Structural determinants for activation of the Tau kinase CDK5 by the serotonin receptor 5-HT7R.

BACKGROUND: Multiple neurodegenerative diseases are induced by the formation and deposition of protein aggregates. In particular, the microtubule-associated protein Tau leads to the development of so-called tauopathies characterized by the aggregation of hyperphosphorylated Tau within neurons. We recently showed that the constitutive activity of the serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT7R) is required for Tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation through activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). We also demonstrated physical interaction between 5-HT7R and CDK5 at the plasma membrane suggesting that the 5-HT7R/CDK5 complex is an integral part of the signaling network involved in Tau-mediated pathology. METHODS: Using biochemical, microscopic, molecular biological, computational and AI-based approaches, we investigated structural requirements for the formation of 5-HT7R/CDK5 complex. RESULTS: We demonstrated that 5-HT7R domains responsible for coupling to Gs proteins are not involved in receptor interaction with CDK5. We also created a structural model of the 5-HT7R/CDK5 complex and refined the interaction interface. The model predicted two conserved phenylalanine residues, F278 and F281, within the third intracellular loop of 5-HT7R to be potentially important for complex formation. While site-directed mutagenesis of these residues did not influence Gs protein-mediated receptor signaling, replacement of both phenylalanines by alanine residues significantly reduced 5-HT7R/CDK5 interaction and receptor-mediated CDK5 activation, leading to reduced Tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation. Molecular dynamics simulations of 5-HT7R/CDK5 complex for wild-type and receptor mutants confirmed binding interface stability of the initial model. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide a structural basis for the development of novel drugs targeting the 5-HT7R/CDK5 interaction interface for the selective treatment of Tau-related disorders, including frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

New Triazine Derivatives as Serotonin 5-HT6 Receptor Ligands.

Since the number of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to rise, new and effective drugs are urgently needed to not only slow down the progression of the disease, but to stop or even prevent its development. Serotonin 5-HT6 receptor (5-HT6R) ligands are still a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of AD. 1,3,5-Triazine derivatives, as novel structures lacking an indole or a sulfone moiety, have proven to be potent ligands for this receptor. In present work, new derivatives of the compound MST4 (4-((2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxy)methyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine), the potent 5-HT6R antagonist (Ki = 11 nM) with promising ADMET and in vivo properties, were designed. The synthesized compounds were tested for their affinity towards 5-HT6R and other receptor (off)targets (serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT7 and dopamine D2). Based on the new results, 4-(2-tert-butylphenoxy)-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (3) was selected for extended in vitro studies as a potent and selective 5-HT6R ligand (Ki = 13 nM). Its ability to permeate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its hepatotoxicity were evaluated. In addition, X-ray crystallography and solubility studies were also performed. The results obtained confirm that 6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine derivatives, especially compound 3, are promising structures for further pharmacological studies as 5-HT6R ligands.

Design and Synthesis of Arylpiperazine Serotonergic/Dopaminergic Ligands with Neuroprotective Properties.

Long-chain arylpiperazine scaffold is a versatile template to design central nervous system (CNS) drugs that target serotonin and dopamine receptors. Here we describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of ten new arylpiperazine derivatives designed to obtain an affinity profile at serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT7 receptor, and dopamine D2 receptor of prospective drugs to treat the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or psychosis. Besides the structural features required for affinity at the target receptors, the new compounds incorporated structural fragments with antioxidant properties to counteract oxidative stress connected with ASD and psychosis. All the new compounds showed CNS MultiParameter Optimization score predictive of desirable ADMET properties and cross the blood-brain barrier. We identified compound 12a that combines an affinity profile compatible with antipsychotic activity (5-HT1AKi = 41.5 nM, 5-HT2AKi = 315 nM, 5-HT7Ki = 42.5 nM, D2Ki = 300 nM), and compound 9b that has an affinity profile consistent with studies in the context of ASD (5-HT1AKi = 23.9 nM, 5-HT2AKi = 39.4 nM, 5-HT7Ki = 45.0 nM). Both compounds also had antioxidant properties. All compounds showed low in vitro metabolic stability, the only exception being compound 9b, which might be suitable for studies in vivo.

