Molecular modelling study of 2-phenylethynyladenosine (PEAdo) derivatives as highly selective A3 adenosine receptor ligands

A series of 2-phenylethynyladenosine (PEAdo) derivatives substituted in the N⁶- and 4′-position was synthesised and the new derivatives were tested at the four human adenosine receptors stably transfected into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, using radioligand binding studies (A₁, A_2A, A₃) or adenylyl cyclase activity assay (A_2B). Binding studies showed that the presence of a phenyl ethynyl group in the 2 position of adenosine favoured the interaction with A₃ receptors, resulting in compounds endowed with high affinity and selectivity for the A₃ subtype. Additional substitution of the N⁶- and 4′-position increases both A₃ affinity and selectivity. The results showed that the new compounds have a good affinity for the A₃ receptor and in particular, the N⁶-methoxy-2-phenylethynyl-5′-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, with a K_i at A₃ of 1.9 nM and a selectivity A₁/A₃ and A_2A/A₃ of 4,800- and 8,600-fold, respectively. Therefore, it is one of the most potent and selective agonists at the human A₃ adenosine receptor subtype reported so far. Furthermore, functional assays of inhibition of 10 μM forskolin-stimulated cAMP production via the adenosine A₃ receptor revealed that the new trisubstituted adenosine derivatives behave as full agonist of this receptor subtype. Docking analysis of these compounds was performed at a homology model of the human A₃ receptor based on the bovine rhodopsin crystal structure as template, and the results are in accordance with the biological data.An erratum to this article can be found at     

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Trisubstituted Adenines as A 2A Adenosine Receptor Antagonists

The discovery of new drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, has become an attractive field of research. Due to the regulation of D ₂ receptor activity by A _{2 A} adenosine receptor, potent and selective ligands of A _{2 A} subtype could be useful tools to study neurodegenerative disorders. A series of 2,8-disubstituted-9-ethyladenine derivatives was synthesized and tested in binding affinity assay at human adenosine receptors. New compounds showed good affinity and selectivity at A _{2 A} receptor versus the other subtypes. The introduction of a bromine atom in 8-position increased the affinity of these compounds, leading to ligands with K _i in the nanomolar range.     

SYNTHESIS AND ADENOSINE RECEPTOR AFFINITY AND POTENCY OF 8-ALKYNYL DERIVATIVES OF ADENOSINE

Adenosine derivatives bearing different (ar)alkynyl chains at the 8-position were synthesized and tested at human adenosine receptors. Binding studies showed that all compounds possess affinity for the A₃ subtype in the high nM range. Moreover, guanosine 5′-O-(3-[³⁵S]thio)triphosphate binding assay indicated that the 8-alkynyl adenosines behaved as antagonists of NECA at A₃ receptors.     

Synthesis of a New Series of 1H‐Imidazol‐1‐yl Substituted 8‐Phenylxanthines as Adenosine Receptor Ligands

A new series of 1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl substituted 8‐phenylxanthine analogs has been synthesized to study the effects of the imidazole group on the binding affinity of compounds for adenosine receptors. Competition binding studies of these compounds were carried out in vitro with human cloned receptors using [³H]DPCPX and [³H]ZM 241385 as radioligands at A₁ and A_2A adenosine receptors, respectively. The effect of the substitution pattern of the (imidazolyl)alkoxy group on various positions of the phenyl ring at C(8) was also studied. The xanthine derivatives displayed varying degrees of affinity and selectivity towards A₁ and A_2A receptor subtypes despite a common but variedly substituted Ar C(8).     

Synthesis of 3′-Acetamidoadenosine Derivatives as Potential A3 Adenosine Receptor Agonists

On the basis of high binding affinity of 3′-aminoadenosine derivatives 2b at the human A₃ adenosine receptor (AR), 3′-acetamidoadenosine derivatives 3a–e were synthesized from 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-D-glucose via stereoselective hydroboration as a key step. Although all synthesized compounds were totally devoid of binding affinity at the human A₃AR, our results revealed that 3′-position of adenosine can only be tolerated with small size of a hydrogen bonding donor like hydroxyl or amino group in the binding site of human A₃AR.     

New A2A adenosine receptor antagonists: a structure-based upside-down interaction in the receptor cavity

Adenosine receptor antagonists are generally based on heterocyclic core structures presenting substituents of various volumes and chemical-physical profiles. Adenine and purine-based adenosine receptor antagonists have been reported in literature. In this work we combined various substituents in the 2, 6, and 8-positions of 9-ethylpurine to depict a structure-affinity relationship analysis at the human adenosine receptors. Compounds were rationally designed trough molecular modeling analysis and then synthesized and evaluated at radioligand binding studies at human adenosine receptors. The new compounds showed affinity for the human adenosine receptors, with some derivatives endowed with low nanomolar K_i data, in particular at the A_2AAR subtype. The purine core proves to be a versatile core structure for the development of novel adenosine receptor antagonists with nanomolar affinity for these membrane proteins.     

