Selective Sigma-2 Ligands for TMEM97 Neuroprotective Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's disease (HD), lack effective modulators for the sigma 2 receptor (σ2R/TMEM97), which are implicated in various disease contexts including cancer, neuropathic pain, traumatic brain injury, alcohol use disorder, and Alzheimer's disease.

Innovation Solution

Development of compounds that modulate the activity of the sigma 2 receptor (σ2R/TMEM97), specifically targeting transmembrane protein 97 (TMEM97), with specific chemical structures defined by varying substituents and linkages, to potentially provide neuroprotective effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing treatments for neurological disorders are used, then current therapeutic options are available, but effective modulators for sigma 2 receptor (σ2R/TMEM97) are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidavailability of σ2R modulators
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of sigma 2 receptor ligands by changing molecular parameters (substituents, linkages, stereochemistry) to create compounds with improved pharmacological properties. This includes modifying affinity, selectivity, and functional activity at the σ2R/TMEM97 receptor to achieve effective modulation for neurological disorders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates composite molecular structures by combining different pharmacological fragments and functional groups into unified compound molecules. These composite structures integrate multiple functional elements to achieve both high affinity binding and selective modulation of σ2R/TMEM97 signaling pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If compounds are developed to modulate σ2R/TMEM97, then neuroprotective effects are achieved, but the complexity of chemical structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneuroprotective effectVSAvoidchemical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex molecular structure into distinct functional segments: pharmacophore core, substituent groups, and linkage regions. Each segment contributes specific pharmacological properties, allowing systematic optimization of neuroprotective activity while managing overall structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different chemical properties to specific regions of the molecule. Certain substituents are positioned at locations where they provide specific functional effects (e.g., affinity enhancement, selectivity, or metabolic stability), optimizing the balance between neuroprotective efficacy and structural manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If selective sigma 2 receptor ligands are developed, then therapeutic specificity is improved, but the body of knowledge about σ2R function remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic specificityVSAvoidunderstanding of σ2R biological function
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent compounds serve as intermediary tools that bridge the gap between limited basic science knowledge and therapeutic application. By designing ligands with defined pharmacological profiles, these compounds enable systematic investigation of σ2R/TMEM97 function in disease models while providing selective modulation for treatment development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250387403A1Selective sigma-2 receptor ligands as modulators of TMEM97
Publication Date: 2025.12.25 BOARD OF RGT THE UNIV OF TEXAS SYST
  • US20250387403A1 patent drawing
  • US20250387403A1 patent drawing
  • US20250387403A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to compounds that may be used to modulate the activity of a σ2R/TMEM97 receptor. The compounds may be further defined by the formula: (IA), (IB), or (IC) wherein the variables are as described herein. The present disclosure also provides pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds. Also, provided herein are methods of using the compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or disorders among other indications.