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Opioid and GABAA receptors are both located in central nociceptive pathways, and compounds that activate these receptors have pain-relieving properties. To date, the interactive effects of concurrent administration of these compounds in preclinical models of pain-like behaviors have not been assessed. The purpose of this study was to examine the interactive effects of the μ-opioid agonist morphine and the α2GABAA and α3GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator methyl 8-ethynyl-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-benzo[f]imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepine-3-carboxylate (MP-III-024) in preclinical models of mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal nociception. The antihyperalgesic and antinociceptive effects of morphine and MP-III-024 administered alone were assessed initially, followed by fixed-ratio mixtures of MP-III-024/morphine combinations. Drug interaction data were analyzed using isobolographic and dose-addition analyses. All studies were conducted in male CD-1 mice. In the assay of mechanical hyperalgesia, each compound produced dose-dependent antihyperalgesic effects, whereas only morphine was effective on thermal nociception. Fixed-ratio mixtures of MP-III-024/morphine were also dose-dependently effective in both procedures. These drug combination studies revealed that morphine and MP-III-024 produced supra-additive (synergistic) effects in both assays, depending on their relative proportions. These results demonstrate an interaction between α2GABAA and α3GABAA receptor- and μ-opioid receptor-mediated signals and suggest that combination therapy may be useful for the treatment of pain-related disorders.

[Image: see text] Phosphoantigens (pAgs) are small organophosphorus compounds such as (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl diphosphate (HMBPP) that trigger an immune response. These molecules bind to butyrophilin 3A1 (part of the HMBPP receptor) and activate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. To explore the structure–activity relationships underlying this process, we evaluated a series of novel diene analogs of HMBPP. Here we report that prodrug forms of [(1E)-4-methylpenta-1,3-dien-1-yl] phosphonic acid that lack the allylic alcohol of HMBPP but instead contained a diene scaffold exhibit mid-nanomolar potency for the activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. The compounds also trigger the production of T-cell interferon γ upon exposure to loaded K562 cells. Although both the allylic alcohol and the diene scaffold boost pAg activity, the combination of the two decreases the activity and results in glutathione conjugation. Together, these data show that the diene scaffold results in intermediate pAgs that may have implications for the mechanisms regulating the HMBPP receptor.

Notch proteins drive oncogenesis of many cancers, most prominently T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Because geranylgeranylated Rab proteins regulate Notch processing, we hypothesized that inhibition of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) would impair Notch processing and reduce viability of T-ALL cells that express Notch. Here, we show that GGDPS inhibition reduces Notch1 expression and impairs the proliferation of T-ALL cells. GGDPS inhibition also reduces Rab7 membrane association and depletes Notch1 mRNA. GGDPS inhibition increases phosphorylation of histone H2A.X, and inhibitors of ataxia telangiectasia-mutated kinase (ATM) mitigate GGDPS inhibitor-induced apoptosis. GGDPS inhibition also influences c-abl activity downstream of caspases, and inhibitors of these enzymes prevent GGDPS inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Surprisingly, induction of apoptosis by GGDPS inhibition is reduced by co-treatment with γ-secretase inhibitors. While inhibitors of γ-secretase deplete one specific form of the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD), they also increase Notch1 mRNA expression and increase alternate forms of Notch1 protein expression in cells treated with a GGDPS inhibitor. Furthermore, inhibitors of γ-secretase and ATM increase Notch1 mRNA stability independent of GGDPS inhibition. These results provide a model by which T-ALL cells use Notch1 to avoid DNA-damage-induced apoptosis, and can be overcome by inhibition of GGDPS through effects on Notch1 expression and its subsequent response.

Small-molecule phosphoantigens such as (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl diphosphate stimulate human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells after binding to the intracellular B30.2 domain of the immune receptor butyrophilin 3 isoform A1 (BTN3A1). To understand the ligand-target interaction in greater detail, we performed molecular docking. Based on the docking results, we synthesized the novel ligand (E)-(7-hydroxy-6-methylhept-5-en-1-yl)phosphonate and mutated proposed binding site residues. We evaluated the impact on butyrophilin binding of existing and novel ligands using a newly developed high-throughput fluorescence polarization assay. We also evaluated the ability of the compounds to stimulate proliferation and interferon-γ production of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Mutation of H381 fully blocked ligand binding, whereas mutations to charged surface residues impacted diphosphate interactions. Monophosphonate analogs bind similarly to BTN3A1, although they differ in their antigenicity, demonstrating that binding and efficacy are not linearly correlated. These results further define the structure-activity relationships underlying BTN3A1 ligand binding and antigenicity and support further structure-guided drug design.

Positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors or GABAkines have been widely used medicines for over 70 years for anxiety, epilepsy, sleep, and other disorders. Traditional GABAkines like diazepam have safety and tolerability concerns that include sedation, motor-impairment, respiratory depression, tolerance and dependence. Multiple GABAkines have entered clinical development but the issue of side-effects has not been fully solved. The present review focuses on the new GABAkines in. The compounds that are presently being developed and commercialized include several neuroactive steroids (an allopregnanolone formulation (brexanolone), an allopregnanolone prodrug (LYT-300), Sage-324, zuranolone, and ganaxolone), the α2/3-preferring GABAkine, KRM-II-81, and the α2/3/5-preferring GABAkine PF-06372865 (darigabat). The neuroactive steroids are in clinical development for post-partum depression, intractable epilepsy, tremor, status epilepticus, and genetic epilepsy disorders. Darigabat is in development for epilepsy and anxiety. The imidazodiazepine, KRM-II-81 is efficacious in animal models for the treatment of epilepsy and post-traumatic epilepsy, acute and chronic pain, as well as anxiety and depression. The efficacy of KRM-II-81 in models of pharmacoresistant epilepsy, preventing the development of seizure sensitization, and in brain tissue of intractable epileptic patients bodes well for improved therapeutics. Medicinal chemistry efforts are also ongoing to identify novel and improved GABAkines. The data document gaps in our understanding of the molecular pharmacology of GABAkines that drive differential pharmacological profiles, but emphasize advancements in the ability to successfully utilize GABAA receptor potentiation for therapeutic gain in neurology and psychiatry.

