2. Academic Validation
  3. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Tetrahydroquinolone Free Fatty Acid Receptor 3 Modulators

Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Tetrahydroquinolone Free Fatty Acid Receptor 3 Modulators

  • J Med Chem. 2020 Apr 9;63(7):3577-3595. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02036.
Elisabeth Rexen Ulven 1 2,  Tezz Quon 3,  Eugenia Sergeev 3,  Natasja Barki 3,  Matjaz Brvar 2,  Brian D Hudson 3,  Palash Dutta 1,  Anders Højgaard Hansen 2,  Line Ø Bielefeldt 2,  Andrew B Tobin 3,  Christine J McKenzie 2,  Graeme Milligan 3,  Trond Ulven 1
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • 2 Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark.
  • 3 Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
PMID: 32141297 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02036
Abstract

Free Fatty Acid Receptor 3 (FFA3, previously GPR41) is activated by short-chain fatty acids, mediates health effects of the gut microbiota, and is a therapeutic target for metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The shortage of well-characterized tool compounds has however impeded progress. Herein, we report structure-activity relationship of an allosteric modulator series and characterization of physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of selected compounds, including previous and new tools. Two representatives, 57 (TUG-1907) and 63 (TUG-2015), showed improved solubility and preserved potency. Of these, 57, with EC50 = 145 nM and a solubility of 33 μM, showed high clearance in vivo but is a preferred tool in vitro. In contrast, 63, with EC50 = 162 nM and a solubility of 9 μM, showed lower clearance and seems better suited for in vivo studies. Using 57, we demonstrate for the first time that FFA3 activation leads to calcium mobilization in murine dorsal root ganglia.

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