Identification of an agonist ligand for estrogen-related receptors ERRβ/γ

In order to develop agonist ligands that are specific for the estrogen-related receptors ERR beta/gamma, a hydrazone with a 4-hydroxy group at one phenyl ring and a 4-diethylamino moiety at the other phenyl ring was synthesized. We demonstrate that compound 3 (DY131; N'-{(1E)-[4-(diethylamino)phenyl]methylene}-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide) effectively and selectively activates ERR beta/gamma. DY131 had no effect on the structurally related receptors ERR alpha or the estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ER alpha/beta). This work defines a convenient synthesis for a novel and selective pharmacologic tool that can be used to elucidate the biological activities of ERR beta/gamma. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.