Title of Invention

GLYCEMIC STABILIZING COMPOUNDS AND METHODS OF IDENTIFYING THE SAME

Abstract The present invention relates to a method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound by a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41 and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated where a modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound. In addition, the invention relates to a method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is increased, wherein an increase in-GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound Further, the invention relates to a method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound, comprising a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41- functionality is de- creased wherein a decrease in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound.
Full Text WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
GPR41 AND MODULATORS THEREOF FOR THE TREATMENT OF
INSULIN-RELATED DISORDERS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to methods for identifying a glycemic stabilizing
compound, for example, a compound that controls insulin secretion, by determining
whether a compound modulates GPR41 functionality. Accordingly, compounds of the
present invention are useful in the prophylaxis or treatment of insulin-related disorders
such as hypoglycemia, an insulin-secreting or insulin-dependent tumor, agmg, insulin
resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cells use glucose as a main source of energy. Therefore, food is first broken down
by the body to glucose prior to being utilized. Glucose is then released from the gut into the
blood resulting in a rise in blood glucose levels. In response to this rise in glucose level,
pancreatic β-islet cells increase their production and secretion of insulin. Insulin circulates
through the blood and acts as a messenger, sending a signal to insulin responsive organs
such as the adipose tissue, muscle and liver, to increase their intake of glucose. In this way
arise in blood glucose is accompanied by a subsequent increase in insulin secretion from β-
cells. It is the rise in insulin that acts to return blood glucose levels to normal In healthy
individuals blood glucose levels are kept fairly constant. This state of equilibrium, called
normoglyccmia (normal glucose level) is tightly controlled by insulin.
In diseases such as diabetes this tight regulation of blood glucose level is lost,
leading to the increased blood glucose levels observed in diabetics. A state of
hyperglycemia (high glucose level) can occur due to an insufficient production of insulin by
the pancreatic β-cells and/or through inadequate uptake of glucose by target organs such as
muscle, Liver and fat. The end result is an increase in blood glucose level. Thus, diabetes
can be thought of as the result of two types of impairment: impaired insulin secretion from
the β-cells and impaired insulin sensitivity by the major insulin responsive organs. This
impaired insulin sensitivity, also known as insulin resistance (because the organs are
resistant to the effects of insulin), means that more insulin is required in order for the target
organs to increase their glucose uptake. Insulin resistance leads to increased pressure on the
β-cells because the β-cells need to increase their insulin secretion to compensate for insulin
resistance. This is an escalating problem leading first to impaired glucose tolerance and;
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eventually, complete loss of insulin secretion due to the inability of the pancreas to keep up
with the ever-increasing demand for insulin.
Diabetes is a diagnostic term for a group of disorders characterized by abnormal
glucose homeostasis resulting in elevated blood glucose. There arc many types of diabetes,
but the two most common are Type J, also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes melhtus
or IDDM, and Type II, also referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes melhtus or
NTDDM. Type 1 diabetes is mainly a disease with a young age of onset, and is due to the
destruction of the insulin secreting β3-cclls in the pancreas by the immune system. In this
case the body fails to recognize the pancreatic β-cells as being self and destroys its own
cells. With the destruction of the β-cells there is a complete loss of insulin secretion and so
affected individuals have an absolute dependency on insulin for survival. Type II diabetes
is mainly a disease with a later age of onset, usually after the age of 40, but in recent years it
is more common to find younger people being diagnosed with Type II diabetes. It is mainly
characterized by insulin resistance and beta cell exhaustion and is often associated with
obesity. Type II diabetes is more common than Type I diabetes and accounts for 90-95% of
all diabetes cases diagnosed worldwide.
Chrome exposure of tissues to hyperglycemia can result in diverse complications
including microvascular problems of neuropathy, refinopathy and nephropathy and the
macrovascular complications of stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular
disease. Inappropriate control of blood glucose level is also a characteristic of diseases
other than diabetes such as obesity and Syndrome X. For example, one of the
characteristics of Syndrome X is insulin resistance or glucose intolerance. In addition,
obesity is characterized by hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, a feature shared with
NIDDM, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Further, obesity is a major risk factor for
NIDDM. The risk of developing NIDDM is tripled in subjects 30% or more overweight,
and three-quarters of NIDDM patients are overweight.
Obesity, which is the result of an imbalance between caloric intake and energy
expenditure, is highly correlated with insulin resistance and diabetes in experimental
animals and humans. However, the molecular mechanisms that are involved in obesity-
diabetes syndromes still under investigation. During early development of obesity,
increased insulin secretion balances insulin resistance and protects patients from
hyperglycemia (Le Stunff, et al., Diabetes 43:696-702 (1989)). However, over time, (3 cell
function deteriorates and non-insulin-dependent diabetes develops in about 20% of c se
individuals (Pederson, P., Diab. Metab. Rev. 5:505-509 (1989), and Brancati, F. L., et al.,
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
Arch. Intern. Med. 159:957-963 (1999)). Given its high prevalence in modern societies,
obesity has thus become the leading risk factor for N1DDM (Hill, J. 0., et al., Science
280:1371-1374 (1998)). However, the factors which predispose some patients to alteration
of insulin secretion in response to fat accumulation remain unknown. Unfortunately,
effective long-term therapies to treat obesity are still not available.
Diabetes afflicts several million people worldwide. In the United States alone, there
are more than 18 million diabetics, with 600,000 new cases diagnosed each year. People
with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, infection,
extremity amputations, and other conditions. It is estimated that the direct medical
expenditures and indirect expenditures attributable to diabetes in the United States were
$132 billion in 2002. Taken together, diabetes complications are one of the nation's leading
causes of death.
Therapies do exist to treat diabetes, such as α-glucosidase inhibitors, biguanides,
thiazolidinediones, meglitinidcs, sulfonylureas and exogenous insulin. However, these
therapies have limited effectiveness and arc associated with significant safety and
tolerability issues such as risk for hypoglycemic episodes, weight gain, gastrointestinal
disturbances and anemia. In addition, many of the treatment options require injection or
multiple daily dosings which present compliance challenges.
In addition to disorders that benefit from increasing insulin secretion such as
diabetes, there are a number of disorders that can benefit from decreasing insulin secretion.
For example, a decrease in insulin secretion can result in an increase in blood glucose which
is needed during hypoglycemia. In addition, for example, decreasing insulin secretion can
be useful for a patient with an insulinoma, which is a tumor that secretes excess insulin.
Insulin can also serve as a growth factor for certain tumors. Further, caloric restriction is
known to down-regulate insulin secretion and this may be a mediator of caloric restriction's
favorable impact on longevity. Thus, a reduction in insulin secretion can be beneficial to
treat aging. In all these cases, a reduction in insulin levels can be beneficial.
Thus, there exists a need for the identification of an agent which safely and
effectively modulates insulin secretion and/or blood glucose levels for the treatment of
insulin-related disorders such as hypoglycemia, an insulin-secreting or insulin-dependent
tumor, aging, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes. The present
invention satisfies this need and provides related advantages as well.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Applicants have unexpectedly found that GPR41 is expressed in pancreatic islet
cell lines and GPR41 is upregulated in db/db diabetic mice. In addition, Applicants have
identified agonist compounds that modulate GPR4J function and have found that these
compounds decrease insulin secretion. Further, Applicants disclose inverse agonists or
antagonists of GPR41 that can be used to increase insulin secretion for the treatment of
insulin-related disorders such as insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and
diabetes.
In a first aspect, the invention features a method for identifying a glycemic
stabilizing compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR.41, and
b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated, wherein a modulation in
GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic
stabilizing compound. In some embodiments, said GPR41 is human. In some
embodiments, said determining comprises a second messenger assay. In some
embodiments, a glycemic stabilizing compound comprises a compound selected from the
group consisting of: 2-methyI-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
qumoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-
[1.2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyI-
5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-
amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid
o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-mcthylsulfanyl-phenyI)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-(3-nitro-
phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-
Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yll-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hex ahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-
oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-
nitro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acid (2-
chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-phenyl)-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-
phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and
4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-quinoiinc-
3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
4

In a second aspect, the invention features a glycemic stabilizing compound
identified according to a method of the first aspect. In some embodiments, said glycemic
stabilizing compound is a GPR41 agonist, for example, a compound selected from the
group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-
[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxyhc acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-
5-oxo- l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylarnide, 4-Furan-3-yJ-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-
amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid
o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-metliyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phcnyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsuLfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-
nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexaljydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, or
a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, said glycemic
stabilizing compound is a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist, for example, a
compound selected from the group consisting of: 2-MethyI-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-
trifluoromerhyl-phenyl)-furan-2-ylJ-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinolmc-3-carboxyhc
acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-mtro-phenyl)-
ruran-2-yl]-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-
amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-
ylJ-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-
Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-ylJ-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In a third aspect, the invention features a method for preparing a composition
which comprises identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound and then admixing said
compound with a carrier, wherein said compound is identified by a method of the first
aspect.
hi a fourth aspect, the invention features a pharmaceutical composition
comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a compound of the second aspect.
In a fifth aspect, the invention features a method for treating or preventing an
insulin-related disorder in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to said
individual an effective amount of a compound of the fourth aspect. In some
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embodiments, said insulin-related disorder is hypoglycemia, an insulin-secreting or
insulin-dependent tumor, aging, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, or
diabetes. In some embodiments, a method of the fifth aspect further comprises
administering to said individual an effective amount of an agent used for the treatment of
diabetes, blood lipid disorders, or obesity in combination with an effective amount of a
compound of the fourth aspect. In some embodiments, the individual is a mammal and
in some embodiments the individual is a human.
In a sixth aspect, the invention features a method for the manufacture of a
medicament comprising a compound of the fourth aspect for use as a glyecmic
stabilizing compound and a method for the manufacture of a medicament comprising a
compound of the fourth aspect for use in the treatment of an insulin-related disorder.
In a seventh aspect, the invention featuies a method for identifying a glyecmic
stabilizing compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and
b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is increased, wherein an increase in GPR41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound. In some embodiments, said GPR41 is human. In some embodiments, said
determining comprises a second messenger assay. In some embodiments, a glycemic
stabilizing compound comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of: 2-
melhyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoIine-3-carboxylic acid o-
tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester,
cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinolme-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-
hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-
3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7.8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyIic acid (4-chloro-
phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof.
In an eight aspect, the invention features a glycemic stabilizing compound
identified according to a method of the seventh aspect. In some embodiments, said
glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 agonist, for example, a compound selected
from the group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-
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| l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-mcthyl-
5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexabydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-
amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-methyI-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxyhc acid
o-tolylamidc, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-
carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Melhyl-4-(3-
nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-lolylamide, or
a pharmaceutical\ly acceptable salt thereof.
In a ninth aspect, the invention features a method for preparing a composition
which comprises identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound and then admixing said
compound with a carrier, wherein said compound is identified by a method of the
seventh aspect.
In a tenth aspect, the invention features a pharmaceutical composition
comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a compound of the eighth aspect.
In an eleventh aspect, the invention features a method for treating or preventing
an insulin-related disorder in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to
said individual an effective amount of a compound of the tenth aspect. In some
embodiments, said insulin-related disorder is hypoglycemia, an insulin-secreting or
insulin-dependent tumor, or aging. In some embodiments, the individual is a mammal
and in some embodiments the individual is a human.
hi a twelfth aspect, the invention features a method for the manufacture of a
medicament comprising a compound of the eighth aspect for use as a glycemic
stabilizing compound and a method for the manufacture of a medicament comprising a
compound of the eighth aspect for use in the treatment of an insulin-related disorder.
In a thirteenth aspect, the invention features a method for identifying a glycemic
stabilizing compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and
b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is decreased, wherein a decrease in GPR41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound. In some embodiments, said GPR41 is human. In some embodiments, said
determining comprises a second messenger assay. In some embodiments, said glycemic
stabilizing compound comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of: 2-
Methyl-4-[5-(2-dtro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-
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oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-
nitro-phenyl)-furan-2-ylJ-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid (2-
chloro-phcnyl)-amide, 2-Mcthyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phcnoxy-phcnyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-tnfluoromethoxy-
phcnyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, and
4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-methy]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-
3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In a fourteenth aspect, the invention features a glycemic stabilizing compound
identified according to a method of the thirteenth aspect. In some embodiments, said
glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist. In some
embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound comprises a compound selected from
the group consisting of: 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromelhyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yrj-5-
oxo-l,4,5,6,7,S-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-
yl-furan-2-yl)-2-mcthyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-
tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-
phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-
oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phcnyl)-furan-2-yI]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-
carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-methyl-5-
oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In a fifteenth aspect, the invention features a method for preparing a composition
which comprises identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound and then admixing said
compound with a carrier, wherein said compound is identified by a method of the
thirteenth aspect.
In a sixteenth aspect, the invention features a pharmaceutical composition
comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a compound of the fourteenth
aspect.
In a seventeenth aspect, the invention features a method for treating or preventing
an insulin-related disorder in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to
said individual an effective amount of a compound of the sixteenth aspect. In some
embodiments, said insulin-related disorder is insulin resistance, impaired glucose
tolerance, or diabetes. In some embodiments, a method of the seventeenth aspect further
comprises administering to said individual an effective ount of an agent used for the
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treatment of diabetes, blood lipid disorders, or obesity in combination with an effective
amount of a compound of the sixteenth aspect. In some embodiments, the individual is a
mammal and in some embodiments the individual is a human.
In a eighteenth aspect, the invention features a method for the manufacture of a
medicament comprising a compound of the sixteenth aspect for use as a glycemic
stabilizing compound and a method for the manufacture of a medicament comprising a
compound of the sixteenth aspect for use in the treatment of an insulin-related disorder.
In a nineteenth aspect, the invention features a method for increasing GPR41
junction comprising contacting GPR41 with an effective amount of a GPR41 agonist. in
some embodiments, said agonist comprises a compound selected from the group
consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxyhc acid 4-[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-
phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxyhc acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-
1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyIic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-amide, 4-
Furan-2-yI-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohnc-3-carboxylic acid o-
tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic
acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-nitro-phenyI)-5-
oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In a twentieth aspect, the invention features a method for decreasing GPR41
function comprising contacting GPR41 with an effective amount of a GPR41 inverse
agonist or antagonist. In some embodiments, said inverse agonist or antagonist
comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-
trifluoromethyl-phenyI)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic
acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-phenyl)-
furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phcnyl)-
amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quLnoline-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo^-[5-(2-trifluorornethoxy-phenyI)-fiiran-2-
ylJ-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-
Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-ylJ-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4?5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-
carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
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In a twenty first aspect, the invention features a method for treating or preventing
an insulin-related disorder, comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an
effective amount of a GPR41 modulator. In some embodiments, said insulin-related
disorder is hypoglyccmia, an insulin-secreting or insulin-dependent tumor, or agmg and
said modulator is an agonist, for example, a compound selected from the group .
consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nirro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6.7,8-hexahydro-qmnoline-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-[ 1,2.3]thiadiazol-4-y[-
phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarhoxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo~],4.5,6.7,8-
hexabydro-quinolme-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolyiamide. 4-Furan-3-y]-2-methyl-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline~3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-amide. 4-
Furan-2-y!-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxyiiG acid o-
tolylamidc, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-mcthyi-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumo'in2-3-carboxyhc
acid (4-chloro-pheny!)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyI-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoHneo-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-nitro-phenyl)-5-
oxo-1,4,5.6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoime-3-carboxyhc acid o.-tolylamide. or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, said insulin-related
disorder is insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes and said modulator
is an inverse agonist or antagonist, for example, a compound selected from the group
consisting of: 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nilro-4-trifliioromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoHne-3-carboxylic acid o-tolyiamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-
furan-2-ylV2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7J8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-
toiylaiiiide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-phenyl)-ftuTHi-2-yl]-5^xo-l,4,5,6.7-8-hcKahydro-
qumolme-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide. 2-Methyt-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-
phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumalrae-3-carboxyIic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-
oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromcthoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxaliydro-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-mcthyl-5-
oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, a method of the twenty
first aspect further comprises administering to said individual an effective amount of an
agent used for the treatment of diabetes, blood lipid disorders, or obesity in combination
with an effective amount of a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist
En a twenty second aspect, the invention features a method for treating or
preventing a disorder treatable or preventable by increasing GPR41 function, comprising
administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a compound
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
selected from the group consisting of: 2-methyl-4--(4-niuo-phenyI)-5-oxo-L4.5.t). 7,8-
hexahydro-quinolme-o-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-
[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-nielliyl~
5-oxo-l,4,5.6,7,8-hexahydro-quuiotitie-3-caiboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yi-2-
methyl-5-oxo-1 A5.6.7,8-hexahydrQ-qumohne-3-carboxy]ic acid (2,5-dichloro-plieuyi)-
amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-mcthyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid
o-tolylumide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydio-quijiaiiae-3- '
carboxylic acid (4-chlora-phenyl)-axmde, 2-MethyI-4-(4-metliylsuIfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-
I ,4,5,6, 7,8-hexahydro-qumolme-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-
nitro-phenyO-S-oxo-I^p^J^-hexahydro-quinoline-B-ciirhoxylic acid o-tolylaimde. or
a pharmaceutically.acceptable salt thereof.In some embodiments said disorder is an
insulin-related disorder, for example, hypoglyceraia, an insulin-secreting or insulin-
dependent tumor, or aging.
In a twenty third aspect, the invention features a method for treating or
preventing a disorder treatable or preventable by decreasing GPR41 function, comprising
administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a compound
selected from the group consisting of: 2-Methyl-4-[5'(2-nitro-4-tn±luoromethyl-phonyl)-
fursn-2-yl]-5-oxo-l-,4,5,6,7,S-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-
Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yL)-2-methyl-5-oxo'l/,5,6.7,8-hcxahydTo-qinnolint:-3"Carboxylic
acid o-tolylamide,2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nilro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyI)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-
phenoxy-phenyJJ-l^p^^jS-hexahydro-quiiioline^rcarboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-
Methyl-5-oxo^[5^2-txifiuoromethoxy-phenyl)-iiiran-2-yl]-l,4,5,.6,7,.8-b.exahydro-
quinohne-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-D]chloro-phenyI)-mrau-2-ylj-2- .
metyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-quinohne-3-carboxyiic acid o-tolylamide, or a.
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments,.said disorder is an
insulin-related disorder, for example, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance or
diabetes. In some embodiments, said insulin-related disorder is Type II diabetes. In
some embodiments, a method of the twenty third aspect further comprises administering
to said individual an effective amount of an agent used for the treatment of diabetes,
blood lipid disorders, or obesity in combination with an effective amount of a GPR41
inverse agonist or antagonist.
In a twenty fourth aspect, the invention features a method for increasing blood
glucose levels in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
individual an effective amount of a GPR41 agonist, for example, a compound selected
from the group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-i-,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
qumoline-3-caiboxyJic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-
[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyI ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-metbyl-
5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quiiK>line-3-carboxy.lic acid o.-tolylamide. 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
muihyi-5-oxo-1,4.5.6.7.S-hexahydro-qumoiine-3-carboxyiie acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-
amidc, 4-Furan.-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4.5,6.7,8-hcxalwdro-qumoiine-3-cavboxvIic acid
o-tolylamide. 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1.4.5.6.7,8-hcxahydro~qumoIine-3-
carboxyhc acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-MethyI-4-(4-meihylsuifanyl-pbsnyl)-5-oxa
l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-qumolme-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-
nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, or
a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In a twenty fifth aspect the invention features a method for decreasing blood
glucose levels in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the
individual an effective amount of a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist, for example, a.
compound selected from the group consisting of: 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-mtro-4-
trifiuoiomcthyl-phcnyl^furan^-yjjo-oxo-lAS^^jS-hexaliydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic
acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-raethyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylaraide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-njtro-phen>[)-
fiu-an-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,S-hexahydro-qtniiohne-3-carboxylicacid(2-chJoro-phenyl)-
amide, 2-MethyI-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxanydro-quinohne-3-
carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trif!Horomethoxy-phenyl)-lnran-2-
ylj-l^^^^jH-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-torylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-
Dicliloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne-3-
carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In a twenty sixth aspect, the invention features a method for decreasing insulin
secretion in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual an
effective amount of a GPR41 agonist, for example, a compound selected from the group
consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-[l,2,3 |thiadiazol-4-yl-
phenyl ester,cyclopropanecarboxylic acid;4-Furan-3-yl-2-meLhyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yI-2-methyl-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoune-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-amide, 4-
Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoIine-3"Cai-boxyiiC
acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsuifanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4.5,6.7,S-
hexahydro-quinoIine-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc. and 2-MethyI-4-(3-mtro-phenyI)-5-
oxo-J^p.ft^^-hexahydxo-quxnoline-S-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, or a.
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. " .
In a twenty seventh aspect, the invention features a method for increasing insulin
secretion in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual art
effective amount of a GPR41 inverse agonist-or antagonist, for example, a compound
selected from the group consisting of 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-Tnu-o-4-trifluoiomethyl-phcnyl)-
furan-2-ylf-5-oxo-1,4.5,6,7.8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-
Biphcnyl-2-yi-furaii-2-yl)--2-meihyl-5-oxo-1.4,5,6.7,8-hexaliydro-quiaoline-3-carboxyhc
acid o-tolylamidc, 2-Methyl-4-.[5-(2-iiitro-phenyl)-ftiran-2-y]]-5-oxo-l,4.5,6,7,8-
biixahydro-qmnoline-3-carboxyIic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-
phenoxy-phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxybc acid o-tolylamide, 2-
Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phcnyl)-furan-2-yl]-1.4.5,6.7,S-iiexahydro-
quinolme-3-carboxytic acid o-lolylamide, and 4-[5-(2.5-Dichloio-phenyl)-furan-2-ylJ-2-
mcthyl-5-oxo-L4,5.6.7,8-hexah>dro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows dot blot analysis of human GPR41 expression in human adult and
fetal tissues.
Figure 2 shows RT-PCR and TaqMan quantitative PCR analysis of mouse GPR41
expression in selected tissues of normal and mutant mice.
Figure 3 shows RNase protection assay analysis of mouse GPR41 -expression in
mouse cell types and tissues.
Figure 4 shows coupling of GPR41 to G-protein G-alpha i.
Figure 5 shows coupling of GPR41 to G-protein G-alpha 12/13.
Figure 6 shows efficacy of GPR41 agonists in Gq/G1 co-transfected 293 cells.
Figure 7 shows a GPR41 agonist inhibits insulin release in MEM6 insulinoma
cells.
Figure 8 shows that a GPR41 agonist, Compound 4, reverses the beneficial effect
of an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) lowering compound, B111.
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Applicants have disclosed herein that human GPR41 is expressed predominantly
in the pancreas (sec Figure 1) and mouse GPR4J is expressed in the pancreas and
pancreatic islet cell lmes"(see Figures 2 and 3). The pancreas is divided into lobnles by
connective tissue scptae. Lobules are composed largely of grape-like clusters of
exoenine cells called acini, which secrete digestive enzymes. Embedded within the
pancreatic exoenne tissue are islets of Langerhans, the endocrine component of the
pancreas. Islets make up only 1% of the pancreas.. Islets contain several ceil types and
arc richly vasculanzcd. The islet cell types include:alpha, heta, delta, A, B, C, D, and E
It is the beta islet ceils that secrete insulin.
Applicants also disclose herein that mouse GPR41 is up-regulated in pancreatic
islet cells from db/db diabetic mice compared to islets from C57 wild-type mice (see
Figure 2). Further, Applicants have disclosed herein the G-proiem coupling of GPCR
GPR41 to G-alpha 1 and G-alpha 12/13 (see Figures 4 and 5). In addition. Applicants
disclose herein that GPR41 agonists induce 1P3 signaling in cells cotransfected with
Gq/Gi (see Figure 6). Using MIN6 insulinoma cells. Applicants further disclose herein
that a GPR41 agonist inhibits insulin secretion (Figure 7) and reversed the beneficial
effect of an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) lowering compound (Figure 8).
Although a number of receptor classes exist in humans, the most abundant and
currently therapeutically relevant is represented by the G protein-coupled receptor
(GPCR) class. It is estimated that there are some 30,000-40,000 genes within the human
genome, and of these, approximately 2% arc estimated to code for GPCRs. GPCRs
represent an important area for the development of pharmaceutical products: from
approximately 20 of the 100 known GPCRs, approximately 60% of all prescription
Pharmaceuticals have been developed.
GPCRs share a common structural motif, having seven sequences of between 22
to 24 hydrophobic amino acids that form seven alpha helices, each of which spans the
membrane (each span is identified by number, i.e., transmembranc-1 (TM-1),
transmembrane-2 (TM-2), etc.). The transmembrane helices are joined by strands of
amino acids between transmembrane-2 and transmembrane-3, transmembrane-4 and
transmembranc-5, and transmembrane-6 and transmembrane-7 on the exterior, or
"extracellular" side, of the cell membrane (these are referred to as "extracellular" regions
1, 2 and 3 (EC-1, EC-2 and EC-3), respectively). The transmembrane helices are also
joined by strands of amino acids between transmembrane-1 and transmcmbrane-2,
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
transmembrane-3 and transmembrane-4, and transmembrane-5 and transmembrane-6 on
the interior or "intracellular" side of the cell membrane (these are referred to as .
