RESUMO
Activation of liver X receptors (LXRs) induces reverse cholesterol transport and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in vivo. Here, we describe novel, functional, homogeneous cell-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays for identifying agonists of LXRs using beta-lactamase as the reporter gene. Stable Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing LXRalpha-GAL4 or LXRbeta-GAL4 fusion proteins that regulate beta-lactamase transcription from upstream 7 x UAS GAL4 DNA binding sequences were generated and characterized. Synthetic and natural ligands of LXR dose-dependently activated the expression of beta-lactamase in a subtype-specific manner. These assays were used to demonstrate that a 1-pyridyl hydantoin small molecule LXR synthetic ligand specifically activates LXRalpha receptors. The beta-lactamase assays were optimized for cell density, dimethyl sulfoxide sensitivity, and time of agonist stimulation. Clonal LXRbeta-GAL4-beta-lactamase cells were miniaturized into an ultra high throughput (3456-well nanoplates) screening format.
Assuntos
Transferência Ressonante de Energia de Fluorescência/métodos , Fígado/metabolismo , Miniaturização/métodos , Receptores Citoplasmáticos e Nucleares/agonistas , beta-Lactamases/química , Animais , Benzoatos/química , Benzoatos/farmacologia , Benzilaminas/química , Benzilaminas/farmacologia , Células CHO , Cricetinae , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Humanos , Receptores X do Fígado , Receptores Nucleares Órfãos , Receptores Citoplasmáticos e Nucleares/metabolismoRESUMO
Liver X receptors are nuclear receptors that regulate metabolism of cholesterol. They are activated by oxysterols resulting in increased transcription of the ABCA1 gene, promoting cholesterol efflux and HDL formation. We have identified podocarpic acid anhydride as a 1nM agonist of LXRalpha and beta receptors. Functionally this agonist was over 8-10-fold better activator of LXR receptors compared to one of the natural ligands, 22-(R)-hydroxy cholesterol, in HEK-293 cells. An imide analog increased the level of HDL by 26%, decreased LDL by 10.6%, and increased triglyceride by 51% in hamsters. Discovery, synthesis, SAR and details of the activities of dimers have been described.