Background: Positive and negative allosteric modulators of α5 GABAA receptors (PAM and NAM, respectively) are worthy of investigation as putative treatments of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, their potential to modify a dynamic range of behaviors in AD models needs to be systematically examined. Objective: The study aimed to assess effects of MP-III-022 as PAM and PWZ-029 as NAM on emotional reactivity, motivation, and motor function, as well as on gene expression of GABRA2, GABRA3 and GABRA5 subunit of GABAA receptors in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HC) in 5xFAD mice, as an early-onset transgenic AD model. Methods: The 6-month-old 5xFAD transgenic and non-transgenic mice of both genders underwent a battery of reflexes and behavioral tests (sensorimotor tests, elevated plus maze, and open field) after 10-day intraperitoneal treatment with MP-III-022, PWZ-029, or solvent. The behavioral battery was followed by qPCR analysis of gene expression. Results: MP-III-022 induced a decline in motor function, while PWZ-029 further decreased emotionality of transgenic males, as compared to the transgenic control. No interfering effects on non-cognitive behavior were observed in female mice. In HC, both treatments reversed reciprocal GABRA2 and GABRA3 changes in transgenic females. In PFC, MP-III-022 decreased GABRA5 in both genders, while PWZ-029 increased GABRA2 in male transgenic animals. Conclusion: Gender-dependent protracted effects of PAMs and NAMs in AD model, with detrimental impact on motor capabilities of PAM, and attenuation of emotionality elicited by NAM in transgenic males, were revealed. This favors future research of α5 GABAA receptor modulation in females as more promising.

[Image: see text] (E)-4-Hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl diphosphate (HMBPP) and its phosphonate analogs are potent phosphoantigens. HMBPP contains an (E)-allylic alcohol which interacts with the molecular target BTN3A1 giving an antigenic signal to activate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. As probes of BTN3A1 function, we prepared prodrug derivatives of the HMBPP analog C-HMBP that lack the (E)-allylic alcohol or have modified it to an aldehyde or aldoxime and evaluated their biological activity. Removal of the alcohol completely abrogates phosphoantigenicity in these compounds while the aldoxime modification decreases potency relative to the (E)-allylic alcohol form. However, homoprenyl derivatives oxidized to an aldehyde stimulate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells at nanomolar concentrations. Selection of phosphonate protecting groups (i.e., prodrug forms) impacts the potency of phosphoantigen aldehydes, with mixed aryl acyloxyalkyl forms exhibiting superior activity relative to aryl amidate forms. The activity correlates with the cellular reduction of the aldehyde to the alcohol form. Thus, the functionality on this ligand framework can be altered concurrently with phosphonate protection to promote cellular transformation to highly potent phosphoantigens.

RATIONALE: Opioid and GABA(A) receptors are both located in central nociceptive pathways and compounds that activate these receptors have pain-relieving properties. To date, the interactive effects of concurrent administration of these compounds in preclinical models of pain-like behaviors have not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the interactive effects of the μ-opioid agonist morphine and the α2GABA(A) and α3GABA(A) receptor positive allosteric modulator methyl 8-ethynyl-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-benzo[f]imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepine-3-carboxylate (MP-III-024) in preclinical models of mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal nociception. METHODS: The antihyperalgesic and antinociceptive effects of morphine and MP-III-024 administered alone were assessed initially, followed by fixed-ratio mixtures of MP-III-024/morphine combinations. Drug interaction data were analyzed using isobolographic and dose-addition analyses. All studies were conducted in male CD-1 mice. RESULTS: In the assay of mechanical hyperalgesia, each compound produced dose-dependent antihyperalgesic effects, whereas only morphine was effective on thermal nociception. Fixed-ratio mixtures of MP-III-024/morphine were also dose-dependently effective in both procedures. These drug combination studies revealed that morphine and MP-III-024 produced supra-additive (synergistic) effects in both assays, depending on their relative proportions. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate an interaction between α2GABA(A) and α3GABA(A) receptor- and μ-opioid receptor-mediated signals, and suggest that combination therapy may be useful for the treatment of pain-related disorders.

In order to develop improved anxiolytic drugs, 8-substituted analogs of triazolam were synthesized in an effort to discover compounds with selectivity for α2/α3 subunit-containing GABAA subtypes. Two compounds in this series, XLi-JY-DMH (6-(2-chlorophenyl)-8-ethynyl-1-methyl-4H-benzo [f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine) and SH-TRI-108 [(E)-8-ethynyl-1-methyl-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-benzo [f][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]diazepine], were evaluated for in vitro and in vivo properties associated with GABAA subtype-selective ligands. In radioligand binding assays conducted in transfected HEK cells containing rat αXβ3γ2 subtypes (X = 1,2,3,5), no evidence of selectivity was obtained, although differences in potency relative to triazolam were observed overall (triazolam > XLi-JY-DMH > SH-TRI-108). In studies with rat αXβ3γ2 subtypes (X = 1,2,3,5) using patch-clamp electrophysiology, no differences in maximal potentiation of GABA-mediated Cl− current was obtained across subtypes for any compound. However, SH-TRI-108 demonstrated a 25-fold difference in functional potency between α1β3γ2 vs. α2β3γ2 subtypes. We evaluated the extent to which this potency difference translated into behavioral pharmacological differences in monkeys. In a rhesus monkey conflict model of anxiolytic-like effects, triazolam, XLi-JY-DMH, and SH-TR-108 increased rates of responding attenuated by shock (anti-conflict effect) but also attenuated non-suppressed responding. In a squirrel monkey observation procedure, both analogs engendered a profile of sedative-motor effects similar to that reported previously for triazolam. In molecular docking studies, we found that the interactions of the 8-ethynyl triazolobenzodiazepines with the C-loop of the α1GABAA site was stronger than that of imidazodiazepines XHe-II-053 and HZ-166, which may account for the non-sedating yet anxiolytic profile of these latter compounds when evaluated in previous studies.

A series of novel imidazobenzodiazepine analogs of the lead chiral ligand SH-053–2’F-S-CH(3) (2), an α2/α3/α5 (Bz)GABA (A)ergic receptor subtype selective ligand, which reversed PCP-induced prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle, were synthesized. These chiral (S)-CH(3) ligands are targeted for the treatment of schizophrenia and depression. These new ligands were designed by modifying the liable ester functionality in 2 to improve the metabolic stability, cytotoxicity, and activity as compared to 2. Based on the data to date, the most promising ligands are the N-cyclopropyl amide GL-I-55 (8c) and the methyl bioisostere GL-I-65 (9a). The in vitro metabolic stability, cytotoxicity and in vivo locomotor effects are described in this report. Based on these results, 8c and 9a are the most promising for further in vivo pharmacology.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties mediated by the &kappa, opioid receptor (KOR) have been reported for oxadiazole imidazodiazepines. Affinities determined by radioligand competition assays of more than seventy imidazodiazepines using cell homogenates from HEK293 cells that overexpress KOR, &micro, opioid receptor (MOR), and &delta, opioid receptor (DOR) are presented. Affinities to synaptic, benzodiazepine-sensitive receptors (BZR) were determined with rat brain extract. The highest affinity for KOR was recorded for GL-I-30 (Ki of 27 nM) and G-protein recruitment was observed with an EC50 of 32 nM. Affinities for MOR and DOR were weak for all compounds. Ester and amide imidazodiazepines were among the most active KOR ligands but also competed with 3H-flunitrazepam for brain extract binding, which is mediated predominately by gamma aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAAR) of the &alpha, 1-3&beta, 2-3&gamma, 1-2 subtypes. Imidazodiazepines with carboxylic acid and primary amide groups did not bind KOR but interacted strongly with GABAARs. Pyridine substitution reduced KOR affinity. Oxadiazole imidazodiazepines exhibited good KOR binding and interacted weakly with BZR, whereas oxazole imidazodiazepines were more selective towards BZR. Compounds that lack the imidazole moiety, the pendent phenyl, or pyridine substitutions exhibited insignificant KOR affinities. It can be concluded that a subset of imidazodiazepines represents novel KOR ligands with high selectivity among opioid receptors.

