The broad goal of the SBIR proposal is to understand the pharmacology of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) allosteric modulation in the CNS as it relates to psychiatric disorders. We recently described the discovery of isoform-selective, allosteric modulators of PDE4D that bind to a high affinity site on an N-terminal regulatory domain known as Upstream Conserved Region 2 (UCR2). The allosteric mechanism of action prevents the compounds from completely inhibiting cAMP hydrolysis, thereby reducing target-based toxicity. PDE4D modulators have greatly improved tolerability than earlier compounds such as rolipram. Rolipram previously was shown to have anti-depressant activity in human Phase II clinical trials but was poorly tolerated due to emesis. Three isoforms of PDE4 are expressed in brain (PDE4A, B &D). It previously has not been possible to develop isoform-selective PDE4 inhibitors, since earlier efforts have targeted the catalytic site, which is highly conserved among the PDE4 subtypes;thus, little is known regarding the pharmacology of PDE4 isoform selective compounds. Our immediate goal is to explore the possible clinical benefit of our investigational new drug, DG-071 in animal models of psychiatric disease, particularly depression. The proposed studies will determine the feasibility of developing DG-071 for the treatment of depression. The second specific aim of the SBIR proposal is to use structural guidance to design PDE4B selective allosteric modulators that distribute to brain. We will explore PDE4B CNS pharmacology, particularly in models of schizophrenia. The structural and medicinal chemistry studies will determine the feasibility in a Phase II SBIR of developing PDE4B selective allosteric modulators for psychiatric disorders.

Public Health Relevance

Severe forms of depression affect 2-5% of the US population, and mood disorders impact 7% of the world's population and rank among the top ten causes of disability. We are seeking to develop a new treatment for depression based on allosteric modulation of phosphodiesterase 4D.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43MH091791-01
Application #
7995142
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-ETTN-H (13))
Program Officer
Grabb, Margaret C
Project Start
2011-05-23
Project End
2013-04-30
Budget Start
2011-05-23
Budget End
2012-04-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$350,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Tetra Discovery Partners, LLC
Department
Type
DUNS #
967529939
City
Grand Rapids
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
49506
Wilson, Nicole M; Gurney, Mark E; Dietrich, W Dalton et al. (2017) Therapeutic benefits of phosphodiesterase 4B inhibition after traumatic brain injury. PLoS One 12:e0178013
Zhang, Chong; Xu, Ying; Zhang, Han-Ting et al. (2017) Comparison of the Pharmacological Profiles of Selective PDE4B and PDE4D Inhibitors in the Central Nervous System. Sci Rep 7:40115
Gurney, Mark E; D'Amato, Emily C; Burgin, Alex B (2015) Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) molecular pharmacology and Alzheimer's disease. Neurotherapeutics 12:49-56
Hagen, Timothy J; Mo, Xuesheng; Burgin, Alex B et al. (2014) Discovery of triazines as selective PDE4B versus PDE4D inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 24:4031-4
Fox 3rd, David; Burgin, Alex B; Gurney, Mark E (2014) Structural basis for the design of selective phosphodiesterase 4B inhibitors. Cell Signal 26:657-63