A Selective Modulator of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ with an Unprecedented Binding Mode.

The nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ has well-validated therapeutic potential in metabolic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative pathologies, but its activation is also associated with marked adverse effects and novel modes of PPARγ modulation are required. Here, we report the discovery and profiling of a new PPARγ modulator chemotype endowed with remarkable potency and a distinct binding mode in the orthosteric PPARγ ligand-binding site. Its R-enantiomer evolved as a eutomer regarding PPARγ activation with a high eudysmic ratio. The new PPARγ modulator revealed outstanding selectivity over the PPARα and PPARδ subtypes and did not promote adipogenesis in primary human fibroblasts, discriminating it from established agonists.

Discovery of a benzenesulfonamide-based dual inhibitor of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase that favorably modulates lipid mediator biosynthesis in inflammation.

Leukotrienes (LTs) and prostaglandin (PG)E2, produced by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1), respectively, are key players in inflammation, and pharmacological suppression of these lipid mediators (LM) represents a strategy to intervene with inflammatory disorders. Previous studies revealed that the benzenesulfonamide scaffold displays efficient 5-LO-inhibitory properties. Here, we structurally optimized benzenesulfonamides which led to an N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide derivative (compound 47) with potent inhibitory activities (IC50 = 2.3 and 0.4 µM for isolated 5-LO and 5-LO in intact cells, respectively). Compound 47 prevented the interaction of 5-LO with its activating protein (FLAP) at the nuclear envelope in transfected HEK293 cells as shown by in situ proximity ligation assay. Comprehensive assessment of the LM profile produced by human macrophages revealed the ability of 47 to selectively down-regulate pro-inflammatory LMs (i.e. LTs and PGE2) in M1 but to enhance the formation of pro-resolving LMs (i.e. resolvins and maresins) in M2 macrophages. Moreover, 47 strongly inhibited LT formation and cell infiltration in two in vivo models of acute inflammation (i.e., peritonitis and air pouch sterile inflammation in mice). Together, 47 represents a novel LT biosynthesis inhibitor with an attractive pharmacological profile as anti-inflammatory drug that also promotes the biosynthesis of pro-resolving LM.

Nonacidic Farnesoid X Receptor Modulators.

As a cellular bile acid sensor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) participates in regulation of bile acid, lipid and glucose homeostasis, and liver protection. Clinical results have validated FXR as therapeutic target in hepatic and metabolic diseases. To date, potent FXR agonists share a negatively ionizable function that might compromise their pharmacokinetic distribution and behavior. Here we report the development and characterization of a high-affinity FXR modulator not comprising an acidic residue.