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Published on: November 23, 2013
Neuroactive Steroid N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulators: Synthesis, SAR, and Pharmacological
Daniel S La1, Francesco G Salituro1, Gabriel Martinez Botella1
1SAGE Therapeutics , 215 First Street , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02142 , United States.
Neuroactive steroids, like 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol, modulate NMDA receptors. Researchers optimized these compounds, developing SGE-301, which enhances brain function and cognition in preclinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Steroid Chemistry
Background:
- Neuroactive steroids (NASs) are crucial for central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis.
- 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24(S)-HC), a specific NAS, acts as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of NMDA receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and optimize novel NASs with positive allosteric modulator activity at NMDA receptors.
- To characterize the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and pharmacokinetic properties of a lead compound.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 24(S)-HC as a chemical starting point for NAS discovery.
- Conducted SAR studies and pharmacokinetic optimization to identify SGE-301.
- Evaluated SGE-301's effect on long-term potentiation (LTP) in rat hippocampal slices.
- Assessed SGE-301's cognitive effects in a rat social recognition test.
Main Results:
- Identified novel NASs with significant in vitro potency and efficacy.
- Optimized NASs led to the development of SGE-301.
- SGE-301 demonstrated enhancement of LTP in hippocampal slices.
- SGE-301 dose-dependently improved cognitive performance in a social recognition study.
Conclusions:
- SGE-301 is a potent and effective NMDA receptor PAM with demonstrated pro-cognitive effects.
- This study highlights the therapeutic potential of NAS-based modulators for CNS disorders.
- Further investigation of SGE-301 is warranted for its cognitive-enhancing properties.
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