The Highly Potent AhR Agonist Picoberin Modulates Hh-Dependent Osteoblast Differentiation

J Med Chem. 2022 Dec 22;65(24):16268-16289. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00956. Epub 2022 Dec 2.

Abstract

Identification and analysis of small molecule bioactivity in target-agnostic cellular assays and monitoring changes in phenotype followed by identification of the biological target are a powerful approach for the identification of novel bioactive chemical matter in particular when the monitored phenotype is disease-related and physiologically relevant. Profiling methods that enable the unbiased analysis of compound-perturbed states can suggest mechanisms of action or even targets for bioactive small molecules and may yield novel insights into biology. Here we report the enantioselective synthesis of natural-product-inspired 8-oxotetrahydroprotoberberines and the identification of Picoberin, a low picomolar inhibitor of Hedgehog (Hh)-induced osteoblast differentiation. Global transcriptome and proteome profiling revealed the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as the molecular target of this compound and identified a cross talk between Hh and AhR signaling during osteoblast differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Hedgehog Proteins*
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon* / genetics
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon
  • Hedgehog Proteins