Insights of ligand binding in modeled h5-HT1A receptor: homology modeling, docking, MM-GBSA, screening and molecular dynamics.

The pharmacologically characterized receptor subtype of the serotonin family, the 5HT1A receptor is implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression and anxiety-related disorders. Being the most extensively targeted receptor for developing novel antidepressants and anxiolytics, a near-ideal theoretical model can aid in high-throughput screening of promising drug candidates. However, the design of potential drug candidates suffers owing to a lack of complete structural information. In this work, homology models of 5-HT1A receptor are generated using two distinct alignments (CW and PSTA) and model building methods (KB and EB). The developed models are validated for virtual screening using a ligand dataset of agonists and antagonists. The best-suited model was efficient in discriminating agonist/antagonist binding. Correlation plots between pKi and docking (R2agonist≥ 0.6, R2antagonist≥ 0.7) and MM-GBSA dG bind values (R2agonist≥ 0.5, R2antagonist≥ 0.7) revealed optimum corroboration between in vitro and in silico outcomes, which further suggested the usefulness of the developed model for the design of high-affinity probes for the neurological disorders.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Novel interaction between neurotrophic factor-α1/carboxypeptidase E and serotonin receptor, 5-HTR1E, protects human neurons against oxidative/neuroexcitotoxic stress via ß-arrestin/ERK signaling.

Protecting neurons from death during oxidative and neuroexcitotoxic stress is key for preventing cognitive dysfunction. We uncovered a novel neuroprotective mechanism involving interaction between neurotrophic factor-α1 (NF-α1/carboxypeptidase E, CPE) and human 5-HTR1E, a G protein-coupled serotonin receptor with no previously known neurological function. Co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays confirmed interaction between NFα1/CPE and 5-HTR1E and 125I NF-α1/CPE-binding studies demonstrated saturable, high-affinity binding to 5-HTR1E in stably transfected HEK293 cells (Kd = 13.82 nM). Treatment of 5-HTR1E stable cells with NF-α1/CPE increased pERK 1/2 and pCREB levels which prevented a decrease in pro-survival protein, BCL2, during H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Cell survival assay in ß-arrestin Knockout HEK293 cells showed that the NF-α1/CPE-5-HTR1E-mediated protection against oxidative stress was ß-arrestin-dependent. Molecular dynamics studies revealed that NF-α1/CPE interacts with 5-HTR1E via 3 salt bridges, stabilized by several hydrogen bonds, independent of the serotonin pocket. Furthermore, after phosphorylating the C-terminal tail and intracellular loop 3 (ICL3) of NF-α1/CPE-5-HTR1E, it recruited ß-arrestin1 by forming numerous salt bridges and hydrogen bonds to ICL2 and ICL3, leading to activation of ß-arrestin1. Immunofluorescence studies showed 5-HTR1E and NF-α1/CPE are highly expressed and co-localized on cell surface of human hippocampal neurons. Importantly, knock-down of 5-HTR1E in human primary neurons diminished the NF-α1/CPE-mediated protection of these neurons against oxidative stress and glutamate neurotoxicity-induced cell death. Thus, NF-α1/CPE uniquely interacts with serotonin receptor 5-HTR1E to activate the ß-arrestin/ERK/CREB/BCL2 pathway to mediate stress-induced neuroprotection.

