Showing papers by "Pál Gergely published in 2013"

Glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor N-(3,5-dimethyl-Benzoyl)-N'-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)urea improves glucose tolerance under normoglycemic and diabetic conditions and rearranges hepatic metabolism.

Abstract: Glycogen phosphorylase (GP) catalyzes the breakdown of glycogen and largely contributes to hepatic glucose production making GP inhibition an attractive target to modulate glucose levels in diabetes. Hereby we present the metabolic effects of a novel, potent, glucose-based GP inhibitor (KB228) tested in vitro and in vivo under normoglycemic and diabetic conditions. KB228 administration enhanced glucose sensitivity in chow-fed and obese, diabetic mice that was a result of higher hepatic glucose uptake. Besides improved glucose sensitivity, we have observed further unexpected metabolic rearrangements. KB228 administration increased oxygen consumption that was probably due to the overexpression of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) that was observed in animal and cellular models. Furthermore, KB228 treatment induced mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) in mice. Our data demonstrate that glucose based GP inhibitors are capable of reducing glucose levels in mice under normo and hyperglycemic conditions. Moreover, these GP inhibitors induce accommodation in addition to GP inhibition - such as enhanced mitochondrial oxidation and mTORC2 signaling – to cope with the glucose influx and increased glycogen deposition in the cells, however the molecular mechanism of accommodation is unexplored.

C-Glucopyranosyl-1,2,4-triazoles As New Potent Inhibitors of Glycogen Phosphorylase

Abstract: Glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors are considered as potential antidiabetic agents. 3-(β-d-Glucopyranosyl)-5-substituted-1,2,4-triazoles were prepared by acylation of O-perbenzoylated N1-tosyl-C-β-d-glucopyranosyl formamidrazone and subsequent removal of the protecting groups. The best inhibitor was 3-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-5-(2-naphthyl)-1,2,4-triazole (Ki = 0.41 μM against rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase b).

RACK1 is involved in endothelial barrier regulation via its two novel interacting partners

Abstract: RACK1, receptor for activated protein kinase C, serves as an anchor in multiple signaling pathways. TIMAP, TGF-β inhibited membrane-associated protein, is most abundant in endothelial cells with a regulatory effect on the endothelial barrier function. The interaction of TIMAP with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1cδ) was characterized, yet little is known about its further partners. We identified two novel interacting partners of RACK1, namely, TGF-β inhibited membrane-associated protein, TIMAP, and farnesyl transferase. TIMAP is most abundant in endothelial cells where it is involved in the regulation of the barrier function. WD1-4 repeats of RACK1 were identified as critical regions of the interaction both with TIMAP and farnesyl transferase. Phosphorylation of TIMAP by activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway reduced the amount of TIMAP-RACK1 complex and enhanced translocation of TIMAP to the cell membrane in vascular endothelial cells. However, both membrane localization of TIMAP and transendothelial resistance were attenuated after RACK1 depletion. Farnesyl transferase, the enzyme responsible for prenylation and consequent membrane localization of TIMAP, is present in the RACK1-TIMAP complex in control cells, but it does not co-immunoprecipitate with TIMAP after RACK1 depletion. Transient parallel linkage of TIMAP and farnesyl transferase to RACK1 could ensure prenylation and transport of TIMAP to the plasma membrane where it may attend in maintaining the endothelial barrier as a phosphatase regulator.

Glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and stereoisomers, tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and processes for preparing them. In formula (I) X is -CH= or -N= or -N(R") -; Y is -N= or -N(R") -; R is an alkyl group, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group, which groups are unsubstituted or substituted; R' is hydrogen or PG1, R" is hydrogen or PG2, R"' is hydrogen or R'OCH2-; n is an integer of 1 to 3. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds. The compounds according to the invention are glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors and can be used e.g. for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and tumorous growth..