The nuclear membrane organization of leukotriene synthesis.

Leukotrienes (LTs) are signaling molecules derived from arachidonic acid that initiate and amplify innate and adaptive immunity. In turn, how their synthesis is organized on the nuclear envelope of myeloid cells in response to extracellular signals is not understood. We define the supramolecular architecture of LT synthesis by identifying the activation-dependent assembly of novel multiprotein complexes on the outer and inner nuclear membranes of mast cells. These complexes are centered on the integral membrane protein 5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Protein, which we identify as a scaffold protein for 5-Lipoxygenase, the initial enzyme of LT synthesis. We also identify these complexes in mouse neutrophils isolated from inflamed joints. Our studies reveal the macromolecular organization of LT synthesis.

Novel glucocorticoids containing a 6,5-bicyclic core fused to a pyrazole ring: synthesis, in vitro profile, molecular modeling studies, and in vivo experiments.

Chemistry was developed to synthesize the title series of compounds. The ability of these novel ligands to bind to the glucocorticoid receptor was investigated. These compounds were also tested in a series of functional assays and some were found to display the profile of a dissociated glucocorticoid. The SAR of the 6,5-bicyclic series differed markedly from the previously reported 6,6-series. Molecular modeling studies were employed to understand the conformational differences between the two series of compounds, which may explain their divergent activity. Two compounds were profiled in vivo and shown to reduce inflammation in a mouse model. An active metabolite is suspected in one case.

Development of a high-capacity homogeneous fluorescent assay for the measurement of leukotriene B4.

Current immunoassays for the measurement of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) typically utilize an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format that requires multiple incubations and washing steps and often expensive immunoassay kits. We have developed a bead-based, mix and read, indirect fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay utilizing fluorometric microvolume assay technology (FMAT). The assay employs a monoclonal anti-LTB(4) antibody-coated onto goat antimouse antibody coupled polystyrene beads and an AlexaFluor-647-coupled LTB(4) ligand. Because the FMAT measurement is made only in the portion of the well volume containing the settled beads coated with AF647-LTB(4), the free label in the solution is not measured. Similarly, substances present in plasma that interfere with other immunoassays are largely ignored. The assay is robust (Z=0.8; S/N=250) and can be measured in the presence of relatively high concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide or serum. It is inexpensive (<0.10 dollars/assay) and amenable to robotics and has a sensitivity comparable to that of the most sensitive ELISA assays; the concentration of LTB(4) giving 50% inhibition (IC(50)) was ca. 55pg/ml. Cross-reactivity in the FMAT assay was comparable to that of the ELISA assay with significant cross-reactivity found only with 20-hydroxy LTB(4) and 12-epi LTB(4). Measurements of LTB(4) determined by FMAT were equivalent to those measured by standard ELISA in samples of ionophore-stimulated human neutrophils or whole blood.

Novel ketal ligands for the glucocorticoid receptor: in vitro and in vivo activity.

A novel series of selective ligands for the human glucocorticoid receptor is described. Structure-activity studies focused on variation of B-ring size, ketal ring size, and ketal substitution. These analogs were found to be potent and selective ligands for GR and have partial agonist profiles in functional assays for transactivation (TAT, GS) and transrepression (IL-6). Of these compounds, 27, 28, and 35 were evaluated further in a mouse LPS-induced TNF-alpha secretion model. Compound 28 had an ED(50) of 14.1 mg/kg compared with 0.5 mg/kg for prednisolone in the same assay.

Novel heterocyclic glucocorticoids: in vitro profile and in vivo efficacy.

A series of novel ligands for the glucocorticoid receptor containing two heterocycles were synthesized. These compounds were investigated for a dissociative profile using transrepression and transactivation assays. Several compounds were tested in vivo and showed the ability to reduce inflammation in a mouse.

The membrane organization of leukotriene synthesis.

Cell signaling leading to the formation of leukotriene (LT)C(4) requires the localization of the four key biosynthetic enzymes on the outer nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum. Whether any macromolecular organization of these proteins exists is unknown. By using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and biochemical analysis, we demonstrate the presence of two distinct multimeric complexes that regulate the formation of LTs in RBL-2H3 cells. One complex consists of multimers of LTC(4) synthase and the 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP). The second complex consists of multimers of FLAP. Surprisingly, all LTC(4) synthase was found to be in association with FLAP. The results indicate that the formation of LTC(4) and LTB(4) may be determined by the compartmentalization of biosynthetic enzymes in discrete molecular complexes.