The Effect and Safety of 5-HT1F Receptor Agonist Lasmiditan on Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Migraine has a great impact on public health. Current acute therapies do not satisfy all migraineurs. The novel serotonin 5-HT1F receptor agonist appears more promising for aborting migraine attacks. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of lasmiditan in treating acute migraine attacks. METHODS: The literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which assessed the effect and safety of lasmiditan on migraine. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Results were extracted and pooled as risk ratios (RRs) with a fixed or random-effects model. RESULTS: Based on the four included RCTs, pooled estimates showed that lasmiditan with the 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg doses was superior to placebo at 2 h after the first dose in terms of pain freedom, absence of migraine-associated symptoms, headache relief, no/mild disability, and global impression of change (very much/much better) (RRs ranged from 1.13 to 1.96), except for nausea-free and vomiting-free. Both lasmiditan 100 mg and 200 mg resulted in significantly fewer patients using rescue medication (100 mg: RR = 0.75, 95% CI (0.61, 0.92), P = 0.007; 200 mg: RR = 0.81, 95% CI (0.66, 0.99), P = 0.04) at 2-24 h postdose, compared with placebo. Safety data showed that the proportion of patients reporting at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) and the incidence of most common TEAEs such as dizziness, paresthesia, fatigue, somnolence, and nausea was higher in the lasmiditan groups (50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg), compared with placebo. There was no significant difference between lasmiditan and placebo in terms of cardiovascular-related TEAEs (RR = 2.75, 95% CI (0.81, 9.37), P = 0.11). Compared with lasmiditan 100 mg, lasmiditan 200 mg was more effective in pain freedom at 2 h after the first dose (RR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.74, 0.94), P = 0.004) but associated with a higher risk of reporting at least one TEAE (RR = 0.88, 95% CI (0.81, 0.96), P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Lasmiditan with the 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg doses are effective and safe in acute migraine treatment. Lasmiditan 200 mg is more effective than lasmiditan 100 mg in pain freedom, while lasmiditan 100 mg is better tolerated in the short-term follow-up. Further larger sample-size RCTs are required to verify the applicability and tolerability in the long term.

The Phenoxyalkyltriazine Antagonists for 5-HT6 Receptor with Promising Procognitive and Pharmacokinetic Properties In Vivo in Search for a Novel Therapeutic Approach to Dementia Diseases.

Among the serotonin receptors, one of the most recently discovered 5-HT6 subtype is an important protein target and its ligands may play a key role in the innovative treatment of cognitive disorders. However, none of its selective ligands have reached the pharmaceutical market yet. Recently, a new chemical class of potent 5-HT6 receptor agents, the 1,3,5-triazine-piperazine derivatives, has been synthesized. Three members, the ortho and meta dichloro- (1,2) and the unsubstituted phenyl (3) derivatives, proved to be of special interest due to their high affinities (1,2) and selectivity (3) toward 5-HT6 receptor. Thus, a broader pharmacological profile for 1-3, including comprehensive screening of the receptor selectivity and drug-like parameters in vitro as well as both, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in vivo, have been investigated within this study. A comprehensive analysis of the obtained results indicated significant procognitive-like activity together with beneficial drug-likeness in vitro and pharmacokinetics in vivo profiles for both, (RS)-4-[1-(2,3-dichlorophenoxy)propyl]-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (2) and (RS)-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-6-(1-phenoxypropyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (3), but insensibly predominant for compound 2. Nevertheless, both compounds (2 and 3) seem to be good Central Nervous System drug candidates in search for novel therapeutic approach to dementia diseases, based on the 5-HT6 receptor target.

Discovery of G Protein-Biased Antagonists against 5-HT7R.

5-HT7R belongs to a family of G protein-coupled receptors and is associated with a variety of physiological processes in the central nervous system via the activation of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT). To develop selective and biased 5-HT7R ligands, we designed and synthesized a series of pyrazolyl-diazepanes 2 and pyrazolyl-piperazines 3, which were evaluated for binding affinities to 5-HTR subtypes and functional selectivity for G protein and ß-arrestin signaling pathways of 5-HT7R. Among them, 1-(3-(3-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1,4-diazepane 2c showed the best binding affinity for 5-HT7R and selectivity over other 5-HTR subtypes. It was also revealed as a G protein-biased antagonist. The self-grooming behavior test was performed with 2c in vivo with Shank3-/- transgenic (TG) mice, wherein 2c significantly reduced self-grooming duration time to the level of wild-type mice. The results suggest that 5-HT7R could be a potential therapeutic target for treating autism spectrum disorder stereotypy.

