DOI

A focused in-house library of about 1000 compounds comprising various heterocyclic motifs in combination with structural fragments similar to β-phenylethylamine or tyramine was screened for the agonistic activity towards trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). The screening yielded two closely related hits displaying EC50 values in the upper submicromolar range. Extensive analog synthesis and testing for TAAR1 agonism in a BRET-based cellular assay identified compound 62 (LK00764) with EC50 = 4.0 nM. The compound demonstrated notable efficacy in such schizophrenia-related in vivo tests as MK-801-induced hyperactivity and spontaneous activity in rats, locomotor hyperactivity of dopamine transporter knockout (DAT-KO) rats, and stress-induced hyperthermia (i.p. administration). Further preclinical studies are necessary to evaluate efficacy, safety and tolerability of this potent TAAR1 agonist for the potential development of this compound as a new pharmacotherapy option for schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1650
JournalBiomolecules
Volume12
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2022

    Research areas

  • schizophrenia, trace amine-associated receptor 1, agonism, 1,2,4-triazoles, dopamine transporter knockout rats, dopamine, MK-801-induced hyperactivity, spontaneous activity, locomotor hyperactivity, stress-induced hyperthermia

ID: 101521814