The goal of this research is the identification of new treatments for neuropathic pain. We characterized the GABAergic system of immortalized mouse and human microglia using electrophysiology and qRT-PCR. Cells from both species exhibited membrane current changes in response to γ-aminobutyric acid, with an EC(50) of 260 nM and 1940 nM, respectively. Human microglia expressed high levels of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA(A)R) α(3) subunit, which can assemble with β(1) and γ(2)/δ subunits to form functional GABA(A)Rs. Mouse microglia contained α(2), α(3) and α(5), in addition to β(1–3), γ(1–2) and δ, mRNA, enabling a more diverse array of GABA(A)Rs than human microglia. Benzodiazepines are well-established modulators of GABA(A)R activity, prompting a screen of a library of diverse benzodiazepines in microglia for cellular effects. Several active compounds were identified by reduction of nitric oxide (NO) in interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide activated microglia. However, further investigation with GABA(A)R antagonists flumazenil, picrotoxin, and bicuculline demonstrated that GABA(A)Rs were not linked to the NO response. A screen of 48 receptors identified the κ-opioid receptor and to a lesser extent the μ-opioid receptor as molecular targets, with opioid receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine reversing benzodiazepine induced reduction of microglial NO. Functional assays identified the downregulation of inducible NO synthase as the mode of action of imidazodiazepines MP-IV-010 and GL-IV-03. Like other κ-opioid receptor agonists, GL-IV-03 reduced the agitation response in both phases of the formalin nociception test. However, unlike other κ-opioid receptor agonists, MP-IV-010 and GL-IV-03 did not impair sensorimotor coordination in mice. Thus, MP-IV-010 and GL-IV-03 represent a new class of non-sedative drug candidates for inflammatory pain.

HZ-166 has previously been characterized as an α2,3-selective GABAA receptor modulator with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and anti-nociceptive properties but reduced motor effects. We discovered a series of ester bioisosteres with reduced metabolic liabilities, leading to improved efficacy as anxiolytic-like compounds in rats. In the present study, we evaluated the anticonvulsant effects KRM-II-81 across several rodent models. In some models we also evaluated key structural analogs. KRM-II-81 suppressed hyper-excitation in a network of cultured cortical neurons without affecting the basal neuronal activity. KRM-II-81 was active against electroshock-induced convulsions in mice, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions in rats, elevations in PTZ-seizure thresholds, and amygdala-kindled seizures in rats with efficacies greater than that of diazepam. KRM-II-81 was also active in the 6 Hz seizure model in mice. Structural analogs of KRM-II-81 but not the ester, HZ-166, were active in all models in which they were evaluated. We further evaluated KRM-II-81 in human cortical epileptic tissue where it was found to significantly-attenuate picrotoxin- and AP-4-induced increases in firing rate across an electrode array. These molecules generally had a wider margin of separation in potencies to produce anticonvulsant effects vs. motor impairment on an inverted screen test than did diazepam. Ester bioisosters of HZ-166 are thus presented as novel agents for the potential treatment of epilepsy acting via selective positive allosteric amplification of GABAA signaling through α2/α3-containing GABA receptors. The in vivo data from the present study can serve as a guide to dosing parameters that predict engagement of central GABAA receptors.

A series of novel imidazobenzodiazepine analogs of the lead chiral ligand SH-053-2'F-S-CH3 (2), an α2/α3/α5 (Bz)GABA (A)ergic receptor subtype selective ligand, which reversed PCP-induced prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle, were synthesized. These chiral (S)-CH3 ligands are targeted for the treatment of schizophrenia and depression. These new ligands were designed by modifying the liable ester functionality in 2 to improve the metabolic stability, cytotoxicity, and activity as compared to 2. Based on the data to date, the most promising ligands are the N-cyclopropyl amide GL-I-55 (8c) and the methyl bioisostere GL-I-65 (9a). The in vitro metabolic stability, cytotoxicity and in vivo locomotor effects are described in this report. Based on these results, 8c and 9a are the most promising for further in vivo pharmacology.

Associated with frank neuropathology, patients with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from a host of neuropsychiatric symptoms that include depression, apathy, agitation, and aggression. Negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of α5-containing GABAA receptors have been suggested to be a novel target for antidepressant action. We hypothesized that pharmacological modulation of this target would engender increased motivation in stressful environments. We utilized electrophysiological recordings from Xenopus oocytes and behavioral measures in mice to address this hypothesis. In the forced-swim assay in mice that detects antidepressant drugs, the α5β3γ2 GABAΑ receptor NAM, RY-080 produced a marked antidepressant phenotype. Another compound, PWZ-029, was characterized as an α5β3γ2 receptor NAM of lower intrinsic efficacy in electrophysiological studies in Xenopus oocytes. In contrast to RY-080, PWZ-029 was only moderately active in the forced-swim assay and the α5β3γ2 receptor antagonist, Xli-093, was not active at all. The effects of RY-080 were prevented by the non-selective benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil as well as by the selective ligands, PWZ-029 and Xli-093. These findings demonstrate that this effect of RY-080 is driven by negative allosteric modulation of α5βγ2 GABAA receptors. RY-080 was not active in the tail-suspension test. We also demonstrated a reduction in the age-dependent hyperactivity exhibited by transgenic mice that accumulate pathological tau (rTg4510 mice) by RY-080. The decrease in hyperactivity by RY-080 was selective for the hyperactivity of the rTg4510 mice since the locomotion of control strains of mice were not significantly affected by RY-080. α5βγ2 GABAA receptor NAMs might function as a pharmacological treatment for mood, amotivational syndromes, and psychomotor agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Studies of aryl phosphonate derivatives of a butyrophilin 3A1 ligand have resulted in identification of a potent stimulant of Vγ9 Vδ2 T cells. This compound, a mixed ester bearing one pivaloyloxymethyl substituent and one 1-naphthyl ester displayed an EC50 of 0.79 nM as a stimulant of T cell proliferation, and a 9.0 nM EC50 in an assay designed to measure interferon gamma production. In both assays, this is the most potent butyrophilin ligand prodrug yet reported, and thus it should be a valuable tool for studies of T cell function. Furthermore, mixed aryl/acyloxyalkyl esters may represent a new class of phosphonate prodrugs with high efficacy.