Cholesterol footprint in high-resolution structures of serotonin receptors: Where are we now and what does it mean?

An emerging feature of several high-resolution GPCR structures is the presence of closely bound cholesterol molecules. In this Perspective, we share the excitement of the recent advancements in GPCR structural biology. We further highlight our laboratory's journey in comprehensively elucidating functional sensitivity of GPCRs (using the serotonin1A receptor as a representative neurotransmitter GPCR) to membrane cholesterol and validation using a variety of assays and molecular dynamics simulations. Although high-resolution structures of many GPCRs have been reported in the last few years, the structure of the serotoin1A receptor proved to be elusive for a long time. Very recently the cryo-EM structure of the serotoin1A receptor displaying 10 bound cholesterol molecules has been reported. We conclude by providing a critical analysis of caveats involved in GPCR structure determination.

Solvates of New Arylpiperazine Salicylamide Derivative-a Multi-Technique Approach to the Description of 5 HTR Ligand Structure and Interactions.

A new ligand for 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors, an arylpiperazine salicylamide derivative with an inflexible spacer, is investigated to identify preferred fragments capable of creating essential intermolecular interactions in different solvates. To fully identify and characterize the obtained crystalline materials, various methods including powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR, and thermal analysis were employed, supplemented by periodic ab initio calculations. The molecular conformation in different solvates, types, and hierarchy of intermolecular interactions as well as the crystal packing were investigated to provide data for future research focused on studying protein-ligand interactions. Based on various methods of crystal structure analysis, including the interaction energy calculation and programs using an artificial neural network, a salicylamide fragment was found to be crucial for intermolecular contacts, mostly of dispersion and electrostatic character. A supramolecular 2D kite-type layer of {4,4} topology was found to form in crystals. The closed voids between layers contain disordered solvents, very weakly interacting with the molecule and the layer. It has been postulated that the separation of the layers might be influenced by an increase in temperature or the size of the solvent; hence, only methanol and ethanol hemi-solvates could be obtained from a series of various alcohols.

Discovery of G Protein-Biased Ligands against 5-HT7R.

There has been significant attention concerning the biased agonism of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and it has resulted in various pharmacological benefits. 5-HT7R belongs to a GPCR, and it is a promising pharmaceutical target for the treatment of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Based on our previous research, we synthesized a series of 6-chloro-2'-methoxy biphenyl derivatives 1, 2, and 3 with a variety of amine scaffolds. These compounds were evaluated for their binding affinities to 5-HTR subtypes and their functional selectivity toward the Gs protein and the ß-arrestin signaling pathways of 5-HT7R. Among them, 2-(6-chloro-2'-methoxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)-N-ethylethan-1-amine, 2b, was found to be a G-protein-biased ligand of 5-HT7R. In an in vivo study with Shank3 transgenic mice, the self-grooming behavior test was performed with 2b, which increased the duration of self-grooming. The experiments further suggested that 5-HT7R is associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of stereotypy in ASDs.

Investigation of Potential Antioxidant, Thrombolytic and Neuropharmacological Activities of Homalomena aromatica Leaves Using Experimental and In Silico Approaches.

