Timothy L. Macdonald

S-Nitrosothiols signal the ventilatory response to hypoxia

Increased ventilation in response to hypoxia has been appreciated for over a century, but the biochemistry underlying this response remains poorly understood. Here we define a pathway in which increased minute ventilation ([Vdot]E ) is signalled by deoxyhaemoglobin-derived S-nitrosothiols (SNOs). Specifically, we demonstrate that S-nitrosocysteinyl glycine (CGSNO) and S-nitroso-l-cysteine (l-CSNO)—but not S-nitroso-d-cysteine (d-CSNO)—reproduce the ventilatory effects of hypoxia at the level of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). We show that plasma from deoxygenated, but not from oxygenated, blood produces the ventilatory effect of both SNOs and hypoxia. Further, this activity is mediated by S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), and GSNO activation by γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) is required. The normal response to hypoxia is impaired in a knockout mouse lacking γ-GT. These observations suggest that S-nitrosothiol biochemistry is of central importance to the regulation of breathing.

Immunosuppressive and Anti-angiogenic Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor-1 Agonists Induce Ubiquitinylation and Proteasomal Degradation of the Receptor

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a multifunctional lipid mediator, regulates lymphocyte trafficking, vascular permeability, and angiogenesis by activation of the S1P1 receptor. This receptor is activated by FTY720-P, a phosphorylated derivative of the immunosuppressant and vasoactive compound FTY720. However, in contrast to the natural ligand S1P, FTY720-P appears to act as a functional antagonist, even though the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the fate of endogenously expressed S1P1 receptor in agonist-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing green fluorescent protein-tagged S1P1. We show that FTY720-P is more potent than S1P at inducing receptor degradation. Pretreatment with an antagonist of S1P1, VPC 44116, prevented receptor internalization and degradation. FTY720-P did not induce degradation of internalization-deficient S1P1 receptor mutants. Further, small interfering RNA-mediated down-regulation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 and β-arrestins abolished FTY720-P-induced S1P1 receptor degradation. These data suggest that agonist-induced phosphorylation of S1P1 and subsequent endocytosis are required for FTY720-P-induced degradation of the receptor. S1P1 degradation is blocked by MG132, a proteasomal inhibitor. Indeed, FTY720-P strongly induced polyubiquitinylation of S1P1 receptor, whereas S1P at concentrations that induced complete internalization was not as efficient, suggesting that receptor internalization is required but not sufficient for ubiquitinylation and degradation. We propose that the ability of FTY720-P to target the S1P1 receptor to the ubiquitinylation and proteasomal degradation pathway may at least in part underlie its immunosuppressive and anti-angiogenic properties.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate analogs as receptor antagonists

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a lysophospholipid mediator that evokes a variety of cell and tissue responses via a set of cell surface receptors. The recent development of S1P receptor agonists, led by the immunomodulatory pro-drug FTY720, has revealed that S1P signaling is an important regulator of lymphocyte trafficking. With the twin goals of understanding structure-activity relationships of S1P ligands and developing tool compounds to explore S1P biology, we synthesized and tested numerous S1P analogs. We report herein that a subset of our aryl amide-containing compounds are antagonists at the S1P1 and S1P3 receptors. The lead compound in series, VPC23019, was found in broken cell and whole cell assays to behave as a competitive antagonist at the S1P1 and S1P3 receptors. The structure-activity relationship of this series is steep; for example, a slight modification of the lead compound resulted in VPC25239, which was one log order more potent at the S1P3 receptor. These new chemical entities will enable further understanding of S1P signaling and provide leads for further S1P receptor antagonist development.

Aluminum ion in biological systems

Abstract Aluminum ion has been proposed to be a factor contributing to the toxicity of aquatic acidification caused by acid rain, and to the etiology of a variety of neurological and skeletal disorders in man. The biological processes and molecular mechanisms that underlie these pathological processes are beginning to be identified. This review outlines the current state of our knowledge concerning the significant factors associated with aluminum ion in biological systems.

