Identification of ER-000444793, a Cyclophilin D-independent inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition, using a high-throughput screen in cryopreserved mitochondria

Sci Rep. 2016 Nov 25:6:37798. doi: 10.1038/srep37798.

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests persistent mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening is a key pathophysiological event in cell death underlying a variety of diseases. While it has long been clear the mPTP is a druggable target, current agents are limited by off-target effects and low therapeutic efficacy. Therefore identification and development of novel inhibitors is necessary. To rapidly screen large compound libraries for novel mPTP modulators, a method was exploited to cryopreserve large batches of functionally active mitochondria from cells and tissues. The cryopreserved mitochondria maintained respiratory coupling and ATP synthesis, Ca2+ uptake and transmembrane potential. A high-throughput screen (HTS), using an assay of Ca2+-induced mitochondrial swelling in the cryopreserved mitochondria identified ER-000444793, a potent inhibitor of mPTP opening. Further evaluation using assays of Ca2+-induced membrane depolarisation and Ca2+ retention capacity also indicated that ER-000444793 acted as an inhibitor of the mPTP. ER-000444793 neither affected cyclophilin D (CypD) enzymatic activity, nor displaced of CsA from CypD protein, suggesting a mechanism independent of CypD inhibition. Here we identified a novel, CypD-independent inhibitor of the mPTP. The screening approach and compound described provides a workflow and additional tool to aid the search for novel mPTP modulators and to help understand its molecular nature.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / biosynthesis
  • Animals
  • Cryopreservation*
  • Cyclophilins / physiology*
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Female
  • HeLa Cells
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays / methods*
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / drug effects*
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore
  • Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase F
  • Quinolines / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase F
  • ER-000444793
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore
  • Quinolines
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Cyclophilins