Discovery and Characterization of Novel CNS-Penetrant GPR55 Agonists.

From our NETSseq-derived human brain transcriptomics data, we identified GPR55 as a potential molecular target for the treatment of motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. From a high-throughput screen, we identified and optimized agonists with nanomolar potency against both human and rat GPR55. We discovered compounds with either strong or limited ß-arrestin signaling and receptor desensitization, indicating biased signaling. A compound that showed minimal GPR55 desensitization demonstrated a reduction in firing frequency of medium spiny neurons cultured from rat striatum but did not reverse motor deficits in a rat hypolocomotion model. Further profiling of several desensitizing and non-desensitizing lead compounds showed that they are selective over related cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and that unbound brain concentrations well above the respective GPR55 EC50 can be readily achieved following oral administration. The novel brain-penetrant GPR55 agonists disclosed can be used to probe the role of this receptor in the brain.

Synthesis and SAR of novel GPR39 agonists and positive allosteric modulators.

We report a significant decrease in transcription of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR39 in striatal neurons of Parkinson's disease patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting that a positive modulator of GPR39 may beneficially impact neuroprotection. To test this notion, we developed various structurally diverse tool molecules. While we elaborated on previously reported starting points, we also performed an in silico screen which led to completely novel pharmacophores. In vitro studies indicated that GPR39 agonism does not have a profound effect on neuroprotection.

Construction of Rhodococcus random mutagenesis libraries using Tn5 transposition complexes.

The ability to generate tagged mutants of Rhodococcus spp. will facilitate a deeper understanding of this medically and commercially important genus. The absence of efficient transposon systems in these organisms has here been overcome by the use of Tn5-based DNA-protein transposition complexes which can transpose at high efficiency. To achieve this, electroporation efficiencies and antibiotic selection were optimized. A Rhodococcus rhodochrous CW25 Tn5 insertion library of 1500 mutants was created. Southern blotting of 23 representative mutants demonstrated random insertion. A number of auxotrophic mutants were isolated and the disrupted regions involved were identified by inverse PCR and subsequent sequencing. Transposition of Tn5 was confirmed by the presence of 9 bp direct repeats of Rhodococcus DNA flanking the transposon insertion site. To further test this system, a Tn5 insertion library was constructed in a wild-type soil isolate of Rhodococcus spp. This is the first viable transposon knockout system reported for Rhodococcus.