RESUMO
Importin ß-superfamily nuclear import receptors (NIRs) mitigate mislocalization and aggregation of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), like FUS and TDP-43, which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. NIRs potently disaggregate RBPs by recognizing their nuclear localization signal (NLS). However, disease-causing mutations in NLS compromise NIR binding and activity. Here, we define features that characterize the anti-aggregation activity of NIR and NLS. We find that high binding affinity between NIR and NLS, and optimal NLS location relative to the aggregating domain plays a role in determining NIR disaggregation activity. A designed FUS chimera (FUSIBB), carrying the importin ß binding (IBB) domain, is solubilized by importin ß in vitro, translocated to the nucleus in cultured cells, and downregulates the expression of endogenous FUS. In this study, we posit that guiding the mutual recognition of NLSs and NIRs will aid the development of therapeutics, illustrated by the highly soluble FUSIBB replacing the aggregation-prone endogenous FUS.
Assuntos
Regulação para Baixo , Sinais de Localização Nuclear , Proteína FUS de Ligação a RNA , beta Carioferinas , Proteína FUS de Ligação a RNA/metabolismo , Proteína FUS de Ligação a RNA/genética , Humanos , beta Carioferinas/metabolismo , beta Carioferinas/genética , Núcleo Celular/metabolismo , Ligação Proteica , Células HEK293 , Agregados Proteicos , Células HeLa , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/metabolismo , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusão/genética , Transporte Ativo do Núcleo CelularRESUMO
Pharmacological targeting of the dopamine D4 receptor (D4R)âexpressed in brain regions that control cognition, attention, and decision-makingâcould be useful for several neuropsychiatric disorders including substance use disorders (SUDs). This study focused on the synthesis and evaluation of a novel series of benzothiazole analogues designed to target D4R. We identified several compounds with high D4R binding affinity (Ki ≤ 6.9 nM) and >91-fold selectivity over other D2-like receptors (D2R, D3R) with diverse partial agonist and antagonist profiles. Novel analogue 16f is a potent low-efficacy D4R partial agonist, metabolically stable in rat and human liver microsomes, and has excellent brain penetration in rats (AUCbrain/plasma > 3). 16f (5-30 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently decreased iv cocaine self-administration in rats, consistent with previous results produced by D4R-selective antagonists. Off-target antagonism of 5-HT2A or 5-HT2B may also contribute to these effects. Results with 16f support further efforts to target D4R in SUD treatment.
