Novel 4,1-benzoxazepine derivatives with potent squalene synthase inhibitory activities.

A series of (3,5-trans)-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,2,3,5-tetrahydro-4,1-benzoxazepine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for squalene synthase inhibitory and cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitory activities. Through modification of substituents of the lead compounds 1a and 1b, it was found that 4,1-benzoxazepine-3-acetic acid derivatives with isobutyl and neopentyl groups at the 1-position, the chloro atom at the 7-position, and the chloro and methoxy groups at the 2'-position on the 5-phenyl ring, had potent squalene synthase inhibitory activity. Among such compounds, the 5-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl) derivative 2t exhibited potent inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in HepG2 cells. As a result of optical resolution study of 2t, the absolute stereochemistry required for inhibitory activity was determined to be 3R,5S. In vivo study showed that the sodium salt of (3R,5S)-7-chloro-5-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-neopentyl-2-oxo-1,2,3,5-tetrahydro-4,1-benzoxazepine-3-acetic acid 20 effectively reduced plasma cholesterol in marmosets.     

Discovery of a new 2-aminobenzhydrol template for highly potent squalene synthase inhibitors

To obtain small and efficient squalene synthase inhibitors, a flexible 2-aminobenzhydrol open form structure was designed and showed potent inhibitory activity comparable to 4,1-benzoxazepin compounds. Further chemical modification led to the discovery of a novel template with a strong squalene synthase inhibitory activity, and its basic structure-activity relationship was revealed. The X-ray crystallographic data of compound 12 bound to the active site of squalene synthase provided an important insight into the binding mode of this alternative template that formed 11-membered ring conformations with an intramolecular hydrogen bond.     

The squalestatins: potent inhibitors of squalene synthase. The role of the tricarboxylic acid moiety.

In squalestatins possessing at C6 either a 4,6-dimethyloctenoate ester or a hydroxyl group, the 5-carboxylic acid is crucial for squalene synthase inhibitory activity. In the former seires, free carboxylic acids are not required at C3 or C4 for potent enzyme inhibitory activity whereas in the latter series esterification of the carboxylic acids at C3 or C4 results in a significant reduction in enzyme inhibitory activity.     

Discovery of atrop fixed alkoxy-aminobenzhydrol derivatives: novel, highly potent and orally efficacious squalene synthase inhibitors

We have recently reported the discovery of the new benzhydrol template, which has a highly potent inhibitory activity for squalene synthase, as typified by compound 1 (SSI IC(50)=0.85 nM). However, it was composed of a pair of easy rotatable atropisomers. In the effort to fix the isomerization, a highly potent alkoxy-aminobenzhydrol scaffold was developed. Some of these acquired compounds demonstrating strong cholesterol synthesis inhibitory activities in a rat hepatic cell. Moreover, two of the series compounds exhibited specific plasma lipid-lowering effects in in vivo animal models.     

In search of potent and selective inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase with more simple structures

In certain neurodegenerative diseases damaging levels of nitric oxide (NO) are produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). It, therefore, is important to develop inhibitors selective for nNOS that do not interfere with other NOS isoforms, especially endothelial NOS (eNOS), which is critical for proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. While we have been successful in developing potent and isoform-selective inhibitors, such as lead compounds 1 and 2, the ease of synthesis and bioavailability have been problematic. Here we describe a new series of compounds including crystal structures of NOS-inhibitor complexes that integrate the advantages of easy synthesis and good biological properties compared to the lead compounds. These results provide the basis for additional structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies to guide further improvement of isozyme selective inhibitors.     

Discovery of novel tricyclic compounds as squalene synthase inhibitors

In the present article, we have reported the design, synthesis, and identification of highly potent benzhydrol derivatives as squalene synthase inhibitors (compound 1). Unfortunately, the in vivo efficacies of the compounds were not enough for acquiring the clinical candidate. We continued our investigation to obtain a more in vivo efficacious template than the benzhydrol template. In our effort, we focused on a benzoxazepine ring and designed a new tricyclic scaffold by the incorporation of heterocycle into it. Prepared pyrrolobenzoxazepine derivatives showed further efficient in vitro and in vivo activities.     

Design, synthesis and evaluation of potent thymidylate synthase X inhibitors

Three synthesized series of compounds based on a thiazolidine core allowed identification of potent inhibitors of thymidylate synthase X. The evaluation of the catalytic activity of the enzyme in the presence of these molecules revealed two distinct classes of compounds that inhibit ThyX with submicromolar concentrations, which could lead, after optimization, to effective inhibitors with potential biomedical interest.     

Green tea polyphenols: novel and potent inhibitors of squalene epoxidase

The green tea gallocatechins, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) (IC(50) = 0.69 microM), (-)-gallocatechin-3-O-gallate (GCG) (IC(50) = 0.67 microM), (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG) (IC(50) = 1.3 microM), and theasinensin A (IC(50) = 0.13 microM), were found to be potent and selective inhibitors of rat squalene epoxidase (SE), a rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biogenesis. On the other hand, flavan-3-ols without galloyl group at C-3 did not show significant enzyme inhibition. It was demonstrated for the first time that the cholesterol lowering effect of green tea may be attributed to their potent SE inhibition activities. Inhibition kinetics revealed that EGCG inhibited SE in noncompetitive (K(I) = 0.74 microM), and non-time-dependent manner. The potent enzyme inhibition would be caused by specific binding to the enzyme, and by scavenging reactive oxygen species required for the monooxygenase reaction.     

Imidazolinones: potent inhibitors of acetohydroxyacid synthase

The imidazolinones, a new chemical class of herbicides, were shown to be uncompetitive inhibitors of acetohydroxyacid synthase from corn. This is the first common enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway for valine, leucine, and isoleucine. The K_i for the imidazolinones tested ranged from 2 to 12 micromolar. These results may explain the mechanism of action of these new herbicides.     

Biphenylquinuclidines as inhibitors of squalene synthase and growth of parasitic protozoa

In this paper we describe the preparation of some biphenylquinuclidine derivatives and their evaluation as inhibitors of squalene synthase in order to explore their potential in the treatment of the parasitic diseases leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. The compounds were screened against recombinant Leishmania major squalene synthase and against Leishmania mexicana promastigotes, Leishmania donovani intracellular amastigotes and Trypanosoma cruzi intracellular amastigotes. Compounds that inhibited the enzyme, also reduced the levels of steroids and caused growth inhibition of L. mexicana promastigotes. However there was a lower correlation between inhibition of the enzyme and growth inhibition of the intracellular parasites, possibly due to delivery problems. Some compounds also showed growth inhibition of T. brucei rhodesiense trypomastigotes, although in this case alternative modes of action other than inhibition of SQS are probably involved.     

Identification of novel mammalian squalene synthase inhibitors using a three-dimensional pharmacophore

Squalene synthase (E.C. 2.5.1.21) catalyses the reductive dimerisation of farnesyl diphosphate in a [1-4] head to head fashion to form squalene, and is the first committed step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Specific inhibitors of squalene synthase would inhibit cholesterol formation and allow production of other important compounds derived from the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, namely the ubiquinones (co-enzyme Q(10)), dolichol, and would also allow the isoprenylation process of ras by farnesyl-protein transferase. The construction of a hypothetical squalene synthase three-dimensional pharmacophore is presented. It serves as a template for the identification of several new potential classes of inhibitors. The synthesis, anti-microbial and mammalian pig liver squalene synthase activities of analogues based on the bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane and bicyclo[3.3.0]octane ring systems are reported. Analogues of the latter system are pro-drug type inhibitors and exhibit promising biological activity.     

Mechanism of inhibition of yeast squalene synthase by substrate analog inhibitors.

Squalene synthase catalyzes the reductive condensation of two identical substrate molecules, farnesyl diphosphate, to the hydrocarbon squalene via an obligatory intermediate, presqualene pyrophosphate. Since the kinetic mechanism of the transformation is sequential, two substrate binding pockets that recognize the same molecule must exist in the enzyme active site. This raises the possibility of a choice of binding pockets for inhibitors that are designed as substrate or reaction intermediate analogs and thus may provide some information on the mechanism of differentiation of the two identical molecules. In this report, we have investigated the mechanism of inhibition of a series of farnesyl diphosphate analog inhibitors. The inhibitors fall into two categories. One class of compounds binds to free enzyme as well as the enzyme substrate complex, and the binding is refractory to the concentration of the substrate. The second class binds only to the free enzyme, and its binding is significantly modulated by the substrate concentration. Very modest structural changes in the compounds appear to dictate which class of inhibitor any compound may fall into. The significance of these observations with respect to the mechanism of the enzyme are discussed.     

Novel inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase with potent antioxidant properties

A series of hybrid compounds possessing an nNOS pharmacophore linked to an antioxidant fragment has been synthesized. Among them, compound 8d, a propofol derivative, displayed the greatest dual potencies against nNOS (IC(50)=0.12 microM) and lipid peroxidation (IC(50)=0.4 microM) accompanied with e/nNOS selectivity (67.5). This shows that nNOS was able to accommodate very bulky groups such as di-tert-butyl or di-iso-propyl phenol in its active site.     

Syntheses and biological evaluation of novel quinuclidine derivatives as squalene synthase inhibitors

Squalene synthase (E.C. 2.5.1.21) catalyses the reductive dimerization of two molecules of farnesyl diphosphate to form squalene and is involved in the first committed step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Inhibition of this enzyme is therefore an attractive target for hypocholesterolemic strategies. A series of quinuclidine derivatives incorporating a tricyclic system was synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit squalene synthase in vitro. A 9H-fluorene moiety was found to be optimal as the tricyclic system for potent inhibitory activity. Improved activity can be achieved with a conformationally constrained three-atom linkage connecting the tricyclic system with the quinuclidine nucleus. Among these compounds, (Z)-3-[2-(9H-fluoren-2-yloxy)ethylidene]-quinuclidine hydrochloride 31 was found to be a potent inhibitor of squalene synthase derived from hamster liver and human hepatoma cells with IC(50) values of 76 and 48 nM, respectively. Oral dosing of compound 31 demonstrated effective reduction of plasma non-HDL cholesterol levels in hamsters.     

