Dual Neutral Sphingomyelinase-2/Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

ACS Chem Biol. 2020 Jun 19;15(6):1671-1684. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00311. Epub 2020 May 14.

Abstract

We report the discovery of a novel class of compounds that function as dual inhibitors of the enzymes neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (nSMase2) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Inhibition of these enzymes provides a unique strategy to suppress the propagation of tau pathology in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We describe the key SAR elements that affect relative nSMase2 and/or AChE inhibitor effects and potency, in addition to the identification of two analogs that suppress the release of tau-bearing exosomes in vitro and in vivo. Identification of these novel dual nSMase2/AChE inhibitors represents a new therapeutic approach to AD and has the potential to lead to the development of truly disease-modifying therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / drug effects*
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Acetylcholinesterase
  • Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase