Targeting Glial Cells by Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide 1C1 (OATP1C1)-Utilizing l-Thyroxine-Derived Prodrugs

J Med Chem. 2023 Nov 23;66(22):15094-15114. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01026. Epub 2023 Nov 6.

Abstract

OATP1C1 (organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1C1) transports thyroid hormones, particularly thyroxine (T4), into human astrocytes. In this study, we investigated the potential of utilizing OATP1C1 to improve the delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs into glial cells. We designed and synthesized eight novel prodrugs by incorporating T4 and 3,5-diiodo-l-tyrosine (DIT) as promoieties to selected anti-inflammatory drugs. The prodrug uptake in OATP1C1-expressing human U-87MG glioma cells demonstrated higher accumulation with T4 promoiety compared to those with DIT promoiety or the parent drugs themselves. In silico models of OATP1C1 suggested dynamic binding for the prodrugs, wherein the pose changed from vertical to horizontal. The predicted binding energies correlated with the transport profiles, with T4 derivatives exhibiting higher binding energies when compared to prodrugs with a DIT promoiety. Interestingly, the prodrugs also showed utilization of oatp1a4/1a5/1a6 in mouse primary astrocytes, which was further supported by docking studies and a great potential for improved brain drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anions / metabolism
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Organic Anion Transporters* / metabolism
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Prodrugs* / pharmacology
  • Thyroxine / pharmacology

Substances

  • Thyroxine
  • Prodrugs
  • Organic Anion Transporters
  • Peptides
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Anions