Synthesis and evaluation of substituted 4-aryloxy- and 4-arylsulfanyl-phenyl-2-aminothiazoles as inhibitors of human breast cancer cell proliferation

Several substituted 4-aryloxy- and 4-arylsulfanyl-phenyl-2-aminothiazoles were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic activity against estrogen-positive, estrogen-negative, and adriamycin-resistant human breast cancer cell lines. 4-[4'-(3,4-Dichlorophenoxy)-phenyl]-thiazol-2-yl ammonium iodide demonstrated potent activity against both estrogen-positive and negative breast cancer cell lines with low micromolar (microM) GI(50) values. In addition, we have identified several 2-aminothiazoles that demonstrated selective potency for the adriamycin-resistant and estrogen-negative breast cancer cell lines. The results suggest that these 2-aminothiazoles represent lead compounds for evaluation in animal models of breast cancer.     

2,8-Disubstituted adenosine derivatives as partial agonists for the adenosine A2A receptor

Novel 2,8-disubstituted adenosine derivatives were synthesized in good overall yields starting from 2-iodoadenosine. Binding affinities were determined for rat adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptors and human A(3) receptors. Some compounds displayed good adenosine A(2A) receptor affinities, with most of the 2-(1-hexynyl)- and 2-[(E)-1-hexenyl]-substituted derivatives having K(i) values in the nanomolar range. Although the introduction of an 8-alkylamino substituents decreased the affinity for the adenosine A(2A) receptor somewhat, the selectivity for this receptor compared to A(3) was improved significantly. The 8-methylamino (12) and 8-propylamino (14) derivatives of 2-(1-hexynyl)adenosine (3), showed reasonable A(2A) receptor affinities with K(i) values of 115 and 82nM, respectively, and were 49- and 26-fold selective for the adenosine A(2A) receptor compared to the A(3) receptor. The compounds were also evaluated for their ability to stimulate the cAMP production in CHO cells expressing the human adenosine A(2A) receptor. 2-(1-Hexynyl)adenosine (3) and 2-[(E)-1-hexenyl]adenosine (4) both showed submaximal levels of produced cAMP, compared to the reference full agonist CGS 21680, and thus behaved as partial agonists. Most 8-alkylamino-substituted derivatives of 3, displayed similar cAMP production as 3, and behaved as partial agonists as well. Introduction of alkylamino groups at the 8-position of 4, showed a slight reduction of the efficacy compared to 4, and these compounds were partial agonists also.     

Dibenzofuran,dibenzothiophene and N-methyl carbazole tethered 2-aminothiazoles and their cinnamamides as potent inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Herein described the design, synthesis and antitubercular evaluation of novel series of dibenzofuran, dibenzothiophene and N-methyl carbazole tethered 2-aminothiazoles and their cinnamamide analogs. One pot condensation of N-methyl carbazole, dibenzofuran and dibenzothiophene methyl ketones with thiourea in the presence of Iodine and CuO gave respective 2-aminothiazoles 4–6 in very good yields. Aminothiazoles were further coupled with substituted cinnamic acids using acid-amine coupling conditions to give desired cinnamamide analogs 8a–e, 9a–e and 10a–e. All the newly synthesized compounds were fully characterized by their NMR and mass spectral analysis. In vitro screening of new derivatives against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (Mtb) resulted 8c, 10d and 10e (MIC: 0.78?µg/mL) and 2-aminothiazoles 5 and 6 (MIC: 1.56?µg/mL) as potent compounds with lower cytotoxicity profile.     

Synthesis and biological activity of 2-aminothiazoles as novel inhibitors of PGE2 production in cells

This Letter presents the synthesis and biological evaluation of a collection of 2-aminothiazoles as a novel class of compounds with the capability to reduce the production of PGE(2) in HCA-7 human adenocarcinoma cells. A total of 36 analogs were synthesized and assayed for PGE(2) reduction, and those with potent cellular activity were counter screened for inhibitory activity against COX-2 in a cell free assay. In general, analogs bearing a 4-phenoxyphenyl substituent in the R(2) position were highly active in cells while maintaining negligible COX-2 inhibition. Specifically, compound 5l (R(1)=Me, R(2)=4-OPh-Ph, R(3)=CH(OH)Me) exhibited the most potent cellular PGE(2) reducing activity of the entire series (EC(50)=90 nM) with an IC(50) value for COX-2 inhibition of >5 μM in vitro. Furthermore, the anti-tumor activity of analog 1a was analyzed in xenograft mouse models exhibiting promising anti-cancer activity.     