Small isoprenoid diphosphates, such as (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl diphosphate (HMBPP), are ligands of the internal domain of BTN3A1. Ligand binding in target cells promotes activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. We demonstrate by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) that HMBPP binding to the internal domain of BTN3A1 induces a conformational change in the position of the B30.2 domain relative to the juxtamembrane (JM) region. To better understand the molecular details of this conformational rearrangement, NMR spectroscopy was used to discover that the JM region interacts with HMBPP, specifically at the diphosphate. The spectral location of the affected amide peaks, partial NMR assignments, and JM mutants (ST296AA or T304A) investigated, confirm that the backbone amide of at least one Thr (Thr304), adjacent to conserved Ser, comes close to the HMBPP diphosphate, whereas double mutation of nonconserved residues (Ser/Thr296/297) may perturb the local fold. Cellular mutation of either of the identified Thr residues reduces the activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells by HMBPP, zoledronate, and POM2-C-HMBP, but not by a partial agonist BTN3 antibody. Taken together, our results show that ligand binding to BTN3A1 induces a conformational change within the intracellular domain that involves the JM region and is required for full activation.—Nguyen, K., Li, J., Puthenveetil, R., Lin, X., Poe, M. M., Hsiao, C.-H. C., Vinogradova, O., Wiemer, A. J. The butyrophilin 3A1 intracellular domain undergoes a conformational change involving the juxtamembrane region.

γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors are located in spinal nociceptive circuits where they mediate the transmission of pain sensory signals from the periphery to higher centers. Benzodiazepine-type drugs bind GABAA, receptors containing α1, α2, α3, and α5 subunits (α1GABAA, α2GABAA, α3GABAA, and α5GABAA receptors, respectively) through which they inhibit the transmission of these signals. However, the role of these different GABAA receptor subtypes in the antihyperalgisic properties of benzodiazepine-type drugs has not been characterized fully and is limited by currently available compounds. In the present study we describe the novel benzodiazepine site positive allosteric modulator modulator methyl 8-ethynyl-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-benzo[f]imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepine-3-carboxylate (MP-III-024). MP-III-024 displayed preference for α2GABAA and α3GABAA receptors relative to α1GABAA and α5GABAA receptors as well as an improved metabolic profile relative to subtype-selective positive modulators that are available currently. MP-III-024 produced a dose- and time-dependent reversal of mechanical sensitivity. On locomotor activity and schedule-controlled responding, MP-III-024 was ineffective across the doses tested. These data provide further evidence that α2GABAA and α3GABAA receptors play an important role in the antihyperalgiesic effects and may not be involved in some of the off target effects of benzodiazepine-like drugs. Further, these findings suggest that MP-III-024 is an ideal research tool for investigating the role of α2GABAA and α3GABAA receptors in the behavioral properties of benzodiazepine-like drugs in mice.

We describe pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of two novel oral drug candidates for asthma. Phenolic α4β3γ2 GABAAR selective compound 1 and acidic α5β3γ2 selective GABAAR positive allosteric modulator compound 2 relaxed airway smooth muscle ex vivo and attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a murine model of asthma. Importantly, compound 2 relaxed acetylcholine contracted human tracheal airway smooth muscle strips. Oral treatment of compound 1 and 2 decreased eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in ovalbumin sensitized and challenged mice, thus exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, compound 1 reduced the number of lung CD4+ T lymphocytes and directly modulated their transmembrane currents by acting on GABAARs. Excellent pharmacokinetic properties were observed, including long plasma half-life (up to 15 hours), oral availability, and extremely low brain distribution. In conclusion, we report the selective targeting of GABAARs expressed outside the brain and demonstrate reduction of AHR and airway inflammation with two novel orally available GABAAR ligands.

GABAA positive allosteric modulators (GABAA PAMs), such as diazepam and zolpidem, are used clinically for anxiety and insomnia, but abuse liability is a concern. Novel GABAA PAMS may have lower abuse liability while retaining clinical utility. The present study compared abuse-related effects of the non-selective GABAA PAM diazepam, the α1-selective GABAA PAM zolpidem, and three novel GABAA PAMs (JY-XHe-053, XHe-II-053, and HZ-166) using intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) in rats. These novel compounds have relatively low efficacy at α1-, α2-, and α3-containing GABAA receptors, putative in vivo selectivity at α2/α3-containing GABAA receptors, and produce anxiolytic-like effects with limited sedation in non-human primates. Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 17) were each implanted with a bipolar electrode in the medial forebrain bundle and trained to respond under a fixed-ratio 1 schedule of reinforcement for electrical brain stimulation. The potency and time course of effects were compared for diazepam (0.1–10 mg/kg), zolpidem (0.032–3.2 mg/kg), and the three novel compounds (JY-XHe-053, XHe-II-053, and HZ-166; all 3.2–32 mg/kg). Zolpidem and diazepam produced transient facilitation of ICSS at small doses and more sustained rate-decreasing effects at larger doses. JY-XHe-053 and HZ-166 produced weak and inconsistent ICSS facilitation, whereas XHe-II-053 had no effect on ICSS. These results support a key role for α1-containing GABAA receptors in mediating GABAA PAM-induced ICSS facilitation. These results are concordant with drug self-administration studies in monkeys in suggesting that GABAA PAMs with low α1 efficacy and putative α2/α3 selectivity have lower abuse liability than high-efficacy non-selective or α1-selective GABAA PAMs.

Butyrophilin 3A1 (BTN3A1) binds small phosphorous-containing molecules, which initiates transmembrane signaling and activates butyrophilin-responsive cells. We synthesized several phosphinophosphonates and their corresponding tris-pivaloyloxymethyl prodrugs and examined their effects on BTN3A1. An analog of (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl diphosphate (HMBPP) bound to BTN3A1 with intermediate affinity, which was enthalpy-driven. Docking studies revealed binding to the basic surface pocket and interactions between the allylic hydroxyl group and the BTN3A1 backbone. The phosphinophosphonate stimulated proliferation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells with moderate activity (EC50 = 26 µM). Cellular potency was enhanced >600-fold in the tris-POM prodrug (EC50 = 0.041 µM). The novel prodrug also induced T cell mediated leukemia cell lysis. Analysis of dose response data reveals HMBPP-induced Hill coefficients of 0.69 for target cell lysis and 0.68 in interferon secretion. Together, tris-POM prodrugs enhance the cellular activity of phosphinophosphonates, reveal structure-activity relationships of butyrophilin ligands, and support a negatively cooperative model of cellular butyrophilin activation.