"mtraccllular" regions 1,2 and 3 (IC-i, 1C-2 an.d.l.C-3), respectively). The "carboxy"
("C") icrminus of the receptor lics-injhc intracellular space wtfhm the ceil, and the
"ammo"1 (N") terminus of the receptor lies m tlic extracellular space outside of the cell.
Generally, when a ligand-binds with fhe receptor (often referred to as "acu\ation"
of the receptor); there is a change in the conformation of the recepior that facilitates
coupling between the intracellular region and an intracellular "G-protein." It has been
reported that GPCRs are "promiscuous" with respect to G proteins, i.e., thai a GPCR. can
interact with more than one G protein. See, K.enakin, 1',, 4i Life Sciences 1095 (1988)
Although other G proteins exist, currently. Gq, Gs.Gi. Gz and Go are G proteins that
have been identilied. Ligand-acuvated GPCR coupling with the G-protein initiates a
signaling cascade process (referred to as "signal transduction'*). Under normal .
conditions, signal tracsduction ultimately results in cellular iicrivationor cellular
inhibition. Although not wishing to be bound to theory, it is thought that the IC-3 loop
as well as the carboxy terminus of the receptor interact with the G protein
There are also promiscuous G proteins, which appear to couple ro several classes
of GPCRs to the phosphohpase C pathway, such as Gal 5 or Gal 6 -(Offennaans &
Simon. J Biol Chem 270:15175-80 (1995)), or chimeric G proteins designed to couple a
large number of different GPCRs to the same pathway, e.g. phospholipase C (Milligan &.
Rees, Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences 20:118-24 (1999)).
Gi-coupled GPCRs lower intracellular cAMP levels. The melanophore
technology (see infra) is useful for identifying Gi-coupled GPCRs and also for
identifying modulators of said Gi-coupled GPCRs.
Under physiological conditions, GRCRs exist in the cell membrane in equilibrium
between two different conformations: an "inactive" state and an "active" state. A
receptor in an inactive state is unable to link to the intracellular signaling transduction
pathway to initiate signal transduction leading to a biological response. Changing the
receptor conformation to the active state allows linkage to the transduction pathway (via
the G-protein) and produces a biological response.
A receptor can be stabilized in an active state by a ligand or a compound such as
a drug. Recent discoveries, including but not exclusively limited to modifications to the
amino acid sequence of the receptor, provide means other than ligands or drugs to
promote and stabilize the receptor in the active state conformation. These means
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
effectively stabilize the receptor in an active state by simulating the effect of a hgand
binding to the receptor. Stabilization by such hgand- independent means is termed
"constitutive receptor activation."
The sequence of CPR41 was first published in the literature by Sawzdargo et al
(Sawzdargo et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comrrmn., 239:543-547 (1997)) Sawzdaruo
et al. amplified human genorrue DNA using PCR with degenerate primers based on
conserved sequences within the human and rat galanin receptor 1 (GALRf) and rat
GALR2. One product contained a segment showing 100% homology to a portion of the
3-pnme region of the human CD22 gene. Sawzdargo searched for open reading frames
in tins region and identified the GPR40 and GPR41 genes^ The GRR41 gene has JIO
introns GPR4I encodes a predicted 346 amino acid GPCR containing 7 transmembrane
domains, 1 glycosylation site, 1 PKC phosphorylation site. 2 PKA/PKC phosphor} lation
sites, and 1 palmitoylation site, which is located in the C-terrninal domain. The GPR41
protein shares 98% amino acid identity with GPR42, but little similarity with GALRs.
Sawzdargo et al. further reported that the GPR41 gene is located downstream of CD22.
which was previously mapped to 19ql3.1.
GPR41 was classified as an orphan receptor, meaning thai no hgand had been
identified for the receptor. .Recently. Brown et al. have reported that GPR41 is activated
by propionate and other short chain carboxyhc acid anions (Brown et at., J. Biol. Chem ,
278:11312-11319 (2003)). In addition, Brown et al. indicate that GPR41 activates the
Gi/o family pioteins and GPR41 is primarily expressed in adipose tissue.
In contrast to the disclosure herein that GPR41 is expressed in the beta cells of
the pancreas, WO 01/61359 (filing date February 19, 2001) indicates that GPR41 is
restricted to adipose tissue. In addition, WO 01/61359 indicates that GPR41 can be used
as a screening target for compounds that inhibit lipolysis. Since GPR41 is coupled to Gi,
such compounds would be agonists of GPR41. Agonists of GPR41 are also
hypothesized in WO 01/61359 to be useful, for example in the manufacture of a
medicament for the treatment of dyslipidaemia and conditions associated with
dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, thrombosis or obesity, angina,
chronic renal failure, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, type II diabetes or metabolic
syndrome. This is in contrast to the disclosure herein that an inverse agonist or
antagonist of GPR41 would be useful, for example, in the manufacture of a medicament
for treatment of an insulin-related disorder such as diabetes.
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
DEFINITIONS
The scientific literature that has evolved around receptors has adopted a number of
terms 10 refer 10 ligands having various effects on receptors. For clarity and consistency,
the following definitions will be used throughout this patent document
AGONIST shall mean material, ibr.cxarapie, a hgand or candidate compound, that
activates an intracellular response when it binds to the receptor. An intraceUuiar. response
can be, for example, enhancement of GIP binding to membranes or modulation oi the level
of a second messenger such as cAMP.or 1P3. In some embodiments, an AGONIST is - -
material not previously known to activate the intracellular response when it binds to the
receptor (tor example, tt> enhance GT-PyS binding to membranes or to lower intraceilular
cAMP level). In some embodiments, an AGONIST is material not previously known to
decrease blood glucose level when ic binds to the receptor. The term AGONIST also
includes PARTIAL AGONISTS Which are materials, for example, hgands or candidate
compounds, which activate the intraceliular response when they bind to the receptor to a
lesser degree or extent than do full agonists.
ANTAGONIST shall mean material, for example, ligands or candidate compounds
that competitively bind to the receptor at the same site as an agomst but which rlocs not
activate an intracellular response, and cm thereby innibu an intracellular response elicited .
by the agonist. An ANTAGONIST does not diminish the baseline intracellular response in
the absence of an agonist. In some, embodiments, an ANTAGONIST is material not
previously known to compete with an agonist to. inhibit a cellular response when it bmds 10
the receptor (for example, .wherein the cellular response is GIP7S binding-to membranes or
to the lowering of intracellular cAMP level).
ANTIBODY is intended herein to encompass monoclonal antibodies and
polyclonal antibodies. The term ANTIBODY is further intended to encompass IgG, IgA,
IgD, IgE, and IgM. Antibodies include whole antibodies, including single-chain whole
antibodies, and antigen binding fragments thereof, including Fab, Fab', F(ab)2 and F(ab')2.
Antibodies can be from any natural or synthetic origin, for example, from human, murine,
rabbit, goat, guinea pig, hamster, camel, donkey, sheep, horse or chicken. Antibodies can
have binding affinities with a dissociation constant or Kd value, for example, less than
5xl0-6M, 10-6M, 5xl0-7M, 10-7M, 5xl0-8M, 10-8M, 5xl0-9M, 10-9M, 5xl0-lQM 10-
10M, 5xl0-llM, 10-11M, 5xl0-12M, 10-12M, 5xl0-13M, 10-13M, 5xl0-14M 10-14M,
5xl0-15M and 10-15M. Antibodies of the present invention can be prepared by any
suitable method known in the art.
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
CANDIDATE COMPOUND shall mean a molecule (for example, a chemical
compound) thai is amenable to a screening technique. The term candidate compound
specifically excludes any compound already known to modulate. GPR.41 ..for example, a
known agonist of GPR41.
COMPOSITION shall mean a material comprising at teas! two compounds or two
components; for example, a "pharmaceutical composition" is a composition.
COMPOUND EFFICACY shall mean a measurement of the ability of a
compound to inhibit or stimulate receptor functionality, as opposed 10 recepior binding
affinity. CONSTITUTIVELY ACTIVATED RECEPTOR shall mean a receptor
subject to constitutive receptor activation.
CONSTITUTIVE RECEPTOR ACTIVATION shall mean stabilization of a
receptor in the active state by means other than binding of the receptor with ns endogenous
li»and or a chemical equivalent thereof.
CONTACT or CONTACTING shall mean bringing at least two moieties together,
whether in an in vitro system or an in vn>o system.
DIABETES as used herein is intended to encompass the.usual diagnosis of.diabetes .
made from any method including, for example, .the following list: symptoms of diabetes
(e.g., polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia) plus casual blood glucose levels of greater than or
equal to 200 mg/di, wherein casual blood glucose is defined any time of the day regardless
of the timing of meal or dnnk consumption: or 8 hour fasting blood glucose levels of
greater than or equal to 126 mg/di; or blood glucose levels of greater than or equal to 200
mg/dl two hours following oral administration of 75 g anhydrous glucose dissolved in
water. In addition, the term diabetes as used herein also includes the "pre-diabetic" state as
defined by the American Diabetes Association to be a fasting blood glucose level of 100-
125 mg/dl or blood glucose levels of 140-199 mg/dl two hours following oral
administration of glucose. Diabetes can be precipitated by several conditions including, for
example, autoimmune destruction of beta islet cells, beta cell apoptosis, or pregnancy
(gestational diabetes).
ENDOGENOUS shall mean a material that a mammal naturally produces.
ENDOGENOUS in reference to, for example and not limitation, the term "receptor" shall
mean that which is naturally produced by a mammal (for example, and not limitation, a
human) or a virus. In contrast, the term NON-ENDOGENOUS in this context shall mean
that which is not naturally produced by a mammal (for example, and not limitation, a
human) or a virus. For example, and not limitation, a receptor which is not constitutivcly
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
active in its endogenous form, but v/hen manipulated becomes consututiveiy active, is most
preferably referred to herein as a "non-endogenous, constitutively activated receptor " Both
terms can be utilized to describe both "in vivo" and "in vitro" systems. For example, and
not a limitation, in a screening approach, the endogenous omen-endogenous receptor can
be in reference to an in vitro screening system.
EFFECTIVE AMOUNT means an amount of active compound or pharmaceutical "
composition that elicits the.desired biological or medicinal response in a tissue, system, or
individual that is being sought by the researcher or medical doctor or other clinician. For
example, an effective dose can be an amount that can treat an insulin-related disorder. Also,
tor example, an effective dose can be an amount that can prevent an insuhn-i elated
disorder.
GLYCEMIC STABILIZING COMPOUND is intended to mean a compound
that stabilizes blood glucose levels. Stabilization of blood glucose can be direct or
indneet. For example, a glycemic-stabmzmg compound can stabilize blood glucose
levels in an individual with diabetes by increasing insulin secretion, in" addition, loi
example, a glycemic-stabilizmg compotind can stabilize blood glucose, Ievels.in an '
individual with hypoglycemia by decreasing insulin secretion. Further, for example, a
glycemic-stabilizmg compound can stabilize blood glucose levels by increasing glucose
sensitivity at an organ or tissue.
IMPAIRED GLUCOSE TOLERANCE (IGT) as used herein is intended to
indicate that condition associated with insulin-resistance that is intermediate between hank, -
type 2 diabetes and normal glucose tolerance. (NGT). IGT is diagnosed by a procedure
wherein an affected person's postprandial glucose response is determined to be abnormal as
assessed by 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose levels. In this test, a measured amount of
glucose is given to the patient and blood glucose levels aremeasured at regular intervals.
usually every half hour for the first two hours and every hour thereafter. In a "normal" or
non-lGT individual, glucose levels rise during the first two hours to a level less than 140
mg/dl and then drop rapidly. In an IGT individual, the blood glucose levels are higher and
the drop-off level is at a slower rate.
IN NEED OF PREVENTION OR TREATMENT as used herein refers to a
judgment made by a caregiver (e.g. physician, nurse, nurse practitioner, etc. in the case of
humans; veterinarian in the case of animals, including non-human mammals) that an
individual or animal requires or will benefit from treatment This judgment is made based
on a variety of factors that are in the realm of a caregiver's expertise, but that include the
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knowledge that the individual or animal is ill, or will be ill, as the result of a condition that
is treatable by the compounds of the invention.
INDIVIDUAL as used herein refers to any animal, including mammals, preferably
mice, rats, other rodents, rabbits, dogs, cats, swine, cattle, sheep, horses, or pnmates, and
most preferably humans.
INHIBIT or INHIBITING, in relationship to the term "response" shall mean that a
response is decreased or prevented in the presence of a compound as opposed to in the
absence of the compound.
INSULIN-RELATED DISORDER means a disorder related to the level of
insulin in the blood or at an organ or tissue. As used herein, an insulin-related disorder
can be the result of, for example, too little insulin secretion, loo much insulin secretion,
or even normal insulin secretion coupled with resistance of an organ to insulin An
insulin-related disorder is intended to include, for example, a disorder thai would benefit
from a decrease in insulin secretion, for example, hypogiycemia, an insulinoma, a tumor
where insulin is a growth factor, or aging. In addition, an insulin-related disorder is
intended to include, for example, a disorder that results in elevated blood glucose and
would benefit from an increase in insulin secretion. Such disorders include, for example,
insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes such as Type I diabetes or Type
II diabetes. Further, in some embodiments, the term insulin-related disorder can include
diseases that are related to an elevated blood glucose level, for example, atherosclerosis,
heart disease, stroke, hypertension, Syndrome X, obesity, and peripheral vascular
disease.
INSULIN RESISTANCE as used herein is intended to encompass the usual
diagnosis of insulin resistance made by any of a number of methods, including but not
restricted to: the intravenous glucose tolerance test or measurement of the fasting insulin
level. It is well known that there is a good correlation between the height of the fasting
insulin level and the degree of insulin resistance. Therefore, one could use elevated fasting
insulin levels as a surrogate marker for insulin resistance for the purpose of identifying
which normal glucose tolerance (NGT) individuals have insulin resistance. A diagnosis of
insulin resistance can also be made using the euglycemic glucose clamp test.
INVERSE AGONIST means material, for example, a ligand or candidate
compound that binds either to the endogenous form or to the constitutively activated form
of the receptor so as to reduce the baseline intracellular response of the receptor observed in
the absence of an agonist. An intracellular response can be, for example, modulation of
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
GTP binding to membranes or modulation of the level of a second messenger such as
cAMP or IP3. In some embodiments, an INVERSE AGONIST is material not previously
known to reduce the baseline intracellular response of the receptor observed m the absence
of an agonist.
L1GAND shall mean an endogenous, naturally occurring molecule specific for an
endogenous, naturally occurring receptor.
As used herein, the terms MODULATE or MODULATING shall mean to refer
to an increase or decrease in the amount, quality, response or effect of a particular
activity, function or molecule. A GPR41 MODULATOR is an agent that modulates the
GPR41 receptor
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION shall mean a composition comprising
at least one compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. For example, a
pharmaceutical composition can comprise at least one active ingredient, whereby the
composition is amenable to investigation for a specified, efficacious outcome in an animal
(for example, a mammal such as a human). Those of ordinary skill in the art will
understand and appreciate the techniques appropriate for determining whether an active
ingredient has a desired efficacious outcome based upon the needs of the artisan.
RECEPTOR FUNCTIONALITY shall refer to the normal operation of a receptor
to receive a stimulus and moderate an effect in the cell, including, but not limited to
regulating gene transcription, regulating the influx or efflux of ions, effecting a catalytic
reaction, and/or modulating activity through G-protcins. A GPR41 functionality can be, for
example, binding a G-protein such as Gi or G12/13, signaling through a second messenger
such as cAMP or IP3 (when using a chirneric G-protein), specifically binding to a GPR41-
specific antibody, specifically binding to a compound such as a GPR41 agonist or inverse
agonist, modulating insulin secretion or modulating blood glucose levels in vivo.
SECOND MESSENGER shall mean an intracellular response produced as a result
of receptor activation. A second messenger can include, for example, inositol tnphosphate
(IP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), cyclic AMP (cAMP), cyclic GMP (cGMP), and Ca2+.
Second messenger response can be measured for a determination of receptor activation. In
addition, second messenger response can be measured for the direct identification of
candidate compounds, including for example, inverse agonists, partial agonists, agonists,
and antagonists.
The invention relates to a method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing
compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b)
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated, wherein a modulation in GPR4]
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound. The screening method can be used to identify a compound which can be, for
example, an agonist, inverse agonist, partial agonist, or antagonist of GPR41.
As used herein, "GPR41" refers to a polypeptide with the ammo acid sequence as
shown in SEQ ID NO 2, or a variant 01 ortholog of this sequence that retains
substantially the function of a polypeptide with the amino acid sequence as referenced in
SEQ ID NO:2.
It is understood that limited variations or modifications to GPR41 can be made
without destroying its function. For example, GPR41 is intended to include other
GPR41 polypeptidcs, for example, mammalian species orthologs of the human GPR41
polypeptide. The sequences of species orthologs of human GPR41 are present m the
database, for example, a mouse ortholog of GPR41 can be found in GenBank at
Accession No. XM145470 and a rat ortholog of GPR41 can be found in GenBank at
Accession No. XM344880. In addition, GPR41 includes variants such as allelic
variants, splice variants and conservative amino acid substitution variants of GPR41.
For example, GPR41 includes variants that retain substantially the function of the wilci-
type GPR41 polypeptide such as, for example, the ability to signal through G-alpha 1 or
G-alpha 12/13, the ability to specifically bind to a GPR41-specific antibody, the ability
to specifically bind to a compound such as a known ligand or agonist, the ability to
specifically bind to agonist or inverse agonist compounds disclosed herein, or the ability
to regulate insulin secretion or blood glucose levels. A GPR41 variant need not function
to the same level as the wild-type GPR41, and need not contain every function of the
wild-type GPR41.
Conservative and non-conservative amino acid changes, gaps, and insertions to
an amino acid sequence can be compared to a reference sequence using available
algorithms and programs such as the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool ("BLAST")
using default settings [See, e.g., Karlin and Altschul, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (1990)
87:2264-8; Altschul el al., J Mol Biol (1990) 215:403-410; Altschul et al., Nature
Genetics (1993) 3:266-72; and Altschul et al., Nucleic Acids Res (1997) 25:3389-3402].
It is understood that a fragment of GPR41 which retains substantially a function
of the entire polypeptide is included in the definition. For example, a signal generating
domain of GPR41 or a compound binding domain of GPR41 can be used in lieu of the
entire polypeptide. In addition, GPR41 can contain heterologous sequences such as an
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
epitope tag or other fused polypeptide. Further, GPR41 can contain a label, for example,
a radiolabel, fluorescent label or enzymatic label.
In one embodiment, the methods of the invention can be applied using a
polypeptide comprising 99%, 98%, 95%, 92%, 90%, 85%, 80%, or 75% sequence
identity to SEQ ID NO:2, where the polypeptide is not GPR42.
In some embodiments, said variant of GPR41 is a non-endogenous, constitutively
activated mutant of GPR41. In one embodiment, said GPR41 is derived from a mammal.
In another embodiment, said GPR41 is human.
In certain embodiments, said GPR41 is recombinant. In certain embodiments, said
contacting comprises contacting with a host cell or with membrane of a host cell that
expresses the GPCR, wherein the host cell comprises an expression vector comprising a
polynucleotide encoding the receptor. In some embodiments, said contacting is earned out
in the presence of a known agonist of the GPCR or an agonist as disclosed herein.
In certain embodiments, said method further comprises the step of comparing the
modulation of the receptor caused by the candidate compound to a second modulation of
the receptor caused by contacting the receptor with a known modulator of the receptor. In
certain embodiments, said known modulator is an agonist.
In some embodiments, said determining comprises a second messenger assay, for
example, determining is through the measurement of GTPyS binding to membrane
comprising said GPCR. In certain embodiments, said GTP-yS is labeled with [35S]. In
certain embodiments, said determining is through the measurement of the level of a second
messenger selected from the group consisting of cyclic AMP (cAMP), cyclic GMP
(cGMP), inositol triphosphate (IP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), MAP kinase activity, and Ca2+.
In certain embodiments, said second messenger is cAMP. In certain embodiments, said
measurement of cAMP is carried out using whole-cell adenylyl cyclase assay. In certain
embodiments, said measurement of cAMP is carried out with membrane comprising said
GPCR. In certain embodiments, said determining is through measurement of intracellular
BP3. In certain embodiments, said determining further includes the use of a chimeric G-
protem such as a Gq/Gi chimera. In certain embodiments, said second messenger is MAP
kinase activity. In some embodiments, said determining is through CRE-reporter assay. In
certain embodiments, said reporter is luciferase. In some embodiments, said reporter is ,5-
galactosidase. In certain embodiments, said determinmg or said comparing is through
measurement of intracellular Ca2+.
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
In some embodiments, said determining is through measurement of glucose uptake
by adipocytes obtained from a mammal. In some embodiments, said determining is
through measurement of glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells obtained from a mammal
In certain embodiments, said determining is through the use of a melanophore
assay.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound compnscs a
compound selected from the group consisting of: 2-melhyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic
acid 4-[l,2,3Jthiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinorine-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-
3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylicacid(2,5-dich]oro-
phenyl)-amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-melhylsulfanyl-
phcnyI)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylaraide, 2-
Methyl-4-(3-mtro-phenyl)-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-
tolylamidc, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitio-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-fiiran-2-yl]-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-
furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxyhc acid o-
tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-phcnyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-
phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc, 2-Methyl-5-
oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoroinethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-qumoline-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-methyI-5-
oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qu]nolme-3-carboxyIic acid o-tolylamide; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The invention also relates to a method of identifying a candidate compound as a
modulator of insulin secretion, comprising a) contacting a candidate compound with
GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated, wherein a
modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a
modulator of insulin secretion. For example, a compound that decreases GPR41
functionality, such as a GPR41 antagonist or inverse agonist, can result in an increase in
insulin secretion. An increase in insulin secretion can be desired, for example, in
individuals with insulin resistance such as diabetics. A compound that increases GPR41
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
functionality, such as a GPR41 agonist, can result in a decrease m insulin secretion. A
decrease in insulin secretion can be desired, for example, m individuals with hypoglycenua.
The invention also relates to a method of identifying a candidate compound as a
modulator of blood glucose concentration, comprising a) contacting a candidate compound
with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated, wherein a
modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a
modulator of blood glucose concentration. The invention also relates to a method of
identifying a candidate compound as a modulator of insulin secretion, comprising a)
contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41
functionality is modulated, wherein a modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the
candidate compound being a modulator of insulin secretion. For example, a compound that
decreases GPR41 functionality, such as a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist, can result in
an increase in insulin secretion and a decrease in blood glucose concentration. A decrease
in blood glucose can be desired, for example, in individuals with hyperglycemia such as
diabetics. A compound that increases GPR41 functionality, such as a GPR41 agonist, can
result in a decrease in insulin secretion and an increase in blood glucose concentration. An
increase in blood glucose can be desired, for example, in individuals with hypoglycemia.
In certain embodiments, said GPR41 is recombinant. In certain embodiments, said
contacting comprises contacting with a host cell or with membrane of a host cell that
expresses the GPCR, wherein the host cell comprises an expression vector comprising a
polynucleotide encoding the receptor. In some embodiments, said contacting is carried out
in the presence of an agonist of the GPCR.
In the methods of the invention, control reactions can be performed to show
specificity of the response. For example, mock-transfected cells can be compared to
GPR41 transfected cells to show specificity of a response to the GPR41 receptor.
In the methods of the invention, in certain embodiments, said candidate compound
is not an antibody or antigen-binding derivative thereof. In certain embodiments, said
candidate compound is not a peptide. In certain embodiments, said candidate compound is
notapolypeptide.
As stated above, receptor functionality refers to the normal operation of a receptor
to receive a stimulus and moderate an effect in the cell, including, but not limited to
regulating gene transcription, regulating the influx or efflux of ions, effecting a catalytic
reaction, and/or modulating activity through G-proteins. A GPR41 functionality can be, for
example, binding a G-protein such as Gi or G12/13, signaling through a second messenger
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
such as cAMP or IP3 (when using a chimenc G-protein), specifically binding to a GPR41 -
specific antibody, specifically binding to a compound such as a GPR41 agonist or inverse
agonist, modulating insulin secretion or modulating blood glucose levels III vivo.
In the methods of Hie invention, determining can comprise a second messenger
assay. The initiation of an intraccllular signal can be determined, for example, through
the measurement of the level of a second messenger such as cyclic AMP (cAMP), cyclic
GMP (cGMP), inositol triphosphatc (1P3), diacylglycerol (DAG), MAP kinasc, or
calcium. Several assays are well known in the art for measuring these second
messengers, for example, cAMP assays, IP3 assays, the FLIPR assay, the mclanophore
assay, or CRE-reporter assay. In addition, examples of second messenger assays are
disclosed herein in Examples 12-17. In certain embodiments, said second messenger is
cAMP. In other embodiments, said second messenger is IP3. In further embodiments
said second messenger is calcium.
In one embodiment, said determining is through the measurement of GTPyS
binding to membrane comprising said GPCR. Such assays are well known in the an and
exemplified herein in Examples 12 and 14. In certain embodiments, said GTPyS is
labeled with [35S].