Synthesis of di- and tri-substituted adenosine derivatives and their affinities at human adenosine receptor subtypes

The synthesis of 2-(hex-1-ynyl)adenosine derivatives substituted at the N6- and/or 5'-position was carried out on the basis that 2-(hex-1-ynyl)adenosine-5'-N-ethyluronamide (HENECA, 2) showed good affinity and different degree of selectivity for rat adenosine receptors. All new compounds were tested in radioligand binding and adenylyl cyclase assays with recently cloned human A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 adenosine receptors.     

Streamlined synthesis of substituted 2-aminothiazoles using tandem precipitative and polymer-assisted reactions

The tactical combination of classical product precipitation and subsequent modification of precipitated products using polymer-assisted transformations has been employed in the preparation of substituted 2-aminothiazole derivatives. 2-aminothiazoles were precipitated in parallel as hydrobromide monohydrate salts, directly redissolved, and reacted further using polymer-supported reagents to afford free-based 2-aminothiazoles, aminothiazoyloxamates, and aminothiazoylamides.     

N9-benzyl-substituted 1,3-dimethyl- and 1,3-dipropyl-pyrimido[2,1-f]purinediones: synthesis and structure-activity relationships at adenosine A1 and A2A receptors

Synthesis and physicochemical properties of N-benzyl pyrimido[2,1-f]purinediones are described. These derivatives were synthesized by the cyclization of 7-chloropropylo-8-bromo-1,3-dimethyl- or 1,3-dipropyl xanthine derivatives with corresponding (un)substituted benzylamines. Dipropyl derivatives were obtained under microwave irradiation conditions either. The obtained compounds (1-20) were evaluated for their affinity to adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, selected compounds were additionally investigated for affinity to the A3 receptor subtype. The results of the radioligand binding assays to A1 and A2A adenosine receptors showed that most of the 1,3-dimethyl-9-benzylpyrimidopurinediones exhibited selective affinity to A2A receptors at micromolar or submicromolar concentrations (for example, derivative 9 with o-methoxy substituent displayed a Ki value of 0.699 microM at rat A2A receptor with more than 36-fold selectivity). Contrary to previously described arylpyrimido[2,1-f]purinediones dipropyl derivatives (compounds 15-20) showed affinity to both kinds of receptors increased, however A1 affinity increased to a larger extent, with the result that A2A selectivity was abolished. The best adenosine A1 receptor ligand was m-chlorobenzyl derivative 18 (Ki=0.089 microM and 5-fold A1 selectivity). Structure-activity relationships were discussed with the analysis of lipophilic and spatial properties of the investigated compounds. Pharmacophore model of adenosine A1 receptor antagonist was adopted for this purpose.     

Discovery of N-(5,6-diarylpyridin-2-yl)amide derivatives as potent and selective A2B adenosine receptor antagonists

The synthesis and SAR of a series of N-(5,6-diarylpyridin-2-yl)amide derivatives as potent A_2B adenosine receptor antagonists is described. Several compounds showed good selectivity versus other adenosine receptors. The potent and selective analogue 9 was shown to have good oral bioavailability in the rat.     

1,3-Dipropyl-8-(1-phenylacetamide-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-xanthine derivatives as highly potent and selective human A(2B) adenosine receptor antagonists

A new series of 1,3-dipropyl-8-(1-phenylacetamide-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-xanthine derivatives has been identified as potent A(2B) adenosine receptor antagonists. The products have been evaluated for their binding affinities for the human A(2B), A(1), A(2A), and A(3) adenosine receptors. N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-2-[3-(2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-purin-8-yl)-5-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl] (11c) showed a high affinity for the human A(2B) adenosine receptor K(i)=7nM and good selectivity (A(1), A(2A), A(3)/A(2B)>140). Synthesis and SAR of this novel class of compounds is presented herein.     