Pain remains a challenging clinical condition and spinal GABAA receptors are crucial modulators of pain processing. α2/α3-subtype GABAA receptors mediate the analgesic actions of benzodiazepines. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) at α2/α3-subtype GABAA receptors may have analgesic potential. Here we report a new selective α2/α3-subtype GABAA receptor PAM in in vitro and in vivo pain assays. KRM-II-81 demonstrated similar efficacy at α1/α2/α3 GABAA receptors and negligible efficacy at α4/α5/α6 GABAA receptors, with α2 and α3- subtypes being 17- and 28-fold more potent than α1 subtypes in HEK-293T cells expressing GABAA receptors with different α subunits. In contrast, KRM-II-18B showed significant efficacy at α1/α2/α3/α5 subtypes, with similar potency at α1/α2/α3 subtypes. Both PAMs and morphine dose-dependently decreased 0.6% acetic acid- and 0.32% lactic acid-induced writhing. The effects of both PAMs were reversed by the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil, confirming their action at the benzodiazepine binding site of GABAA receptors. Both PAMS and morphine all dose-dependently reversed 0.32% lactic acid (but not 0.6% acetic acid)-induced suppression of nesting behavior. Acetaminophen, but neither PAM, reversed acid-depressed locomotor activity. Combined, these findings suggest that KRM-II-81 is a selective α2/α3 subtype GABAA PAM with significant antinociceptive effects in chemical stimulation-induced pain in mice.

We describe the synthesis of analogs of XHE-III-74, a selective α4β3γ2 GABAAR ligand, shown to relax airway smooth muscle ex vivo and reduce airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine asthma model. To improve properties of this compound as an asthma therapeutic, a series of analogs with a deuterated methoxy group in place of methoxy group at C-8 position was evaluated for isotope effects in preclinical assays; including microsomal stability, cytotoxicity, and sensorimotor impairment. The deuterated compounds were equally or more metabolically stable than the corresponding non-deuterated analogs and increased sensorimotor impairment was observed for some deuterated compounds. Thioesters were more cytotoxic in comparison to other carboxylic acid derivatives of this compound series. The most promising compound 16 identified from the in vitro screens also strongly inhibited smooth muscle constriction in ex vivo guinea pig tracheal rings. Smooth muscle relaxation, determined by reduction of airway hyperresponsiveness with a murine ovalbumin sensitized and challenged model, showed that 16 was efficacious at low methacholine concentrations. However, this effect was limited due to suboptimal pharmacokinetics of 16. Based on these findings, further analogs of XHE-III-74 will be investigated to improve in vivo metabolic stability while retaining the efficacy at lung tissues involved in asthma pathology.

Clinical evidence indicates that positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABA(A) receptors have analgesic benefit in addition to efficacy in anxiety disorders. However, the utility of GABA(A) receptor PAMs as analgesics is compromised by the central nervous system side effects of non-selective potentiators. A selective potentiator of GABA(A) receptors associated with α2/3 subunits, KRM-II-81(5-(8-ethynyl-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-benzo[f]imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepin-3-yl)oxazole), has demonstrated anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and antinociceptive effects in rodents with reduced motoric side effects. The present study evaluated the potential of KRM-II-81 as a novel analgesic. Oral administration of KRM-II-81 attenuated formalin-induced flinching; in contrast, diazepam was not active. KRM-II-81 attenuated nociceptive-associated behaviors engendered by chronic spinal nerve ligation (L5/L6). Diazepam decreased locomotion of rats at the dose tested in the formalin assay (10 mg/kg) whereas KRM-II-81 produced small decreases that were not dose-dependent (10-100 mg/kg). Plasma and brain levels of KRM-II-81 were used to demonstrate selectivity for α2/3- over α1-associated GABA(A) receptors and to define the degree of engagement of these receptors. Plasma and brain concentrations of KRM-II-81 were positively-associated with analgesic efficacy. GABA currents from isolated rat dorsal-root ganglion cultures were potentiated by KRM-II-81 with an ED(50) of 32nM. Measures of respiratory depression were reduced by alprazolam whereas KRM-II-81 was either inactive or produced effects with lower potency and efficacy. These findings add to the growing body of data supporting the idea that α2/3-selective GABA(A) receptor PAMs will have efficacy and tolerability as pain medications including those for neuropathic pain. Given their predicted anxiolytic effects, α2/3-selective GABA(A) receptor PAMs offer an additional inroad into the management of pain.

1,4-Benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders but have limited long-term use due to adverse effects. HZ-166 (2) has been shown to have anxiolytic-like effects with reduced sedative/ataxic liabilities. A 1,3-oxazole KRM-II-81 (9) was discovered from a series of six bioisosteres with significantly improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties as compared to 2. Oxazole 9 was further characterized and exhibited improved anxiolytic-like effects in a mouse marble burying assay and a rat Vogel conflict test.

Introduction Automated patch clamp is a recent but widely used technology to assess pre-clinical drug safety. With the availability of human neurons derived from pluripotent stem cells, this technology can be extended to determine CNS effects of drug candidates, especially those acting on the GABA A receptor. Methods iCell Neurons (Cellular Dynamics International, A Fujifilm Company) were cultured for ten days and analyzed by patch clamp in the presence of agonist GABA or in combination with positive allosteric GABA A receptor modulators. Both efficacy and affinity were determined. In addition, mRNA of GABA A receptor subunits were quantified by qRT-PCR. Results We have shown that iCell Neurons are compatible with the IonFlux microfluidic system of the automated patch clamp instrument. Resistance ranging from 15 to 25 MΩ was achieved for each trap channel of patch clamped cells in a 96-well plate format. GABA induced a robust change of current with an EC 50 of 0.43 μM. Positive GABA A receptor modulators diazepam, HZ-166, and CW-04-020 exhibited EC 50 values of 0.42 μM, 1.56 μM, and 0.23 μM, respectively. The α2/α3/α5 selective compound HZ-166-induced the highest potentiation (efficacy) of 810% of the current induced by 100 nM GABA. Quantification of GABA A receptor mRNA in iCell Neurons revealed high levels of α5 and β3 subunits and low levels of α1, which is similar to the configuration in human neonatal brain. Discussion iCell Neurons represent a new cellular model to characterize GABAergic compounds using automated patch clamp. These cells have excellent representation of cellular GABA A receptor distribution that enable determination of total small molecule efficacy and affinity as measured by cell membrane current change.

Medulloblastoma is the most common childhood malignant brain tumor. The most lethal medulloblastoma subtype exhibits a high expression of the GABAA receptor α5 subunit gene and MYC amplification. New benzodiazepines have been synthesized to function as α5-GABAA receptor ligands. To compare their efficacy with that of standard-of-care treatments, we have employed a newly developed microscale implantable device that allows for high-throughput localized intratumor drug delivery and efficacy testing. Microdoses of each drug were delivered into small distinct regions of tumors, as confirmed by tissue mass spectrometry, and the local drug effect was determined by immunohistochemistry. We have identified a benzodiazepine derivative, KRM-II-08, as a new potent inhibitor in several α5-GABAA receptor expressing tumor models. This is the first instance of in vivo testing of several benzodiazepine derivatives and standard chemotherapeutic drugs within the same tumor. Obtaining high-throughput drug efficacy data within a native tumor microenvironment as detailed herein, prior to pharmacological optimization for bioavailability or safety and without systemic exposure or toxicity, may allow for rapid prioritization of drug candidates for further pharmacological optimization.