Synthesis of novel 1-alkyl-8-substituted-3-(3-methoxypropyl) xanthines as putative A2B receptor antagonists

In order to identify a high-affinity, selective antagonist for the A_2B subtype adenosine receptor, more than 40 1,8-disubstituted-3-(3-methoxypropyl) xanthines were prepared and evaluated for their binding affinity at recombinant human adenosine receptors, mainly of the A_2A and A_2B subtypes. Some of the 1-ethyl-3-(3-methoxypropyl)-8-aryl substituted derivatives 15(a–m) showed moderate-to-high affinity at human A_2B receptors, with compound 15d showing A_2B selectivity over the other A receptors assayed (A₁, A_2A, A₃) of 34-fold or over.     

5-Substituted 2-benzylidene-1-tetralone analogues as A1 and/or A2A antagonists for the potential treatment of neurological conditions

Adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptors are attracting great interest as drug targets for their role in cognitive and motor deficits, respectively. Antagonism of both these adenosine receptors may offer therapeutic benefits in complex neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The aim of this study was to explore the affinity and selectivity of 2-benzylidene-1-tetralone derivatives as adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptor antagonists. Several 5-hydroxy substituted 2-benzylidene-1-tetralone analogues with substituents on ring B were synthesized and assessed as antagonists of the adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptors via radioligand binding assays. The results indicated that hydroxy substitution in the meta and para position of phenyl ring B, displayed the highest selectivity and affinity for the adenosine A₁ receptor with K_i values in the low micromolar range. Replacement of ring B with a 2-amino-pyrimidine moiety led to compound 12 with an increase of affinity and selectivity for the adenosine A_2A receptor. These substitution patterns led to enhanced adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptor binding affinity. The para-substituted 5-hydroxy analogue 3 behaved as an adenosine A₁ receptor antagonists in a GTP shift assay performed with rat whole brain membranes expressing adenosine A₁ receptors. In conclusion, compounds 3 and 12, showed the best adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptor affinity respectively, and therefore represent novel adenosine receptor antagonists that may have potential with further structural modifications as drug candidates for neurological disorders.     

Synthesis,biological assays and QSAR studies of N-(9-benzyl-2-phenyl-8-azapurin-6-yl)-amides as ligands for A1 adenosine receptors

2-Phenyl-9-benzyl-8-azapurines, bearing at the 6 position an amido group interposed between the 8-azapurine moiety and an alkyl or a substituted phenyl group, have been synthesised and assayed as ligands for adenosine receptors. All the compounds show high affinity for the A₁ adenosine receptor, and many of them also show a good selectivity for A₁ with respect to A_2A and A₃ adenosine receptors. Based on the quite rich library containing such compounds and relevant biological data, QSAR models, able to rationalise the results and to give a quantitative estimate of the observed trends were also developed. The obtained models can assist in the design of new compounds selectively active on A₁ adenosine receptor.     

Synthesis and biological activity of trisubstituted adenines as A 2A adenosine receptor antagonists

The discovery of new drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, has become an attractive field of research. Due to the regulation of D(2) receptor activity by A(2A) adenosine receptor, potent and selective ligands of A(2A) subtype could be useful tools to study neurodegenerative disorders. A series of 2,8-disubstituted-9-ethyladenine derivatives was synthesized and tested in binding affinity assay at human adenosine receptors. New compounds showed good affinity and selectivity at A(2A) receptor versus the other subtypes. The introduction of a bromine atom in 8-position increased the affinity of these compounds, leading to ligands with K(i) in the nanomolar range.     

Identification of novel thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives as human A1 and A2A adenosine receptor antagonists/inverse agonists

In this study a new set of thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives was synthesized. These derivatives bear different substituents at positions 2 and 5 of the thiazolopyrimidine core while maintaining a free amino group at position-7. The new compounds were tested for their affinity and potency at human (h) A₁, A_2A, A_2B and A₃ adenosine receptors expressed in CHO cells. The results reveal that the higher affinity of these new set of thiazolopyrimidines is toward the hA₁ and hA_2A adenosine receptors subtypes and is tuned by the substitution pattern at both the 2 and 5 positions of the thiazolopyrimidine nucleus. Functional studies evidenced that the compounds behaved as dual A₁/A_2A antagonists/inverse agonists. Compound 3, bearing a 5-((2-methoxyphenyl) methylamino) group and a phenyl moiety at position 2, displayed the highest affinity (hA₁ K_i?=?10.2?nM; hA_2A K_i?=?4.72?nM) and behaved as a potent A₁/A_2A antagonist/inverse agonist (hA₁ IC₅₀?=?13.4?nM; hA_2A IC₅₀?=?5.34?nM).     

