Search results

Your Search

Sort Options

(1 - 4 of 4)

Pietra, A. della; Krivoshein, G.; Ivanov, K.; Giniatullina, R.; Jyrkkanen, H.K.; Leinonen, V.; ... ; Giniatullin, R. 2023

Potent dual MAGL/FAAH inhibitor AKU-005 engages endocannabinoids to diminish meningeal nociception implicated in migraine pain

Article / Letter to editor

open access

Background Engaging the endocannabinoid system through inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), degrading endocannabinoids (endoCBs) 2... Show moreBackground Engaging the endocannabinoid system through inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), degrading endocannabinoids (endoCBs) 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA), was proposed as a promising approach to ameliorate migraine pain. However, the activity of MAGL and FAAH and action of endoCB on spiking activity of meningeal afferents, from which migraine pain originates, has not been explored thus far. Therefore, we here explored the analgesic effects of endoCB enhancement in rat and human meningeal tissues.Methods Both MAGL and FAAH activity and local 2-AG and AEA levels were measured by activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and LC-MS/MS, respectively, in rat meninges obtained from hemiskulls of P38-P40 Wistar rats and human meninges from elderly patients undergoing non-migraine related neurosurgery. The action on endoCBs upon administration of novel dual MAGL/FAAH inhibitor AKU-005 on meningeal afferents excitability was tested by investigating paired KCl-induced spiking and validation with local (co-)application of either AEA or 2-AG. Finally, the specific TRPV1 agonist capsaicin and blocker capsazepine were tested.Results The basal level of 2-AG exceeded that of AEA in rat and human meninges. KCl-induced depolarization doubled the level of AEA. AKU-005 slightly increased spontaneous spiking activity whereas the dual MAGL/FAAH inhibitor significantly decreased excitation of nerve fibres induced by KCl. Similar inhibitory effects on meningeal afferents were observed with local applications of 2-AG or AEA. The action of AKU-005 was reversed by CB1 antagonist AM-251, implying CB1 receptor involvement in the anti-nociceptive effect. The inhibitory action of AEA was also reversed by AM-251, but not with the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine. Data cluster analysis revealed that both AKU-005 and AEA largely increased long-term depression-like meningeal spiking activity upon paired KCl-induced spiking.Conclusions In the meninges, high anti-nociceptive 2-AG levels can tonically counteract meningeal signalling, whereas AEA can be engaged on demand by local depolarization. AEA-mediated anti-nociceptive effects through CB1 receptors have therapeutic potential. Together with previously detected MAGL activity in trigeminal ganglia, dual MAGL/FAAH inhibitor AKU-005 appears promising as migraine treatment. Show less

Wendel, T.J. 2023

New chemical tools to illuminate N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis

Doctoral Thesis

some documents under embargo until 2024-09-23

This thesis describes the development and optimization of the first molecular tools to study the enzyme PLA2G4E. After remaining elusive for many years, in 2016, this enzyme was discovered to be... Show moreThis thesis describes the development and optimization of the first molecular tools to study the enzyme PLA2G4E. After remaining elusive for many years, in 2016, this enzyme was discovered to be responsible for the calcium-dependent formation of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines (NAPEs) in cells. NAPEs are low-abundant lipid species that play roles in membrane stabilization, cell signaling and homeostasis. They are well-known as precursors to the signaling lipids of the N-acylethanolamine (NAE) class, but their own biological functions remain relatively poorly understood. To find inhibitors of PLA2G4E, a focused compound library was screened in a newly developed activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) assay. Hits were identified and optimized by building structure-activity relationships (SARs) through organic synthesis and activity assays. WEN091 was identified as potent inhibitor of PLA2G4E that was able to reduce cellular NAPE levels. Cellular target engagement was confirmed by use of a tailored activity-based probe. Using these molecular tools, the relevance of NAPEs and PLA2G4E in cellular processes and disease may be elucidated. Show less

Baggelaar, M.P. 2017

Activity-based protein profiling of diacylglycerol lipases

Doctoral Thesis

open access

Diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL)-α and -β are enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Selective and reversible inhibitors are required to study the... Show moreDiacylglycerol lipase (DAGL)-α and -β are enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Selective and reversible inhibitors are required to study the function of DAGLs in neuronal cells in an acute and temporal fashion. The work described in this thesis has led to the identification of an activity-based probe (ABP) for DAGL-α. This ABP was instrumental for the identification of a new class of highly selective DAGL inhibitors.

These novel inhibitors can be used to investigate the role of the diacylglycerol lipases in metabolic syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases such a Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

Show less

Wel, T. van der; Janssen, F.J.; Baggelaar, M.P.; Deng, H.; Dulk, H. den; Overkleeft, H.S.; Stelt, M. van der 2015

A natural substrate-based fluorescence assay for inhibitor screening on diacylglycerol lipase alpha

Article / Letter to editor

open access

Leiden University Scholarly Publications

Your Search

Enabled Filters

Sort Options

Refine Results

Resource Type

Availability

Creation Date

Faculty

Collection

Topic

Author

Language

Search results