Activation of the G-protein-coupled receptor 119: a conformation-based hypothesis for understanding agonist response.

The synthesis and properties of the bridged piperidine (oxaazabicyclo) compounds 8, 9, and 11 are described. A conformational analysis of these structures is compared with the representative GPR119 ligand 1. These results and the differences in agonist pharmacology are used to formulate a conformation-based hypothesis to understand activation of the GPR119 receptor. We also show for these structures that the agonist pharmacology in rat masks the important differences in human pharmacology.

Octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diol analogues as dissociated glucocorticoid receptor agonists: discovery and lead exploration.

As exemplified by the lead compound 2, octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diol analogues exhibit the profile of a pathway-selective or "dissociated" agonist of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), retaining the potent activity that glucocorticoids have for transrepression (as measured by inhibition of IL-1 induced MMP-13 expression) but showing an attenuated capacity for transactivation (as measured in an MMTV luciferase reporter assay). With the guidance of a homology model of the GR ligand binding domain, structural modifications to 2 were carried out that were successful in replacing the allyl and propynyl side chains with groups likely to be more chemically stable and less likely to produce toxic metabolites. Key to success was the introduction of an additional hydroxyl group onto the tricyclic carbon framework of the series.

A new chemical tool for exploring the role of the PDE4D isozyme in leukocyte function.

Nicotinamide (2) is a potent and selective inhibitor of the PDE4D isozyme and as a chemical tool selectively blocks eosinophil mediator release and chemotaxis thus linking the role of PDE4D to eosinophil function.