Design,Synthesis, and Anti-Tumor Activity of 4′-Thionucleosides as Potent and Selective Agonists at the Human A3 Adenosine Receptor

On the basis of potent and selective binding affinity of Cl-IB-MECA to the human A₃ adenosine receptor, its 4′-thioadenosine derivatives were efficiently synthesized starting from D-gulonic γ -lactone. Among compounds tested, 2-chloro-N ⁶-(3-iodobenzyl)- and 2-chloro-N ⁶-methyl-4′ -thioadenosine-5′ -methyluronamides (7a and 7b) exhibited nanomolar range of binding affinity (K _i = 0.38 nM and 0.28 nM, respectively) at the human A₃AR. These compounds showed anti-growth effects on HL-60 leukemia cell, which resulted from the inhibition of Wnt signaling pathway.     

Synthesis, biological activity and molecular modelling studies of tricyclic alkylimidazo-, pyrimido- and diazepinopurinediones

Syntheses and biological activities of imidazo-, pyrimido- and diazepino[2,1-f]purinediones containing N-alkyl substituents (with straight, branched or unsaturated chains) are described. Tricyclic derivatives were synthesized by the cyclization of 8-bromo-substituted 7-(2-bromoethyl)-, 7-(3-chloropropyl)- or 7-(4-bromobutyl)-theophylline with primary amines under various conditions. Compound 22 with an ethenyl substituent was synthesized by dehydrohalogenation of 9-(2-bromoethyl)-1,3-dimethyltetrahydropyrimido[2,1-f]purinedione. The obtained derivatives (5–35) were initially evaluated for their affinity at rat A₁ and A_2A adenosine receptors (AR), showing moderate affinity for both adenosine receptor subtypes. The best ligands were diazepinopurinedione 28 (K_i = 0.28 μM) with fivefold A_2A selectivity and the non-selective A₁/A_2A AR ligand pyrimidopurinedione 35 (K_i A₁ = 0.28 μM and K_i A_2A = 0.30 μM). The compounds were also evaluated for their affinity at human A₁, A_2A, A_2B and A₃ ARs. All of the obtained compounds were docked to the A_2A AR X-ray structure in complex with the xanthine-based, potent adenosine receptor antagonist—XAC. The likely interactions of imidazo-, pyrimido- and diazepino[2,1-f]purinediones with the residues forming the A_2A binding pocket were discussed. Furthermore, the new compounds were tested in vivo as anticonvulsants in maximal electroshock, subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (ScMet) and TOX tests in mice (i.p.). Pyrimidopurinediones showed anticonvulsant activity mainly in the ScMet test. The best derivative was compound 11, showing 100 % protection at a dose of 100 mg/kg without symptoms of neurotoxicity. Compounds 6, 7, 8 and 14 with short substituents showed neurotoxicity and caused death. In rat tests (p.o.), 9 was characterized by a high protection index (>13.3). AR affinity did not apparently correlate with the antiepileptic potency of the compounds.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11302-013-9358-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The Adenosine Receptor Agonist,APNEA, Increases Calcium Influx into Rat Cortical Synaptosomes through N-Type Channels Associated with A2a Receptors

N⁶-2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyladenosine (APNEA) is a nonselective adenosine receptor agonist known to have a high affinity for the adenosine A₁ and A₃ receptors. It was found to be able to dose-dependently increase the sustained (4 min) Ca²⁺ influx into rat cortical synaptosomes while 2-chloro-N⁶-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5-N-methyluronamide (Cl-IB-MECA), a selective A₃ agonist has no effect. However, this effect of APNEA was not affected by the presence of 8-cyclopentyl-l,3-dimethylxanthine (CPT), a selective A₁ antagonist; but instead completely abolished by 8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC), a selective A_2a antagonist, or -conotoxin GVIA. These results show that in the rat cortex, presynaptic A_2a receptors can mediate neurotransmitter release by increasing Ca²⁺ influx through the N-type calcium channels. A₁ and A₃ receptors appear not to be involved.     

Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of novel xanthine carboxylate amides as A2A adenosine receptor ligands exhibiting bronchospasmolytic activity

The carboxylate amides of 8-phenyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine described herein represent a new series of selective ligands of the adenosine A_2A receptors exhibiting bronchospasmolytic activity. The effects of location of 8-phenyl substitutions on the adenosine receptor (AR) binding affinities of the newly synthesized xanthines have also been studied. The compounds displayed moderate to potent binding affinities toward various adenosine receptor subtypes when evaluated through radioligand binding studies. However, most of the compounds showed the maximum affinity for the A_2A subtype, some with high selectivity versus all other subtypes. Xanthine carboxylate amide 13b with a diethylaminoethylamino moiety at the para-position of the 8-phenylxanthine scaffold was identified as the most potent A_2A adenosine receptor ligand with K_i = 0.06 μM. Similarly potent and highly A_2A-selective are the isovanillin derivatives 16a and 16d. In addition, the newly synthesized xanthine derivatives showed good in vivo bronchospasmolytic activity when tested in guinea pigs.     

