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Ensemble Docking Approach to Mitigate Pregnane X Receptor-Mediated CYP3A4 Induction Risk
Qi Chen1, Xin Zhou2, Jessica Rehmel3
1Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana46285, United States.
Structural modifications in dopamine D1 receptor positive allosteric modulators (D1 PAMs) impact CYP3A4 induction. Linker length at the C5 position of tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) scaffolds influences pregnane X receptor (PXR) activation and drug metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Drug Metabolism
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Dopamine D1 receptor positive allosteric modulators (D1 PAMs) are investigated for therapeutic potential.
- Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) induction is a critical factor in drug safety and efficacy.
- Tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) scaffolds are utilized in developing novel D1 PAMs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the CYP3A4 induction potential of THIQ-based D1 PAMs.
- To elucidate the relationship between chemical structure and CYP3A4 induction.
- To explore the role of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) in mediating CYP3A4 induction by these compounds.
Main Methods:
- Profiling of three structurally related THIQ-based D1 PAMs for CYP3A4 induction.
- Correlation analysis between CYP3A4 induction and PXR activation.
- Development of a PXR ligand-binding pocket model using ensemble docking.
- Integration with a previously established D1 receptor homology model.
Main Results:
- The length of the linker at the C5 position of the THIQ scaffold significantly influenced CYP3A4 induction potential.
- CYP3A4 induction levels correlated strongly with PXR activation.
- The developed PXR binding model successfully explained the observed differences in CYP induction.
- Structural modifications at the C5 position were predicted to modulate CYP induction without compromising D1 PAM potency.
Conclusions:
- The C5 position of THIQ-based D1 PAMs is a key site for modulating CYP3A4 induction.
- Understanding PXR interactions is crucial for designing safer D1 PAMs with predictable drug metabolism profiles.
- Structural modifications at C5 offer a strategy to optimize both pharmacological activity and metabolic safety.
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