Discovery of GPR84 Fluorogenic Probes Based on a Novel Antagonist for GPR84 Bioimaging

J Med Chem. 2024 Jul 11;67(13):10875-10890. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00359. Epub 2024 Jul 1.

Abstract

GPR84 is a promising therapeutic target and biomarker for a range of diseases. In this study, we reported the discovery of BINOL phosphate (BINOP) derivatives as GPR84 antagonists. By investigating the structure-activity relationship, we identified 15S as a novel GPR84 antagonist. 15S exhibits low nanomolar potency and high selectivity for GPR84, while its enantiomer 15R is less active. Next, we rationally designed and synthesized a series of GPR84 fluorogenic probes by conjugating Nile red and compound 15S. The leading hybrid, probe F8, not only retained GPR84 activity but also exhibited low nonspecific binding and a turn-on fluorescent signal in an apolar environment. F8 enabled visualization and detection of GPR84 in GPR84-overexpressing HEK293 cells and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated neutrophils. Furthermore, we demonstrated that F8 can detect upregulated GPR84 protein levels in mice models of inflammatory bowel disease and acute lung injury. Thus, compound F8 represents a promising tool for studying GPR84 functions.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Discovery
  • Fluorescent Dyes* / chemical synthesis
  • Fluorescent Dyes* / chemistry
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled* / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • GPR84 protein, human
  • Lipopolysaccharides