The invention also relates to a glycemic stabilizing compound identifiable
according to the method of: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b)
determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated, wherein a modulation in GPR41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound.
For example, the invention provides a glycemic stabilizing compound identified
according to the method of: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b)
determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated, wherein a modulation in GPR41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound.
In one embodiment, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 agonist. For
example, said glycemic stabilizing compound comprises a compound selected from the
group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyI)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylarmde, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-
[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phcnyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-
5-oxo-l,4.5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxyIic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-methyI-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxyhc acid
o-lolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-inethy]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methy]-4-(4-mcthylsulfany]-plienyJ)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-
nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l54,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylainide, or
a phannaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 agonist
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 agonist with an
EC50 of less than 10 μM, of less than 1 /iM, of less than 100 nM, or of less than 10 μM.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50
of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 μM. In some embodiments, said
glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50 of a value selected from the
interval of 1 nM to 1 /zM. In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is
an agonist with an EC50 of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 100 nM. In
some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50 of a
value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 nM.
hi certain embodiments, said EC50 is determined using an assay selected from
the group consisting of: IP3 assay carried out using transfected HEK293 cells expressing
recombinant GPR41 polypeptide; and melanophore assay earned out using transfected
melanophorcs expressing recombinant GPR 41 polypeptide. In some embodiments, said
glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50 of less than 10 /iM, of less
than 1 /tM, of less than 100 nM, or of less than 10 nM m said assay. In some
embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50 of less
than 10 μM, of less than 9 μM, of less than 8 μM, of less than 7 μM, of less than 6 /iM,
of less than 5 μM, of less than 4 μM, of less than 3 /iM, of less than 2 μM, of less than 1
μM, of less than 900 nM, of less than 800 nM, of less than 700 nM, of less than 600 nM,
of less than 500 nM, of less than 400 nM, of less than 300 nM, of less than 200 nM, of
less than 100 nM, of less than 90 nM, of less than 80 nM, ofless than 70 nM, of less man
60 nM, ofless than 50 nM, ofless than 40 nM, ofless thati 30 nM, ofless than 20 nM, of
less than 10 nM in said assay. In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing
compound is an agonist with an EC50 in said assay of a value selected from the interval
of 1 nM to 10 μM. In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an
agonist with an EC50 in said assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 1 /iM.
hi some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50 in
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
said assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 100 nM. In some
embodiments, said glyecmic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50 in said
assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 nM. In some embodiments,
said glycemic stabilizing compound is selective for the GPCR.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 inverse
agonist or antagonist. For example, said glycemic compound can comprise a compound
selected from the group consisting of: 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethyI-phcnyl)-
furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-
Biphenyl-2-yl-fiuan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-I,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc
acid o-tolylamide, 2-Mclhyl-4-[ 5-(2-mtro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phcnyI)-amide, 2-Mcthyl-5-oxo-4-(4-
phenoxy-phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-
Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trifJuoromethoxy-phenyl)-fui-an-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-r5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-ruran-2-yi]-2-
mcthyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 inverse
agonist or antagonist with an IC50 of less than 10 μM, of less than 1 ΜM, of less than 100
nM, or of less than 10 nM. In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound
is an inverse agonist or antagonist with an IC50 of a value selected from the interval of 1
nM to 10 μM. In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse
agonist or antagonist with an IC50 of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 1 μM.
In some embodiments, sard glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or
antagonist with an IC50 of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 100 nM. In
some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or
antagonist with an IC50 of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 nM.
In certain embodiments, said IC50 is determined using an assay selected from the
group consisting of: IP3 assay carried out using transfected IIEK293 cells expressing
recombmant GPR41 polypeptide; and melanophore assay carried out using transfected
melanophores expressing recombinanl GPR 41 polypeptide. In some embodiments, said
glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or antagonist with an IC50 of less
than 10 μM, of less than 1 μM, of less than 100 nM, or of less than 10 nM in said assay.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or
antagonist with an IC50 of less than 10 ΜM, of less than 9 μM, of less than 8 μM, of less
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
than 7 μM, of less than 6 μM, of less than 5 μM, of less than 4 μM, of less than 3 ΜM, of
less than 2 μM, of less than 1 μM, ofless than 900 nM, of less than 800 nM, of less than
700 nM, ofless than 600 nM, ofless than 500 nM, ofless than 400 nM, ofless than 300
nM, ofless than 200 nM, ofless than 100 iiM, ofless than 90 nM, ofless than 80 nM, of
less than 70 nM, ofless than 60 nM, ofless than 50 nM, ofless than 40 nM, ofless than
30 nM, ofless than 20 nM, ofless than 10 nM in said assay. In some embodiments, said
glyecmic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or antagonist with an 1C50 in said
assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 JXM. In some embodiments,
said glyecmic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or antagonist with an 1C50 in
said assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 μM to 1 /xM. hi some embodiments,
said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or antagonist with an IC50 m
said assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 100 nM. In some
embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or antagonist
with an IC50 in said assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 nM. In
some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is selective for the GPCR.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is orally bioavailable.
In some embodiments, said oral bioavailability is at least 1%, at least 5%, at least 10%,
at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, or at
least 45% relative to intraperitoneal administration. In some embodiments, said oral
bioavailability is at least 20%, at least 25%. at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, or at
least 45% relative to intraperitoneal administration, m some embodiments, said orally
bioavailable glycemic stabilizing compound is further able to cross the blood-brain
barrier.
In addition, the invention relates to a method for preparing a composition which
comprises identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound and then admixing said
compound with a carrier, wherein said compound is identifiable by the method of: a)
contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41
functionality is modulated, wherein a modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of
the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound. For example, the
invention provides a method for preparing a composition which comprises identifying a
glycemic stabilizing compound and then admixing said compound with a carrier,
wherein said compound is identified by the method of: a) contacting a candidate
compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated,
wherein a modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
being a glyccmic stabilizing compound. In addition, the invention provides a method for
prcpanng a composition which comprises identifying a glyccmic stabilizing compound
and then admixing said compound with a carrier, wherein said compound comprises a
compound selected from the group consisting of: 2-mcthyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyIic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic
acid 4-[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc. 4-Furan-
3-yl-2-mcthyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylicacid(2,5-dichloro-
phcnyl)-amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-rncthyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-mcthylsulfanyI-
phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,84iexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-
Methyl-4-(3-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acido-
tolylamide, or a pharmaccutically acceptable salt thereof.
The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting
essentially of, or consisting of the glyccmic stabilizing compound identified according to
the method of: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining
whether GPR41 functionality is modulated, wherein a modulation in GPR41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound.
Some embodiments of the present invention include a method of producing a
pharmaceutical composition comprising admixing at least one compound according to
any of the compound embodiments disclosed herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier.
A compound can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions using
techniques well known to those in the art. Suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers,
outside those mentioned herein, are available to those in the art; for example, sec
Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th Edition, 1980, Mack Publishing Co., (Oslo et
al., eds.).
While it is possible that, for use in the prophylaxis or treatment, a compound
disclosed herein or identified by methods of the invention can in an alternative use be
administered as a raw or pure chemical, it can be useful to present the compound or
active ingredient as a pharmaceutical formulation or composition further comprising a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
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The invention thus further provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a
compound disclosed herein or identified by methods of the invention or a
pharmaccutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof together with one or more
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers thereof and/or prophylactic ingredients. The
carrier(s) arc "acceptable" in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of
the formulation and not overly deleterious to the recipient thereof.
Pharmaceutical formulations include those suitable for oral, rectal, nasal, topical
(including buccal and sub-lingual), vaginal orparenteral (including intramuscular, sub-
cutaneous and intravenous) administration or in a form suitable for administration by
inhalation or insufflation.
The compounds of the invention, together with a conventional adjuvant, carrier,
or diluent, can thus be placed into the form of pharmaceutical formulations and unit
dosages thereof, and in such form can be employed as solids, such as tablets or filled
capsules, or liquids such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, elixirs, gels or capsules
filled with the same, all for oral use, in the form of suppositories for rectal
administration; or in the form of sterile injectable solutions for parenteral (including
subcutaneous) use. Such pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms thereof
can comprise conventional ingredients in conventional proportions, with or without
additional active compounds or principles, and such unit dosage forms can contain any
suitable effective amount of the active ingredient commensurate with the intended daily
dosage range to be employed.
For oral administration, the pharmaceutical composition can be in the form of, for
example, a tablet, capsule, suspension or liquid. The pharmaceutical composition can be
made in the form of a dosage unit containing a particular amount of the active ingredient.
Examples of such dosage units are capsules, tablets, powders, granules or a suspension,
with conventional additives such as lactose, manmtol, corn starch or potato starch; with
binders such as crystalline cellulose, cellulose derivatives, acacia, com starch or gelatins;
with disintegrators such as corn starch, potato starch or sodium carboxyraelhyl-cellulosc;
and with lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate. The active ingredient can also be
administered by injection as a composition wherein, for example, saline, dextrose or
water can be used as a suitable pharmaceuticaUy acceptable carrier.
The invention relates to a method for selectively activating a GPR41 receptor in a
human host, comprising administering a compound that selectively activates the GPR41
gene product in a human host in need of such treatment. For example, the compound cai
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
be a GPR41 agonist such as 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
qumohnc-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanccarboxylic acid 4-
[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-y]-phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-mothyl-
5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phcnyl)-
amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinohne-3-carboxy]ic acid
o-tolylanudc, 4-Furaji-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydxo-quinolinc-3-
carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phcnyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Mcthyl-4-(3-
nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyIic acid o-tolylamide, or
a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The invention relates to a method for selectively inhibiting a GPR41 receptor in a
human host, comprising administering a compound that selectively inhibits the GPR41
gene product in a human host in need of such treatment. For example, the compound can
be a GPR41 inverse agonist such as 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromcthyl-phcnyl)-
furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-
Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-mctliyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc
acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nilro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hcxahydro-qmnoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-
phenoxy-phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-lolylamide, 2-
Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyh"c acid o-tolylamide; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The invention provides a method for treating or preventing an insulin-related
disorder in an individual m need thereof, comprising administering to said individual an
effective amount of the compound identified according to the method of: a) contacting a
candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is
modulated, wherein a modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate
compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound. In some embodiments, said insulin-
related disorder is hypoglycemia, an insulin-secreting or insulin-dependent tumor, aging,
insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes. In some embodiments, said
insulin-related disorder includes a condition related to an elevated blood glucose
concentration, such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, obesity,
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
Syndrome X or peripheral vascular disease. In some embodiments, said insulin-relaled
disorder is Type II diabetes. In one embodiment, the compound administered comprises
a GPR41 agonist. In one embodiment, the compound administered comprises a GPR4I
inverse agonist or antagonist.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering to said
individual an effective amount of an agent used for the treatment of diabetes, blood hpid
disorders, or obesity in combination with an effective amount of the pharmaceutical
composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the glycemic
stabilizing compound identified according to the method of: a) contacting a candidate
compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated,
wherein a modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound
bemg a glycemic stabilizing compound. For example, in one embodiment, the method
further comprises administering to said individual an effective amount of an agent used
for the treatment of diabetes, blood lipid disorders, or obesity in combination with an
effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition containing a GPR41 inverse agonist.
In one embodiment, the individual is a mammal and in another embodiment the
individual is a human.
As used herein the term "treating" in reference to a disorder means a reduction in
severity of one or more symptoms associated with a particular disorder. Therefoie,
treating a disorder does not necessarily mean a reduction in severity of all symptoms
associated with a disorder and does not necessarily mean a complete reduction in the
severity of one or more symptoms associated with a disorder. Similarly, the term
"preventing" means prevention of the occurrence or onset of one or more symptoms
associated with a particular disorder and does not necessarily mean the complete
prevention of a disorder. The methods of the invention can be used to treat an insulin-
related disorder including, for example, hypoglycemia or diabetes.
The dose when using the compounds disclosed herein or identified by methods of
the invention can vary within wide limits, and as is customary and is known to the
physician, it is to be tailored to the individual conditions in each individual case. It
depends, for example, on the nature and severity of the illness to be treated, on the
condition of the patient, on the compound employed or on whether an acute or chrome
disease state is treated or prophylaxis is conducted or on whether further active
compounds are administered in addition to the compounds disclosed herein or identified
by methods of the invention. Representative doses of the present invention include,
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
about 0.01 mg to about 1000 mg, about 0.01 to about 750 mg, about 0.01 to about 500
mg, 0.01 to about 250 mg, 0.01 mg to about 200 mg, about 0.01 mg to 150 rag, about
0.01 mg to about 100 mg, and about 0.01 mg to about 75 rag. Multiple doses can be
administered during the day, especially when relatively large amounts are deemed to be
needed, for example 2, 3 or 4, doses. If appropriate, depending on individual behavior
and as appropriate from the patients physician or care-giver it can be necessary to deviate
upward or downward from the daily dose.
The amount of active ingredient, or an active salt or derivative thereof, required
for use in treatment will vary not only with the particular salt selected but also with the
route of administration, the nature of the condition being treated and the age and
condition of the patient and will ultimately be at the discretion of the attendant physician
or clinician. In general, one skilled in the art understands how to extrapolate in vivo data
obtained in a model system, typically an animal model, to another, such as a human.
Typically, animal models include, but are not limited to, the rodent diabetes models as
described m Example 19, infra (other animal models have been reported by Reed and
Scnbncr in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 1.75-86 (1999)). In some circumstances,
these extrapolations can merely be based on the weight of the animal model in
comparison to another, such as a mammal, for example, a human, however, more often,
these extrapolations are not simply based on weights, but rather incorporate a variety of
factors. Representative factors include the type, age, weight, sex, diet and medical
condition of the patient, the severity of the disease, the route of administration,
pharmacological considerations such as the activity, efficacy, pharmacokinetic and
toxicology profiles of the particular compound employed, whether a drug delivery
system is utilized, on whether an acute or chronic disease state is being treated or
prophylaxis is conducted or on whether further active compounds are administered m
addition to the compounds disclosed herein or identified by methods of the invention and
as part of a drug combination. The dosage regimen for treating a disease condition with
the compounds and/or compositions of this invention is selected in accordance with a
variety factors as cited above. Thus, the actual dosage regimen employed can vary
widely and therefore can deviate from a preferred dosage regimen and one skilled in the
art will recognize that dosage and dosage regimen outside these typical ranges can be
tested and, where appropriate, can be used in the methods of this invention.
The desired dose can conveniently be presented in a single dose or as divided
doses administered at appropriate intervals, for example, as two, three, four or more sub-
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
doses per day. The sub-dose itself can be further divided, e.g., into a number of discrete
loosely spaced administrations. The daily dose can be divided, especially when
relatively large amounts are administered as deemed appropriate, into seveial, for
example 2, 3 or 4, part administrations. If appropriate, depending on individual
behavior, it can be necessary to deviate upward or downward from the daily dose
indicated.
The compounds disclosed herein or identified by methods of the invention can be
administrated in a wide variety of oral and parcnteral dosage forms. It will be obvious to
those skilled in the art that the following dosage forms can comprise, as the active
component, either a compound disclosed herein or identified by methods of the invention
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound disclosed herein or identified by
methods of the invention.
For preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the compounds disclosed herein
or identified by methods of the invention, the selection of a suitable pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier can be either solid, liquid or a mixture of both. Solid form
preparations include powders, tablets, pills, capsules, cachets, suppositories, and
dispersible granules. A solid carrier can be one or more substances which can also act as
diluents, flavouring agents, solubilizers, lubricants, suspending agents, binders,
preservatives, tablet disintegrating agents, or an encapsulating material.
In powders, the carrier is a finely divided solid which is in a mixture with the
finely divided active component. In tablets, the active component is mixed with the
carrier having the necessary binding capacity in suitable proportions and compacted to
the desire shape and size.
The powders and tablets can contain varying percentage amounts of the active
compound. A representative amount in a powder or tablet can contain from 0.5 to about
90 percent of the active compound; however, an artisan would know when amounts
outside of this range are necessary. Suitable carriers for powders and tablets are
magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar, lactose, pectin, dextrin, starch,
gelatin, tragacanth, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, a low melting wax,
cocoa butter, and the like. The term "preparation" is intended to include the formulation
of the active compound with encapsulating material as carrier providing a capsule in
which the active component, with or without carriers, is surrounded by a carrier, which is
thus in association with it. Similarly, cachets and lozenges are included. Tablets,
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
powders, capsules, pills, cachets, and lozenges can be used as solid forms suitable for
oral administration.
For preparing suppositories, a low melting wax, such as an admixture of fatty
acid glyecrides or cocoa butter, is first melted and the active component is dispersed
homogeneously therein, as by stirring. The molten homogenous mixture is then poured
into convenient sized molds, allowed to cool, and thereby to solidify.
Formulations suitable for vaginal administration can be presented as pessaries,
tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or sprays containing in addition to the active
ingredient such earners as are known in the art to be appropriate.
Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions, for
example, water or waler-propylcnc glycol solutions. For example, parenteral injection
liquid preparations can be formulated as solutions in aqueous polyethylene glycol
solution. Injcctable preparations, for example, sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous
suspensions can be formulated according to the known art using suitable dispersing or
wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation can also be a
sterile injectable solution or suspension in a nontoxic parenterally acceptable diluent or
solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and
solvents that can be employed are water, Ringer's solution, and isotomc sodium chloride
solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or
suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil can be employed including
synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid find use m the
preparation of injectables.
The compounds according to the present invention can thus be formulated for
parenteral administration (e.g. by injection, for example bolus injection or continuous
infusion) and can be presented in unit dose form in ampoules, pre-filled syringes, small
volume infusion or in multi-dose containers with an added preservative. The
pharmaceutical compositions can take such forms as suspensions, solutions, or emulsions
in oily or aqueous vehicles, and can contain formulatory agents such as suspending,
stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, the active ingredient can be in
powder form, obtained by aseptic isolation of sterile solid or by lyophilization from
solution, for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g. sterile, pyrogen-free water, before
use.
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Aqueous solutions suitable for oral use can be prepared by dissolving the active
component in water and adding suitable colorants, flavors, stabilizing and thickening
agents, as desired.
Aqueous suspensions suitable for oral use can be made by dispersing the finely
divided active component in water with viscous material, such as natural or synthetic
gums, resins, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulosc, or other well known
suspending agents.
Also included are solid form preparations which are intended to be converted,
shortly before use, to liquid form preparations for oral administration. Such liquid forms
include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. These preparations can contain, in
addition to the active component, colorants, flavors, stabilizers, buffers, artificial and
natural sweeteners, dispersanls, thickeners, solubilizing agents, and the like.
For topical administration to the epidermis the compounds according to the
invention can be formulated as ointments, creams or lotions, or as a transdermal patch.
Ointments and creams can, for example, be formulated with an aqueous or oily
base with the addition of suitable thickening and/or gelling agents. Lotions can be
formulated with an aqueous or oily base and will in general also contain one or more
emulsifying agents, stabilizing agents, dispersing agents, suspending agents, thickening
agents, or coloring agents.
Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth include lozenges
comprising active agent in a flavored base, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth;
pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert base such as gelatin and glycerin or
sucrose and acacia; and mouthwashes comprising the active ingredient in a suitable
liquid carrier.
Solutions or suspensions are applied directly to the nasal cavity by conventional
means, for example with a dropper, pipette or spray. The formulations can be provided
in single or multi-dose form. In the latter case of a dropper or pipette, this can be
achieved by the patient administering an appropriate, predetermined volume of the
solution or suspension. In the case of a spray, this can be achieved for example by
means of a metering atomizing spray pump.
Administration to the respiratory tract can also be achieved by means of an
aerosol formulation in which the active ingredient is provided m a pressurized pack with
a suitable propellant. If the compounds disclosed herein or identified by methods of the
invention or pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are administered as aerosols,
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
for example as nasal aerosols or by inhalation, this can be carried out, for example, using
a spray, a nebulizer, a pump nebulizer, an inhalation apparatus, a metered inhaler or a dry
powder inhaler. Pharmaceutical forms for administration of the compounds disclosed
herein or identified by methods of the invention as an aerosol can be prepared by
processes well-known to the person skilled in the art. For their preparation, for example,
solutions or dispersions of the compounds disclosed herein or identified by methods of
Ihe invention in water, water/alcohol mixtures or suitable saline solutions can be
employed using customary additives, for example benzyl alcohol or other suitable
preservatives, absorption enhancers for increasing the bioavailability, solubilizers,
dispersants and others, and, if appropriate, customary propellants, for example include
carbon dioxide, CFC's, such as, dichlorodifluoromethanc, tnchlorofluoromethane, or
dichlorotetrafluoroethane; and the like. The aerosol can conveniently also contain a
surfactant such as lecithin. The dose of drag can be controlled by provision of a metered
valve.
In formulations intended for administration to the respiratory tract, including
intranasal formulations, the compound will generally have a small particle size for
example of the order of 10 microns or less. Such a particle size can be obtained by
means known in the art, for example by micronization. When desired, formulations
adapted to give sustained release of the active ingredient can be employed.
Alternatively the active ingredients can be provided in the form of a dry powder,
for example, a powder mix of the compound in a suitable powder base such as lactose,
starch, starch derivatives such as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and
polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Conveniently the powder carrier will form a gel in the
nasal cavity. The powder composition can be presented in- unit dose form for example in
capsules or cartridges of, for example, gelatin, or blister packs from which the powder
can be administered by means of an inhaler.
The pharmaceutical preparations can be in unit dosage forms. In such form, the
preparation is subdivided into unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active
component. The unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, the package
containing discrete quantities of preparation, such as packeted tablets, capsules, and
powders in vials or ampoules. Also, the unit dosage form can be a capsule, tablet,
cachet, or lozenge itself, or it can be the appropriate number of any of these in packaged
form.
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Tablets or capsules for oral administration and liquids for intravenous
administration arc particularly useful compositions.
Insulin-related disorders include, for example, hypoglycemia, an insulin-secreting
or insulin-dependent tumor, aging, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, or
diabetes.
Hypoglycemia is defined as abnormally low blood glucose. Hypoglycemia can
result, for example, from excessive insulin or a poor diet. For example, hypoglycemia
can occur when a person with diabetes has injected too much insulin, eaten too little
food, or has exercised without extra food. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include, for
example, a feeling of nervousness or weakness, headache, blurred vision, hunger, and
excessive sweatincss.
Insulin-secreting tumors include, for example, insulinomas. An insulinoma is a
tumor of the beta cells in areas of the pancieas called the islets of Langerhans. Although
not usually cancerous, such tumors may cause the body to make extra insulin and may
lead to a blood glucose level that is too low. In addition to insuhn-secreting tumors,
some tumors that do not secrete insulin can use insulin as a growth factor. While insulin
may or may not be the sole growth factor used by the tumor, reduction in the amount of
insulin in the body may reduce the growth of the tumor.
Aging is the physiological processes that occur in an organism as it gets older.
Caloric restriction down-regulates insulin secretion and there is reason to suspect that
these effects are key mediators of caloric restriction's favorable impact on longevity.
Thus, strategies for down-regulating insulin can be useful to slow the process of aging
and increase longevity.
Diabetes and related conditions such as insulin resistance and impaired glucose
tolerance have been described above herein.
In addition, insulin resistance is a common feature of polycystic ovary syndrome
(PCOS) and drugs such as rosiglitazone and metformin has been used in the treatment of
PCOS (Sepilian and Nagamani J. Chn. Endocrinol Metab. Oct. 14,2003; Baillargeon et
al., Fertil. Steril. 82:893-902 (2004)). PCOS is characterized, for example, by bilaterally
enlarged polycystic ovaries, amenorrhea, and infertility. It is inherited as an aulosomal
dominant condition. Other symptoms of the disease can include, for example, hirsutism
and obesity. Hormonally, PCOS is characterized, for example, by increased secretion of
Ieutini7.ing hormone, insulin and androgens.
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Another indication for the compounds of the invention is treatment of
lipodystrophy, for example, as caused by anti-retroviral therapy for HIV infection. Some
patients on long term AIDS therapy known as highly active anti-retroviral therapy
(HAART) are increasingly developing a syndrome called lipodystrophy. Symptoms
include insulin sensitivity, the redistribution of fat from the face, arms and legs to the
abdomen and upper back, and cholesterol changes. About 14 percent of people on
HAART eventually develop type 2 diabetes. The drug rosiglitazone has been shown to
improve insulin sensitivity in HIV-positive patients who received the treatment for three
months. Patients had about a 20 percent improvement on a standard test to measure
insulin sensitivity and also increased their total body fat, particularly the amount of fat on
their face, arms and legs, which went up by 24 percent. By comparison, patients talcing
the placebo had a 2 percent decrease in face, arm and leg fat.
In some embodiments, said insulin-related disorder includes a condition related to
an elevated blood glucose concentration, such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke,
hypertension, obesity, Syndrome X and peripheral vascular disease.
