The project proposed directly targets the vexing problem of controlling aberrant inflammation-induced carcinogenic signals (e.g., TLR4) in the intestine by understanding the biological properties of adopted orphan nuclear receptors (ONRs). One of these receptors, Pregnane X Receptor (PXR), is abundantly expressed in the intestines and is a potential therapeutic target for colitis ?associated colon cancer (CRC). Since existing treatments for colitis-associated CRC are limited and have significant side effects, non-toxic targeting of validated biological targets to prevent colon cancer is warranted. Based on our novel observations that IPA abrogates murine intestinal inflammation (IBD) directly through the non-hematopoietic Pregnane X Receptor (PXR)/Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway, the goal of this project is to test the hypothesis that intestinal PXR can be uniquely modulated by small molecules designed to mimic the gut indole metabolites as a novel approach to treat IBD. Based on the indole/IPA chemical scaffold mimicry, this project will generate novel PXR ligands that can therapeutically target intestinal inflammation and colon cancer in humans, and will provide mechanistic insights into how these molecules binds to PXR. Our preliminary studies have shown that IPA derived from symbionts significantly reduces indomethacin-induced intestinal injury in mice in a PXR and TLR4 dependent manner. IPA regulates intestinal barrier function through PXR. An inverse relationship between PXR and TLR4 as well as IPA and inflammation in human intestinal samples and cell lines, supports our findings in mice. In mice, IPA is a potent activator of PXR, while the human receptor is effectively activated when combined with base indole at a physiologically relevant level. Human PXR LBD mutants were insensitive to activation by indole and IPA. Both Indole and IPA bind to PXR protein in solution. IPA protects against colitis-induced CRC in mice. Small molecule mimics (FKK) of indole/IPA chemical scaffold potently activate PXR and are non-toxic to cells and tissues. Thus, as PXR is a relevant target for intestinal inflammation, we hypothesize that microbial metabolite mimicry will allow for the design of novel, potent and most of all safe compounds that activate PXR and abrogate colitis-associated CRC. To achieve our goals we will (1) synthesize and validate in vitro FKK drug-like lead compounds targeting PXR using rational structure based design; (2) optimize lead FKK candidates based on binding affinity and specificity; (3) evaluate the in vivo efficacy of the lead FKK compounds in abrogating CRC using chemical hPXR mouse models of intestinal inflammation/CRC. In the short-term, we hope to have validated a single novel therapeutic lead based on their likelihood to safely abrogate CRC in mice. These studies can serve as the basis for further validation in human disease-specific animal models in the laboratory prior to embarking on clinical translation. Since PXR has been shown to significantly modulate barrier function in mice, our IPA-like leads could potentially have broader impact on other diseases propelled by a dysfunctional intestinal barrier.

Public Health Relevance

The adopted orphan nuclear receptor, Pregnane X Receptor (PXR), is now an established therapeutic target for the incurable colitis-associated colon cancer (CRC). In this application, based on our preliminary data that establish microbial indoles activates the pregnane x receptor (PXR) and regulates mucosal barrier integrity via a specific host-TLR4 signaling pathway, we will develop early lead small molecules that mimic the binding of indole/IPA to human PXR and validate the proof-of-concept that these lead(s) are PXR-specific, potent and above all non-toxic to cells/tissues. The proposed studies will provide the rationale for the development of these novel leads in mammalian models of colitis-associated CRC with the aim towards clinical development.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA222469-04
Application #
9964718
Study Section
Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology Study Section (DMP)
Program Officer
Chen, Weiwei
Project Start
2018-08-14
Project End
2023-07-31
Budget Start
2020-08-01
Budget End
2021-07-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Department
Type
DUNS #
081266487
City
Bronx
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10461
Huang, Kezhen; Mukherjee, Subhajit; DesMarais, Vera et al. (2018) Targeting the PXR-TLR4 signaling pathway to reduce intestinal inflammation in an experimental model of necrotizing enterocolitis. Pediatr Res 83:1031-1040
Mani, Sridhar (2017) Indole microbial metabolites: expanding and translating target(s). Oncotarget 8:52014-52015
Luo, Xiaoping; Yu, Zhilun; Deng, Chao et al. (2017) Baicalein ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis by suppressing TLR4/MyD88 signaling cascade and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mice. Sci Rep 7:16374
Hudson, Grace M; Flannigan, Kyle L; Erickson, Sarah L et al. (2017) Constitutive androstane receptor regulates the intestinal mucosal response to injury. Br J Pharmacol 174:1857-1871
Garg, Aditya; Zhao, Angela; Erickson, Sarah L et al. (2016) Pregnane X Receptor Activation Attenuates Inflammation-Associated Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction by Inhibiting Cytokine-Induced Myosin Light-Chain Kinase Expression and c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase 1/2 Activation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 359:91-101
Pasquel, Danielle; Doricakova, Aneta; Li, Hao et al. (2016) Acetylation of lysine 109 modulates pregnane X receptor DNA binding and transcriptional activity. Biochim Biophys Acta 1859:1155-1169
Ranhotra, Harmit S; Flannigan, Kyle L; Brave, Martina et al. (2016) Xenobiotic Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Intestinal Barrier Function and Innate Immunity. Nucl Receptor Res 3:
Pondugula, Satyanarayana R; Pavek, Petr; Mani, Sridhar (2016) Pregnane X Receptor and Cancer: Context-Specificity is Key. Nucl Receptor Res 3:
Qiu, Zhijuan; Cervantes, Jorge L; Cicek, Basak B et al. (2016) Pregnane X Receptor Regulates Pathogen-Induced Inflammation and Host Defense against an Intracellular Bacterial Infection through Toll-like Receptor 4. Sci Rep 6:31936
Wallace, Bret D; Roberts, Adam B; Pollet, Rebecca M et al. (2015) Structure and Inhibition of Microbiome ?-Glucuronidases Essential to the Alleviation of Cancer Drug Toxicity. Chem Biol 22:1238-49

Showing the most recent 10 out of 19 publications