Tryptamine-Based Derivatives as Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin Type 8 (TRPM8) Channel Modulators

J Med Chem. 2016 Mar 10;59(5):2179-91. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01914. Epub 2016 Feb 17.

Abstract

Pharmacological modulation of the transient receptor potential melastatin type 8 (TRPM8) is currently under investigation as a new approach for the treatment of pain and other diseases. In this study, a series of N-substituted tryptamines was prepared to explore the structural requirements determining TRPM8 modulation. Using a fluorescence-based screening assay, we identified two compounds acting as an activator (2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N-(4-phenoxybenzyl)ethanamine, 21) or an inhibitor (N,N-dibenzyl-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethanamine, 12) of calcium influx in HEK293 cells. In patch-clamp recordings, compound 21 displayed a significantly higher potency (EC50 = 40 ± 4 μM) and a similar efficacy when compared to menthol; by contrast, compound 12 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of menthol-induced TRPM8 currents (IC50 = 367 ± 24 nM). Molecular modeling studies using a homology model of a single rat TRPM8 subunit identified a putative binding site located between the VSD and the TRP box, disclosing differences in the binding modes for the agonist and the antagonist.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Rats
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • TRPM Cation Channels / agonists*
  • TRPM Cation Channels / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • TRPM Cation Channels / metabolism
  • Tryptamines / chemical synthesis
  • Tryptamines / chemistry*
  • Tryptamines / pharmacology*

Substances

  • TRPM Cation Channels
  • TRPM8 protein, human
  • Tryptamines
  • tryptamine