The leaves of Homalomena aromatica are traditionally used in Bangladesh for the treatment of different chronic ailments. The purpose of this study was to explore in vitro antioxidant, thrombolytic activities, and in vivo neuropharmacological effects of methanolic extract of Homalomena aromatica (MEHA) leaves. Antioxidant activity of MEHA was assessed by a DPPH free radical scavenging assay and total phenolics content, total flavonoids content were also measured. The thrombolytic activity was determined by percentage of clot lysis and neuropharmacological activities by hole board, tail suspension, forced swimming and elevated plus maze tests. The results showed that the IC50 value of the extract against DPPH was 199.51 µg/mL. Quantitative analysis displayed higher contents of phenolics and flavonoids (147.71 mg gallic acid equivalent/g & 66.65 mg quercetin equivalent/g dried extract, respectively). The extract also showed a significant clot lysis (33.31%) activity. In case of anxiolytic activity, the elevate plus maze (EPM) test demonstrated an increase in time spent in open arms, and in case of hole board test, the number of head dipping was also significantly increased (p < 0.05). All the test compared with control (1% Tween in water) and standard (diazepam 1 mg/kg), significant dose (200 & 400 mg/kg) dependent anxiolytic activity was found. In antidepressant activity, there was a significant decrease in period of immobility in both test models (tail suspension and forced swimming) (p < 0.05). Moreover, 13 compounds were identified as bioactive, showed good binding affinities to xanthine oxidoreductase, tissue plasminogen activator receptor, potassium channel receptor, human serotonin receptor targets in molecular docking experiments. Furthermore, ADME/T analysis revealed their drug-likeness, likely pharmacological actions and non-toxic upon consumption. Taken together, our finding support the traditional medicinal use of this plant, which may provide a potential source for future drug discovery.

Identification and characterization of a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka).

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) receptors (5-HTRs) mediate neuroendocrine signaling via interactions with the ligand serotonin (5-HT). The 5-HT signaling system has been well studied in vertebrates, but rarely known in invertebrate animals, especially in the marine invertebrates. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel 5-HTR from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Aj5-HT4/6 ). The cloned Aj5-HT4/6 open reading frame comprised 1290 bp and encoded 429 amino acids. Bioinformatic analysis of the receptor indicated that it was a member of the class A of the G protein-coupled receptor family. Further experiments using Aj5-HT4/6 -transfected HEK293 cells demonstrated that treatment with 5-HT could induce rapid internalization of Aj5-HT4/6 fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein from the cell surface into the cytoplasm and triggered a significant increase in levels of the second messenger cAMP as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in a 5-HT dose-dependent manner. Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that Aj5-HT4/6 was predominantly expressed in the muscle and respiratory tree, and its expression was significantly decreased during estivation. Taken together, these results imply that Aj5-HT4/6 is potentially involved in the movement and metabolism of the sea cucumber.

1-Boc-Piperidine-4-Carboxaldehyde Prevents Binge-Eating Behaviour and Anxiety in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Piperidines are biogenic amines studied mainly in toxicology because they were initially found as alkaloids from peppers and insect venoms. Piperidines are also produced in the human body, and their actions seem to be related to wakefulness/sleep and other cognitive phenomena. Piperidines have been minimally characterized for therapeutic applications. In this context, 1-Boc-piperidine-4-carboxaldehyde (1-Boc-piperidine) is a piperidine-derivative molecule with no mechanism of action reported, although its uses include the synthesis of GPR119 selective agonists that have been patented as anti-obesity drugs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to study the effects of 1-Boc-piperidine on binge-eating behaviour and anxiety in Wistar rats. METHODS: In experimental protocol 1, binge-eating behaviour was induced in animals that received pre-treatment (i.p.) with (i) vehicle (methanol 10%; 1 mL/kg), (ii) 1-Boc-piperidine (1 µmol kg-1), or (iii) 1-Boc-piperidine (10 µmol kg-1). In experimental protocol 2, mildly stressed animals were evaluated in the elevated plus maze under the acute effects of the pre-treatments applied in experimental protocol 1. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 1-Boc-piperidine decreased, in a dose-dependent manner, the intake of calories from a succulent hyper-caloric food in a binge-eating protocol in female rats, whereas the acute exposition to this piperidine exerted an anxiolytic effect in the male rat. In both effects, the mechanism of action remains to be characterized.

Ursolic acid enhances stress resistance, reduces ROS accumulation and prolongs life span in C. elegans serotonin-deficient mutants.