Novel human adenosine receptor antagonists based on the 7-amino-thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine scaffold. Structural investigations at the 2-, 5- and 7-positions to enhance affinity and tune selectivity

This paper describes the synthesis of novel 7-amino-thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines bearing different substituents at positions 2, 5 and 7 of the thiazolopyrimidine scaffold. The synthesized compounds 2–27 were evaluated in radioligand binding (A₁, A_2A and A₃) and adenylyl cyclase activity (A_2B and A_2A) assays, in order to evaluate their affinity and potency at human adenosine receptor subtypes. The current study allowed us to support that affinity and selectivity of 7-amino-thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives towards the adenosine receptor subtypes can be modulated by the nature of the groups attached at positions 2, 5 and 7 of the bicyclic scaffold. To rationalize the hypothetical binding mode of the newly synthesized compounds, we also performed docking calculations in human A_2A, A₁ and A₃ structures.     

New 2,6,9-trisubstituted adenines as adenosine receptor antagonists: a preliminary SAR profile

A new series of 2,6,9-trisubstituted adenines (5–14) have been prepared and evaluated in radioligand binding studies for their affinity at the human A₁, A_2A and A₃ adenosine receptors and in adenylyl cyclase experiments for their potency at the human A_2B subtype. From this preliminary study the conclusion can be drawn that introduction of bulky chains at the N ⁶ position of 9-propyladenine significantly increased binding affinity at the human A₁ and A₃ adenosine receptors, while the presence of a chlorine atom at the 2 position resulted in a not univocal effect, depending on the receptor subtype and/or on the substituent present in the N ⁶ position. However, in all cases, the presence in the 2 position of a chlorine atom favoured the interaction with the A_2A subtype. These results demonstrated that, although the synthesized compounds were found to be quite inactive at the human A_2B subtype, adenine is a useful template for further development of simplified adenosine receptor antagonists with distinct receptor selectivity profiles.     

Inhibition of human tumour cell proliferation by analogues of adenosine

The effects of adenosine and several structural analogues of adenosine upon thymidine incorporation into human tumour cells and rat cervical lymphocytes were investigated. The analogue NECA, which has equal specificity for the A₁ and A₂ receptor, had the most inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation while the A₁ agonists had limited effects, suggesting that these cells possess principally A₂ adenosine receptors. In the case of human tumour cells, however, the most inhibitory effect on proliferation was obtained with the A₁-specific analogues. The general order of inhibitory effects of adenosine analogues on thymidine incorporation in human tumour cells was: S-ENBA>CPA=R-PIA>S-PIA>NECA. These findings suggest that in the cells presently studied the A₁ adenosine receptor predominates. Removal of exogenous adenosine by growth in the presence of adenosine deaminase inhibited thymidine incorporation. The effect of adenosine removal lends further support to the proposal that adenosine has some, as yet unidentified, regulatory role in the control of human tumour cell proliferation. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and adenosine receptor affinity and potency of 8-alkynyl derivatives of adenosine

Adenosine derivatives bearing different (ar)alkynyl chains at the 8-position were synthesized and tested at human adenosine receptors. Binding studies showed that all compounds possess affinity for the A3 subtype in the high nM range. Moreover, guanosine 5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate binding assay indicated that the 8-alkynyl adenosines behaved as antagonists of NECA at A3 receptors.     

Pyrazolo-triazolo-pyrimidines as adenosine receptor antagonists: Effect of the N-5 bond type on the affinity and selectivity at the four adenosine receptor subtypes

In the last few years, many efforts have been made to search for potent and selective human A₃ adenosine antagonists. In particular, one of the most promising human A₃ adenosine receptor antagonists is represented by the pyrazolo-triazolo-pyrimidine family. This class of compounds has been strongly investigated from the point of view of structure-activity relationships. In particular, it has been observed that fundamental requisites for having both potency and selectivity at the human A₃ adenosine receptors are the presence of a small substituent at the N⁸ position and an unsubstitued phenyl carbamoyl moiety at the N⁵ position. In this study, we report the role of the N⁵-bond type on the affinity and selectivity at the four adenosine receptor subtypes. The observed structure-activity relationships of this class of antagonists are also exhaustively rationalized using the recently published ligand-based homology modeling approach.