Thienopyridines: nitric oxide synthase inhibitors with potent in vivo activity

5-Substituted 7-amino-4,5-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridines and 6-substituted 4-amino-6,7-dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridines were shown to be exceptionally potent inhibitors of inducible and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Selectivity and potency could be modulated by variation of the 5- or 6-substituent. Compound 3e showed potent in vivo inhibition of iNOS.     

Syntheses of fused heterocyclic compounds and their inhibitory activities for squalene synthase.

A variety of fused heterocyclic compounds (2-11) were synthesized as a modification of the lead compound 1a and evaluated for their inhibition of squalene synthase. 4,1-Benzothiazepine derivative 2, 1,4-benzodiazepine derivative 6, 1,3-benzodiazepine derivative 7, 1-benzazepine derivative 9, and 4,1-benzoxazocine derivative 10 potently inhibited squalene synthase activity, whereas the 4,1-benzoxazepine derivatives 1 was the most potent inhibitor. 4,1-Benzothiazepine S-oxide derivative 4, 1,4-benzodiazepine derivative 5, 1,3,4-benzotriazepine derivative 8, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline derivative 11 were found to be weakly active. Comparison of the X-ray structures of these compounds (1a, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 10) suggests that orientation of the 5- (or 6)-phenyl group is important for activity.     

Mechanistic studies with potent and selective inducible nitric-oxide synthase dimerization inhibitors.

A series of potent and selective inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitors was shown to prevent iNOS dimerization in cells and inhibit iNOS in vivo. These inhibitors are now shown to block dimerization of purified human iNOS monomers. A 3H-labeled inhibitor bound to full-length human iNOS monomer with apparent Kd approximately 1.8 nm and had a slow off rate, 1.2 x 10(-4) x s(-1). Inhibitors also bound with high affinity to both murine full-length and murine oxygenase domain iNOS monomers. Spectroscopy and competition binding with imidazole confirmed an inhibitor-heme interaction. Inhibitor affinity in the binding assay (apparent Kd values from 330 pm to 27 nm) correlated with potency in a cell-based iNOS assay (IC50 values from 290 pm to 270 nm). Inhibitor potency in cells was not prevented by medium supplementation with l-arginine or sepiapterin, but inhibition decreased with time of addition after cytokine stimulation. The results are consistent with a mechanism whereby inhibitors bind to a heme-containing iNOS monomer species to form an inactive iNOS monomer-heme-inhibitor complex in a pterin- and l-arginine-independent manner. The selectivity for inhibiting dimerization of iNOS versus endothelial and neuronal NOS suggests that the energetics and kinetics of monomer-dimer equilibria are substantially different for the mammalian NOS isoforms. These inhibitors provide new research tools to explore these processes.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel propylamine derivatives as orally active squalene synthase inhibitors

Squalene synthase inhibitors are potentially superior hypolipidemic agents. We synthesized novel propylamine derivatives, as well as evaluated their ability to inhibit squalene synthase and their lipid-lowering effects in rats. 1-Allyl-2-[3-(benzylamino)propoxy]-9H-carbazole (YM-75440) demonstrated potent inhibition of the enzyme derived from HepG2 cells with an IC(50) value of 63 nM. It significantly reduced both plasma total cholesterol and plasma triglyceride levels following oral dosing to rats with a reduced tendency to elevate plasma transaminase levels.     

Characteristics of the squalene synthase inhibitors produced by a Streptomyces species isolated from soils

Microorganisms producing squalene synthase inhibitors were screened from soils. A high producer was selected and identified as a Streptomyces species. Two active inhibitors were obtained from culture broths via a series of purification processes involving solvent extraction, WK-10 cation-exchange column chromatography, HP-20 adsorption column chromatography, silica-gel column chromatography, preparative HPLC, and crystallization. The inhibitors were confirmed as macrolactins A and F with molecular weights of 402 by UV-absorption spectrometry, fast atom bombardment mass spectometry, and 13C- and 1H-NMR analyses. Kinetic results for macrolactins A and F showed that they appear to be noncompetitive inhibitors of rat liver squalene synthase with IC50 values of 1.66 and 1.53 micromol/L, respectively. Since mammalian squalene synthase was used, these inhibitors have significant potential as therapeutic agents for hyperlipemia and suppression of cholesterol biosynthesis.     

Identification and optimization of tetrahydro-2H-3-benzazepin-2-ones as squalene synthase inhibitors

Novel squalene synthase inhibitors are disclosed. SAR and pharmacological profile of selected compounds are discussed.