Recent studies have demonstrated that subtype-selective GABAA receptor modulators are able to relax precontracted human airway smooth muscle ex vivo and reduce airway hyper-responsiveness in mice upon aerosol administration. Our goal in this study was to investigate systemic administration of subtype-selective GABAA receptor modulators to alleviate bronchoconstriction in a mouse model of asthma. Expression of GABAA receptor subunits was identified in mouse lungs, and the effects of α4-subunit-selective GABAAR modulators, XHE-III-74EE and its metabolite XHE-III-74A, were investigated in a murine model of asthma (ovalbumin sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice). We observed that chronic treatment with XHE-III-74EE significantly reduced airway hyper-responsiveness. In addition, acute treatment with XHE-III-74A but not XHE-III-74EE decreased airway eosinophilia. Immune suppressive activity was also shown in activated human T-cells with a reduction in IL-2 expression and intracellular calcium concentrations [Ca(2+)]i in the presence of GABA or XHE-III-74A, whereas XHE-III-74EE showed only partial reduction of [Ca(2+)]i and no inhibition of IL-2 secretion. However, both compounds significantly relaxed precontracted tracheal rings ex vivo. Overall, we conclude that the systemic delivery of a α4-subunit-selective GABAAR modulator shows good potential for a novel asthma therapy; however, the pharmacokinetic properties of this class of drug candidates have to be improved to enable better beneficial systemic pharmacodynamic effects.

Diminished synaptic inhibition in the superficial spinal dorsal horn contributes to exaggerated pain responses that accompany peripheral inflammation and neuropathy. α2GABAA receptors (α2GABAAR) constitute the most abundant GABAAR subtype at this site and are the targets of recently identified antihyperalgesic compounds. Surprisingly, hoxb8-α2-/- mice that lack α2GABAAR from the spinal cord and peripheral sensory neurons exhibit unaltered sensitivity to acute painful stimuli and develop normal inflammatory and neuropathic hyperalgesia. Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of GABAergic neurotransmission, of behavioral phenotypes and of possible compensatory mechanisms in hoxb8-α2-/- mice. Our results confirm that hoxb8-α2-/- mice show significantly diminished GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in the superficial dorsal horn but no hyperalgesic phenotype. We also confirm that the potentiation of dorsal horn GABAergic IPSCs by the α2-preferring GABAAR modulator HZ-166 is reduced in hoxb8-α2-/- mice and that hoxb8-α2-/- mice are resistant to the analgesic effects of HZ-166. Tonic GABAergic currents, glycinergic IPSCs, and sensory afferent-evoked EPSCs did not show significant changes in hoxb8-α2-/- mice rendering a compensatory up-regulation of other GABAAR subtypes or of glycine receptors unlikely. Although expression of serotonin and of the serotonin producing enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) was significantly increased in the dorsal horn of hoxb8-α2-/- mice, ablation of serotonergic terminals from the lumbar spinal cord failed to unmask a nociceptive phenotype. Our results are consistent with an important contribution of α2GABAAR to spinal nociceptive control but their ablation early in development appears to activate yet-to-be identified compensatory mechanisms that protect hoxb8-α2-/- mice from hyperalgesia.

Data from transgenic animals and novel pharmacological agents has realigned scientific scrutiny on the therapeutic potential of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of α2/3-containing GABAA receptors. Evidence for analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic activity of α2/3-selective PAMs has been presented along with the clinical potential for a milder motor-impacting profile compared to non-selective GABAA receptor PAMs. A new series of α2/3-selective PAMs was recently introduced which has anxiolytic and anticonvulsant activity in rodent models. These molecules also produce efficacy against pain in multiple animal models. Additionally, co-morbid states of depression are prevalent among patients with pain and patients with anxiety. Compounds were shown to be selective for α2 and α3 constructs over α1 (except KRM-II-82), α4, α5, and α6 proteins in electrophysiological assays in transfected HEK-293T cells. Utilizing the forced-swim assay in mice that detects conventional and novel antidepressant drugs, we demonstrate for the first time that α2/3-selective PAMs are active in the forced-swim assay at anxiolytic-producing doses. In contrast, activity in a related model, the tail-suspension test, was not observed. Diazepam was not active in the forced-swim assay when given alone but produced an antidepressant-like effect in mice when given in conjunction with the α1-preferring antagonist, β-CCT, that attenuated the motor-impairing effects of diazepam. We conclude that these α2/3-selective PAMs deserve further scrutiny for their potential treatment of major depressive disorder. If effective, such a mechanism could add a beneficial antidepressant component to the anxiolytic, analgesic, and anticonvulsant spectrum of effects of these compounds.

Aversive experiences can lead to complex behavioral adaptations including increased levels of anxiety and fear generalization. The neuronal mechanisms underlying such maladaptive behavioral changes, however, are poorly understood. Here, using a combination of behavioral, physiological and optogenetic approaches in mouse, we identify a specific subpopulation of central amygdala neurons expressing protein kinase C δ (PKCδ) as key elements of the neuronal circuitry controlling anxiety. Moreover, we show that aversive experiences induce anxiety and fear generalization by regulating the activity of PKCδ(+) neurons via extrasynaptic inhibition mediated by α5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors. Our findings reveal that the neuronal circuits that mediate fear and anxiety overlap at the level of defined subpopulations of central amygdala neurons and demonstrate that persistent changes in the excitability of a single cell type can orchestrate complex behavioral changes.

The clinical need for novel bronchodilators for the treatment of bronchoconstrictive diseases remains a major medical issue. Modulation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) chloride via GABAA receptor activation to achieve relaxation of precontracted ASM represents a potentially beneficial therapeutic option. Since human ASM GABAA receptors express only the α4- and α5-subunits, there is an opportunity to selectively target ASM GABAA receptors to improve drug efficacy and minimize side effects. Recently, a novel compound ( R)-ethyl8-ethynyl-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-4 H-benzo[ f]imidazo[1,5- a][1,4] diazepine-3-carboxylate (SH-053-2′F-R-CH3) with allosteric selectivity for α5-subunit containing GABAA receptors has become available. We questioned whether this novel GABAA α5-selective ligand relaxes ASM and affects intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) regulation. Immunohistochemical staining localized the GABAA α5-subunit to human ASM. The selective GABAA α5 ligand SH-053-2′F-R-CH3 relaxes precontracted intact ASM; increases GABA-activated chloride currents in human ASM cells in voltage-clamp electrophysiology studies; and attenuates bradykinin-induced increases in [Ca2+]i, store-operated Ca2+ entry, and methacholine-induced Ca2+ oscillations in peripheral murine lung slices. In conclusion, selective subunit targeting of endogenous α5-subunit containing GABAA receptors on ASM may represent a novel therapeutic option to treat severe bronchospasm.

