Structure-based drug design targeting the cell membrane receptor GPBAR1: exploiting the bile acid scaffold towards selective agonism

Sci Rep. 2015 Nov 16:5:16605. doi: 10.1038/srep16605.

Abstract

Bile acids can regulate nutrient metabolism through the activation of the cell membrane receptor GPBAR1 and the nuclear receptor FXR. Developing an exogenous control over these receptors represents an attractive strategy for the treatment of enterohepatic and metabolic disorders. A number of dual GPBAR1/FXR agonists are known, however their therapeutic use is limited by multiple unwanted effects due to activation of the diverse downstream signals controlled by the two receptors. On the other hand, designing selective GPBAR1 and FXR agonists is challenging since the two proteins share similar structural requisites for ligand binding. Here, taking advantage of our knowledge of the two targets, we have identified through a rational drug design study a series of amine lithocholic acid derivatives as selective GPBAR1 agonists. The presence of the 3α-NH2 group on the steroidal scaffold is responsible for the selectivity over FXR unveiling unprecedented structural insights into bile acid receptors activity modulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Design
  • Gene Expression
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lithocholic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Lithocholic Acid / chemical synthesis
  • Lithocholic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / agonists*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Transcriptional Activation / drug effects

Substances

  • GPBAR1 protein, human
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Lithocholic Acid