INTRODUCTION: Depression and anxiety disorders contribute to the global disease burden. Ursolic acid (UA), a natural compound present in many vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants, was tested in vivo for its effect on (1) enhancing resistance to stress and (2) its effect on life span. METHODS: The compound was tested for its antioxidant activity in C. elegans. Stress resistance was tested in the heat and osmotic stress assay. Additionally, the influence on normal life span was examined. RT-PCR was used to assess possible serotonin targets. RESULTS: UA prolonged the life span of C. elegans. Additionally, UA significantly lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS). Molecular docking studies, PCR analysis and microscale thermophoresis (MST) supported the results that UA acts through serotonin receptors to enhance stress resistance. DISCUSSION: Considering the urgent need for new and safe medications in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, our results indicate that UA may be a promising new drug candidate.

HTR6 and SSTR3 targeting to primary cilia.

Primary cilia are hair-like projections of the cell membrane supported by an inner microtubule scaffold, the axoneme, which polymerizes out of a membrane-docked centriole at the ciliary base. By working as specialized signaling compartments, primary cilia provide an optimal environment for many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their effectors to efficiently transmit their signals to the rest of the cell. For this to occur, however, all necessary receptors and signal transducers must first accumulate at the ciliary membrane. Serotonin receptor 6 (HTR6) and Somatostatin receptor 3 (SSTR3) are two GPCRs whose signaling in brain neuronal cilia affects cognition and is implicated in psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and oncologic diseases. Over a decade ago, the third intracellular loops (IC3s) of HTR6 and SSTR3 were shown to contain ciliary localization sequences (CLSs) that, when grafted onto non-ciliary GPCRs, could drive their ciliary accumulation. Nevertheless, these CLSs were dispensable for ciliary targeting of HTR6 and SSTR3, suggesting the presence of additional CLSs, which we have recently identified in their C-terminal tails. Herein, we review the discovery and mapping of these CLSs, as well as the state of the art regarding how these CLSs may orchestrate ciliary accumulation of these GPCRs by controlling when and where they interact with the ciliary entry and exit machinery via adaptors such as TULP3, RABL2 and the BBSome.

Defining the role of mirtazapine in the treatment of refractory pruritus.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Mirtazapine has traditionally been used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, with an added benefit in patients who have comorbid insomnia or anxiety. Recent studies describe its usefulness in treating refractory pruritus of various causes as well. Our goal is to better define the use of mirtazapine in the treatment of refractory pruritus. METHOD: Through a thorough literature review of PubMed, we identified all reports of the use of mirtazapine for pruritus. RESULTS: Upon examination of 8 supporting articles, we found mirtazapine has quality evidence for the treatment of intra-thecal morphine-induced pruritus. Mirtazapine may also be effective in treating pruritus related to various other conditions, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous malignancies (primary or metastatic), hematologic malignancies (lymphomas and leukemias), liver failure, renal failure, cholestasis, as well as pruritus of unknown origin. CONCLUSIONS: Mirtazapine plays a role in treatment for intra-thecel morphine-induced pruritis yet high-quality trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in other dermatologic conditions.

The relationship between stereochemical and both, pharmacological and ADME-Tox, properties of the potent hydantoin 5-HT7R antagonist MF-8.

This study concerns synthesis and evaluation of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile for all four stereoisomers of MF-8 (5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-5-methylimidazolidine-2,4-dione), the previously described, highly potent 5-HT7R ligand with antidepressant activity on mice. The combination of DFT calculations of 1H NMR chemical shifts with docking and dynamic simulations, in comparison to experimental screening results, provided prediction of the configuration for one of two present stereogenic centers. The experimental data for stereoisomers (MF-8A-MF-8D) confirmed the significant impact of stereochemistry on both, 5-HT7R affinity and antagonistic action, with Ki and Kb values in the range of 3-366 nM and 0.024-99 µM, respectively. We also indicated the stereochemistry-dependent influence of the tested compounds on P-glycoprotein efflux, absorption in Caco-2 model, metabolic pathway as well as CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 activities.