Atherosclerosis is a process where deposits of fatly substances, cholesterol and
other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. This buildup is called plaque
Plaques that rupture cause blood clots to form that can block blood flow to the heart
(heart attack) or the brain (stroke). Heart attack is the number one cause of death for
both men and women in the United States and stroke is the number three cause of death
[see, for example, Nature Medicine, Special Focus on Atherosclerosis, (2002) 8:1209-
1262]. Abnormally high levels of circulating lrpids arc a major predisposing factor m
development of atherosclerosis. Elevated levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL)
cholesterol, elevated levels of Iriglycerides, or low levels of high density lipoprotein
(HDL) cholesterol are, independently, risk factors for atherosclerosis and associated
pathologies.
Heart disease includes, but is not limited to, cardiac insufficiency, coronary
insufficiency, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure (hypertension).
Peripheral vascular disease refers to diseases of blood vessels outside the heart and bram.
Organic peripheral vascular diseases are caused by structural changes in the blood
vessels, such as inflammation and tissue damage. Peripheral artery disease is an
example. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition similar to coronary artery
disease and carotid artery disease. In PAD, fatty deposits build up along artery walls and
affect blood circulation, mainly in arteries leading to the legs and feet. In its early stages
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a common symptom is cramping or fatigue in the legs and buttocks dunng activity. Such
cramping subsides when the person stands still. This is called "intermittent
claudication." People with PAD have a higher risk of death from stroke and heart attack,
due to the risk of blood clots.
Syndrome X, also called metabolic syndrome, is characterised by a group of
metabolic risk factors in one peison. They include: central obesity (excessive fat tissue
in and around the abdomen), atherogcnic dyslipidemia (blood fat disorders - mainly high
triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol), raised blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or higher),
insulin resistance or glucose intolerance, prothrombotic state (e.g., high fibrinogen or
plasminogen activator inhibitor [-1] in the blood), and proinflammatory state (e.g.,
elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the blood).
While the compounds disclosed herein or identified by the methods of the
invention can be administered as the sole active pharmaceutical agent as described heiein
above, they can also be used in combination with one or more agents including, for
example, agents that are used for the treatment of diabetes, blood lipid disorders, or
obesity. For example, a compound such as a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist can be
used in combination with one or more agents belonging to the class of drugs known as a-
glucosidase inhibitors, aldose reductase inhibitors, biguanides, thiazolidinediones,
meglitinides, sulfonylurcas, insulin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, squalene synthesis
inhibitors, fibrate compounds, LDL catabolism enhancers, angjotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, lipase inhibitors, serotonin and/or noradrenaline releasers or
reuptake inhibitors.
α-Glucosidase inhibitors belong to the class of drugs which competitively inhibit
digestive enzymes such as oc-amylase, maltase, a-dextrinase, sucrase, etc. in the pancreas
and or small intestine. The reversible inhibition by α-glucosidase inhibitors retard,
diminish or otherwise reduce blood glucose levels by delaying the digestion of starch and
sugars. Some representative examples of α-glucosidase inhibitors include acarbosc, N-
(l,3-dihydroxy-2-propyl)valiolarnine (generic name; voglibose), miglitol, and α-
glucosidase inhibitors known in the art.
The class of aldose reductase inhibitors are drugs which inhibit the first-stage
rate-limiting enzyme in the polyol pathway and thereby prevent or arrest diabetic
complications. In the hyperglyccmic state of diabetes, the utilization of glucose in the
polyol pathway is increased and the excess sorbitol accumulated intracellularly as a
consequence acts as a tissue toxin and hence evokes the onset of complications such as
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diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Examples of the aldose reductasc
inhibitors include tolurcstat; epalrestat; 3,4-dihydro-2,8-diisopropyl-3-thioxo-2μM,4-
benzoxa/.me-4-aceticacid;2,7-difluorospiro(9/1/-fluorcne-9,4l-imidazolidme)-2I,51-dione
(generic name: imirestat); 3-[(4-bromo-2-flurophenyl)methy]-7-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2,4-
dioxo-l(2H)-quinazoline acetic acid (generic name: zenarcslat); 6-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-
2',5'-dioxo-spiro[4i7-1 -benzopyran-4,4'-imidazolidme]-2-carboxaniide (SNK-860),
zopolrestat; sorbiml;and l-[(3-bromo-2-benzofurauyl)sulfonylJ-2,4-iniidazolidinedi(>ae
(M-16209), and aldose rcductase inhibitors known in the art.
The biguanides arc a class of drugs that stimulate anaerobic glycolysis, increase
the sensitivity to insulin in the peripheral tissues, inhibit glucose absorption from the
intestine, suppress of hepatic gluconcogencsis, and inhibit fatty acid oxidation
Examples of biguanides include phenformin, metformin, buformin, and biguanides
known in the art
Insulin secretion enhancers belong to the class of drugs having the property to
promote secretion of insulin from pancreatic (5 cells. Examples of the insulin secretion
enhancers include sulfonylureas (SU). The sulfonylurcas (SU) are drugs which promote
secretion of insulin from pancreatic p cells by transmitting signals of insulin secretion
via SU receptors in the cell membranes. Examples of the sulfonylureas include
tolbutamide; chlorpropamide; tolazarmde; acetohexamide; 4-chloro-N-[(l-
pyrolidinylamino) caibonyl]-benzenesulfonamide (generic name: gjycopyramide) or its
ammonium salt; glibenclamide (glyburide); gliclazide; l-butyI-3-metaniiylurea;
carbutamide; glibonuride; glipizide; gliquidone; glisoxepid; glybuthiazole; glibuzolc;
glyhexamide; glymidinc; glypinamide; phenbutamide; tolcyclamide, glimepiride, and
other insulin secretion enhancers known in the art. Other insulin secretion enhancers
include N-[[4-( 1 -methyIethyl)cyclohexyl)carboiiyl]-D-phenyIalanine (Nateglinidc);
calcium (2S)-2-benzyl-3-(cis-hexahydro-2-isomdolinylcarbonyI)propionatedihydrate
(Mitiglmide, KAD-1229); and other insulin secretion enhancers known in the art.
Thiazolidinediones belong to the class of drugs more commonly known as TZDs
Thiazolidinediones are a class of drugs for type 2 diabetes that lower the blood sugar by
increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin. Insulin can then move glucose from the
blood into cells for energy. These drugs can also increase HDL.
Examples of thiazolidinediones include rosiglitazone, pioglitazonc, and
thiazolidinediones known in the art. Rezulin (troglitazone) was the first drug in this class
in the U.S., but was taken off the market because of liver toxicity. Sister compounds
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now available with a better safety profile include Actos (pioghtazone) and Avandia
(rosiglitazone). The main contraindications to the use of these medications include liver
disease and heart failure. These drugs can also cause a significant increase in fluid
retention and thereby increase the risk of heart failure.
Meglitinides are used to stop the rapid rise m blood sugar that can occur
immediately after a person with type 2 diabetes cats a meal. These compounds, which
include, for example, repaglinide (Prandin) and nateglinide (Starlix), work by inci easing
the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas similar to the way sulfonyurea
medications work. Meglitinides are taken before eating a meal. Side effects associated
with this class of drugs includes low blood sugar, upper respiratory infections including
sinus conditions, headache, joint and back pain, nausea, diarrhea and constipation
The different types of insulin are categorized according to how fast they start to
work (onset) and how long they continue to work (duration). The types now available
include rapid-, short-, intermediate-, and long-acting insulin. There are premixed rapid-
and intermediate-acting insulins available, including: 70% intermediate-acting (NPH)
and 30% short-acting regular insulin, called 70/30 insulin; 50% intermediate-acting
(NPH) and 50% short-acting regular insulin, called 50/50 insulin; 75% intermediate-
acting (NPH) and 25% rapid-acting Humalog (lispro), called 75/25 insulin; 70%
intermediate-acting (NPH); and 30% rapid-acting NovoLog (insulin aspart), called
MovoLog Mix 70/30. Insulin usually is given as an injection into the tissues under the
skin (subcutaneous). It can also be given through an insulin pump or jet injector, a
device that sprays the medication into the skin.
Insulin lets sugar (glucose) enter cells, where it is used for energy. Without
insulin, the blood sugar level rises above what is safe for the body. Usually, a rapid- or
short-acting and an intermediate- or long-acting insulin is taken to provide the constant
and variable levels of insulin that the body needs. The short-acting insulin reduces blood
sugar levels quickly and then wears off. Some long-acting insulins start taking effect
when rapid- or short-acting insulins begin to wear off. The new long-acting insulin,
Lantus, starts to work within a few minutes after it is given and continues to work at the
same rate for about 24 hours.
The combination of a rapid- or short-acting and intermediate- or long-acting
insulin helps keep blood sugar levels within a range that is safe for the body throughout
the day. Thus insulin can be used to treat people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2
diabetes whose pancreas produces little or no insulin or whose oral medications do not
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control their blood sugar. These people may take insulin either alone or along with oral
medication, people with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar levels are high because of a
severe illness or major surgery, women with type 2 diabetes who are pregnant or breast-
feeding who cannot keep their blood sugar levels within a safe range with diet and
exercise. Only one oral diabetes medication (glybunde) has been studied for use during
pregnancy.
The major side effect of msulin can be a dangerously low blood sugar level
(severe hypoglycemia). A very low blood sugar level can develop within 10 to 15
minutes. Insulin can contribute to weight gam, especially in people with type 2 who
already are overweight. Other possible side effects of long-term insulin use include rhe
loss of fatty tissue (lipodystrophy) where the insulin is injected and, rarely, allergic
reactions that include swelling (edema).
Statin compounds belong to a class of drugs that lower blood cholesterol levels
by inhibiting hydroxymethylglutalyl Co A (HMG-CoA) reduclase. HMG-CoA xcductase
is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. A statin that inhibits this
reductase lowers serum LDL concentrations by upreguiatmg the activity of LDL
receptors and responsible for clearing LDL from the blood. Examples of the statm
compounds include rosuvastatin, pravastatin and its sodium salt, svmvastatin. lovastatin,
atorvastatin, fluvastatin, cerivastatin, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors known in the
art
Squalene synthesis inhibitors belong to a class of drugs that lower blood
cholesterol levels by inhibiting synthesis of squalene. Examples of the squalene
synthesis inhibitors include (S)-a-[Bis[2,2-dimethyl-l-oxopropoxy)methoxy]
phosphJnyll-3-phenoxybenzenebutanesuIfoiuc acid, mono potassium salt (BMS-188494)
and squalene synthesis inhibitors known in the art
Fibrate compounds belong to a class of drugs that lower blood cholesterol levels
by inhibiting synthesis and secretion of triglycerides in the liver and activating a
lipoprotein lipase. Fibrates have been known to activate peroxisomc proliferators-
actjvated receptors and induce lipoprotein lipase expression. Examples of fibrate
compounds include bezafibrate, beclobrate, binifibrate, ciplofibrate, clinofibrate,
clofibrate, clofibric acid, etofibrate, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, nicofibrate, piri fibrate,
ronifibrate, simfibrate, theofibratc, and fibrates known in the art.
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LDL (low-density lipoprolein) catabolism enhancers belong to a class of drugs
that lower blood cholesterol levels by increasing the number of LDL (low-density
lipoprotein) receptors, examples include LDL catabohsm enhancers known in the art.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors belong to the class of drugs that
partially lower blood glucose levels as well as lowering blood pressure by inliibiting
angiotensin converting enzymes. Examples of the angiotensin converting enzyme
inhibitors include captopril, enalapril, alacepril, delapril; ramipril, hsraopril, imidapnl,
benazepril, ceronapril, cilazapnl, enalaprilat, fosinopnl, movcltopril, perindopril,
quinapril, spirapril, temocapril, trandolapril, and angiotensin converting enzyme
inhibitors known in the art.
Lipase inhibitors include, for example, anti-obesity compounds such as Orlistat
(XEN1CAL™). Orlistal inhibits fat absorption directly but also tends to produce a high
incidence of unpleasant gastric side-effects such as diarrhea and flatulence.
Another class of anti-obesity drugs includes serotonin and/or noradrenaline
releasers or reuptake inhibitors. For example, sibutramine (Meridia™) is a mixed 5-
HT/noradrenalme reuptake inhibitor. The main side effect of sibutramine can be an
increase in blood pressure and heart rate in some patients. The serotonin
releaser/rcuptake inhibitors fcnfluramine (Pondimin™) and dexfenfluramine (ReduxiM)
have been reported to decrease food intake and body weight over a prolonged period
(greater than 6 months). However, both products were withdrawn from use after reports
of preliminary evidence of heart valve abnormalities associated with their use.
Some embodiments of the invention include, a pharmaceutical composition
comprising a compound disclosed herein or identified by methods of the invention or a
pharmaccutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with at least one member
selected from the group consisting of an oc-glucosidase inhibitor, an aldose reductase
inhibitor, a biguanide, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, a squalene synthesis inhibitor, a
fibrate compound, a LDL calabolism enhancer and an angiotensin converting enzyme
inhibitor, hi another embodiment, the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is selected from
the group consisting of prevastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin and
lipitor.
hi accordance with the present invention, the combination can be used by mixing
the respective active components either all together or independently with a
physiologically acceptable carrier, excipient, binder, diluent, etc., as described herein
above, and administering the mixture or mixtures either orally or non-orally as a
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pharmaceutical composition. When a compound or a mixture of compounds are
administered as a combination therapy or prophylaxis with another active compound the
therapeutic agents can be formulated as a separate pharmaceutical compositions given at
the same time or at different times, or the therapeutic agents can be given as a single
composition.
The invention also provides a method for the manufacture of a medicament
comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or
consisting of the glycemic stabilizing compound identified according to the method of.
a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41
functionality is modulated, wherein a modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of
the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound, for use as a glycemic
stabilizing compound.
The invention further provides a method for the manufacture of a medicament
comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or
consisting of the glycemic stabilizing compound identified according to the method of:
a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41
functionality is modulated, wherein a modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of
the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound, for use in the treatment
of an insulin-related disorder.
The invention relates to a method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing
compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b)
determining whether GPR41 functionality is increased, wherein an increase in GPR41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound.
In one embodiment, said GPR41 is derived from a mammal. In another
embodiment, said GPR41 is human.
In certain embodiments, said GPR41 is recombinant. In certain embodiments, said
contacting comprises contacting with a host cell or with membrane of a host cell that
expresses the GPCR, wherein the host cell comprises an expression vector comprising a
polynucleotide encoding the receptor. In some embodiments, said contacting is carried out
in the presence of a known agonist of the GPCR or an agonist as disclosed herein.
In certain embodiments, said method further comprises the step of comparing the
increase in functionality of the receptor caused by the candidate compound to a second.
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increase in functionality of the receptor caused by contacting the receptor with a known
hgand or agonist of the receptor.
In some embodiments, said determining comprises a second messenger assay, for
example, determining is through the measurement of GTP7S binding to membrane
comprising said GPCR. In certain embodiments, said GTP7S is labeled with [i:>S\. In
certain embodiments, said determining is through the measurement of the level of a second
messenger selected from the group consisting of cyclic AMP (cAMP), cyclic GMP
(cGMP), inositol triphosphate (IP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), MAP kinasc activity, and Ca2t.
In certain embodiments, said second messenger is cAMP. In certain embodiments, said
measurement of cAMP is carried out using whole-cell adenylyl cyclase assay. In certain
embodiments, said measurement of cAMP is carried out with membrane comprising said
GPCR. In certain embodiments, said determining is through measurement of intraccllular
IP3. In certain embodiments, said determining further includes the use of a chimeric G-
protein such as a Gq/Gi chimera. In certain embodiments, said second messenger is MAP
kinase activity. In some embodiments, said determining is through CRE-reporter assay. In
certain embodiments, said reporter is luciferase. In some embodiments, said reporter is jS-
galactosidase. In certain embodiments, said determining or said comparing is through
measurement of intracellular Ca21.
In some embodiments, said determining is through measurement of glucose uptake
by adipocytes obtained from a mammal. In some embodiments, said determining is
through measurement of glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells obtained from a mammal.
In certain embodiments, said determining is through the use of a melanophore
assay.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound comprises a
compound selected from the group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyi)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic
acid 4-[l,2,3]tbiadiazol-4-yl-phcnyl ester, cyclopropanccarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
metbyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylainide, 4-Furan-
3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-
phenyl)-amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinonne-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6J7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-
phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-
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Mcthyl-4-(3-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-caiboxylic acid o-
tolylamidc, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The invention also relates to a method of identifying a candidate compound as an
inhibitor of insulin secretion, comprising a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41,
and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is increased, wherein an ma-ease m
GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound bemg an inhibitor of insulin
secretion. For example, a compound that increases GPR41 functionality, such as a GPR41
agonist, can result in a decrease in insulin secretion. A decrease m insulin secretion can be
desired, for example, in individuals with hypoglycemia.
The invention also relates to a method of identifying a candidate compound that
results in an increase of blood glucose concentration, comprising a) contacting a candidate
compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is increased,
wherein an increase in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound
resulting in an increase of blood glucose concentration. For example, a compound that
increases GPR41 functionality, such as a GPR41 agonist, can result in a decrease in insulin
secretion and an increase in blood glucose concentration. An inciease in blood glucose can
be desired, for example, in individuals with hypoglycemia.
In certain embodiments, said GPR41 is recombinant. In certain embodiments, said
contacting comprises contacting with a host cell or with membrane of a host cell that
expresses the GPCR, wherein the host cell comprises an expression vector comprising a
polynucleotidc encoding the receptor. In some embodiments, said contacting is carried out
in the presence of an agonist of the GPCR.
In the methods of the invention, control reactions can be performed to show
specificity of the response. For example, mock-transfected cells can be compared to
GPR41 transfected cells to show specificity of a response to the GPR41 receptor.
In the methods of the invention, in certain embodiments, said candidate compound
is not an antibody or antigen-binding derivative thereof In certain embodiments, said
candidate compound is not a peptidc. In certain embodiments, said candidate compound is
not a polypeptide.
In the methods of the invention, determining can comprise a second messenger
assay. The initiation of an intracellular signal can be determined, for example, through
the measurement of the level of a second messenger such as cyclic AMP (cAMP), cyclic
GMP (cGMP), inositol triphosphate (IP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), MAP kinase, or
calcium. Several assays are well known in the art for measuring these second
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messengers, for example, cAMP assays, IP3 assays, the FLIPR assay, the melanophore
assay, or CRE-reporter assay. In addition, examples of second messenger assays arc
disclosed herein in Examples 12-17. In certain embodiments, said second messenger is
cAMP. In other embodiments, said second messenger is IP3. In further embodiments
said second messenger is calcium.
In one embodiment, said determining is through the measurement of GTPyS
binding to membrane comprising said GPCR. Such assays are well known m the art and
exemplified herein in Examples 12 and 14. In certain embodiments, said GTPyS is
labeled with [35S].
The invention also relates to a glycemic stabilizing compound identifiable
according to the method of: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR.41, and b)
determining whether GPR41 functionality is increased, wherein an increase in GPR41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound.
For example, the invention provides a glycemic stabilizing compound identified
according to the method of: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b)
determining whether GPR41 functionality is increased, wherein an increase in GPR41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound.
In one embodiment, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 agonist. For
example, said glycemic stabilizing compound comprises a compound selected from the
group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinolinc-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-
[l,2,3]thiadia/.ol-4-yl-phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4~Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-
5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyI)-
amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid
o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-mcthyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quuioline-3-
carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Meth.yl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-
nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, or
a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 agonist.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 agonist with an
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EC50 of less than 10 μM, of less than 1 μM, of less than 100 nM, or of less than 10 nM.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50
of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 jxM. In some embodiments, said
glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50 of a value selected from the
interval of 1 nM to 1 μM. In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is
an agonist with an EC50 of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 100 nM In
some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50 of a
value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 nM.
In certain embodiments, said EC50 is determined using an assay selected fiom
the group consisting of: IP3 assay earned out using transfected HEK293 cells expressing
recombinant GPR41 polypeptide; and melanophore assay carried out using transfected
melanophores expressing recombinant GPR41 polypeptide. In some embodiments, said
glycemic stabilizing compound is an agomst with an EC50 of less man 10 ,uM, of less
than 1 /xM, of less than 100 nM, or of less than 10 nM in said assay. In some
embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an F.C50 of less
than 10 μM, of less than 9 μM, of less than 8 μM, of less than 7 μM, ofless than 6 /xM,
of less than 5 μM, ofless than 4 μM, ofless than 3 μM, ofless than 2 μM, ofless than 1
μM, ofless than 900 nM, ofless than 800 nM, ofless than 700 nM, ofless than 600 nM,
ofless than 500 nM, ofless than 400 nM, ofless than 300 nM, ofless than 200 nM, of
less than 100 nM, ofless than 90 nM, ofless than 80 nM, ofless than 70 nM, ofless than
60 nM, ofless than 50 nM, ofless than 40 nM, ofless than 30 nM, ofless than 20 nM, of
less than 10 nM in said assay. In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing
compound is an agonist with an EC50 in said assay of a value selected from the interval
of 1 nM to 10 /xM. In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an
agomst with an EC50 in said assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 1 /xM.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50 in
said assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 100 nM. In some
embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an agonist with an EC50 in said
assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 nM. In some embodiments,
said glycemic stabilizing compound is selective for the GPCR.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is orally bioavailablc.
In some embodiments, said oral bioavailability is at least 1%, at least 5%, at least 10%,
at least 15%, at least 20%s at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, or at
least 45% relative to intraperitoncal administration. In some embodiments, said oral
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bioavailablity is at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, or at
least 45% relative to intraperitoneal administration. In some embodiments, said orally
bioavailable glycemic stabilizing compound is further able to cross the blood-brain
barrier.
In one embodiment, said glycemic stabilizing compound comprises a compound
selected from the group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-
[1,2,3lthiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-
5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-
amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-mcmyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qiiinolinc-3-carboxylic acid
o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-
carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsuJfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-
nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acid o-lolylamide, or
a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In addition, the invention relates to a method for preparing a composition which
comprises identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound and then admixing said
compound with a carrier, wherein said compound is identifiable by the method of: a)
contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41
functionality is increased, wherein an increase in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the
candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound. For example, the invention
provides a method for preparing a composition which comprises identifying a glycemic
stabilizing compound and then admixing said compound with a carrier, wherein said
compound is identified by the method of: a) contacting a candidate compound with
GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is increased, wherein an
increase in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a
glycemic stabilizing compound. In addition, the invention provides a method for
preparing a composition which comprises identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound
and then admixing said compound with a carrier, wherein said compound comprises a
compound selected from the group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxyhc
acid 4-[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinou'ne-3-caiboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-FuraD-
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3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-carboxyliciicid(2,5-dichloro-
phcnyl)-amidc, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-araide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-melhylsulfanyl-
phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-
Melhyl-4-(3-mtro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoI[ne-3-carboxylic acid o-
tolylamide, or a pharmaccutically acceptable salt thereof.
The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting
essentially of, or consisting of the glycemic stabilizing compound identified according to
the method of: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining
whether GPR4I functionality is increased, wherein an increase in GPR41 functionality is
indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound.
Some embodiments of the present invention include a method of producing a
pharmaceutical composition comprising admixing at least one compound according to
any of the compound embodiments disclosed herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier.
A compound can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions using
techniques well known to those in the art and described herein.
While it is possible that, for use m the prophylaxis or treatment, a compound
disclosed herein or identified by methods of the invention can in an alternative use be
administered as a raw or pure chemical, it can be useful to present the compound or
active ingredient as a pharmaceutical formulation or composition further comprising a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
The invention thus further provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a
compound disclosed herein or identified by methods of the invention or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof together with one or more
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers thereof and/or prophylactic ingredients. The
carriers) are "acceptable" in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of
the formulation and not overly deleterious to the recipient thereof.
Pharmaceutical formulations, routes of administration, and dosages have been
described above.
The invention provides a method for treating or preventing an insulin-related
disorder in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to said individual an
effective amount of the compound identified according to the method of: a) contacting a
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candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is
increased, wherein an increase in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate
compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound. In some embodiments, said insulin-
related disorder is hypoglycemia, an insulin-secreting or insulin-dependent tumor, or
aging. In one embodiment, the compound administered comprises a GPR41 agonist. In
one embodiment, the individual is a mammal and m another embodiment the individual
is a human.
While the compounds disclosed herein or identified by the methods of the
invention can be administered as the sole active pharmaceutical agent as described herein
above, they can also be used in combination with one or more agents.
The invention also provides a method for the manufacture of a medicament
comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or
consisting of the glycemic stabilizing compound identified according to the method of.
a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41
functionality is increased, wherein an increase in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the
candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound, for use as a glycemic
stabilizing compound.
The invention further provides a method for the manufacture of a medicament
comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or
consisting of the glycemic stabilizing compound identified according to the method oi:
a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41
functionality is increased, wherein an increase in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the
candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound, for use in the treatment of
an insulin-related disorder.
The invention relates to a method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing
compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b)
determining whether GPR41 functionality is decreased, wherein a decrease in GPR41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound. In one embodiment, said glycemic stabilizing compound comprises a
compound selected from the group consisting of: 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-
trifluoromemyl-phenyl)-furan-2-y]]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic
acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-mtro-phenyl)-
furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-
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amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phcnoxy-phmyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-
ylJ-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-
Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yll-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolLne-3-
carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide; or a pharmaceuticatty acceptable salt thereof.
