessels. In the neonate, spontaneous death invariably was associated with major thrombosis in the heart. This severe thrombotic phenotype underlines a critical function of the heparin-binding site of antithrombin and its interaction with heparin/heparan-sulfate moieties in health, reproduction, and survival, and represents an in vivo model for comparative analysis of heparin-derived and other antithrombotic molecules.

Regulation of human adipocyte gene expression by thyroid hormone.

Thyroid hormones are key regulators of metabolism. In adipose tissue, changes in thyroid status result in alterations of lipolytic capacity. The effects of these hormones are mediated by thyroid hormone receptors that modulate gene transcription. Very few target genes have been identified in adipose tissue. To investigate the effect of T(3) on gene expression in human adipocytes, primary cultures of human sc adipose tissue explants were treated with T(3). (32)P-labeled cDNA probes prepared from isolated adipocyte total RNA were hybridized to cDNA arrays representing 1,176 genes. Among the statistically significant variations in mRNA levels with more than 1.3-fold difference, 13 and 6 genes were positively and negatively regulated, respectively (n = 3). The genes encoded proteins that were involved in signal transduction, lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and inflammatory response. Using RT-competitive PCR, we showed a down-regulation of phosphodiesterase 3B, alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptor, and G protein alpha(i2) subunit mRNAs, and an up-regulation of beta(2)-adrenergic receptor mRNA. These regulations may explain the T(3)-mediated increase in catecholamine-induced lipolysis. The down-regulation of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, a transcription factor controlling lipogenic gene expression, may constitute a link between thyrotoxicosis and insulin resistance. Thus, these data suggest that T(3) modulates expression of genes with a wide range of function in human adipose tissue.