Molecular determinants for nuclear receptors selectivity: Chemometric analysis, dockings and site-directed mutagenesis of dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α/γ agonists

A series of previously synthesized chiral derivatives of clofibric and phenylacetic acids, acting as dual agonists towards the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α and γ, was taken into account, and the efficacy of these compounds was analyzed by means of 2D-, 3D-QSAR and docking studies with the goal to gain deeper insights into the three-dimensional determinants governing ligands selectivity for PPARs. By multiregressional analysis a correlation between the lipophilicity and PPARα activity was found, whereas for PPARγ the correlation was achieved once efficacy was related to the presence of polar groups on agonists scaffold. Docking of these compounds further corroborated this hypothesis, and then provided a valid support for subsequent chemometric analysis and pharmacophore models development for both receptors subtypes. Computational results suggested site directed mutagenesis experiments which confirmed the importance of amino acid residues in PPAR activity, allowing the identification of critical hotspots most likely taking over PPARs selectivity.

QSAR and docking congruent with fresh site-directed mutagenesis data, are here reported for a series of PPARs partial agonists. Interesting elements highlighting the need for efficient nuclear receptor selectivity emerged from this study.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Robust 2D and 3D-QSAR explain PPARs agonists potency.
► Docking highlights the molecular determinants most likely governing co-factor recruitment.
► Pharmacophore models elucidate receptor subtypes selectivity.
► First mutagenesis on PPARs.