Sphingosine Kinase 2 Is Required for Modulation of Lymphocyte Traffic by FTY720

Immunotherapeutic drugs that mimic sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) disrupt lymphocyte trafficking and cause T helper and T effector cells to be retained in secondary lymphoid tissue and away from sites of inflammation. The prototypical therapeutic agent, 2-alkyl-2-amino-1,3-propanediol (FTY720), stimulates S1P signaling pathways only after it is phosphorylated by one or more unknown kinases. We generated sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) null mice to demonstrate that this kinase is responsible for FTY720 phosphorylation and thereby its subsequent actions on the immune system. Both systemic and lymphocyte-localized sources of SPHK2 contributed to FTY720 induced lymphopenia. Although FTY720 was selectively activated in vivo by SPHK2, other S1P pro-drugs can be phosphorylated to cause lymphopenia through the action of additional sphingosine kinases. Our results emphasize the importance of SPHK2 expression in both lymphocytes and other tissues for immune modulation and drug metabolism.

Selective A2A adenosine receptor activation reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat kidney

A2A adenosine receptors (A2A-ARs) are known modulators of renal hemodynamics and potent inhibitors of inflammation. We sought to determine whether selective activation of A2A-ARs protects kidneys from ischemia-reperfusion injury. The ester derivative of DWH-146 (DWH-146e), a selective A2A agonist, was found to be more potent and selective for A2A-ARs than the prototype compound CGS-21680. Osmotic minipumps were implanted subcutaneously to infuse into rats either vehicle or DWH-146e (0.004 microg. kg(-1). min(-1)), during and after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Following 24 and 48 h of reperfusion, the rise in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen for vehicle-treated rats was substantially elevated compared with DWH-146e-treated rats. Histological examination revealed widespread tubular epithelial necrosis and vascular congestion in the outer medulla of vehicle-treated compared with DWH-146e-treated animals. ZM-241385, a selective A(2A) antagonist, blocked the protective effect of DWH-146e. Delaying administration of DWH-146e until the initiation of reperfusion also decreased serum creatinine. We conclude that 1) selective A2A-AR activation by DWH-146e reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat kidneys, 2) the effect of DWH-146e is A2A receptor mediated, and 3) the protective effects are mediated by preventing injury during the reperfusion period.A2A adenosine receptors (A2A-ARs) are known modulators of renal hemodynamics and potent inhibitors of inflammation. We sought to determine whether selective activation of A2A-ARs protects kidneys from ischemia-reperfusion injury. The ester derivative of DWH-146 (DWH-146e), a selective A2A agonist, was found to be more potent and selective for A2A-ARs than the prototype compound CGS-21680. Osmotic minipumps were implanted subcutaneously to infuse into rats either vehicle or DWH-146e (0.004 μg ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ min-1), during and after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Following 24 and 48 h of reperfusion, the rise in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen for vehicle-treated rats was substantially elevated compared with DWH-146e-treated rats. Histological examination revealed widespread tubular epithelial necrosis and vascular congestion in the outer medulla of vehicle-treated compared with DWH-146e-treated animals. ZM-241385, a selective A2A antagonist, blocked the protective effect of DWH-146e. Delaying administration of DWH-146e until the initiation of reperfusion also decreased serum creatinine. We conclude that 1) selective A2A-AR activation by DWH-146e reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat kidneys, 2) the effect of DWH-146e is A2A receptor mediated, and 3) the protective effects are mediated by preventing injury during the reperfusion period.

Cyclic AMP‐dependent inhibition of human neutrophil oxidative activity by substituted 2‐propynylcyclohexyl adenosine A2A receptor agonists