In one embodiment, said GPR41 is derived from a mammal. In another
embodiment, said GPR41 is human.
In certain embodiments, said GPR41 is rccombmant. In certain embodiments, said
contacting comprises contacting with a host cell or with membrane of a host cell that
expresses the GPCR, wherein the host cell comprises an expression vector comprising a
polynucleotide encoding the receptor. In some embodiments, said contacting is carried out
in the presence of a known agonist of the GPCR or an agonist as disclosed herein.
In some embodiments, said determining comprises a second messenger assay, for
example, determining is through the measurement of GTP7S binding to membrane
comprising said GPCR. In certain embodiments, said GTP7S is labeled with [35S]. In
certain embodiments, said determining is through the measurement of the level of a second
messenger selected from the group consisting of cyclic AMP (cAMP), cyclic GMP
(cGMP), inositol triphosphate (EP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), MAP Ionase activity, and Ca21".
In certain embodiments, said second messenger is cAMP. In certain embodiments, said
measurement of cAMP is earned out using whole-cell adcnylyl cyclasc assay. In certain
embodiments, said measurement of cAMP is carried out with membrane comprising said
GPCR. In certain embodiments, said determining is through measurement of intracellular
IP3. In certain embodiments, said determining further includes the use of a chimcric G-
protein such as a Gq/Gi chimera. In certain embodiments, said second messenger is MAP
kinase activity. In some embodiments, said determining is through CRE-reporter assay. In
certain embodiments, said reporter is luciferase. In some embodiments, said reporter is β-
galactosidase. In certain embodiments, said determining or said comparing is through
measurement of intracellular Ca .
In some embodiments, said determining is through measurement of glucose uptake
by adipocytes obtained from a mammal. In some embodiments, said determining is
through measurement of glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells obtained from a mammal.
In certain embodiments, said determining is through the use of a melanophore
assay.
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The invention also relates to a method of identifying a candidate compound as a
potentiator of insulin secretion, comprising a) contacting a candidate compound with
GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is decreased, wherein a decrease
in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a potcnliator of
insulin secretion. For example, a compound that decreases GPR41 functionality, such as a
GPR41 antagonist or inverse agonist, can result in an increase in insulin secretion. An
increase in insulin secretion can be desired, for example, in individuals with insulin
resistance such as diabetics.
The invention also relates to a method of identifying a candidate compound that
results in a decrease in blood glucose concentration, comprising a) contacting a candidate
compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is decreased,
wherein a decrease in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound
resulting in a decrease in blood glucose concentration. For example, a compound that
decreases GPR41 functionality, such as a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist, can result m
an increase m insulin secretion and a decrease in blood glucose concentration. A decrease
in blood glucose can be desired, for example, in individuals with hyperglycemia such as
diabetics.
In certain embodiments, said GPR41 is recombmant. In certain embodiments, said
contacting comprises contacting with a host cell or with membrane of a host cell that
expresses the GPCR, wherein the host cell comprises an expression vector comprising a
polynucleotide encoding the receptor. In some embodiments, said contacting is carried out
in the presence of an agonist of the GPCR.
In the methods of the invention, control reactions can be performed to show
specificity of the response. For example, mock-transfected cells can be compared to
GPR41 transfected cells to show specificity of a response to the GPR41 receptor.
In the methods of the invention, in certain embodiments, said candidate compound
is not an antibody or antigen-binding derivative thereof. In certain embodiments, said
candidate compound is not a peplide. In certain embodiments, said candidate compound is
not a polypqitidc.
In the methods of the invention, determining can comprise a second messenger
assay. The initiation of an mtracellular signal can be determined, for example, through
the measurement of the level of a second messenger such as cyclic AMP (cAMP), cyclic
GMP (cGMP), inositol triphosphate (IP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), MAP kinasc, or
calcium. Several assays are well known in the art for measuring these second
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messengers, for example, cAMP assays, IP3 assays, the FLIPR assay, the melanophore
assay, or CRE-reporter assay. In addition, examples of second messenger assays are
disclosed herein in Examples 12-17. In certain embodiments, said second messenger is
cAMP. In other embodiments, said second messenger is IP3. In further embodiments
said second messenger is calcium.
In one embodiment, said determining is through the measurement of GTPyS
binding to membrane comprising said GPCR. Such assays are well known in the art and
exemplified herein in Examples 12 and 14. In certain embodiments, said GTPyS is
labeled with [35S].
The invention also relates to a glycemic stabilizing compound identifiable
according to the method of: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b)
determining whether GPR41 functionality is decreased, wherein a decrease in GPR.41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound bemg a glycemic stabilizing
compound.
For example, the invention provides a glycemic stabilizing compound identified
according to the method of: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b)
determining whether GPR41 functionality is decreased, wherein a decrease in GPR41
functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing
compound. In one embodiment, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 inverse
agonist. In one embodiment, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 antagonist.
In one embodiment, said glycemic stabilizing compound comprises a compound selected
from the group consisting of: 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-
yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-
Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc
acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl3-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinolinc-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-
phenoxy-phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-
Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromemoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable sail thereof.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is a GPR41 inverse
agonist or antagonist with an IC50 of less than 10 μM, of less than 1 μM, of less than 100
nM, or of less than 10 nM. In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound
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WO 2006/052566 PCT/US2005/039551
is an inverse agorust or antagonist with an 1C50 of a value selected from the interval of 1
nM to 10 μM. In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse
agonist or antagonist with an IC50 of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 1 μM.
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or
antagonist with an IC50 of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 100 nM. In
some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or
antagonist with an IC50 of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 nM.
In certain embodiments, said IC50 is determined using an assay selected from the
group consisting of: 1P3 assay carried out using transfected HEK293 cells expressing
recombinanl GPR41 polypeptide; and melanophore assay carried out using transfected
melanophores expressing recombmant GPR 41 polypeptide. In some embodiments, said
glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or antagonist with an IC50 of less
than 10 μM, of less than 1 μM, of less than 100 nM, or of less than 10 nM in said assay
In some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or
antagonist with an IC50 of less than 10 μM, of less than 9 ΜM, of less than 8 /iM, of less
than 7 μM, of less than 6 /iM, of less than 5 /iM, of less than 4 μM, of less than 3 μM, of
less than 2 μM, of less than 1 μM, of less than 900 nM, of less than 800 nM, of less ihan
700 nM, of less than 600 nM, of less than 500 nM, of less than 400 nM, of less than 300
nM, of less than 200 nM, of less than 100 nM, of less than 90 nM, of less than 80 nM, of
less than 70 nM, of less than 60 nM, of less than 50 nM, of less than 40 nM, ofless than
30 nM, ofless than 20 nM, of less than 10 nM in said assay. In some embodiments, said
glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or antagonist with an JC50 in said
assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 μM. In some embodiments,
said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or antagonist with an IC50 in
said assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 1 μM. In some embodiments,
said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or antagonist with an IC50 in
said assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 100 nM. In some
embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is an inverse agonist or antagonist
with an IC50 in said assay of a value selected from the interval of 1 nM to 10 nM. m
some embodiments, said glycemic stabilizing compound is selective for the GPCR.
In some embodiments, said glyceraic stabilizing compound is orally bioavailable.
In some embodiments, said oral bioavailabilily is at least 1%, at least 5%, at least 10%,
at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, or at
least 45% relative to intraperitoneal administration. In some embodiments, said oral
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bioavailablity is at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, or at
least 45% relative to intraperitoncal administration. In some embodiments, said orally
bioavailable glycemic stabilizing compound is further able to cross the blood-brain
barrier.
In addition, the invention relates to a method for preparing a composition which
comprises identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound and then admixing said
compound with a carrier, wherein said compound is identifiable by the method of:
a)contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41
functionality is decreased, wherein a decrease in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the
candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound. For example, the invention
provides a method for preparing a composition which comprises identifying a glycemic
stabilizing compound and then admixing said compound with a carrier, wherein said
compound is identified by the method of. a) contacting a candidate compound with
GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is decreased, wherein a
decrease in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a
glycemic stabilizing compound.
The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting
essentially of, or consisting of the glycemic stabilizing compound identified according to
the method of: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining
whether GPR41 functionality is decreased, wherein a decrease m GPR4I functionality is
indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound.
Some embodiments of the present invention include a method of producing a
pharmaceutical composition comprising admixing at least one compound according to
any of the compound embodiments disclosed herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier.
Pharmaceutical formulations, routes of administration, and dosages have been
described above.
The invention provides a method for treating or preventing an insulin-related
disorder in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to said individual an
effective amount of the compound identified according to the method of: a) contacting a
candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is
decreased, wherein a decrease in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate
compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound. In some embodiments, said insulin-
related disorder is insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes. In some
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embodiments, said insulin-related disorder includes a condition related to an elevated
blood glucose concentration, such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, hypertension,
obesity, Syndrome X or peripheral vascular disease. In some embodiments, said insulin-
related disorder is Type II diabetes. In one embodiment, the compound administered
comprises a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering to said
individual an effective amount of an agent used for the treatment of diabetes, blood lipid
disorders, or obesity in combination with an effective amount of the pharmaceutical
composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the glycemic
stabilizing compound identified according to the method of: a) contacting a candidate
compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is decreased,
wherein a decrease in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound
being a glycemic stabilizing compound. For example, in one embodiment, the method
further comprises administering to said individual an effective amount of an agent used
for the treatment of diabetes, blood lipid disorders, or obesity in combination with an
effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition containing a GPR41 inverse agonist.
In one embodiment, the individual is a mammal and in another embodiment the
individual is a human.
While the compounds disclosed herein or identified by the methods of the
invention can be administered as the sole active pharmaceutical agent as described herein
above, they can also be used in combination with one or more agents including, for
example, agents that are used for the treatment of diabetes, blood lipid disorders, or
obesity. For example, a compound such as a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist can be
used in combination with one or more agents belonging to the class of drugs known as a-
glucosidase inhibitors, aldose reductase inhibitors, biguanides, thiazolidincdiones,
meglitinidcs, sulfonylureas, insulin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, squalene synthesis
inhibitors, fibrate compounds, LDL catabolism enhancers, angiotensin converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, lipase inhibitors, serotonin and/or noradrenaline releascrs or
reuptake inhibitors.
Some embodiments of the invention include, a pharmaceutical composition
comprising a compound disclosed herein or identified by methods of the invention or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with at least one member
selected from the group consisting of an a-glucosidase inhibitor, an aldose reductase
inhibitor, a biguanide, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, a squalene synthesis inhibitor, a
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fibrate compound, a LDL catabohsm enhancer and an angiotensin converting enzyme
inhibitor. In another embodiment, the HMG-CoA rcductase inhibitor is selected from
the group consisting of prevastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatm and
lipitor.
In accordance with the present invention, the combination can be used by mixing
the respective active components either all together or independently with a
physiologically acceptable carrier, excipient, binder, diluent, etc., as described heroin
above, and administering the mixture or mixtures either orally or non-orally as a
pharmaceutical composition. When a compound or a mixture of compounds are
administered as a combination therapy or prophylaxis with another active compound the
therapeutic agents can be formulated as a separate pharmaceutical compositions given al
the same time or at different times, or the therapeutic agents can be given as a single
composition.
The invention also provides a method for the manufacture of a medicament
comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or
consisting of the glycemic stabilizing compound identified according to the method of:
a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41
functionality is decreased, wherein a decrease in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the
candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound, for use as a glycemic
stabilizing compound.
The invention further provides a method for the manufacture of a medicament
comprising a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or
consisting of the glycemic stabilizing compound identified according to the method of:
a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41
functionality is decreased, wherein a decrease in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the
candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound, for use in the treatment of
an insulin-related disorder such as insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance or
diabetes.
The invention also provides a method for increasing GPR41 function, comprising
contacting GPR41 with an effective amount of a GPR41 agonist, for example, a
compound selected from the group selected from the group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-
nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo- l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide,
cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-[l,2,3Jthiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester,
cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
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quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-
nietiiyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc, 4-Fuian
3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (4-chloro-
phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-mcthylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Mcthyl-4-(3-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-carboxylic acid o-lolylamide, or a phannaceutically
acceptable salt thereof. The structures of these compounds are shown in Table 1 below.
The invention also provides a method for increasing GPR41 function in a cell,
comprising contacting a cell expressing GPR41 with an effective amount of a GPR41
agonist. The cell can be, for example, in an individual or the cell can be an isolated ceil.
Table 1:

61


The invention also provides a method for decreasing GPR41 Junction, comprising
contacting GPR41 with an effective amount of a GPR4I inverse agonist or antagonist,
for example, a compound selected from the group selected from the group consisting of:
2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethyl-phcnyl)-fuTan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-
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methyl-5-oxo-l,4,536,7,8-hcxaliydro-quinohne-3-carboxyIic acid o-tolylamide, 2-
Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-phenyI)-furan -2-yl]-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne -3-
carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-phenyl)-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-lolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-
(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yi]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic
acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phcnyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-methyl-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof.. The structures of these compounds are shown in Table 2 below.
The invention also provides a method for decreasing GPR41 function in a cell,
comprising contacting a cell expressing GPR41 with an effective amount of a GPR41
inverse agonist or antagonist. The cell can be, for example, in an individual or the cell
can be an isolated cell.
Table 2

63


The invention provides a method for treating or preventing an insulin-related
disorder, comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount
of a GPR41 modulator. In one embodiment, said insulin-related disorder is
hypoglycemia, an insulin-secreting or insulin-dependent tumor, or agmg. In one
embodiment, said modulator is an agonist. In one embodiment, said agonist comprises a
compound selected from the group selected from the group consisting of: 2-mctliyl-4-(4-
nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-quinolinc-3-carboxylicacido-tolylamide,
cyclopropanecarboxyhc acid 4-[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester,
cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-rnethyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxyIic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methy]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-
3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (4-chloro-
phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-
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l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof.
In one embodiment, said insulin-related disorder is insulin resistance, impaired
glucose tolerance, or diabetes and said modulator is an inverse agonist or antagonist. In
one embodiment, said insulin-related disorder is Type II diabetes. In some
embodiments, said insulin-related disorder includes a condition related to an elevated
blood glucose concentration, such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, hypertension,
obesity, Syndrome X or peripheral vascular disease. In one embodiment, said inverse
agonist or antagonist comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of2-
Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-
oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-
nitro-phcnyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-1.4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-
chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-phenyl)-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-
phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qimioline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and
4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-
3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In one embodiment said method further comprising administering to said
individual an effective amount of an agent used for the treatment of diabetes, blood lipid
disorders, or obesity in combination with an effective amount of a GPR41 inverse
agonist or antagonist. In one embodiment, the individual is a mammal and in another
embodiment the individual is a human.
The invention provides a method for treating or preventing a disorder treatable or
preventable by increasing GPR41 function, comprising administering to an individual in
need thereof an effective amount of a compound selected from the group selected from
the group consisting of2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-
[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phcnyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-
5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyi)-
amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid
o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-
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l,4,5,6,7,S-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-
nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydio-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, or
a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In one embodiment, said disorder is an
insulin-related disorder. In some embodiments, said insulin-related disorder is
hypoglycemia, an insulin-secreting or insulin-dependent tumor, or aging.
The invention also provides a method for treating or preventing a disorder
treatable or preventable by decreasing GPR41 function, comprising administering to an
individual in need thereof an effective amount of 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-
trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic
acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-mcthyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinolinc-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-phenyl)-
furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-chioro-phcnyl)-
amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-phenyl)-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumohne-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-("5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyi)-furan-2-
yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc, and4-[5-(2,5-
Dichloro-phenyl)-mran-2-yl]-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydio-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In one
embodiment, said disorder is an insulin-related disorder In some embodiments, said
insulin-related disorder is insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes. In
one embodiment, said insulin-related disorder is type II diabetes. In some embodiments,
said insulin-related disorder includes a condition related to an elevated blood glucose
concentration, such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, obesity,
Syndrome X or peripheral vascular disease. In one embodiment, said method further
comprises administering to said individual an effective amount of an agent used for the
treatment of diabetes, blood lipid disorders, or obesity in combination with an effective
amount of a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist. In one embodiment, the individual is
a mammal and in another embodiment the individual is a human.
The invention also provides a method for increasing blood glucose levels in an
individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual an effective
amount of a GPR41 agonist. In one embodiment, said agonist comprises a compound
selected from the group selected from the group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-
phcnyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc,
cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phcnyl ester,
cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
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quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phcnyl)-amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,84iexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-
3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid (4-chloro-
phcnyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-melhylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Metbyl-4-(3-nitro-phenyl)-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, or aphannaceutically
acceptable salt thereof.
The invention also provides a method for decreasing blood glucose levels in an
individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual an effective
amount of a GPR4] inverse agonist or antagonist. In one embodiment, said inverse
agonist or antagonist comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of2-
Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-trinuoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-
oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, 2-Mcthyl-4-[5 -(2-
nitro-phenyl)-furdn-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid (2-
chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-f5-(2-trilluoromethoxy-
phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and
4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-
3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a phannaceutically acceptable salt thereof..
In addition, the invention provides a method for decreasing insulin secretion in an
individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual an effective
amount of a GPR.41 agonist. In one embodiment, said agonist comprises a compound
selected from the group selected from the group consisting of: 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-
phcnyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide,
cyclopropanecarboxylic acid4-[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester,
cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoIine-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-amide, 4-Furan-2-yl-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-
3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoiine-3-carboxylicacid(4-chloro-
phenyl)-amidc, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Methyl-4-(3-nitro-phcnyl)-5-oxo-
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1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoluie-3-carboxylic acjd o-tolylamidc. or a phannaccutically
acceptable salt thereof.
The invention further provides a method for increasing insulin secretion in an
individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual an effective
amount of a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist. In one embodiment, the GPR.41
inverse agonist or antagonist can comprise a compound selected from the group
consisting of: 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nilro-4-tnfluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylarmdc, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-
furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-
tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nirro-phenyl)-luran-2-yI]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydio-
quinolme-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-
phcnyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-
oxo-4-[5-(2-tnfluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-rnelhyl-5-
oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof..
The invention further provides a method for increasing insulin secretion in a
glucose dependent manner in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to
the individual an effective amount of a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist In one
embodiment, the GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist can comprise a compound
selected from the group consisting of: 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromcthyl-phenyi)-
furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4.5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylanude, 4-(5-
Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolinc-3-carboxylic
acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-
hcxahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-
phenoxy-phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7.8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-
Methyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamidc, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dich]oro-phenyl)-ruran-2-yl]-2-
methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
The term "in a glucose dependent manner" means that insulin secretion is
increased in response to a high concentration of glucose, but not in response to a low
concentration of glucose. Some drugs that have been used for the treatment of diabetes
increase insulin secretion regardless of the level of glucose in the blood. This is not
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desirable because these drugs increase insulin secretion even under conditions of
hypoglycemia. The increased insulin then further exacerbates the hypoglycemia,
sometimes to critical levels. A high concentration of glucose means that the
concentration of glucose in the blood or around cells is higher than a normal glucose
concentration range, for example, 16.8 mmol/L is a high concentration of glucose. A
low concentration of glucose means that the concentration of glucose in the blood or
around cells is lower than a normal glucose concentration range, for example, 3.3
mmol/L or less.
The cellular mechanism of action of insulin secretion is the increase in
intracellular cAMP. As disclosed herein, GPR41 is expressed in pancreatic beta islet
cells. GPR41 is coupled to Gi so an inverse agonist or antagonist of GPR41 will icsult in
an increase in cAMP in pancreatic beta islet cells and an increase in insulin secreiion.
One object of the invention relates to a method of (a) performing a method of the
invention to identify a glycemic stabilizing compound and (b) optionally, determining
the structure of the compound, and (c) providing the compound or the name or structure
of the compound. In addition, the invention relates to a method of (a) performing a
method of the invention to identify a glycemic stabilizing compound and (b) optionally,
determining the structure of the compound, (c) optionally, providing the name or
structure of the compound, and (d) producing or synthesizing the compound. The
invention further relates to a process for modulating the functionality of a GPCR
comprising performing a method of the invention to identify a glycemic stabilizing
compound and then contacting the GPCR with the glycemic stabilizing compound or
administering the glycemic stabilizing compound to an individual under conditions
sufficient to modulate the functionality of the GPCR.
Another object of the present invention relates to radio-labeled compounds of
Table 1 or Table 2 that would be useful not only in radio-imaging but also m assays, both
in vitro and in vivo, for localizing and quantitating GPR41 in tissue samples, including
human, and for identifying GPR41 ligands by inhibition binding of a radiolabelled
compound. It is a further object of this invention to develop novel GPR41 assays of
which comprise such radiolabelled compounds.
Suitable radionuclides that can be incorporated in compounds of ihc present
invention include but are not limited to 3H (also written as T), 11C, 14C, 18F, 125I, 82Br,
123I I241,1251,131I,75Br, 76Br, 150,13N, 35S and ^Br. The radionuclide that is incorporated
in the instant radiolabelled compounds will depend on the specific application of mat
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radiolabelled compound. Thus, for in vitro GPR41 labeling and competition assays,
compounds that incorporate 3H, UC, 1751,1311,3DS or 82Br will generally be most useful.
For radio-imaging applications "C, 18F, 1251,1231,1241,1311,75Br, 76Br or 77Br will
generally be most useful.
It is understood that a "radio-labelled " or "labelled compound" is a compound oi
Table 1 or Table 2 that has incorporated at least one radionuclide; in some embodiments
the radionuclide is selected from the group consisting of 3H, MC, 1251, 3DS and S2Br; in
some embodiments the radionuclide Yl or 14C. Moreover, it should be understood that
all of the atoms represented in the compounds of the invention can be either the most
commonly occurring isotope of such atoms or the more scarce radio-isotope or nonradio-
active isotope.
Synthetic methods for incorporating radio-isotopes into organic compounds
including those applicable to those compounds of the invention are well known in the art
and include incorporating activity levels of tritium into target molecules include. A.
Catalytic Reduction with Tritium Gas - This procedure normally yields high specific
activity products and requires halogenatcd or unsaturated precursors. B. Reduction
with Sodium Borohydridc [3H] - This procedure is rather inexpensive and requires
precursors containing reducible functional groups such as aldehydes, ketoncs, lactones,
esters, and the like. C. Reduction with Lithium Aluminum Hydride [}H ] - This
procedure offers products at almost theoretical specific activities. It also requires
precursors containing reducible functional groups such as aldehydes, kelones, lactones,
esters, and the like. D. Tritium Gas Exposure Labeling - This procedure involves
exposing precursors containing exchangeable protons to tritium gas in the presence of a
suitable catalyst. E. N-Mcthylation using Methyl Iodide [3H] - This procedure is
usually employed to prepare O-methyl or N-methyl (3II) products by treating appropriate
precursors with high specific activity methyl iodide (3H). This method in general allows
for high specific activity, such as about 80-87 Ci/mmol.
Synthetic methods for incorporating activity levels of 125I into target molecules
include: A. Sandmeyer and like reactions - This procedure transforms an aryl or
heteroaryl amine into a diazonmm salt, such as a tctrafluoroborate salt, and subsequently
to 125I labelled compound using Nau I. A represented procedure was reported by Zhu,
D.-G. and co-workers in J. Org. Chem 67:943-948 (2002)). B. Ortho 125Iodination of
phenols - This procedure allows for the incorporation of 125I at the ortho position of a
phenol as reported by Collier, T. L. and co-workers in J. Labelled Compd Radiopharm.,
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42: S264-S266'(1999)). C. Aryl and heteroaryl bromide; exchange with U51 - This
method is generally a two step process. The first step is the conversion of the aryl or
heteroaryl bromide to the corresponding tri-alkyltin intermediate using for example, a Pd
catalyzed reaction [i.e. Pd(Ph3P)4] or through an aryl or heteroaryl lithium, in the
presence of a tri-alkyltinhalide or hexaalkylditin [e.g., (CH3)3SnSn(Cll3)3]. A
represented procedure was reported by Bas, M.-D. and co-workers in J. Labelled Compd
Radiophamu 44:S280-S282 (2001)).
A radiolabelled GPR41 compound of Table 1 or Table 2 can be used in a
screening assay to identify/evaluate compounds. In general terms, a newly synthesized
or identified compound (i.e., candidate compound) can be evaluated for its ability to
reduce binding of the "radio-labelled compound of Table 1 or Table 2" to the GPR41
receptor. Accordingly, the ability of a candidate compound to compete with the "radio-
labelled compound of Table 1 or Table 2" for the binding to the GPR41 receptor directly
correlates to its binding affinity.
One aspect of the present invention pertains to a glycemic stabilizing compound,
as identified by a method herein, for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal
body by therapy.
Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a glycemic stabilizing
compound, as identified by a method herein, for use in a method of treatment of an
insulin related disorder, of the human or animal body by therapy. Another aspect of the
present invention pertains to a method for the treatment of an insulin related disorder
comprising administering to a subject suffering from said condition a thcrapeutically-
effective amount of a glycemic stabilizing compound, as identified by a method herein.