Associated with frank neuropathology, patients with Alzheimer's disease suffer from a host of neuropsychiatric symptoms that include depression, apathy, agitation, and aggression. Negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of α5-containing GABAWe utilized electrophysiological recordings from Xenopus oocytes and behavioral measures in mice to address this hypothesis.In the forced-swim assay in mice that detects antidepressant drugs, the α5β3γ2 GABAα5βγ2 GABA

GABAThe present study compared abuse-related effects of the non-selective GABAAdult, male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 17) were each implanted with a bipolar electrode in the medial forebrain bundle and trained to respond under a fixed-ratio 1 schedule of reinforcement for electrical brain stimulation. The potency and time course of effects were compared for diazepam (0.1-10 mg/kg), zolpidem (0.032-3.2 mg/kg), and the three novel compounds (JY-XHe-053, XHe-II-053, and HZ-166; all 3.2-32 mg/kg).Zolpidem and diazepam produced transient facilitation of ICSS at small doses and more sustained rate-decreasing effects at larger doses. JY-XHe-053 and HZ-166 produced weak and inconsistent ICSS facilitation, whereas XHe-II-053 had no effect on ICSS.These results support a key role for α1-containing GABA

Painful events early in life have been shown to increase the incidence of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome in adulthood. However, the intrinsic mechanism is not well studied. We previously reported that neonatal bladder inflammation causes chronic visceral hypersensitivity along with molecular disruption of spinal GABAergic system in rats. The present study investigates whether these molecular changes affect the integrative function and responses of bladder-sensitive primary afferent and spinal neurons. Neonatal bladder inflammation was induced by intravesicular injection of zymosan during postnatal (P) days 14 to 16. In adulthood (P60), the viscero-motor response (VMR) to visceral stimuli was significantly inhibited by intrathecal (i.t) HZ166 (GABAAα-2 agonist) only in neonatally saline-treated, but not in neonatally zymosan-treated rats. HZ166 significantly inhibited the responses of bladder responsive lumbosacral (LS) spinal neurons to urinary bladder distension (UBD) and slow infusion (SI) in neonatally saline-treated rats. Similar results were also observed in naïve adult rats where HZ166 produced significant inhibition of bladder responsive spinal neurons. However, HZ166 did not inhibit responses of UBD-responsive spinal neurons from neonatally zymosan-treated rats. The drug did not attenuate the responses of UBD-sensitive pelvic nerve afferent (PNA) fibers to UBD and SI in either group of rats tested. Immunohistochemical studies showed a significantly lower level of GABAAα-2 receptor expression in the LS spinal cord of neonatally zymosan treated rats compared to saline treated rats. These findings indicate that neonatal bladder inflammation leads to functional and molecular alteration of spinal GABAAα-2 receptor subtypes, which may result in chronic visceral hyperalgesia in adulthood.

1,4-Benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders but have limited long term use due to adverse effects. HZ-166 (2) has been shown to have anxiolytic-like effects with reduced sedative/ataxic liabilities. A 1,3-oxazole KRM-II-81 (9) was discovered from a series of six bioisosteres with significantly improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties as compared to 2. Oxazole 9 was further characterized and exhibited improved anxiolytic-like effects in a mouse marble burying assay and a rat Vogel conflict test.

Major depressive disorder is a highly-prevalent and debilitating disorder in the aged population. Recent and accumulating clinical evidence suggests a key role for social support in helping to mitigate depression. Preclinical data are reviewed that indicate that selective negative allosteric modulation of α5-associated GABAA receptors as with RY-080, might rapidly impact depression in patients. Further, preclinical data in transgenic mice modeling neurodegenerative diseases has suggested that this mechanism might also function to reduce agitation and aggression. These data are discussed in terms of the concept of Facilitation of Social Support (FOSS). The concept, based upon clinical evidence, posits that the expression of depression, agitation, and aggression, alone or in concert, reduces social support and thereby weakens this social link as a positive therapeutic intervention. Drugs like RY-080 or other manipulations (psychotherapy) that dampen these behaviors will facilitate social support that will further help to mitigate these behaviors. Thus, FOSS is proposed as a dual-acting mechanism for therapeutic gain with one component being drug or therapy-induced suppression of symptoms or disease, and the facilitation of social support that derives from this suppression as component number 2. These processes are reciprocal, self-sustaining, and should be additive or synergistic such that manipulations that directly impact social support would reduce target symptoms, an effect that would further facilitate social support.

Neocortical neurons mediate the sedative and anticonvulsant properties of benzodiazepines. These agents enhance synaptic inhibition via positive modulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors harboring α1-, α2-, α3- or α5-protein subunits. Benzodiazepine-sensitive GABAA receptors containing the α5-subunit are abundant in the neocortex, but their impact in controlling neuronal firing patterns is unknown. Here we studied how the discharge rates of cortical neurons are modified by a positive (SH-053-2'F-R-CH3) and a negative (L 655,708) α5-subunit-preferring allosteric modulator in comparison to diazepam, the classical non-selective benzodiazepine. Drug actions were characterized in slice cultures from wild-type and α5(H105R) knock-in mice by performing extracellular multi-unit-recordings. In knock-in mice, receptors containing the α5 subunit are insensitive to benzodiazepines. The non-selective positive allosteric modulator diazepam decreased the discharge rates of neocortical neurons during episodes of ongoing neuronal activity (up states). In contrast to diazepam, the α5-preferring positive modulator SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 accelerated action potential firing during up states. This promoting action was absent in slices from α5(H105R) mice, confirming that it is mediated by the α5-subunit. Consistent with these observations, the negative α5-selective modulator L 655,708 inhibited up state action potential activity in slices from wild-type mice. The opposing actions of diazepam and SH-053-2'F-R-CH3, which both enhance GABAA receptor function but differ in subtype-selectivity, uncovers contrasting roles of GABAA receptor subtypes in controlling the firing rates of cortical neurons. These findings may have important implications for the design of novel anaesthetic and anticonvulsant benzodiazepines displaying an improved efficacy and fewer side effects.

