Identification of 1,2,3-triazole derivatives that protect pancreatic ? cells against endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated dysfunction and death through the inhibition of C/EBP-homologous protein expression.

ABSTRACT: The C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) acts as a mediator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced pancreatic insulin-producing ? cell death, a key element in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Chemicals that inhibit the expression of CHOP might therefore protect ? cells from ER stress-induced apoptosis and prevent or ameliorate diabetes. Here, we used high-throughput screening to identify a series of 1,2,3-triazole amide derivatives that inhibit ER stress-induced CHOP-luciferase reporter activity. Our SAR studies indicate that compounds with an N,1-diphenyl-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxamide backbone potently protect ? cell against ER stress. Several representative compounds inhibit ER stress-induced up-regulation of CHOP mRNA and protein, without affecting the basal level of CHOP expression. We further show that a 1,2,3-triazole derivative 4e protects ? cell function and survival against ER stress in a CHOP-dependent fashion, as it is inactive in CHOP-deficient ? cells. Finally, we show that 4e significantly lowers blood glucose levels and increases concomitant ? cell survival and number in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model. Identification of small molecule inhibitors of CHOP expression that prevent ER stress-induced ? cell dysfunction and death may provide a new modality for the treatment of diabetes.

SUBMITTER: Duan H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5176337 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature