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Carboxylic Acid Bioisosteres Boost Nurr1 Agonist Selectivity
Tanja Stiller1, Christian Gege2, Wael Saeb3
1Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany.
Researchers developed a novel Nurr1 agonist, derived from vidofludimus, that selectively targets Nurr1 without inhibiting DHODH. This new compound shows potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases by promoting neuronal health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1) is a key transcription factor in neuronal development and function.
- Nurr1 dysfunction is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
- Vidofludimus, a DHODH inhibitor, also acts as a Nurr1 agonist, presenting a potential therapeutic avenue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a selective Nurr1 agonist derived from vidofludimus.
- To create a research tool that activates Nurr1 without inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH).
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of Nurr1 activation in neurodegenerative conditions.
Main Methods:
- Bioisosteric replacement of the carboxylate motif in vidofludimus.
- Synthesis and characterization of novel Nurr1 agonists.
- Assays to determine Nurr1 agonism and DHODH inhibitory potency.
- Treatment of dopaminergic neural cells with the optimized agonist.
Main Results:
- A novel tetrazole-based Nurr1 agonist was successfully synthesized.
- The new compound demonstrated >100-fold selectivity for Nurr1 over DHODH.
- Treatment induced genes associated with neuroprotection and neuronal health in dopaminergic cells.
Conclusions:
- Selective Nurr1 activation is achievable through chemical modification of existing drugs.
- The developed Nurr1 agonist is a valuable tool for studying Nurr1's role in neurodegeneration.
- Targeting Nurr1 holds promise for developing new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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