2-Alkynyl-8-aryladenines possessing an amide moiety: their synthesis and structure-activity relationships of effects on hepatic glucose production induced via agonism of the A(2B) adenosine receptor

A series of 2-alkynyl-8-aryladenine derivatives bearing an amide moiety at the 9-position of adenine was synthesized. These analogues were evaluated for inhibitory activity on N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA)-induced glucose production in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. The m-primary benzamide derivative 15f was the most potent compound (IC(50)=0.017 microM), being 15-fold more active than the corresponding 9-methyl derivative (1). Compound 15f showed 72- and 5.2-fold selectivity for human A(2B) receptor versus human A(1) and A(2A) receptors, respectively. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of the synthesized compounds indicated that a three-carbon linker, fixed in the form of a benzene ring, between the adenine core and the amide moiety is important for both A(2B) antagonistic activity and selectivity. The IC(50) values in rat hepatocyte glucose assay correlated well with the IC(50) values in cAMP assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with human A(2B) receptors (r(2)=0.94). The A(1) and A(2A) affinities showed no correlation with the potency to inhibit NECA-induced glucose production. These results strongly support our previous conclusion that adenosine agonist-induced hepatic glucose production in rat hepatocytes is mediated through the A(2B) receptor.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of disubstituted N6-cyclopentyladenine analogues: the search for a neutral antagonist with high affinity for the adenosine A1 receptor

Novel 3,8- and 8,9-disubstituted N(6)-cyclopentyladenine derivatives were synthesised in moderate overall yield from 6-chloropurine. The derivatives were made in an attempt to find a new neutral antagonist with high affinity for adenosine A(1) receptors. N(6)-Cyclopentyl-9-methyladenine (N-0840) was used as a lead compound. Binding affinities of the new analogues were determined for human adenosine A(1) and A(3) receptors. Their intrinsic activity was assessed in [35S]GTPgammaS binding experiments. Elongation of the 9-methyl of N-0840 to a 9-propyl substituent was very well tolerated. A 9-benzyl group, on the other hand, caused a decrease in adenosine A(1) receptor affinity. Next, the 8-position was examined in detail, and affinity was increased with appropriate substitution. Most derivatives were A(1)-selective and 20 of the new compounds (6-9, 15-21, 23-26, 28, 31, 33, 35, and 36) had higher adenosine A(1) receptor affinity than the reference substance, N-0840. Compound 31 (N(6)-cyclopentyl-8-(N-methylisopropylamino)-9-methyladenine, LUF 5608) had the highest adenosine A(1) receptor affinity, 7.7 nM. In the [35S]GTPgammaS binding experiments, derivatives 5, 14, 22, 23, 25, 26, 33 and 34 did not significantly change basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding, thus behaving as neutral antagonists. Moreover, four of these compounds (23, 25, 26, and 33) displayed a 4- to 10-fold increased adenosine A(1) receptor affinity (75-206 nM) compared to N-0840 (852 nM). In summary, we synthesised a range of N-0840 analogues with higher affinity for adenosine A(1) receptors. In addition, four new derivatives, LUF 5666 (23), LUF 5668 (25), LUF 5669 (26) and LUF 5674 (33), behaved as neutral antagonists when tested in [35S]GTPgammaS binding studies. Thus, these compounds have improved characteristics as neutral adenosine A(1) receptor antagonists.     

Trifunctional agents as a design strategy for tailoring ligand properties: irreversible inhibitors of A1 adenosine receptors

The 1,3-phenylene diisothiocyanate conjugate of XAC (8-[4-[[[[(2-aminoethyl)amino]carbonyl]methyl]- oxy]phenyl]-1,3-dipropylxanthine, a potent A1 selective adenosine antagonist) has been characterized as an irreversible inhibitor of A1 adenosine receptors. To further extend this work, a series of analogues were prepared containing a third substituent in the phenyl isothiocyanate ring, incorporated to modify the physiochemical or spectroscopic properties of the conjugate. Symmetrical trifunctional cross-linking reagents bearing two isothiocyanate groups were prepared as general intermediates for cross-linking functionalized congeners and receptors. Xanthine isothiocyanate derivatives containing hydrophilic, fluorescent, or reactive substituents, linked via an amide, thiourea, or methylene group in the 5-position, were synthesized and found to be irreversible inhibitors of A1 adenosine receptors. The effects of the 5-substituent on water solubility and on the A1/A2 selectivity ratio derived from binding assays in rat brain membranes were examined. Inhibition of binding of [3H]-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine and [3H] CGS21680 (2-[2-[4-carboxyethyl)phenyl]ethyl]amino] adenosine-5'-N-ethylcarboxamide) at central A1 and A2 adenosine receptors, respectively, was measured. A conjugate of XAC and 1,3,5-triisothiocyanatobenzene was 894-fold selective for A1 receptors. Reporter groups, such as fluorescent dyes and a spin-label, were included as chain substituents in the irreversible binding analogues, which were designed for spectroscopic assays, histochemical characterization, and biochemical characterization of the receptor protein.     