Novel 2‐propynylcyclohexyl‐5′‐N‐ehtylcarboxamidoadenosines, trans‐substituted in the 4‐position of the cyclohexyl ring, were evaluated in binding assays to the four subtypes of adenosine receptors (ARs). Two esters, 4‐{3‐[6‐amino‐9‐(5‐ethylcarbamoyl‐3,4‐dihydroxy‐tetrahydro‐furan‐2‐yl)‐9H‐purin‐2‐yl]‐prop‐2‐ynyl}‐cyclohexanecarboxylic acid methyl ester (ATL146e) and acetic acid 4‐{3‐[6‐amino‐9‐(5‐ethylcarbamoyl‐3, 4‐dihydroxy‐tetrahydro‐furan ‐2‐yl)‐9H‐purin‐2‐yl] ‐prop‐2‐ynyl}‐cyclohexylmethyl ester (ATL193) were >50×more potent than 2‐[4‐(2‐carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]‐5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680) for human A2A AR binding. Human A2A AR affinity for substituted cyclohexyl‐propynyladenosine analogues was inversely correlated with the polarity of the cyclohexyl side chain. There was a comparable order of potency for A2A AR agonist stimulation of human neutrophil [cyclic AMP]i, and inhibition of the neutrophil oxidative burst. ATL146e and CGS21680 were ∼equipotent agonists of human A3 ARs. We measured the effects of selective AR antagonists on agonist stimulated neutrophil [cyclic AMP]i and the effect of PKA inhibition on A2A AR agonist activity. ATL193‐stimulated neutrophil [cyclic AMP]i was blocked by antagonists with the potency order: ZM241385 (A2A‐selective)>MRS1220 (A3‐selective)>>N‐(4‐Cyano‐phenyl)‐2‐[4‐(2,6‐dioxo‐1,3‐dipropyl‐2,3,4,5,6,7‐hexahydro‐1H‐purin‐8‐yl)‐phenoxy]‐acetamide (MRS1754; A2B‐selective) ∼amp; 8‐(N‐methylisopropyl)amino‐N6‐(5′‐endohydroxy‐endonorbornyl)‐9‐methyladenine (WRC0571; A1‐selective). The type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitor, rolipram (100 nM) potentiated ATL193 inhibition of the oxidative burst, and inhibition by ATL193 was counteracted by the PKA inhibitor H‐89. The data indicate that activation of A2AARs inhibits neutrophil oxidative activity by activating [cyclic AMP]i/PKA.

Anti-angiogenic agents

The application discloses methods of treating mammalian diseases characterized by undesirable angiogenesis by administering compounds including those having the general formulae wherein A is a fused tropone having a general formula: wherein X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, carboxy, halogen, nitro, C1 to C12 alkenyl, C1 to C12 alkyl, C1 to C12 alkoxy, SR, NR2, OSO3 −, OSO2NR2, HNSO3 −, NHSO2NR2, SSO3 −, SSO2NR2, wherein R is hydrogen or a C1 to C6 alkyl and the 17-ester and keto derivatives thereof, in a dosage sufficient to inhibit cell mitosis. The application discloses novel compounds used in the method of the invention.

Lysophosphatidic Acid-induced Mitogenesis Is Regulated by Lipid Phosphate Phosphatases and Is Edg-receptor Independent

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is an extracellular signaling mediator with a broad range of cellular responses. Three G-protein-coupled receptors (Edg-2, -4, and -7) have been identified as receptors for LPA. In this study, the ectophosphatase lipid phosphate phosphatase 1 (LPP1) has been shown to down-regulate LPA-mediated mitogenesis. Furthermore, using degradation-resistant phosphonate analogs of LPA and stereoselective agonists of the Edg receptors we have demonstrated that the mitogenic and platelet aggregation responses to LPA are independent of Edg-2, -4, and -7. Specifically, we found that LPA degradation is insufficient to account for the decrease in LPA potency in mitogenic assays, and the stereoselectivity observed at the Edg receptors is not reflected in mitogenesis. Additionally, RH7777 cells, which are devoid of Edg-2, -4, and -7 receptor mRNA, have a mitogenic response to LPA and LPA analogs. Finally, we have determined that the ligand selectivity of the platelet aggregation response is consistent with that of mitogenesis, but not with Edg-2, -4, and -7.

S-Nitrosothiols signal hypoxia-mimetic vascular pathology

NO transfer reactions between protein and peptide cysteines have been proposed to represent regulated signaling processes. We used the pharmaceutical antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a bait reactant to measure NO transfer reactions in blood and to study the vascular effects of these reactions in vivo. NAC was converted to S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNOAC), decreasing erythrocytic S-nitrosothiol content, both during whole-blood deoxygenation ex vivo and during a 3-week protocol in which mice received high-dose NAC in vivo. Strikingly, the NAC-treated mice developed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) that mimicked the effects of chronic hypoxia. Moreover, systemic SNOAC administration recapitulated effects of both NAC and hypoxia. eNOS-deficient mice were protected from the effects of NAC but not SNOAC, suggesting that conversion of NAC to SNOAC was necessary for the development of PAH. These data reveal an unanticipated adverse effect of chronic NAC administration and introduce a new animal model of PAH. Moreover, evidence that conversion of NAC to SNOAC during blood deoxygenation is necessary for the development of PAH in this model challenges conventional views of oxygen sensing and of NO signaling.