Rationale: Current first-line treatments for stress related disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD) act on monoaminergic systems and take weeks to achieve a therapeutic effect with poor response and low remission rates. Recent research has implicated the GABAergic system in the pathophysiology of depression, including deficits in interneurons targeting the dendritic compartment of cortical pyramidal cells. Objectives: The present study evaluates whether SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 (denoted "alpha 5-PAM"), a positive allosteric modulator selective for (alpha 5-subunit containing GABA(A) receptors found predominantly on cortical pyramidal cell dendrites, has anti stress effects. Methods: Female and male C57BL6/J mice were exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) and treated with alpha 5-PAM acutely (30 min prior to assessing behavior) or chronically before being assessed behaviorally. Results: Acute and chronic alpha 5-PAM treatments produce a pattern of decreased stress induced behaviors (denoted as "behavioral emotionality") across various tests in female, but not in male mice. Behavioral Z-scores calculated across a panel of tests designed to best model the range and heterogeneity of human symptomatology confirmed that acute and chronic alpha 5-PAM treatments consistently produce significant decreases in behavioral emotionality in several independent cohorts of females. The behavioral responses to alpha 5-PAM could not be completely accounted for by differences in drug brain disposition between female and male mice. In mice exposed to UCMS, expression of the Gabra5 gene was increased in the frontal cortex after acute treatment and in the hippocampus after chronic treatment with alpha 5-PAM in females only, and these expression changes correlated with behavioral emotionality. Conclusion: We showed that acute and chronic positive modulation of alpha 5 subunit containing GABA(A) receptors elicit anti-stress effects in a sex-dependent manner, suggesting novel therapeutic modalities.

We have synthesized and characterized MP-III-022 ((R)-8-ethynyl-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-N,4-dimethyl-4H-benzo[f]imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepine-3-carboxamide) in vitro and in vivo as a binding- and efficacy-selective positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors containing the α5 subunit (α5GABAARs). By approximation of the electrophysiological responses which the estimated free rat brain concentrations can induce, we demonstrated that convenient systemic administration of MP-III-022 in the dose range 1-10 mg/kg may result in a selective potentiation, over a wide range from mild to moderate to strong, of α5βγ2 GABAA receptors. For eliciting a comparable range of potentiation, the widely studied parent ligand SH-053-2′F-R-CH3 containing an ester moiety needs to be administered over a much wider dose range (10-200 mg/kg), but at the price of activating non-α5 GABAARs as well as the desired α5GABAARs at the highest dose. At the dose of 10 mg/kg, which elicits a strong positive modulation of α5GABAARs, MP-III-022 caused mild, but significant muscle relaxation, while at doses 1-10 mg/kg was devoid of ataxia, sedation or an influence on the anxiety level, characteristic for non-selective benzodiazepines. As an amide compound with improved stability and kinetic properties, MP-III-022 may represent an optimized tool to study the influence of α5GABAARs on the neuronal pathways related to CNS disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome or autism.

Alterations in the balance of inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders such as epilepsy. Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) is a highly regulated, ubiquitous kinase involved in the control of protein translation. Here, we show that eEF2K activity negatively regulates GABAergic synaptic transmission. Indeed, loss of eEF2K increases GABAergic synaptic transmission by upregulating the presynaptic protein Synapsin 2b and α5-containing GABAA receptors and thus interferes with the excitation/inhibition balance. This cellular phenotype is accompanied by an increased resistance to epilepsy and an impairment of only a specific hippocampal-dependent fear conditioning. From a clinical perspective, our results identify eEF2K as a potential novel target for antiepileptic drugs, since pharmacological and genetic inhibition of eEF2K can revert the epileptic phenotype in a mouse model of human epilepsy.

Automated patch clamp is a recent but widely used technology to assess pre-clinical drug safety. With the availability of human neurons derived from pluripotent stem cells, this technology can be extended to determine CNS effects of drug candidates, especially those acting on the GABAiCell Neurons (Cellular Dynamics International, A Fujifilm Company) were cultured for ten days and analyzed by patch clamp in the presence of agonist GABA or in combination with positive allosteric GABAWe have shown that iCell Neurons are compatible with the IonFlux microfluidic system of the automated patch clamp instrument. Resistance ranging from 15 to 25MΩ was achieved for each trap channel of patch clamped cells in a 96-well plate format. GABA induced a robust change of current with an ECiCell Neurons represent a new cellular model to characterize GABAergic compounds using automated patch clamp. These cells have excellent representation of cellular GABA

We have synthesized and characterized MP-III-022 ((R)-8-ethynyl 6 (2 fluorophenyl)-N,4-dimethyl4H-benzo[f]imidazo[1,5-alpha][1,4]diazepine-3-carboxamide) in vitro and in vivo as a binding- and efficacy selective positive allosteric modulator of GABA(A) receptors containing the alpha 5 subunit (alpha 5GABA(A)Rs). By approximation of the electrophysiological responses which the estimated free rat brain concentrations can induce, we demonstrated that convenient systemic administration of MP-III-022 in the dose range 110 mg/kg may result in a selective potentiation, over a wide range from mild to moderate to strong, of alpha 5 beta gamma 2 GABA(A) receptors. For eliciting a comparable range of potentiation, the widely studied parent ligand SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 containing an ester moiety needs to be administered over a much wider dose range (10-200 mg/kg), but at the price of activating non-alpha 5 GABA(A)Rs as well as the desired alpha 5GABA(A)Rs at the highest dose. At the dose of 10 mg/kg, which elicits a strong positive modulation of alpha 5GABA(A)Rs, MP-III-022 caused mild, but significant muscle relaxation, while at doses 1-10 mg/kg was devoid of ataxia, sedation or an influence on the anxiety level, characteristic for non-selective benzodiazepines. As an amide compound with improved stability and kinetic properties, MP-III-022 may represent an optimized tool to study the influence of alpha 5GABA(A)Rs on the neuronal pathways related to CNS disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome or autism.

Background: Impaired γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling may contribute to the emergence of cognitive deficits and subcortical dopaminergic hyperactivity in patients with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Against this background, it has been proposed that pharmacological interventions targeting GABAergic dysfunctions may prove useful in correcting such cognitive impairments and dopaminergic imbalances. Methods: Here, we explored possible beneficial effects of the benzodiazepine-positive allosteric modulator SH-053-2’F-S-CH3, with partial selectivity at the α2, α3, and α5 subunits of the GABAA receptor in an immune-mediated neurodevelopmental disruption model. The model is based on prenatal administration of the viral mimetic polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid [poly(I:C)] in mice, which is known to capture various GABAergic, dopamine-related, and cognitive abnormalities implicated in schizophrenia and related disorders. Results: Real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses confirmed the expected alterations in GABAA receptor α subunit gene expression in the medial prefrontal cortices and ventral hippocampi of adult poly(I:C) offspring relative to control offspring. Systemic administration of SH-053-2’F-S-CH3 failed to normalize the poly(I:C)-induced deficits in working memory and social interaction, but instead impaired performance in these cognitive and behavioral domains both in control and poly(I:C) offspring. In contrast, SH-053-2’F-S-CH3 was highly effective in mitigating the poly(I:C)-induced amphetamine hypersensitivity phenotype without causing side effects in control offspring. Conclusions: Our preclinical data suggest that benzodiazepine-like positive allosteric modulators with activity at the α2, α3, and α5 subunits of the GABAA receptor may be particularly useful in correcting pathological overactivity of the dopaminergic system, but they may be ineffective in targeting multiple pathological domains that involve the co-existence of psychotic, social, and cognitive dysfunctions.