In the previous funding period, the first small-molecule positive modulators of the GABAB receptor were discovered, and positive modulation was found to be a viable strategy for reversing behaviors with relevance to nicotine dependence in animal models, while minimizing undesired side-effects. With this application, we seek the resources to continue the development of GABA{B} receptor positive modulators and learn more about their mechanism of action. The goals of Project 1 are to complete the refinement of the existing pyrimidine-based compounds and to find alternative structures with even better properties. Guided by a detailed structure-activity study, modifications certain key positions of the pyrimidine structure are proposed to increase solubility while retaining affinity. We will also mount a parallel effort to generate new lead structures by replacing the central pyrimidine ring with heterocycles that display functional groups in similar orientations. In all cases, the synthetic routes are short, high-yielding, and tolerant of diverse functionality, in order to make it easy to optimize lead structures. Two additional lines of discovery will also be pursued. The first takes advantage of the large compound collection at Scripps Florida, which will be mined by similarity modeling to successful positive modulator structures in Project 2. The resulting candidates will be screened and new leads will be incorporated into the synthesis and testing cycle of Project 1. In addition, we will employ the technique of target-guided synthesis to convert the positive modulators already developed in this program into two-site binders to the GABA{B} receptor. This approach uses a highly selective connecting reaction to join small molecules only when simultaneously bound to adjacent sites on the target protein, giving rise to bivalent ligands of high affinity and selectivity. All new compounds will be screened by a receptor binding assay in the Finn laboratory and by second messenger and signaling assays in Project 2. By close collaboration with the in vitro testing, in vivo pharmacology, and bioinformatics capabilities of Project 2, the best compounds will be identified and refined to arrive at optimized structures for behavioral studies in animal models of nicotine dependence in Project 3.
Tobacco smoking, attributed to the addictive properties of nicotine, is a worldwide health problem. This project will develop new agents to combat nicotine dependence by a novel mechanism. Preclinical proof of concept in these animal models may lead to the clinical development of compounds for the therapeutic indication of nicotine dependence.
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