Nuclear receptors (NRs) regulate numerous medically important processes in humans and include receptors for thyroid (TH) and steroid hormones, vitamin D, retinoids and prostaglandins. Selective modulation of NR function is an emerging concept in NR ligand design. While there is progress, many concepts are poorly understood. Many TH actions would have medical utility in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. TH stimulates metabolism, promotes weight loss, and lowers plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a). However, TH benefits are offset by deleterious influences, including effects on heart that include life-threatening tachycardia and arrhythmia. It is desirable to block TH in hyperthyroidism, but current blockade by inhibiting TH production is slow in onset. Thus, it is important to identify selective TR modulators (STRMs). We used structure-activity profiling and TR X-ray crystal structures for designing: (i) selective TR modulators (STRMs) that preferentially bind the TRbeta-form, and may be prototype drugs for treating obesity and lipid disorders; and (ii) novel TR antagonists and partial agonists. Preliminary studies indicate that these ligands could have further potentially useful selective properties, including differences in cell uptake, activation and suppression of individual promoter elements, and abilities of their activities to be regulated by coactivators and corepressors. In the proposed studies we plan to examine properties of a spectrum of ligands to better understand their activities. We will determine effects of individual STRMs on: (i) TR conformation; (ii) TR interactions with cofactors in cell-free conditions and in cells; (iii) individual TR activation functions; (iv) TR-mediated gene expression at model promoters; and (v) gene expression profiles in intact cells. The information obtained will be integrated to provide profiles for individual and combinatorial features that may be ultimately exploited for rational design of ligands with more desirable profiles than either pure agonists or antagonists. This study will expand our understanding of selective TR modulation in specific and NR action in general.
