Small molecules play a pivotal role in Endocrinology Research. These are low molecular weight compounds that have a significant impact on the endocrine system, hormones, and their receptors. Here are some key aspects of how small molecules are involved in this field:
Hormone Mimetics and Inhibitors: Small molecules are used to develop synthetic compounds that mimic the actions of hormones or inhibit their effects. For example, drugs like metformin for diabetes management and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for breast cancer treatment are used to either mimic or block hormonal activity.
Receptor Modulation: Small molecules can bind to hormone receptors and modulate their activity. This is crucial in developing drugs that target specific hormone receptors, like the use of small molecule agonists and antagonists to regulate thyroid hormone receptors.
Metabolism Regulation: Endocrinology research often focuses on metabolism and how hormones like insulin regulate it. Small molecules are employed to understand and develop drugs targeting enzymes involved in metabolism, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists for diabetes treatment.
Steroid Hormone Production: Small molecules may be utilized to influence the production of steroid hormones in the adrenal glands or gonads. This is essential for conditions like Cushing's syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Hormone Assays: In laboratory research, small molecules are used as tracers or markers in hormone assays. For instance, small molecule fluorophores can be attached to antibodies to detect hormone levels in blood samples.
Drug Development: Endocrinology research relies on small molecules as potential drug candidates. Researchers design and test small molecules for their effectiveness in modulating hormonal pathways, with the goal of developing new therapies for endocrine disorders. In summary, small molecules are indispensable tools in Endocrinology Research, enabling scientists to better understand the endocrine system's intricacies and develop novel treatments for a wide range of hormonal disorders and conditions. Their versatility and specificity make them valuable assets in advancing our knowledge of endocrinology and improving patient care.
ML 145 is a selective GPR35/CXCR8 antagonist with an IC50/EC50 of 20.1 nM, but not for the related GPR55 orphan receptor. GPR35 is expressed by various cells of the immune system and it may has potential as a therapeutic target in inflammatory disease.
H3B-5942 is a selective, irreversible and orally active estrogen receptor covalent antagonist, inactivates both wild-type and mutant ERα by targeting Cys530, with Kis of 1 nM and 0.41 nM, respectively.
D4-abiraterone is a major metabolite of abiraterone. D4-abiraterone is an inhibitor of CYP17A1, 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) and steroid-5a-reductase (SRD5A) and also an antagonist of androgen receptor.
Imidaprilate is an active metabolite of TA-6366, acts as a potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, with an IC50 of 2.6 nM, and is used in the research of hypertensive disease.
Calcitriol Impurities A is the impurity of Calcitriol, Calcitriol is the hormonally active form of vitamin D, Calcitriol is the active metabolite of vitamin D3 that activates the vitamin D receptor (VDR).
Azilsartan medoxomil monopotassium is an orally administered angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonist with IC50 of 0.62 nM, which used in the treatment of adults with essential hypertension.
Ulipristal (acetate) is a novel selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) for the treatment of benign gynecological conditions such as uterine myoma.
Ralinepag is a potent, orally bioavailable and non-prostanoid prostacyclin (IP) receptor agonist, with EC50s of 8.5 nM, 530 nM and 850 nM for human and rat IP receptor and human DP1 receptor, respectively.
GLPG0492 is a novel selective androgen receptor modulator; exhibited anabolic activity on muscle, strongly dissociated from the androgenic activity on prostate after oral dosing.
Alfacalcidol-D6, a deuterated Alfacalcidol (1-hydroxycholecalciferol; Alpha D3; 1.alpha.-Hydroxyvitamin D3), is a non-selective VDR activator medication.
Elagolix is a highly potent, selective, orally-active, short-duration, non-peptide antagonist of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) (KD = 54 pM).
