Small molecule dual-inhibitors of TRPV4 and TRPA1 for attenuation of inflammation and pain

Sci Rep. 2016 Jun 1:6:26894. doi: 10.1038/srep26894.

Abstract

TRPV4 ion channels represent osmo-mechano-TRP channels with pleiotropic function and wide-spread expression. One of the critical functions of TRPV4 in this spectrum is its involvement in pain and inflammation. However, few small-molecule inhibitors of TRPV4 are available. Here we developed TRPV4-inhibitory molecules based on modifications of a known TRPV4-selective tool-compound, GSK205. We not only increased TRPV4-inhibitory potency, but surprisingly also generated two compounds that potently co-inhibit TRPA1, known to function as chemical sensor of noxious and irritant signaling. We demonstrate TRPV4 inhibition by these compounds in primary cells with known TRPV4 expression - articular chondrocytes and astrocytes. Importantly, our novel compounds attenuate pain behavior in a trigeminal irritant pain model that is known to rely on TRPV4 and TRPA1. Furthermore, our novel dual-channel blocker inhibited inflammation and pain-associated behavior in a model of acute pancreatitis - known to also rely on TRPV4 and TRPA1. Our results illustrate proof of a novel concept inherent in our prototype compounds of a drug that targets two functionally-related TRP channels, and thus can be used to combat isoforms of pain and inflammation in-vivo that involve more than one TRP channel. This approach could provide a novel paradigm for treating other relevant health conditions.

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

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology*
  • Astrocytes / drug effects
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Ceruletide
  • Chondrocytes / drug effects
  • Chondrocytes / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Nociception / drug effects
  • Nociception / physiology
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Pain / metabolism
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / chemically induced
  • Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / metabolism
  • Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / physiopathology
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • Rats
  • Swine
  • TRPA1 Cation Channel / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • TRPA1 Cation Channel / metabolism
  • TRPV Cation Channels / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • TRPV Cation Channels / metabolism
  • Thiazoles / chemical synthesis
  • Thiazoles / pharmacology*
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / drug effects
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / metabolism
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / physiopathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • TRPA1 Cation Channel
  • TRPV Cation Channels
  • Thiazoles
  • Ceruletide