The effect of small molecules on sterol homeostasis: measuring 7-dehydrocholesterol in Dhcr7-deficient Neuro2a cells and human fibroblasts

Z Korade, HYH Kim, KA Tallman, W Liu… - Journal of medicinal …, 2016 - ACS Publications
Journal of medicinal chemistry, 2016ACS Publications
Well-established cell culture models were combined with new analytical methods to assess
the effects of small molecules on the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. The analytical
protocol, which is based on sterol derivation with the dienolphile PTAD, was found to be
reliable for the analysis of 7-DHC and desmosterol. The PTAD method was applied to the
screening of a small library of pharmacologically active substances, and the effect of
compounds on the cholesterol pathway was determined. Of some 727 compounds, over 30 …
Well-established cell culture models were combined with new analytical methods to assess the effects of small molecules on the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. The analytical protocol, which is based on sterol derivation with the dienolphile PTAD, was found to be reliable for the analysis of 7-DHC and desmosterol. The PTAD method was applied to the screening of a small library of pharmacologically active substances, and the effect of compounds on the cholesterol pathway was determined. Of some 727 compounds, over 30 compounds decreased 7-DHC in Dhcr7-deficient Neuro2a cells. The examination of chemical structures of active molecules in the screen grouped the compounds into distinct categories. In addition to statins, our screen found that SERMs, antifungals, and several antipsychotic medications reduced levels of 7-DHC. The activities of selected compounds were verified in human fibroblasts derived from Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) patients and linked to specific transformations in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.
ACS Publications