One aspect of the present invention pertains to a method for the treatment of an
insulin related disorder comprising administering to a subject suffering from said
condition a therapeutically-effective amount of a glycemic stabilizing compound, as
identified by a method herein, for example, in the form of a pharmaceutical composition.
Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a glycemic stabilizing compound, as
identified by a method herein, for use in a method of treatment of an insulin related
disorder of the human or animal body by therapy.
Applicants reserve the right to exclude any one or more candidate compounds
from any of the embodiments of the invention. Applicants also reserve the right to
exclude any one or more modulators from any of the embodiments of the invention.
Applicants additionally reserve the right to exclude any insulin-related disorder, or any
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condition related to an elevated blood glucose concentration fiom any of the
embodiments of the invention.
Other uses of the disclosed receptors and methods will become apparent to those
in the art based upon, inter alia, a review of this patent document.
The following examples are given to illustrate the invention and are not intended
to be inclusive in any manner:
EXAMPLES
The examples are provided to further define the invention without, however,
limiting the invention to the specifics of these examples.
Example 1
Dot blot analysis of human GPR41 expression in human adult and fetal tissues
In this example, the expression level of human GPR41 was determined in several
human adult and fetal tissues using a dot blot.
A dot blot containing human adult and fetal tissue mRNAs was purchased from
Clontech (BD Bioscience, Palo Alto, CA). The order of the tissue mRNAs on the blot is:
Al=total brain, A2^amygdala, A3-caudale nucleus, A4=cerebellum, A5=cerebral
cortex, A6"-frontal cortex, A7-hippocampus, A8=medulla oblongata, Bl=occipital
cortex, B2=putamen, B3=substantia nigra, B4=tcmporal cortex, B5=thalamus,
B6=accumbens, B7-spinal cord, Cl= heart, C2=aorta, C3^skeletal muscle, C4-coIon,
C5=bladder, C6=uterus, C7=prostate, C8=stomach, Dl=testis, D2=ovary, D3=pancreas,
D4=pituitary gland, D5=adrenal gland, D6=thyroid, D7=salivary gland, D8=mammary
gland, El=kidney, E2=liver, E3=small intestine, E4=spleen, E5=thymus, E6=peripheral
leukocyte, E7=lymph node, E8=bone marrow, Fl=appendix, K2=lung, F3=trachca,
F4=placenta, Gl=fetal bram, G2=fistal heart, G3=fctal kidney, G4=€etal liver, G5-fctal
spleen, G6=fetal thymus, G7=fetal lung. The blot was hybridized with the GPR41 probe
using Clontech "Express Hyb" under conditions recommended by Clontech,
Example 2
RT-PCR and Tag man Analysis of GPR41 Expression in Mouse Tissues and Cells
m this example, the expression level of mouse GPR41 was determined in several
mouse cell types and tissues using an RT-PCR assay and Taqman quantitiative PCR
assay. As shown in Figure 2, the highest level expression of mouse GPR41 was
observed in pancreas and pancreatic islet cells. In addition, as shown in Figure 2,
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GPR4i was up-regulated in pancreatic islets from db/db mice compared to wild-type and
ob/ob mice.
GPR41 expression in mouse tissues was evaluated by RT-PCR using the
following primers: 5'- ATG GGG ACA AGC TTC TTT CT -3' (SEQ ED NO:3) and
5'- CTA GCT CGG ACA CTC CTT GG-3' (SEQ ID NO:4). Mouse tissue cDMAs were
synthesized from commercial poly A RNA purchased from Clontech using the BioRad
iScnpt cDNA synthesis kit. cDNAs from mouse cell lines including insulin-producing
pancrcatic beta cell lines (NIT-1, PTC-6, AND MJN-6) were prepared from total RNA
isolated using Triazol (Invitrogen).
For the Taqman quantitative PCR experiment shown in the bottom panel of
Figure 2, a IX TaqMan supermix was made in a 5mL polypropylene tube. Forward and
reverse primers were added to give a 300nM final concentration; appropriate amount of
probe was added to give a final concentration of 200nM. Total volume per well was
20μL 2μL was cDNA, while the other 18uL was supermix and nuclcase-free water.
The primers were ordered from Proligo and the probe was synthesized by ABI
The sequence for primers and probe were:
5Primer: GCCGGCGCAAGAGGATA (SEQ ID NO:5)
3'Primer: CCGAAGCAGACGAAGAAGATG 3' (SEQ ID NO:6)
Probe: rrCTTGCAGCCACACTG-MGBNFQ 3' (SEQ ID NO:7)
The thermo cycler conditions used is shown in the chart below (Table 3).

Example 3
Mouse GPR41 RNase Protection Assay
In this example, the expression level of mouse GPR41 was determined in several
mouse cell types and tissues using an RNase protection assay. As shown in Figure 3, the
highest level expression of mouse GPR41 was observed in pancreatic islets and
pancrcatic islet cell lines including MIN6, a mouse insulinoma cell line, NIT-1, and
βTC-6.
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Mouse tissue RNAs were commercially obtained (Clontech). Cells (as indicated
in the figures) used for RNA isolation are pancreatic cell lines provided by ATCC
(N1T-1: ATCC CRL-2055, and PTC-6:ATCC CRL-11506) or obtained from Jeffrey
Pessin at SUNY at Stony Brook (M1N-6). RNAs were isolated using Trizol reagent
(Invitrogen) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Briefly, a 257 bp fragment of mouse GPR41 was cloned into pCR. II TOPO
cloning vector (Invitrogen). The plasmid was linearized with Xhol and gel purified
using the Scphaglass Bandprcp Kit (Amcrsham). After gel purification of the fragment,
a riboprobe was made by in vitro transcription with using SP6 RNA polymerase
(Ambion Maxiscript Kit). The probe was purified by acrylamide gel elcctrophoresis and
hybridized with 20[ig of total RNA at 47°C overnight. The hybrids were digested with
Rnase the following day and run on a 5% acrylamide gel to detect the results (Ambion.
RPA Dl kit). All the procedures for in vitro transcription and RPA reactions were
following the manufacturer's instructions.
Mouse GPR41 sequence for RPA probe:
5'-
GTGGGGCTGAGGGTTACACACAGAGGTGGCACCTTGGTGATGTCGA
CACTGGGTGAGGGACAGGAAACCAGGGAGGTAGGCAGGACCACCTGCAGGG
GAGAGCATGTGGAGCTATGGTGGTGGGGTGTAGGCAGTGTAGACAGCAATC
rrGCCTGATGGGTAAGAGTCTCCCAGTGAGGGAACCCCAACTCTCAACACAT
TCCTCTCTGTCTCATTAGCATCTGTGACCATGGGGACAAGCTTCT1TC7TGGC
AATT-3' (SEQ ID NO:8)
Mouse GPR41 PCR primers for RPA probe
5'- GTGGGGCTGAGGGTTACA-3' (SEQ ID NO:9)
5'- AATTGCCAAGAAAGAAGC-3' (SEQ ID NO:10)
Example 4
G-alpha i coupling of GPR41
In this example, the coupling of GPR41 to G-alpha i (Gcci) was determined using
a GqGi chimera. The function of GPR41 was measured using an IP3 assay as described
below.
IP3 Assay of GPR41 Expressed in Gq/Gi transfected HEK 293 cells
Intraccllular IP3 accumulation assays were performed using HEK293 cells
transiently transfected with expression plasmids for both GPR41 and the Gq/Gi chimera
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(see Example 13 for structure of Hie Gq/Gi chimera). DNAs used in the transfection for
this assay were GPR41 and GPR41(k) cloned into mammalian expression vector pCMV
and Gq/Gi chimeras cDNA cloned into an expression vector pcDNA3.1(-i) (Invilrogen)
GPR41(k) is a single arnino acid mutation of GPR41 where amino acid 224 is mutated to
a lysine.
Transfections were performed using Lipofectamine transfection reagent
(Invitrogen) and following manufacturer's recommendations. Briefly, on day 1 cells
were plated on 96-well plates at a density of 3xlO6 cells/plate. On the following day a
DNA/Lipofectamine mixture was prepared for each plate as follows: 1 uL of DNA (40ng
of pCMV-GPR41) per 3 wells, or 2uL of DNA (20ng of pCMV-GPR41 combined with
pcDNA-Gq/Gi) in 25pL of OPTI-MEM (Gibco) was gently mixed with 2uL of
Lipofectamine reagent in 25p.L of OPTI-MEM and the resulting solution was incubated
for 30 minutes at room temperature. 96pX of OPTI-MEM was added to give a final
volume of 150pX. Cells were then washed once with lOOuL/well of PBS, and DN A-
Liptofectamine mixture was tihen gently added to the plate (50p.L/well). The cells weio
then incubated for 4 hours at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5%CO2
Regular cell media was added to the transfection reagent. Cells were then incubated ax
37°C /5%CO2 overnight.
On day 3, regular growth media was carefully removed from wells and replaced
with lOOuX, of inositol-free/serum-free DMEM (Gibco) containing 0.4uCi of [3H]-myo-
inositol (Perkin-Elmer). Cells were incubated overnight at 37°C with 5%CO?. On day 4,
[3H]-myo-inositol-containing labeling media was removed and replaced with 100(.iL of
inositol-free/serum-free DMEM containing l0uM parglyline (Sigma) and 10 mM lithium
chloride (Sigma). Cells were incubated for 1 hour at 37°C /5%CO2- Solution was then
carefully removed and 160 pX per well of ice cold 0.1M formic acid was added to the
cells. The cells were lysed by incubating plates at -80°C for at least 1 hour.
Separation of IP3 from cell lysates was performed using chromatography on
AG1-X8 formate resin (Bio-Rad). 400p.L of formate resin slurry (0. lg of resin in lmL
of water) was added per each well of Multiscreen filter plate (Milliporc). Water was
drained from the wells and resin was then washed with 200 μL of water using Millipore
filtration unit. Plates with lyscd cells were thawed and lysates were transferred into
Multiscreen filter plate, containing formate resin. Plates were incubated for 10 minutes
at room temperature and lysates were then drained from filter plates with filtration unit.
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Plates were washed four times with water 9200 μl/well) and thoroughly drained. Elution
buffer was then added to the resin (180μL/well) and plates were incubated for 5 minutes
at room temperature. Eluenls were drained into 96 well collection plates using vacuum
manifold, transferred into scintillation vials containing 5 ml of Optiphase HiSafe3
scintillation cocktail (Pcrkin-Elmer) and counted on Wallac Scintillation Counter.
Example 5
G-alpha 12/13 coupling of GPR41
In this example, the coupling of GPR41 to G-alpha 12/13 (Gal2/13) was
determined using a cAMP assay as described below.
Briefly, the experiment was performed as follows: 293 cells were transfeclcd
with the indicated CMV-drivcn expression plasmul indicated on the X-axis, alonjj with
one of the following chimeras: (a) "control": parental CMV expression plasnud, (b)
"Gs/G12 chimera": CMV-Gs/G12 plasmid encoding human Gs in which the C-temimai
11 amino acids were switched to those corresponding to the C-tcrminus of GI2. or (c)
"Gs/G13 chimera": CMV-Gs/G13 plasmid encoding human Gs in which the C-terminal
11 amino acids were switched to those corresponding to the C-terminus of G13. 24-
hours later, the cells were analyzed for cAMP levels using a "Flash Plate" kit as
described below.
A Flash Plate™ Adcnylyl Cyclase kit (New England Nuclear; Cat. No.
SMP004A) designed for cell-based assays was modified for use with crude plasma
membranes. The Flash Plate wells contained a scmtillant coating which also contains a
specific antibody recognizing cAMP. The cAMP generated in the wells was quantitalcd
by a direct competition for binding of radioactive cAMP tracer to the cAMP antibody.
The following serves as a brief protocol for the measurement of changes in cAMP levels
in whole cells that express GPR41.
Transfected cells were harvested approximately twenty four hours aftei transient
transfection. Media was carefully aspirated off and discarded. 5ml of cell dissociation
buffer was added to each plate. Cells were pipetted off the plate and the cell suspension
was collected into a 50ml conical centrifuge tube. Cells were then centrifuged at room
temperature at 1,100 rpm for 5 minutes. The cell pellet was carefully re-suspended into
an appropriate volume of Assay Buffer which consisted of lA vol of PBS and Vi vol of
stimu jtion buffer (about 3ml/plate). The cells were then counted using a
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hemocytometer and additional assay buffer was added to give the appropriate number of
cells (with a final volume of about 50ul/well).
cAMP standards and Detection Buffer (comprising 1 LICI of tracer [12bI] cAMP
(50ul) to 11ml Detection Buffer) was prepared and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions. The assay was initiated by additi on of 50ul of cAMP
standards to appropriate wells followed by addition of 50ul of PBS to wells HI 1 and
H12 of a 96 well plate. 50ml of Stimulation Buffer was added to all standard wells. The
cells were added to the appropriated wells. Forskolm was diluted with Assay Buffer into
2x stock, then added to the cells at 50ul /well and incubated for 60 minutes at room
temperature. 1 OOul of Detection Mix containing tracer cAMP was then added to the
wells. Plates were then mcubated an additional 2 hours followed by counting in a
Wallac MicroBeta scintillation counter Values of cAMP/well were then extrapolated
from a standard cAMP curve which was contained within each assay plate.
Example 6
Identification of GPR41 Modulators
In this example, GPR41 agonists were identified using a screening protocol in
Xenopus melanophores.
Melanophorc Technology
Melanophores are skin cells found in lower vertebrates. They contain pigmented
organelles termed melanosomes. Melanophores arc able to redistribute these
melanosomes along a microtubule network upon G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)
activation. The result of this pigment movement is an apparent lightening or darkening
of the cells. In melanophores, the decreased levels of mtracellular cAMP that result from
activation of a Gi-coupled receptor cause melanosomes to migrate to the center of the
cell, resulting in a dramatic lightening in color. If cAMP levels are then raised,
following activation of a Gs-coupled receptor, the melanosomes are re-dispersed and the
cells appear dark again. The increased levels of diacylglycerol that result from activation
of Gq-coupled receptors can also induce tills re-dispersion. In addition, the technology is
also suited to the study of certain receptor tyrosme kinases. The response of the
melanophores takes place within minutes of receptor activation and results in a simple,
robust color change. The response can be easily detected using a conventional
absorbance microplate reader or a modest video imaging system. Unlike other skin cells,
the melanophores derive from the neural crest and appear to express a full complement
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of signaling proteins. In particular, the cells express an extremely wide range of G-
proteins and so are able to functionally express almost all GPCRs.
Melanophores can be utilized to identify compounds, including natural ligands,
which bind to and/or activate GPCRs. This method can be conducted by introducing test
cells of a pigment cell line capable of dispersing or aggregating their pigment in response
to a specific stimulus and expressing an exogenous clone coding for the GPCR. An
initial stale of pigment disposition can be set using, for example, using melatonin, MSI I
or light. The test cells are then contacted with chemical compounds, and it is determined
whether the pigment disposition in the cells changed from the initial state of pigment
disposition. Dispersion of pigments cells due to the candidate compound, including bin
not limited to a ligand, coupling to the GPCR will appear dark on a petn dish, while
aggregation of pigments cells will appear light.
Materials and methods were followed according to the disclosure of U.S. Patent
Number 5,462,856 and U.S. Patent Number 6,051,386 These patent disclosures are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Melanophores were transfected by electroporation with a plasmid which
contained the coding sequence of human GPR41. The cells were plated in 96-well
plates 48 hours posl-transfection, half of the cells on each plate were treated with 10nM
melatonin. Melatonin activates an endogenous Gi-coupled receptor in the melanophores
and causes them to aggregate their pigment. The remaining half of the cells were
transferred to serum-free medium 0.7X L-15 (Gibco). After one hour, the cells in serum-
free media remained in a pigment-dispersed state while the melatonin-treated cells were
m a pigment-aggregated state. At this point, the cells were treated with different
compounds from a proprietary compound library containing 140,000-150,000 organic
small molecule compounds. If GPR41 bound to the compound, the melanophores would
be expected to undergo a color change in response to the compound. Since the receptor
can couple to Gi, the pigment-dispersed cells underwent a dose-dependent pigment
aggregation.
Example 7
Efficacy of GPR41 Agonists in Gq/Gi Cotransfected Cells
In this example, the efficacy of selected GPR41 agonists 2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-
phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide (CPD1 in
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Figure 6) and cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-[l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-phenyl ester (CPD2
in Figure 5) were tested in HEK 293 cells co-transfected with chimeric Galpha Gq/Gi.
Transfections were performed using Lipofbctamine transfection reagent
(Invitrogen) and following manufacturer's recommendations. Briefly, on day 1 cells
were plated on 96-well plates at a density of 4x106 cells/plate On the following day a
DNA/Lipofectamine mixture was prepared for each plate as follows: 2.5 uL of DNA
(250ng of pCMV-GPR41 or pCMV blank vector) per 8 wells and 2.5uL of DNA (250ng
of pcDNA 3.1-Gq/Gi) in 200uL of DME (Gibco) was gently mixed with 2.5uL of
Lipofectaminc reagent in 200uL of DME and the resulting solution was incubated foi 30
minutes at room temperature. Growth media was aspirated off from the cells and
55JJ.1/WC11 of DME were added. DNA-Liptofectamine mixture was then gently added Lo
the plate (45μl/well). The cells were then incubated for 4 hours at 37°C in a humidified
atmosphere containing 5%CO2. Regular cell growth media was added to the transfection
reagent. Cells were then incubated at 37°C /5%CO2 overnight.
On day 3, regular growth media was carefully removed from wells and replaced
with lOOuL of inositol-free/serum-free DMEM (Gibco) containing 0.4u.Ci of [3H]-myo-
inositol (Perkin-Elmer). Cells were incubated overnight at 37°C with 5%CO2. On day 4,
[3H]-myo-inositol-conlaining labeling media was removed and replaced with 100 μL of
inositol-free/serum-free DMEM containing 10ΜM parglyline (Sigma) and 10 mM lithium
chloride (Sigma) with/out compound. Cells were incubated for 3 hours at 37°C /5%CO2.
Solution was then carefully removed and 160 μL per well of ice cold 0.1M formic acid
was added to the cells. The cells were lysed by incubating plates at -80°C for at least 1
hour.
Separation of IP3 from cell lysates was performed using chromatography on
AG1-X8 formate resin (Bio-Rad). 400 μL of formate resin slurry (0.lg of resin in l mL
of water) was added per each well of Multiscreen filter plate (Millipore). Water was
drained from the wells and resin was then washed with 200uL of water using Millipore
filtration unit. Plates with lysed cells were thawed and lysates were transferred into
Multiscreen filter plate, containing formate resin. Plates were incubated for 10 minutes
at room temperature and lysates were then drained from filter plates with filtration unit.
Plates were washed four times with water (200nL/well) and thoroughly drained. Elution
buffer was then added to the resin (180μL/well) and plates were incubated for 5 m mutes
at room temperature. Eluents were drained into 96 well collection plates using vacuum
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manifold, 60μl transferred into Whatman Unifilter GF/C 96 well plate (Pcrlcin Elcnier
1450-525) and 50ul of Optima Gold (Perlcin Elmer) was added Counting was
performed on a Wallac Scintillation Counter.
Example 8
A GPR41 Agonist Inhibits Insulin Secretion in MIN6 Insulinoma Cells
In this example, a selected GPR41 agonist, cyclopropanecarboxyhc acid (CPC)
was assayed for its effect on insulin secretion in an insulinoma cell line.
Mouse insulinoma line, MCN6, was plated into multi-well tissue culture dishes
and cultured 2 days m Dulbecco's Minimum Essential Media (DMEM) supplemented
with 15% fetal bovine serum. The cells were rinsed and fasted in low glucose (lOmg/dl)
Krebs-Ringers Bicarbonate buffer for several hours before a 30-minute challenge with
300mg/dl glucose and the compounds of interest: glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and
cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (CPC). GLP-1, 7-36 amide, a known inhibitor of insulin
secretion, was purchased from Sigma and used at 25 nM concentration and CPC was
purchased from Aldrich and was used at 5 μM or 1 uM. Control wells with glucose only
(both lOmg/dl and 300mg/dl) were run for comparison. Supernatants from the glucose
challenge were harvested and frozen. These were evaluated by HL1SA (Crystal Chem,
Inc.) for insulin.
Example 9
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
A GPR41 modulator such as an agonist, antagonist or inverse agonist can be
tested for its effect on plasma glucose after oral glucose administration is tested.
For example, male C57bl/6 mice at age 67 days can be fasted for 18 hours and
randomly grouped to receive a GPR41 modulator at selected doses, or vehicle (PET
which contains 80% PEG, 10% Tween80, and 10% Ethanol). The GPR41 modulator is
delivered orally via a gavagc needle (p.o. volume at 100 u.1). Thirty minutes after
administration of the GPR41 modulator or vehicle, mice are administered orally with
dextrose at 3 g/kg dose. Levels of blood glucose are determined at several rime points
using Glucometer Elite XL (Bayer).
Glucose tolerance can also be tested using i.p. delivery of glucose. For example,
68 day old male C57B1/6 mice are treated with a GPR41 modulator at 100 mg/kg or with
PET vehicle after 18 hours of fasting. Thirty minutes after administration of the GPR41
modulator or vehicle, mice arc administered i.p. with dextrose at 2 g/kg dose. Levels of
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blood glucose are determined at the selected time points using Glucometer Elite XL
(Bayer).
Example 10
GPR41 agonist reverses the beneficial effect of an oral glncose tolerance test
(oGTT) lowering compound
A compound having a glycemic lowering effect in the oGTT, (2-Fluoio-4-
methanesulfonyl-phenyl)- {6-[4-(3-isopropyl-f 1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yI)-piperidui-l -ylJ-5-
mtro-pyrimidin-4-yl}-amine, which is referenced as Compound Bill in WO
2004/065380 Al filed January 14, 2004, was used alone or in conjunction with the
GPR41 agonist Compound 4, disclosed herein. As shown in Figure 8, the GPR41
agonist reversed the glycemic lowering effect of Compound Bill, causing an increase in
plasma glucose. These results indicate that a GPR41 antagonist or inverse agonist can
have a glycemic lowering effect.
For the oGTT, male C57bl/6 mice were fasted for about 18 hours and randomly
grouped to receive the compounds indicated in Figure 8 at the indicated doses, or vehicle
(PET which contains 80% PEG, 10% TwecnSO, and 10% Ethanol). The indicated
compound(s) were delivered orally via a gavage needle (p.o. volume at 100 JJ.1). Thirty
minutes after administration of the compound(s) or vehicle, mice were administered
orally with dextrose at 3 g/kg dose. Levels of blood glucose were determined at several
time points using Glucometer Elite XL (Bayer).
Example 11
Compound Synthesis
Compounds disclosed herein were either commercially available or prepared by
procedures known in the art. For example, Compound 1 [i.e., 2-rnethyl-4-(4-nitro-
phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide] was
purchased from ASINEX Ltd. 5 Gabrichevskogo St. Bldg 8, Moscow 123367, Russia;
Compound 2 (cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-[l,2,3]thiadiazol~4-yl-phenyl ester) was
purchased from Tripos, Inc., 1699 South Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO 63144-2319; and
Compound 3 (cyclopropanecarboxylic acid) was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, 3050
Spruce St., St. Louis, MO 63103. Compounds 4 to 9 were prepared by methods known
in the art, for example, the 3-component Hantzsch Dihydropyridine Synthesis of
dihydropyridines as essentially described by Carroll, et al. Journal of Medicinal
Chemistry 47: 3180-3192 (2004) (e.g., heating the components to reflux in isopropanol
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for 18-36 hours). The general reaction scheme for the preparation of certain compounds
of the invention is shown below:

Certain compounds disclosed herein also required a further coupling step, for example, a
Suzuki coupling step. The Suzuki coupling reaction is well know in the art and a variety
of conditions and variations have been reported, for example, the procedure by Snieckus,
et al. Journal of Organic Chemistry 56: 3763-3768 (1991). The general reaction is
shown below:

Example 12
Assays for Determination of GPCR Activation
A variety of approaches are available for assessment of activation of human
GPCRs. The following are illustrative; those of ordinary skill in the art are credited with
the ability to determine those techniques that are preferentially beneficial for the needs of
the artisan.
1. Membrane Binding Assays: [35SlGTPyS Assay
When a G protein-coupled receptor is in its active state, cither as a result of
ligand binding or constitutive activation, the receptor couples to a G protein and
stimulates the release of GDP and subsequent binding of GTP to the G protein. The
alpha subunit of the G protein-receptor complex acts as a GTPase and slowly hydrolyzes
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the GTP to GDP, at which point the receptor normally is deactivated. Activated
receptors continue to exchange GDP for GTP. The non-hydrolyzable GTP analog,
[35S]GTPyS, can be utilized to demonstrate enhanced binding of [35S]GTPyS to
membranes expressing activated receptors. The advantage of using [j5S]GTPyS binding
to measure activation is that: (a) it is genencally applicable to all G protein-coupled
receptors; (b) it is proximal at the membrane surface making it less likely to pick-up
molecules which affect the intracellular cascade.
The assay utilizes the ability of G protein coupled receptors to stimulate
[35SJGTPyS binding to membranes expressing the relevant receptors. The assay can,
therefore, be used m the direct identification method to screen candidate compounds to
endogenous GPCRs and non-endogenous, constitutively activated GPCRs. The assay is
generic and has application to drug discovery at all G protein-coupled receptors.