Analogs of caffeine: antagonists with selectivity for A2 adenosine receptors

Several analogs of caffeine have been investigated as antagonists at A2 adenosine receptors stimulatory to adenylate cyclase in membranes from rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and human platelets and at A1 adenosine receptors inhibitory to adenylate cyclase from rat fat cells. Among these analogs, 1-propargyl-3,7-dimethylxanthine was about 4- to 7-fold and 7-propyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine about 3- to 4-fold more potent than caffeine at A2 receptors of PC12 cells and platelets. At A1 receptors of fat cells, both compounds were about 2-fold less potent than caffeine. These caffeine analogs have an A1/A2 selectivity ratio of about 10-20 and are the first selective A2 receptor antagonists yet reported. The results may provide the basis for the further development of highly potent and highly selective A2 adenosine receptor antagonists.     

3,4-Disubstituted isothiazoles: Novel potent inhibitors of VEGF receptors 1 and 2

Novel derivatives of isothiazoles are described as potent ATP-competitive inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors I and II (VEGFR-1/2). A number of compounds exhibited VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity comparable to that of Vatalanib? in both HTRF enzymatic and cellular assays. Several derivatives featuring bulky meta-substituents in the amide portion of the molecule displayed 4- to 8-fold specificity for VEGFR-2 versus VEGFR-1. Active molecules also showed high intrinsic permeability (>30 × 10^?5 cm/min) across Caco-2 cell monolayer.     

New 2,N6-disubstituted adenosines: potent and selective A1 adenosine receptor agonists

A number of adenosine analogues substituted in the 2- and N6-positions were synthesized and evaluated for affinity, functional potency and intrinsic activity at the A1 and A2A adenosine receptors (AR). Three classes of N6-substituents were tested; norbornen-2-yl (series 1), norborn-2-yl (series 2) and 5,6-epoxynorborn-2-yl (series 3). The halogens; fluoro, bromo, and iodo were evaluated as C-2 substituents. All compounds showed relatively high affinity (nanomolar) for the A1AR and high potency for inhibiting (-)isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation in hamster smooth muscle DDT1 MF-2 cells with the 2-fluoro derivatives from each series having the highest affinity. All of the derivatives showed the same intrinsic activity as CPA. At the A2AAR, all of the derivatives showed relatively low affinity and potency (micromolar) for stimulating cAMP accumulation in rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells. The intrinsic activity of the derivatives compared to CGS 21680 was dependent upon the halogen substituent in the C-2 position with most showing partial agonist activity. Of particular interest is 2-iodo-N6-(2S-endo-norborn-2-yl)adenosine (5e), which is over 100-fold selective for the A1AR, is a full agonist at this receptor subtype and has no detectable agonist activity at the A2AAR.     

2- and 8-alkynyl-9-ethyladenines: Synthesis and biological activity at human and rat adenosine receptors

The synthesis of a series of 9-ethyladenine derivatives bearing alkynyl chains in 2- or 8-position was undertaken, based on the observation that replacement of the sugar moiety in adenosine derivatives with alkyl groups led to adenosine receptor antagonists. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their affinity at human and rat A₁, A_2A, and A₃ adenosine receptors in binding assays; the activity at the human A_2B receptor was determined in adenylyl cyclase experiments. Biological data showed that the 2-alkynyl derivatives possess good affinity and are slightly selective for the human A_2A receptor. The same compounds tested on the rat A₁ and A_2A subtypes showed in general lower affinity for both receptors. On the other hand, the affinity of the 8-alkynyl derivatives at the human A₁, A_2A, and A_2B receptors proved to be lower than that of the corresponding 2-alkynyl derivatives. On the contrary, the affinity of the same compounds for the human A₃ receptor was improved, resulting in A₃ selectivity. As in the case of the 2-alkynyl-substituted compounds, the 8-alkynyl derivatives showed decreased affinity for rat receptors. However, it is worthwhile to note that the 8-phenylethynyl-9-ethyladenine was the most active compound of the two series (K_i in the nanomolar range) at both the human and rat A₃ subtype. Docking experiments of the 2- and 8-phenylethynyl-9-ethyladenines, at a rhodopsin-based homology model, gave a rational explanation of the preference of the human A₃ receptor for the 8-substituted compound.     

