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The disruption of dopamine neurotransmission by the HIV-1 Transactivator of transcription (Tat) during HIV-1 infection has been linked to the development of neurocognitive disorders, even under combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) treatment. We have demonstrated that SRI-32742, a novel allosteric modulator of dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT), attenuates cocaine- and Tat-binding to DAT, alleviates Tat-induced cognitive deficits and potentiation of cocaine reward in inducible Tat transgenic mice. The current study determined the pharmacological profile of SRI-32743 and its optimized second-generation analogs and their effects as allosteric modulators.

Effects of SRI-32743, a Novel Quinazoline Structure-Based Compound, on HIV-1 Tat and Cocaine Interaction with Norepinephrine Transporter.

Prolonged exposure to HIV-1 transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein dysregulates monoamine transmission, a physiological change implicated as a key factor in promoting neurocognitive disorders among people living with HIV. We have demonstrated that in vivo expression of Tat in Tat transgenic mice decreases dopamine uptake through both dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the prefrontal cortex. Further, our novel allosteric inhibitor of monoamine transporters, SRI-32743, has been shown to attenuate Tat-inhibited dopamine transport through DAT and alleviates Tat-potentiated cognitive impairments.

Mutations of tyrosine 467 in the human norepinephrine transporter attenuate HIV-1 Tat-induced inhibition of dopamine transport while retaining physiological function.

Dysregulation of dopaminergic transmission induced by the HIV-1 transactivator of transcription (Tat) has been implicated as a central factor in the development of HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). We have demonstrated that the tyrosine470 residue of the human dopamine transporter (hDAT) plays a critical role in Tat-hDAT interaction. Based on the computational modeling predictions, the present study sought to examine the mutational effects of the tyrosine467 residue of the human norepinephrine transporter (hNET), a corresponding residue of the hDAT tyrosine470, on Tat-induced inhibition of reuptake of dopamine through the hNET.