The [35S]GTPyS assay is incubated in 20 mM HEPES and between 1 and about
20mM MgCl2 (this amount can be adjusted for optimization of results, although 20mM is
preferred) pH 7.4, binding buffer with between about 0.3 and about 1.2 nM [35S]GTP7S
(this amount can be adjusted for optimization of results, although 1.2 is preferred) and
12.5 to 75 fig membrane protein (e.g, 293 cells expressing the GPR41; this amount can
be adjusted for optimization) and 10 JJM GDP (this amount can be changed for
optimization) for 1 hour. Wheatgerm agglutmin beads (25 ul; Amersham) are then
added and the mixture incubated for another 30 mmutes at room temperature. The tubes
are then centrifuged at 1500 x g for 5 minutes at room temperature and then counted in a
scintillation counter.
2. Adenylyl Cyclasc
A Flash Plate™ Adenylyl Cyclasc kit (New England Nuclear; Cat No.
SMP004A) designed for cell-based assays can be modified for use with crude plasma
membranes. The Flash Plate wells can contain a scintillant coating which also contains a
specific antibody recognizing cAMP. The cAMP generated in the wells can be
quantitated by a direct competition for binding of radioactive cAMP tracer to the cAMP
antibody. The following serves as a brief protocol for the measurement of changes in
cAMP levels in whole cells that express a receptoi.
Transfected cells are harvested approximately twenty four hours after transient
transfection. Media is carefully aspirated off and discarded 10ml of PBS is genlly
added to each dish of cells followed by careful aspiration, lml of Sigma cell dissociation
buffer and 3ml of PBS are added to each plate. Cells are pipetted off the plate and the
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cell suspension is collected into a 50ml conical centrifuge tube. Cells are then
centrifuged at room temperature at 1,100 rpm for 5 minutes The cell pellet is carefully
re-suspended into an appropriate volume of PBS (about 3ml/plate). The cells are then
counted using a hemocytometer and additional PBS is added to give the appropriate
number of cells (with a final volume of about 50ul/well).
cAMP standards and Detection Buffer (comprising lμCi of tracer [125lj cAMP
(50u,l) to 1 lml Detection Buffer) is prepared and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions Assay Buffer is prepared fresh for screening and contains
50μl of Stimulation Buffer, 3μl of candidate compound (12ΜM final assay concentration)
and 50fil cells. Assay Buffer is stored on ice until utilized. The assay, preferably carried
out, for example, in a 96-well plate, is initiated by addition of 50μl of cAMP standards to
appropriate wells followed by addition of 50ul of PBSA to wells HI 1 and 1112. 50μl of
Stimulation Buffer is added to all wells. DMSO (or selected candidate compounds) is
added to appropriate wells using a pin tool capable of dispensing 3μl of compound
solution, with a final assay concentration of 12uM candidate compound and 100ΜL total
assay volume. The cells are then added to the wells and incubated for 60 minutes at
room temperature. 100μl of Detection Mix containing tracer cAMP is then added to the
wells. Plates are then incubated additional 2 hours followed by counting m a Wallac
MicroBeta scintillation counter. Values of cAMP/well are then extrapolated from a
standard cAMP curve which is contained within each assay plate.
3. Cell-Based cAMP for Gi Coupled Target GPCRs
TSHR is a Gs coupled GPCR that causes the accumulation of cAMP upon
activation. TSHR can be constitutivcly activated by mutating ammo acid residue 623
(i.e., changing an alanine residue to an isoleucine residue) A Gi coupled receptor is
expected to inhibit adenylyl cyclasc, and, therefore, decrease the level of cAMP
production, which can make assessment of cAMP levels challenging. An effective
technique for measuring the decrease m production of cAMP as an indication of
activation of a Gi coupled receptor can be accomplished by co-transfectmg, non-
endogenous, constitutively activated TSHR (TSHR-A623I) (or an endogenous,
constitutively active Gs coupled receptor) as a "signal enhancer" with a Gi linked target
GPCR to establish a baseline level of cAMP. Upon creating an endogenous or non-
endogenous version of the Gi coupled receptor, the target GPCR is then co-transfected
with the signal enhancer, and it is this material that can be used for screening. In some
embodiments, this approach is preferably used in the direct identification of candidate
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compounds against Gi coupled receptors. It is noted that for a Gi coupled GPCR, when
this approach is used, an inverse agonist of the target GPCR will increase the cAMP
signal and an agonist will decrease the cAMP signal.
On day one, 2 x 104 293 cells/well are plated out. On day two. two reaction tubes
are prepared (the proportions to follow for each tube are per plate): rube A is prepared by
mixing 2]ag DNA of each receptor transfected into the mammalian cells, for a total of
4μg DNA (e.g., pCMV vector, pCMV vector with mutated THSR (TSHR-A6231);
TSHR-A623I and GPCR, etc.) m 1 2ml serum free DMEM (Irvine Scientific, Irvine,
CA); tube B is prepared by mixing 120ul lipofectamine (Gibco BRL) in 1.2ml serum
free DMEM. Tubes A and B are then admixed by inversions (several times), followed
by incubation at room temperature for 30-45minutes. The admixture is referred to as the
"transfection mixture". Plated 293 cells arc washed with 1XPBS, followed by addition
of 10ml serum free DMEM. 2 4ml of the transfection mixture is then added to the cells,
followed by incubation for 4 hours at 37°C/5% CO2. The transfection mixture is then
removed by aspiration, followed by the addition of 25ml of DMEM/10% Fetal Bovine
Serum. Cells are then incubated at 37°C/5% CO2. After 24 hours incubation, cells are
harvested and utilized for analysis.
A Flash Plate™ Adenylyl Cyclasc kit (New England Nuclear: Cat No.
SMP004A) is designed for cell-based assays, but can be modified for use with crude
plasma membranes depending on the need of the skilled artisan. The Flash Plate wells
contain a scintillant coating which also contains a specific antibody recognizing cAMP.
The cAMP generated in the wells can be quantitated by a direct competition for binding
of radioactive cAMP tracer to the cAMP antibody. The following serves as a brief
protocol for the measurement of changes in cAMP levels in whole cells that express a
receptor of interest.
Transfected cells are harvested approximately twenty four hours after transient
transfection Media is carefully aspirated off and discarded. 10ml of PBS is gently
added to each dish of cells followed by careful aspiration. 1ml of Sigma cell dissociation
buffer and 3ml of PBS is added to each plate. Cells are pipetted off the plate and the cell
suspension is collected into a 50ml conical centrifuge tube. Cells are then centrifuged at
room temperature at 1,100 rpm for 5 minutes. The cell pellet is carefully re-suspended
into an appropriate volume of PBS (about 3ml/plate). The cells are then counted using a
hemocytometer and additional PBS is added to give the appropriate number of cells
(with a final volume of about 50μl/well).
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cAMP standards and Detection Buffer (comprising IΜCI of tracer [125I] cAMP
(50ul) to 1 lml Detection Buffer) is prepared and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions. Assay Buffer should be prepared fresh for screening and
contain 50ul of Stimulation Buffer, 3ul of candidate compound (12μM final assay
concentration) and 50ul cells Assay Buffer can be stored on ice until utilized The
assay can be initiated by addition of 50μl of cAMP standards to appropriate wells
followed by addition of 50|xl of PBSA to wells H-ll and H12. Fifty ,ul of Stimulation
Buffer is added to all wells. Selected compounds (e.g., TSH) are added to appropriate
wells usmg a pin tool capable of dispensing 3u,l of compound solution, with a final assay
concentration of 12uM candidate compound and 100μl total assay volume. The cells are
then added to the wells and mcubated for 60 mmutes at room temperature. 100μ1 of
Detection Mix containing tracer cAMP is then added to the wells. Plates are then
mcubated additional 2 hours followed by counting in a Wallac MicroBeta scintillation
counter. Values of cAMP/well are extrapolated from a standard cAMP curve which is
contained within each assay plate.
4. Reporter-Based Assays
a. CRE-LUC Reporter Assay (Gs-associated receptors)
293 or 293T cells are plated-oul on 96 well plates at a density of 2 x 10"1 cells per
well and are iransfected using Lipofectamme Reagent (BRL) the following day
according to manufacturer instructions. A DNA/lipid mixture is prepared for each 6-weil
transfection as follows: 260ng of plasnnd DNA in 100μl of DMEM is gently mixed with
2LI1 of lipid in 100μl of DMEM (the 260ng of plasmid DNA consists of 200ng of a
8xCRE-Luc reporter plasmid, 50ng of pCMV comprising endogenous receptor or non-
endogenous receptor or pCMV alone, and lOng of a GPRS expiession plasmid (GPRS in
pcDNA3 (Invitrogen)). The 8XCRE-Luc reporter plasmid is prepared as follows: vector
SRIF-P-gal is obtained by cloning the rat somatostatin promoter (-71/+51) at BglV-
HindIII site in the pPgal-Basic Vector (Clontech). Eight (8) copies of cAMP response
element are obtained by PCR from an adenovirus template AdpCF126CCRE8 (see,
Suzuki et al., Hum Gene Ther 7:1883-1893 (1996); the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety) and cloned into the SRIF-p-gal vector at the
Kpn-BglV site, resulting in the 8xCRE-p-gal reporter vector. The 8xCRE-Luc reporter
plasmid is generated by replacing the beta-galactosidase gene in the 8xCRE-p-gal
reporter vector with the luciferase gene obtained from the pGL3-basic vector (Promega)
a the Hindin-BamHI site. Following 30 minutes incubation at room temperature, the
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DNA/lipid mixture is diluted with 400 μl of DMEM and 100μl of the diluted mixture is
added to each well. 100 ul of DMEM with 10% FCS are added to each well after n. four
hour incubation in a cell culture mcubator. The following day the transfected cells are
changed with 200 μl/well of DMEM with 10% FCS. Eight (8) hours later, the wells arc
changed to 100 ul /well of DMEM without phenol red, after one wash with PBS.
Luciferase activity is measured the next day using the LucLite™ reporter gene assay kit
(Packard) following manufacturer instructions and read on a 1450 MicroBetaTM
scintillation and luminescence counter (Wallac)
b. API reporter assay (Gq-associated receptors)
A method to detect Gq stimulation depends on the known property of Gq-
dependent phosphohpase C to cause the activation of genes containing API elements in
their promoter. APathdetect'11*1 AP-1 cis-Reporting System (Stratagene, Catalogue No
219073) can be utilized following the piotocol set forth above with respect to the CREB
reporter assay, except that the components of the calcium phosphate precipitate are 410
ng pAPl-Luc, 80 ng pCMV-receptor expression plasmid, and 20 ng CMV-SEAP.
c. SRF-LUC Reporter Assay (Gq- associated receptors)
One method to detect Gq stimulation depends on the known property of Gq-
dependent phospholipase C to cause the activation of genes containing serum response
factors in their promoter. A Pathdetect™ SRF-Luc-Reporting System (Stratagene) can be
utilized to assay for Gq coupled activity in, for example, COS7 cells. Cells are
transfected with the plasmid components of die system and the indicated expression
plasmid encoding endogenous or non-endogenous GPCR using a Mammalian
Transfection™ Kit (Stratagene, Catalogue #200285) according to the manufacturer's
instructions. Briefly, 410 ng SRF-Luc, 80 ng pCMV-receptor expression plasmid and 20
ng CMV-SEAP (secreted alkaline phosphatase expression plasmid; alkaline phosphatase
activity is measured in the media of transfected cells to control for variations in
transfection efficiency between samples) are combined in a calcium phosphate
precipitate as per the manufacturer's instructions. Half of the precipitate is equally
distributed over 3 wells in a 96-well plate and kept on the cells in a serum free media lor
24 hours. The last 5 hours the cells are incubated with, for example, 1 μM, candidate
compound. Cells are men lysed and assayed for luciferase activity using a Luclite™ Kil
(Packard, Cat. No. 6016911) and "Trilux 1450 Microbeta" liquid scintillation and
luminescence counter (Wallac) as per the manufacturer's instructions. The data can be
analyzed using GraphPad Prism™ 2.0a (GraphPad Software Inc.).
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d Intracellular JP3 Accumulation Assay (Gq-associated receptors)
On day 1, cells comprising the receptor of interest (endogenous or non-
endogenous) can be plated onto 24 well plates, usually lxl 05 cells/well (although his
number can be optimized). On day 2 cells can be transfected by first mixing 0 25ug
DNA in 50 ul serum free DMEM/well and 2 ul lipofectamme in 50 ul serum free
DMEM/well. The solutions are gently mixed and incubated for 15-30 minutes at room
temperature. Cells are washed with 0.5 ml PBS and 400 ul of serum free media is mixed
with the transfection media and added to the cells. The cells are then incubated for 3-4
hours al 37°C/5%CO? and then the transfection media is removed and replaced with
lml/well of regular growth media On day 3 the cells are labeled with 'H-myo-inositol
Briefly, the media is removed and the cells are washed with 0.5 ml PBS. Then 0.5 ml
mositol-free/serum free media (GDBCO BRL) is added/well with 0.25 p.Ci of 3H-myo-
mositol/ well and the cells are incubated for 16-18 hours overnight at 37°C/5%CO2. On
Day 4 the cells are washed with 0.5 ml PBS and 0.45 ml of assay medium is added
containing inositol-free/serum free media, 10 uM pargyhne, 10 mM lithium chloride or
0.4 ml of assay medium and 50ul of lOx ketanscrm (ket) to final concentration oflOuM.
if using a control construct containing a serotonin receptor. The cells are then incubated
for 30 minutes at 37°C. The cells are then washed with 0.5 ml PBS and 200ul of
fresh/ice cold stop solution (1M KOH; 18 mM Na-borate; 3.8 mM EDTA) is added/well
The solution is kept on ice for 5-10 minutes or until cells were lysed and then neutralized
by 200 ul of fresh/ice cold neutralization sol. (7.5 % HCL). The lysate is then
transferred into 1.5 ml eppendorf tubes and 1 ml of chloroform/mcthanol (1*2) is
added/tube. The solution is vortexed for 15 seconds and the upper phase is applied to a
Biorad AG1-X8™ amon exchange resin (100-200 mesh). Firstly, the resin is washed
with water at 1:1.25 W/V and 0.9 ml of upper phase is loaded onto the column The
column is washed with 10 mis of 5 mM myo-inositol and 10 ml of 5 mM Na-
borate/60mM Na-formate. The inositol tris phosphates are eluted into scintillation vials
containing 10 ml of scintillation cocktail with 2 ml of 0.1 M formic acid/1 M
ammonium formate. The columns are regenerated by washing with 10 ml of 0.1 M
formic acid/3M ammonium formate and rinsed twice with dd H2O and stored at 4°C in
water.
Example 13
Fusion Protein Preparation
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a. GPCR:Gs Fusion Constuct
The design of the GPCR-G protem fusion construct can be accomplished as
follows: both the 5' and 3' ends of the rat G protem Gscc (long form;. Itoh, H. el al., Proc.
Natl. Acad Sci 83:3776 (1986)) are engineered to include a HindHI sequence thereon.
Following confirmation of the correct sequence (including the flanking Hindlll
sequences), the entire sequence is shuttled into pcDNA3.1(-) (Invitrogen, cat no. V795-
20) by subclorung using the Hindlll restriction site of that vector. The correct orientation
for the Gsa sequence is determined after subcloning into pcDNA3.1(-). The modified
pcDNA3.1(-) containing the rat Gsa gene at HindlH sequence is then verified, this
vector is now available as a "universal" Gsa protein vector. The pcDNAS.l(-) vector
contains a variety of well-known restriction sites upstream of the Hindlll site, Lhus
beneficially providing the ability to insert, upstream of the Gs protein, the coding
sequence of a receptor of interest. This same approach can be utilized to create other
"universal" G protein vectors, and, of course, other commercially available or proprietary
vectors known to the artisan can be utilized—the important criteria is that the sequence
for the GPCR be upstream and in-frame with that of the G protein.
b. Gq(6 amino acid deletion)/Gi Fusion Construct
The design of a Gq(del)/Gi fusion construct can be accomplished as follows: the
N-terminal six (6) amino acids (amino acids 2 through 7, having the sequence of
TLESIM (SEQ ID NO:11)) of Gocq-subunit is deleted and the C-terminal five (5) amino
acids having the sequence EYNLV (SEQ ID NO: 12) is replaced with the corresponding
amino acids of the Goci Protein, having the sequence DCGLF (SEQ ID NO-13). This
fusion construct can be obtained by PCR using the following primers:
5'-gatcAAGCTTCCATGGCGTGCTGCCTGAGCGAGGAG-3' (SEQ ID
NO: 14) and
51-
gatcGGATCCTTAGAACAGGCCGCAGTCCTTCAGGTTCAGCTGCAGGATGGTG-
3' (SEQ ID NO:15)
and Plasmid 63313 which contains the mouse Gaq-wild type version with a
hemagglutinin tag as template. Nucleotides in lower caps are included as spacers.
TaqPlus Precision DNA polymerase (Stratagene) can be utilized for the
amplification by the following cycles, with steps 2 through 4 repeated 35 times: 95°C for
2 min; 95°C for 20 sec; 56°C for 20 sec; 72°C for 2 min; and 72°C for 7 mm. The PCR
product can be cloned into a pCRII-TOPO vector (Invitrogen) and sequenced using the
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ABI Big Dye Terminator kit (P E. Biosystems). Inserts from a TOPO clone containing
the sequence of the fusion construct can be shuttled into the expression vector
pcDNA3.1(+) at the Hindlll/BamHI site by a 2 step cloning process. Also see, PCT
Application Number PCT/US02/05625 published as WO02068600 on 6 September
2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Example 14
[35S]GTPyS Assay
A. Membrane Preparation
In some embodiments membranes comprising the Target GPCR of interest for
use in the identification of candidate compounds as, e.g.,. agonists, inverse agonists or
antagomsts, are prepared as follows:
a. Materials
"Membrane Scrape Buffer" is comprised of 20mM HEPES and lOmM EDTA,
pH 7.4; "Membrane Wash Buffer" is comprised of 20mM HEPES and O.lmM EDTA,
pH 7.4; "Binding Buffer" is comprised of 20mM HEPES, 100 mM NaCl, and 10 mM
MgCl2, pH 7 4.
b. Procedure
All materials are kept on ice throughout the procedure. Firstly, the media is
aspirated from a confluent monolayer of cells, followed by rinsing with 10ml cold PBS,
followed by aspiration. Thereafter, 5ml of Membrane Scrape Buffer is added to scrape
cells; this is followed by transfer of cellular extract into 50ml centrifuge tubes
(centrifuged at 20,000 rpm for 17 minutes at 4°C). Thereafter, the supernatant is
aspirated and the pellet is resuspended m 30ml Membrane Wash Buffer followed by
centrifuge at 20,000 rpm for 17 minutes at 4°C. The supernatant is then aspirated and the
pellet resuspended in Binding Buffer. This is then homogenized using a Brinkman
Polytron™ homogenizer (15-20 second bursts until the all material is m suspension)
This is referred to herein as "Membrane Protein".
Bradford Protein Assay
Following the homogenization, protein concentration of the membranes is
determined using the Bradford Protein Assay (protein can be diluted to about 1.5mg/ml,
aliquoted and frozen (-80°C) for later use; when frozen, protocol for use will be as
follows: on the day of the assay, frozen Membrane Pro tern is thawed at room
temperature, followed by vortex and then homogenized with a Polytron at about 12 x
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1,000 rpm for about 5-10 seconds; it is noted that for multiple preparations, the
homogemzer should be thoroughly cleaned between homogenization of different
preparations).
a. Materials
Binding Buffer (as per above); Bradford Dye Reagent; Bradford Prolem Standard
is utilized, following manufacturer instructions (Biorad, cat. no. 500-0006).
b. Procedure
Duplicate tubes are prepared, one including the membrane, and one as a control
"blank". Each tube contains 800ul Binding Buffer. Thereafter, 10μl of Bradford Proiem
Standard (lmg/ml) is added to each tube, and lOul of membrane Protein is then added lo
just one tube (not the blank). Thereafter, 200ul of Bradford Dye Reagent is added to
each tube, followed by vortexing of each tube. After five (5) minutes, the tubes are re-
vortexed and the material therein is transferred to cuvettes. The cuvettes are read using a
CECIL 3041 spectrophotometer, at wavelength 595.
Identification Assay
a. Materials
GDP Buffer consists of 37.5ml Binding Buffer and 2mg GDP (Sigma, cat. no. G-
7127), followed by a series of dilutions in Binding Buffer to obtain 0.2 uM GDP (final
concentration of GDP in each well is 0.1 uM GDP), each well comprising a candidate
compound has a final volume of 200ul consisting of lOOul GDP Buffer (final
concentration, 0.1 uM GDP), 50ul Membrane Protein in Binding Buffer, and 50ul
[J5S]GTPyS (0.6 nM) in Binding Buffer (2.5 ul [35S]GTPyS per 10ml Binding Buffer).
b. Procedure
Candidate compounds can be screened using a 96-well plate format (these can be
frozen at -80°C). Membrane Protein (or membranes with expression vector excluding
the Target GPCR, as control), are homogenized briefly until in suspension. Protein
concentration is be determined using the Bradford Protein Assay set forth above
Membrane Protein (and control) is diluted to 0.25mg/ml in Binding Buffer (final assay
concentration, 12.5ug/well). Thereafter, lOOul GDP Buffer is added to each well of a
Wallac Scintistrip1M (Wallac). A 5ul pin-tool is used to transfer 5 ul of a candidate
compound into such well (i.e., 5μl in total assay volume of 200 ul is a 1:40 ratio such
that the final screening concentration of the candidate compound is lOuM). Again, to
avoid contamination, after each transfer step the pm tool should be rinsed in three
reservoirs comprising water (IX), ethanol (IX) and water (2X) - excess liquid should be
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shaken from the tool after each nnse and dried with paper and kimwipes. Thereafter.
50ul of Membrane Protein is added to each well (a control well comprising membranes
without the Target GPCR is also utilized), and prc-mcubated for 5-] 0 minutes at room
temperature. Thereafter, 50|il of [35S]GTPyS (0.6 nM) in Binding Buffer is added to
each well, followed by incubation on a shaker for 60 mmutes at room temperature (plates
arc covered with foil). The assay is then stopped by spinning of the plates at 4000 RPM
for 15 minutes at 22°C. The plates are aspirated with an 8 channel manifold and sealed
with plate covers. The plates arc read on a Wallac 1450 using setting "Prol #37" (as per
manufacturer's instructions).
Example 15
Cyclic AMP Assay
Another assay approach for identifying candidate compounds as, e g., agonists,
inverse agonist, or antagonists, can accomplished by utilizing a cyclase-bascd assay In
addition to direct identification, tins assay approach can be utilized as an independent
approach to provide confirmation of the results from the [35S]GTPyS approach as set
forth in the above example
A modified Flash Plate™ Adenylyl Cyclase kit (New England Nuclear; Cat. No
SMP004A) can be utilized for direct identification of candidate compounds as inverse
agonists and agonists to a receptor of interest in accordance with the following protocol.
Transfected cells are harvested approximately three days after transfection.
Membranes are prepared by homogenization of suspended cells m buffer containing
20mM HEPES, pH 7.4 and 10mM MgCl2. Homogenization is performed on ice using a
Brinkman Polytron™ for approximately 10 seconds. The resulting homogenatc is
centrifuged at 49,000 X g for 15 minutes at 4°C. The resulting pellet is then resuspended
in buffer containing 20mM HEPES, pH 7.4 and 0.1 mM EDTA, homogenized for 10
seconds, followed by ccntrifugation at 49,000 x g for 15 minutes at 4°C. The resulting
pellet is then stored at -80°C until utilized. On the day of direct identification screening,
the membrane pellet is slowly thawed at room temperature, resuspended in buffer
containing 20mM HEPES, pH 7.4 and 10mM MgCl2, to yield a final protein
concentration of 0.60mg/ml (the resuspended membranes are placed on ice until use).
cAMP standards and Detection Buffer (comprising 2μC of tracer [125I]cAMP
(100μl) to 1 lml Detection Buffer] are prepared and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions. Assay Buffer is prepared fresh for screening and contains
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20mM HEPES, pH 7.4, lOmM MgCl2,20mM phospocreatine (Sigma), 0 1 umts/ml
creatine phosphokinase (Sigma), 50 uM GTP (Sigma), and 0.2 mM ATP (Sigma); Assay
Buffer is then stored on ice until utilized.
Candidate compounds arc added to, for example, 96-well plate wells (3ul/well:
12LIM final assay concentration), together with 40 ul Membrane Proiein (30ug/well) and
50ul of Assay Buffer. This admixture is then incubated for 30 minutes at room
temperature, with gentle shaking.
Following the incubation, 100μl of Detection Buffer is added to each well,
followed by incubation for 2-24 hours. Plates are then counted m a Wallac MicroBetarM
plate reader using "Prot. #31" (as per manufacturer's instructions).