Studies on a modulatory role for adenosine in antigen and arachidonic acid induced contractions of guinea pig airways

The modulatory effects of adenosine and selected derivatives were examined on antigen and arachidonic acid (AA) induced contractions of indomethacin-treated tracheal spirals and lung parenchymal strips from actively sensitized guinea pigs. Adenosine (up to 2 X 10(-4) M) had no effect on antigen-induced contractions, but inhibited AA-induced contractions by 30-40% if added 30 min prior to challenge. The weak effect of adenosine suggests that endogenous adenosine may only have a limited modulatory role in allergic bronchospasm. 2-Chloroadenosine (10(-6)-10(-4) M) dose-dependently inhibited antigen- and AA-induced contractions of trachea, but was considerably less effective on parenchyma. The substituted adenosine derivatives, R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) and 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)-adenosine (NECA), and the adenosine transport inhibitor, 6-[p-nitrobenzyl)thio]-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl purine, were also active as modulators, but their activity was relatively weak and varied with the stimulus and the tissue. An order of potency for R-PIA, NECA, and 2-chloroadenosine could not be determined and 8-phenyltheophylline (10(-5) M) was not an effective inhibitor of the effects of adenosine or the adenosine derivatives. This suggests that adenosine and its derivatives may modulate cells through mechanisms other than activation of conventional A1 and A2 receptors. A lack of specificity for the adenosine derivatives must also be considered.     

Structure-activity relationships of thiazole and thiadiazole derivatives as potent and selective human adenosine A3 receptor antagonists

4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-aminothiazole and 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-aminothiadiazole derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated as selective antagonists for human adenosine A3 receptors. A methoxy group in the 4-position of the phenyl ring and N-acetyl or propionyl substitutions of the aminothiazole and aminothiadiazole templates displayed great increases of binding affinity and selectivity for human adenosine A3 receptors. The most potent A3 antagonist of the present series, N-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-[1,2,4]thiadiazol-5-yl]-acetamide (39) exhibiting a Ki value of 0.79 nM at human adenosine A3 receptors, showed antagonistic property in a functional assay of cAMP biosynthesis involved in one of the signal transduction pathways of adenosine A3 receptors. Molecular modeling study of conformation search and receptor docking experiments to investigate the dramatic differences of binding affinities between two regioisomers of thiadiazole analogues, (39) and (42), suggested possible binding mechanisms in the binding pockets of adenosine receptors.     

Effects of the allosteric modulator SCH-202676 on adenosine and P2Y receptors

The G protein-coupled receptor allosteric modulator SCH-202676 (N-(2,3-diphenyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-(2H)-ylidene)methanamine), which affects a wide range of structurally unrelated G protein-coupled receptors, has highly divergent effects on purine receptors. SCH-202676 inhibited radioligand binding to human adenosine A(1), A(2A), and A(3) receptors (IC(50) = 0.5-0.8 microM) and affected dissociation kinetics, but at the human P2Y(1) nucleotide receptor it had no effect. SCH-202676 (10 microM) selectively accelerated agonist dissociation at adenosine A(3) receptors and either slowed (adenosine A(1) receptors) or accelerated (adenosine A(2A) receptors) antagonist dissociation. Thus, SCH-202676 differentially modulated A(1), A(2A), and A(3) receptors as well as agonist- and antagonist-occupied receptors.     

Structure–activity relationships of 2-aminothiazoles effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A series of 2-aminothiazoles was synthesized based on a HTS scaffold from a whole-cell screen against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The SAR shows the central thiazole moiety and the 2-pyridyl moiety at C-4 of the thiazole are intolerant to modification. However, the N-2 position of the aminothiazole exhibits high flexibility and we successfully improved the antitubercular activity of the initial hit by more than 128-fold through introduction of substituted benzoyl groups at this position. N-(3-Chlorobenzoyl)-4-(2-pyridinyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-amine (55) emerged as one of the most promising analogues with a MIC of 0.024 μM or 0.008 μg/mL in 7H9 media and therapeutic index of nearly ～300. However, 55 is rapidly metabolized by human liver microsomes (t_1/2 = 28 min) with metabolism occurring at the invariant aminothiazole moiety and Mtb develops spontaneous low-level resistance with a frequency of ～10^?5.