Example 16
Fluorometric Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR) Assay for the Measurement of
Intracellular Calcium Concentration
Target Receptor (experimental) and pCMV (negative control) stably transfected
cells from respective clonal lines are seeded into poly-D-lysine pretreated 96-well plates
(Becton-Dickinson, #356640) al 5.5xl04 cells/well with complete culture medium
(DMEM with 10% FBS, 2mM L-glutamme, lmM sodium pyruvate) for assay the nexi
day. Because GPR41 is Gi coupled, the cells comprising GPR41 can further comprise
Gal5, Gal6, or the chimeric Gq/Gi alpha subunit. However, since GPR41 is also
coupled to Gal2/13 (see Example 5 and Figure 5), a promiscuous G protein such as
Gal5, Gal6, or the chimeric Gq/Gi alpha subunit may not be required in order to cause a
detectable calcium flux. To prepare Fluo4-AM (Molecular Probe, #F14202) incubation
buffer stock, 1 mg Fluo4-AM is dissolved in 467/xl DMSO and 467/xl Pluoronic acid
(Molecular Probe, #P3000) to give a lmM stock solution that can be stored at -20°C for
a month. Fluo4-AM is a fluorescent calcium indicator dye.
Candidate compounds arc prepared in wash buffer (IX HBSS/2.5mM
Probenicid/20mM HEPES at pH 7.4).
At the time of assay, culture medium is removed from the wells and the celis are
loaded with 100/xl of 4fM Fluo4-AM/2.5 mM Probenicid (Sigma, #P8761)/20mM
HEPES/complete medium at pH 7.4. Incubation at 37°C/5% CO2 is allowed to proceed
for 60 minutes.
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After the 1 hour incubation, the Fluo4-AM incubation buffer is removed and the
cells are washed 2X with 100 /xl wash buffer. In each well is left 100 [d wash buffer.
The plate is returned to the incubator at 37°C/5% CO2 for 60 minutes.
FLIPR (Fluorometric Imaging Plate Reader; Molecular Device) is programmed lo
add 50 μl candidate compound on the 30th second and to record transient changes m
mtracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2-s-J) evoked by the candidate compound for
another 150 seconds. Total fluorescence change counts arc used to determine agonist
activity using the FLIPR software. The instrument software normalizes the fluorescent
reading to give equivalent initial readings at zero.
Although the foregoing provides a FLIPR assay for agomst activity using stably
transfected cells, a person of ordinary skill in the art would readily be able to modify the
assay in order to characterize antagonist activity. Said person of ordinary skill in the art
would also readily appreciate that, alternatively, transiently transfected cells could be
used.
Example 17
MAP Kinase Assay
MAP kinase (mitogen activated kinase) can be monitored to evaluate receptor
activation. MAP kinase can be detected by several approaches One approach is based
on an evaluation of the phosphorylation state, either unphosphorylated (inactive) or
phosphorylatcd (active). The phosphorylated protein has a slower mobility in SDS-
PAGE and can therefore be compared with the unstimulated protein using Western
blotting. Alternatively, antibodies specific for the phosphorylated protein are available
(New England Biolabs) which can be used to detect an increase in the phosphorylaled
kinase. In either method, cells are stimulated with the candidate compound and then
extracted with Laemmli buffer. The soluble fraction is applied to an SDS-PAGE gel and
proteins are transferred electrophoretically to nitrocellulose or Immobilin.
tmmunoreactive bands are detected by standard Western blotting technique. Visible or
chemiluminescent signals are recorded on film and can be quantified by densitometry.
Another approach is based on evaluation of the MAP kinase activity via a
phosphorylation assay. Cells are stimulated with the candidate compound and a soluble
extract is prepared. The extract is incubated at 30°C for 10 minutes with gamma-j2P-
ATP, an ATP regenerating system, and a specific substrate for MAP kinase such as
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phosphorylated heat and acid stable protein regulated by insulin, or PHAS-I. The
reaction is terminated by the addition of H3PO4 and samples are transferred to ice. An
aliquot is spotted onto Whatman P81 chromatography paper, which retains the
phosphorylated protein. The chromatography paper is washed and counted for 32P is a
liquid scintillation counter. Alternatively, the cell extract is incubated with gamma-j2P-
ATP, an ATP regenerating system, and biotinylated myelin basic proem bound by
streptavidin to a filter support. The myelin basic protein is a substrate for activated MAP
kinase. The phosphorylation reaction is earned out for 10 minutes at 30°C. The extiact
can then be aspirated through the filter, which retains, the phosphorylated myelin basic
protein. The filter is washed and counted for 32P bv liquid scintillation counting.
Example 18
Receptor Binding Assay
In addition to the methods described herein, another means for evaluating a
candidate compound is by determining binding affinities to the GPR41 receptor. This
type of assay generally requires a radiolabelled ligand to the GPR41 receptor. In
addition to the use of known ligands for the GPR41 receptor and radiolabels thereof,
GPR41 agonist compounds disclosed herein can be labelled with a radioisotope and used
in an assay for evaluating the affinity of a candidate compound to the GPR41 receptor.
A radiolabelled GPR41 compound such as a GPR41 agonist disclosed herein can
be used in a screening assay to identify/evaluate compounds. In general terms, a newly
synthesized or identified compound (i.e., candidate compound) can be evaluated tor its
ability to reduce binding of the radiolabelled GPR41 agonist to the GPR41 receptor.
Accordingly, the ability to compete with the radiolabelled GPR41 agonist for the binding
to the GPR41 receptor directly correlates to the binding affinity of the candidate
compound to the GPR41 receptor.
ASSAY PROTOCOL FOR DETERMINING RECEPTOR BINDING FOR GPR41 :
A. GPR41 RECEPTOR PREPARATION
For example, HEK293 cells (human ladney, ATCC) can be transiently or stably
transfectcd with GPR41 as described herein. For example, 293 cells can be transiently
transfected with 10 ug human GPR41 receptor and 60 ul Lipofectamine (per 15-cm
dish), and grown in the dish for 24 hours (75% confluency) with a media change. Cells
are removed with 10ml/dish of Hepes-EDTA buffer (20mM Hepes +10 mM EDTA, pH
7.4). The cells are then centnfuged in a Beckman Coulter centrifuge for 20 minutes,
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17,000 rpm (JA-25.50 rotor). Subsequently, the pellet is rcsuspended m 20mM
Hepes + 1 mM EDTA, pH 7 4 and homogenized with a 50- ml Dounce homogemzer and
again ccntrifuged. After removing the supernatant, the pellets are stored at -80°C, until
used m binding assay. When used m the assay, membranes arc thawed on ice for
20 minutes and then 10mL of incubation buffer (20mM Hepes. lmM MgCl2,100mM
NaCl, pH 7.4) is added. The membranes are then vortexed to resuspend the crude
membrane pellet and homogenized with a Bnnkmann PT-3100 Polytron homogemzer
for 15 seconds at setting 6. The concentration of membrane protein is determined using
the BRL Bradford protein assay.
B. BINDING ASSAY
For total binding, a total volume of 50ΜL of appropriately diluted membranes
(diluted in assay buffer containing 50mM Tns HC1 (pH 7.4), lOmM MgCb, and lmM
EDTA; 5-50μg protein) is added to 96-wcll polyproylene microtiter plates followed by
addition of 100μl of assay buffer and 50ul of radiolabelled GPR41 agonist For
nonspecific binding, 50ul of assay buffer is added instead of 100μl and an additional
50μl of 10μM cold GPR41 is added before 50ul of radiolabelled GPR41 agonist is
added. Plates are then incubated at room temperature for 60-120 minutes. The binding
reaction is terminated by filtering assay plates through a Microplate Devices GF/C
Unifiltcr filtration plate with a Brandell 96-well plate harvester followed by washing
with cold 50 mM Tris IIC1, pH 7.4 containing 0.9% NaCl. Then, the bottom of the
filtration plates are sealed, 50ul of Optiphase Supermix is added to each well, the top of
the plates are sealed, and plates are counted in a Tnlux MicroBeta scintillation counter.
For compound competition studies, instead of adding 100u.l of assay buffer, lOOul of
appropriately diluted candidate compound is added to appropriate wells followed by
addition of50j.il of radiolabelled GPR41 agonist.
C. CALCULATIONS
The candidate compounds are initially assayed at 1 and 0.1 uM and then at a
range of concentrations chosen such that the middle dose would cause about 50%
inhibition of a radiolabelled GPR41 agonist binding (i.e., IC50). Specific binding in the
absence of candidate compound (Bo) is the difference of total binding (BT) minus non-
specific binding (NSB) and similarly specific binding (in the presence of candidate
compound) (B) is the difference of displacement binding (BD) minus non-specific
binding (NSB). IC50 is determined from an inhibition response curve, logit-log plot of %
B/Bo vs concentration of candidate compound.
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K, is calculated by the Cheng and Prustoff transformation1
K, = lC5o/(l + [L]/KD)
where [LJ is the concentration of a radiolabelled GPR41 agonist used in the assay
and KD is the dissociation constant ol a radiolabelled GPR41 agonist determined
independently under the same binding conditions.
Example 19
Rodent Diabetes Model
Rodent models of type 2 diabetes associated with obesity and insulin re;3istance
have been developed. Genetic models such as db/db and ob/ob [see Diabetes (1982)
31:1-6J in mice and fa/fa in zucker rats have been developed for understanding the
pathophysiology of disease and for testing candidate therapeutic compounds [Diabetes
(1983) 32:830-838; Annu Rep Sankyo Res Lab (1994) 46:1-57]. The homozygous
animals, C57 BL/KsJ-db/db mice developed by Jackson Laboratory are obese,
hyperglycemic, hyperinsulinemic and msulinresistant [J Chn Invest (1990) 85.962-967J,
whereas hetcrozygotes are lean and normoglycemic. In the db/db model, mice
progressively develop insulinopenia with age, a feature commonly observed in late
stages of human type 2 diabetes when sugar levels are insufficiently controlled. Since
this model resembles that of human type 2 diabetes, the compounds of the present
invention are tested for activities including, but not limited to, lowering of plasma
glucose and triglycerides. Zucker (fa/fa) rats are severely obese, hyperinsulinemic, and
msulin resistant {Coleman, Diabetes (1982) 31:1; E Shafrir in Diabetes Melhtus. II
Rifkin and D Porte, Jr, Eds [Elscvier Science Publishing Co, New York, ed. 4, (1990),
pp. 299-340]}, and the fa/fa mutation may be the rat equivalent of the murine db
mutation [Friedman et al, Cell (1992) 69:217-220; Truetl et al, ProcNatl Acad Sci USA
(1991) 88:7806]. Tubby (tub/tub) mice are characterized by obesity, moderate insulin
resistance and hyperinsulinemia without significant hyperglycemia [Coleman et al,
Heredity (1990) 81:424].
The present invention encompasses the use GPR41 modulators for reducing the
insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in any or all of the above rodent diabetes models, in
humans with type 2 diabetes or other preferred insulin-related disorders or disorders of
lipid metabolism described previously, or in models based on other mammals. Plasma
glucose and insulin levels can be tested, as well as other factors including, but not limited
to, plasma free fatty acids and triglycerides.
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In Vivo Assay for Anti-Hyperglycemic Activity of GPR41 modulators
Genetically altered obese diabetic mice (db/db) (male, 7-9 weeks old) arc housed
(7-9 mice/cage) under standard laboratory conditions at 22°C and 50% relative humidity,
and maintained on a diet of Punna rodsnt chow and water ad libitum. Pnor to treatment,
blood is collected from the tail vein of each animal and blood glucose concentrations arc
determined using One Touch Basic Glucose Monitor System (Lifescan). Mice that have
plasma glucose levels between 250 to 500 mg/dl are used. Each treatment group consists
of seven mice that are distributed so that the mean glucose levels are equivalent in each
group at the start of the study, db/db mice are dosed by micro-osmotic pumps, inserted
using isoflurane anesthesia, to provide compounds of the invention, saline, or an
irrelevant compound to the mice subcutaneously (s.c). Blood is sampled from the tail
vem at intervals thereafter and analyzed for blood glucose concentrations. Significant
differences between groups (comparing compounds of the interest to saline-treated) are
evaluated using Student t-tcst.
The foregoing is provided by way of illustration and not limitation. Other
illustrative rodent models for type 2 diabetes have been described [Moller D£, Nature
(2001) 414:821-7 and references therein; and Reed MJ et al., Diabetes, Obesity and
Metabolism (1999) 1:75-86 and reference therein; the disclosure of each of winch is
hereby incorporated by reference ui its entirety].
Example 20
Mouse Atherosclerosis Model
Adiponectm-deficicnt mice generated through knocking out the adiponectin gene
have been shown to be predisposed to atherosclerosis and to be insulin resistant. The
mice are also a suitable model for ischemic heart disease [Matsuda, M et al. J Biol Chem
(2002) July, and references cited therein, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety].
Adiponectin knockout mice are housed (7-9 mice/cage) under standard laboratory
conditions at 22°C and 50% relative humidity. The mice are dosed by micro-osmotic
pumps, inserted using isoflurane anesthesia, to provide compounds of the invention,
saline, or an irrelevant compound to the mice subcutaneously (s.c). Neomtimal
thickening and ischemic heart disease are determined for different groups of mice
sacrificed at different time intervals. Significant differences between groups (comparing
compounds of the interest to saline-treated) are evaluated using Student t-test.
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The foregoing mouse model of atherosclerosis is provided by way of illustration
and not limitation. By way of further example, Apohpoprotein E-deficient mice have
also been shown to be predisposed to atherosclerosis [Plump AS et al., Cell (1992)
71343-353, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety]
Another model that can be used is that of diet-induced atherosclerosis m
C57BL/6J mice, an inbred stram known to be susceptible to diet-mduced atherosclerotic
lesion formation. This model is well known to persons of oidmary skill in the art
[Kamada N et al., J Atheroscler Thromb (2001) 8:1-6; Garber DW et al., J Lipid Res
(2001) 42:545-52; Smith JD et al., J Intern Med (1997) 242:99-109, the disclosure of
each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety]
Example 21
In Vivo Pig Model of I-IDL-Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis
The utility of a compound of interest as a medical agent in the prevention or
treatment of a high total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio and conditions relating
thereto is demonstrated, for example, by the activity of the compound in lowering the
ratio of total cholesterol to IIDL-cholesterol, m elevating HDL-cholesteroL or in
protection from atherosclerosis in an in vivo pig model. Pigs are used as an animal
model because they reflect human physiology, especially lipicl metabolism, more closel}
than most other animal models. An illustrative in vivo pig model not intended to be
limiting is presented here.
Yorkshire albino pigs (body weight 25.5 — 4 kg) are fed a saturated fatty acid rich
and cholesterol rich (SFA-CHO) diet during 50 days (1 kg chow 35 kg-1 pig weight).
composed of standard chow supplemented with 2% cholesterol and 20% beef tallow
[Royo T et al., European Journal of Clinical Investigation (2000) 30.843-52]. Saturated
to unsaturated fatty acid ratio is modified from 0.6 in normal pig chow to 1.12 in the
SFA-CHO diet. Animals are divided into two groups, one group (n = 8) fed with the
SFA-CHO diet and treated with placebo and one group (n = 8) fed with the SFA-CHO
diet and treated with the modulator (3.0 mg kg-1). Control animals are fed a standard
chow for a period of 50 days. Blood samples are collected at baseline (2 days after the
reception of the animals), and 50 days after the initiation of the diet. Blood lipids arc
analyzed. The animals are sacrificed and necropsied.
Alternatively, the foregoing analysis comprises a plurality of groups each treated
with a different dose of the compound of interest. Doses include, for example: 0.1 mg
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kg-l,0.3mgkg-l, 1.0mgkg-l,3.0mgkg-l, 10mgkg-l, 30mg kg-1 and 100mgkg-l.
Alternatively, the foregoing analysis is carried out at a plurality of timepoiuts, for
example, 10 weeks, 20 weeks, 30 weeks, 40 weeks, and 50 weeks.
HDL-Cholesterol
Blood is collected in tnsodium citrate (3 8%, 1:10). Plasma is obtained after
centnfugation (1200 g 15 mm) and immediately processed. Total cholesterol, HDL-
choleslerol, and LDL-cholesterol are measured using the automatic analyzer Kodak
Ektachem DT System (Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, NY, USA) Samples wuh
value parameters above the range are diluted with the solution supplied by the
manufacturer and then re-analyzed. The total cholesterol/HDL-cholestero! ratio is
determined Comparison is made of the level of HDL-cholesterol between groups.
Comparison is made of the total cholesterol/HDL-choIesterol ratio between groups
Elevation of HDL-cholcstcrol or reduction of the total cholesterol/HDL-
cholesterol ratio on administration of the compound of interest is taken as indicative of
the compound having the aforesaid utility.
Atherosclerosis
The thoracic and abdominal aortas are removed intact, opened longitudinally
along the ventral surface, and fixed m neutral-buffered formalin after excision of samples
from standard sites m the thoracic and abdominal aorta for histological examination and
hpid composition and synthesis studies. After fixation, the whole aortas arc siained with
Sudan IV and pinned out flat, and digital images are obtained with a TV camera
connected to a computerized image analysis system (Image Pro Plus; Media Cybernetics,
Silver Spring, MD) to determine the percentage of aortic surface involved with
atherosclerotic lesions [Gerrity RG et al, Diabetes (2001) 50:1654-65; Comhill IF et al,
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (1985) 5:415-26; which disclosures
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety]. Comparison is made between
groups of the percentage of aortic surface involved with atherosclerotic lesions.
Reduction of the percentage of aortic surface involved with atherosclerotic
lesions on administration of the compound of interest is taken as indicative of the
compound having the aforesaid utility.
Plasma Free Fatty Acids
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Tt would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill m the art that the foiegomg
in vivo pig model is easily modified in order to address, wilhout limitation, the activity of
a compound m lowering plasma free fatty acids.
Those skilled in the art will recognize mat various modifications, additions,
substitutions, and variations to the illustrative examples set forth herein can be made
without departing from the spirit of the invention and are, therefore, considered within the
scope of the invention. All documents refeienced above, including, but not limited to,
printed publications, and provisional and regular patent applications, are incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety.
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CLAIMS
We claim:
1 A method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound, comprising.
a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and
b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated,
wherein a modulation m GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound
being a glycemic stabilizing compound.
2 The method of claim 1, wherein said GPR41 is human.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining comprises a second messenger
assay.
4 The method of claim 1, wherein said glycemic stabilizing compound composes a
compound selected from the group consisting of:
2-mcthyl-4-(4-nitro-phcnyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydio-qmnohnc-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxyhc acid 4-| l,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl-
phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1.4.5,6.7,8-
hexahydro-qumolme-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-amide. 4-
Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-
tolylamide, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6.7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic
acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-qumohnc-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Mcthyl-4-(3-nitro-phenyl)-5-
oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-
nitro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumolme-3-
carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-
1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-
phcnyl)-ruran-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylicacid(2-chloro-
phenyl)-amide, 2-Mclhyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-phcnyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-
3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Mcthyl-5-oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-
2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-
Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-quinoline-3-
cai-boxylic acid o-tolylamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
5. A glycemic stabilizing compound identified according to the method of claim 1.
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6. The compound of claim 5, wherein said glycemic stabilizing compound is a
GPR41 agonist.
7. The compound of claim 6, wherem said glycemic stabilizing compound
comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of:
2-methyl-4-(4-mtro-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydi-o-quinoline-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 4-Ll,2,3]tniadiazol-4-yl-
phenyl ester, cyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6.7,8-
hexahydi-o-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide. 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2,5-dichloro-phenyl)-amide, 4-
Furan-2-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3 -carboxyhc acid o-
tolylaimde, 4-Furan-3-yl-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolmc-3-carboxylic
acid (4-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-
hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 2-Mcthyl-4-(3-nitro-phenyl)-5-
oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexaliydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-lolylamide, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
8. The compound of claim 5, wherein said glycemic stabilizing compound is a
GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist.
9 The compound of claim 8, wherem said glycemic stabilizing compound
comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of:
2-Metliyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-
1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-
furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acid o-
tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
qumolme-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-
phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-
oxo-4-[5-(2-tnfluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-metiiyl-5-
oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
10. A method for preparing a composition which comprises identifying a glycemic
stabilizing compound and men admixing said compound with a carrier, wherem said
compound is identified by the method of claim 1.
11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting
of the compound of claim 5.
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12. A method for treating or preventing an insulm-related disorder in an individual in
need thereof, comprising administering to said individual an effective amount of the
compound of claim 11.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said insulin-related disorder is hypoglycemia,
an insulin-secreting or msulin-dependcnt tumor, aging, insulin resistance, impaired
glucose tolerance, or diabetes.
14 The method of claim 12, further comprising administering to said individual an
effective amount of an agent used for the treatment of diabetes, blood hpid disorders, or
obesity in combination with an effective amount of the compound of claim 11.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the individual is a mammal
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the individual is a human.
17. A method for the manufacture of a medicament comprising a compound of
claim 11, for use as a glycemic stabilizing compound.
18. A method for the manufacture of a medicament comprising a compound o f
claim 11, for use in the treatment of an insulm-related disorder.
19. A method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound, comprising
a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and
b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is decreased,
wherein a decrease in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound
being a glycemic stabilizing compound.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said GPR41 is human.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein said determining comprises a second messenger
assay.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein said glycemic stabilizing compound comprises
a compound selected from the group consisting of:
2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-tnfluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-
furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumoline-3-carboxylic acido-
tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-mtro-phcnyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6.7,8-hexaliydro-
quinoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-
phcnyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Mcthyl-5-
oxo-4-[f-(2-tnfluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-2-methyl-5-
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oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
23. A glycemic stabilizing compound identified according to the method of claim 19.
24. The compound of claim 23, wherein said glycemic stabilizing compound is a
GPR41 inverse agonist.
25. The compound of claim 23, wherein said glycemic stabilizing compound is a
GPR41 antagonist.
26. The compound of claim 23, wherein said glycemic stabilizing compound
comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of:
2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-lrifluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Brphcnyl-2-yl-
furan-2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-l ,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolme-3-carboxylic acid o-
tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-5-oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-
qumoline-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-
phenyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinohne-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Methyl-5-
oxo-4-[5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexa]iydro-quinoliiie-3-
carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-furan-2-ylJ-2-methyl-5-
oxo-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide; or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
27. A method for preparing a composition which comprises identifying a glycemic
stabilizing compound and then admixing said compound with a carrier, wherein said
compound is identified by the method of claim 19.
28. A pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting
of the compound of claim 23.
29. A method for treating or preventing an insulin-related disorder in an individual in
need thereof, comprising administering to said individual an effective amount of the
compound of claim 28.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein said insuhn-related disorder is insulin
resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes.
31. The method of claim 29, further comprising administering to said individual an
effective amount of an agent used for the treatment of diabetes, blood lipid disorders, or
obesity in combination with an effective amount of the compound of claim 28.
32. A method for decreasing GPR41 function, comprising contacting GPR41 with an
effective amount of a GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist.
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33. The GPR41 inverse agonist or antagonist of claim 32, wheiem said inverse
agonist or antagonist comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of.
2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitro-4-tnfluoromethyl-phenyl)-furan-2-yl 1-5-oxo-
l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxybc acid o-tolylamide, 4-(5-Biphenyl-2-yl-
mrai>2-yl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-i,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-qumohne-3-carboxyhc acid o-
tolylamide, 2-Methyl-4-[5-(2-nitio-phenyl)-furan-2-ylJ-5-oxo-1,4.5,6,7,8-hoxahydro-
quinolme-3-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-phenyl)-amide, 2-Methyl-5-oxo-4-(4-phenoxy-
phcnyl)-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinolmc-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, 2-Mcthyl-5-
oxo-4-f5-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-furan-2-yl]-l,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quraoline-3-
carboxyhc acid o-tolylamide, and 4-[5-(2,5-Dichloro-phenyl)-fuian-2-ylJ-2-niethyl-5-
oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid o-tolylamide, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
34. A method for decreasing blood glucose levels in an individual in need thereof,
comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a GPR41 inverse
agonist or antagonist.
35. A method for increasing insulin secretion in an individual in need thereof,
comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a GPR41 inverse
agonist or antagonist.
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The present invention relates to a method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound by a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41 and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is modulated where a modulation in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound. In addition, the invention relates to a method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41 functionality is increased, wherein an increase in-GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound Further, the invention relates to a method for identifying a glycemic stabilizing compound, comprising a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR41, and b) determining whether GPR41- functionality is de- creased wherein a decrease in GPR41 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a glycemic stabilizing compound.



Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=JrASE6HnhQYLeDMY6ZNmQg==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==


Patent Number 270156
Indian Patent Application Number 1743/KOLNP/2007
PG Journal Number 49/2015
Publication Date 04-Dec-2015
Grant Date 30-Nov-2015
Date of Filing 16-May-2007
Name of Patentee ARENA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Applicant Address 6154 NANCY RIDGE DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 LEONARD JAMES N 10667 VIACHA DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92124
2 BRUCE MARC A P.O. BOX 1561, ESCONDIDO, CA 92033
3 BOATMAN DOUGLAS P 8839 MENKAR ROAD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92126
4 CHU ZHI LIANG 11489 CREEKSTONE LANE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92128
PCT International Classification Number A61P 3/10
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2005/039551
PCT International Filing date 2005-11-01
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/624,867 2004-11-03 U.S.A.