Synthesis, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory evaluation of 2-(furan-2-yl)-4-(phenoxy)quinoline derivatives. Part 4

A number of 2-(furan-2-yl)-4-phenoxyquinoline derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory evaluation. 4-[(2-Furan-2-yl)quinolin-4-yloxy]benzaldehyde (8), with an IC(50) value of 5.0 microM against beta-glucuronidase release, was more potent than its tricyclic furo[2,3-b]quinoline isomer 3a (>30 microM), its 4'-COMe counterpart 7 (7.5 microM), and its oxime derivative 13a (11.4 microM) and methyloxime derivative 13b (>30 microM). For the inhibition of lysozyme release, however, oxime derivative 12a (8.9 microM) and methyloxime derivative 12b (10.4 microM) are more potent than their ketone precursor 7 and their respective tricyclic furo[2,3-b]quinoline counterparts 4a and 4b. Among them, 4-[4-[(2-furan-2-yl)-quinolin-4-yloxy]phenyl]but-3-en-2-one (10) is the most active against lysozyme release with an IC(50) value of 4.6 microM, while 8 is the most active against beta-glucuronidase release with an IC(50) value of 5.0 microM. (E)-1-[3-[(2-Furan-2-yl)quinolin-4-yloxy]phenyl] ethanone oxime (11a) is capable of inhibiting both lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase release with IC(50) values of 7.1 and 9.5 microM, respectively. For the inhibition of TNF-alpha formation, 1-[3-[(2-furan-2-yl)quinolin-4-yloxy]phenyl]ethanone (6) is the most potent with an IC(50) value of 2.3 microM which is more potent than genistein (9.1 microM). For the inhibitory activity of fMLP-induced superoxide anion generation, 11a (2.7 microM), 11b (2.8 microM), and 13b (2.2 microM) are three of the most active. None of above compounds exhibited significant cytotoxicity.     

Novel azolyl-(phenylmethyl)]aryl/heteroarylamines: potent CYP26 inhibitors and enhancers of all-trans retinoic acid activity in neuroblastoma cells

The synthesis and potent inhibitory activity of novel 4-[(imidazol-1-yl and triazol-1-yl)(phenyl)methyl]aryl-and heteroaryl amines versus a MCF-7 CYP26A1 cell assay is described. Biaryl imidazole ([4-(imidazol-1-yl-phenyl-methyl)-phenyl]-naphthalen-2-yl-amine (8), IC(50)=0.5 microM; [4-(imidazol-1-yl-phenyl-methyl)-phenyl]-indan-5-yl-amine (9), IC(50)=1.0 microM) and heteroaryl imidazole derivatives ((1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-{4-[(5H-imidazol-1-yl)-phenyl-methyl]-phenyl}-amine (15), IC(50)=2.5 microM; benzooxazol-2-yl-{4-[(5H-imidazol-1-yl)-phenyl-methyl]-phenyl}-amine (16), IC(50)=0.9 microM; benzothiazol-2-yl-{4-[(5H-imidazol-1-yl)-phenyl-methyl]-phenyl}-amine (17), IC(50)=1.5 microM) were the most potent CYP26 inhibitors. Using a CYP26A1 homology model differences in activity were investigated. Incubation of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells with the imidazole aryl derivative 8, and the imidazole heteroaryl derivatives 16 and 17 potentiated the atRA-induced expression of CYP26B1. These data suggest that further structure-function studies leading to clinical development are warranted.     

Thymidine phosphorylase is noncompetitively inhibited by 5'-O-trityl-inosine (KIN59) and related compounds

We found that 5'-O-trityl-inosine (KIN59) inhibits recombinant bacterial (E. coli) and human thymidine phosphorylase (TPase) with an IC50 of 44 microM and 67 microM, respectively. In contrast to previously described TPase inhibitors, KIN59 does not compete with thymidine (dThd) at the pyrimidine nucleoside-binding site or with inorganic phosphate (Pi) at the phosphate-binding site of the enzyme. These findings are strongly suggestive for the presence of an allosteric binding site at the enzyme. TPase is identical to the angiogenic protein platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF). As such, PD-ECGF stimulates angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. This angiogenic response was completely inhibited by KIN59. Inosine did not inhibit the enzyme or the angiogenic effect of TPase, confirming that the 5'-O-trityl group in KIN59 is essential for the observed effect. Our observations indicate that allosteric sites in TPase may regulate its biological activity.     

Synthesis of 5-chloro-N-aryl-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives as inhibitors of human liver glycogen phosphorylase a

A series of 5-chloro-N-aryl-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives were prepared and evaluated as inhibitors of human liver glycogen phosphorylase a (hLGPa). One compound, 5-chloro-N-[4-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)phenyl]-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (2f), inhibited hLGPa with an IC(50) of 0.90microM. The pyridine analogue of 2f showed inhibitory activity of glucagon-induced glucose output in cultured primary hepatocytes with an IC(50) of 0.62microM and oral hypoglycemic activity in diabetic db/db mice. Crystallographic determination of the complex of 2f with hLGPa showed binding of the inhibitor in a solvent cavity at the dimer interface, with the two hydroxyl groups making favorable electrostatic interactions with hLGPa.     

Novel 2-amino-4-oxo-5-arylthio-substituted-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as nonclassical antifolate inhibitors of thymidylate synthase

A series of 17 novel 2-amino-4-oxo-5-[(substituted phenyl)thio]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines were synthesized as potential inhibitors of thymidylate synthase (TS) and as antitumor agents. The analogues contain a variety of electron withdrawing substituents on the phenyl ring of the side chain and were evaluated as inhibitors of human TS (hTS) and Escherichia coli TS and of human and E. coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). The analogues 14, 17, and 18 were potent inhibitors of hTS with IC50 values of 0.28, 0.21, and 0.22 microM, respectively, and were more potent than the clinically used ZD1694, 2 and LY231514, 3 against human TS.     

Online biochemical detection of glutathione-S-transferase P1-specific inhibitors in complex mixtures

A high-resolution screening (HRS) technology is described, which couples 2 parallel enzyme affinity detection (EAD) systems for substrates and inhibitors of rat cytosolic glutathione-S-transferases (cGSTs) and purified human GST P1 to gradient reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The cGSTs and GST P1 EAD systems were optimized and validated first in flow injection analysis (FIA) mode, and optimized values were subsequently used for HPLC mode. The IC(50) values of 8 ligands thus obtained online agreed well with the IC(50) values obtained with microplate reader-based assays. For ethacrynic acid, an IC(50) value of 1.8 +/- 0.4 microM was obtained with the cGSTs EAD system in FIA mode and 0.8 +/- 0.6 microM in HPLC mode. For ethacrynic acid with the GST P1 EAD system, IC(50) values of 6.0 +/- 2.9 and 3.6 +/- 2.8 microM were obtained in FIA and HPLC modes, respectively. An HRS GST EAD system, consisting of both the cGSTs and the GST P1 EAD system in HPLC mode in parallel, was able to separate complex mixtures of compounds and to determine online their individual affinity for cGSTs and GST P1. Finally, a small library of GST inhibitors, synthesized by reaction of several electrophiles with glutathione (GSH), was successfully screened with the newly developed parallel HRS GST EAD system. It is concluded that the present online gradient HPLC-based HRS screening technology offers new perspectives for sensitive and simultaneous screening of general cGSTs and specific GST P1 inhibitors in mixtures.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives as novel PI3 kinase p110alpha inhibitors

3-{1-[(4-Fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl}-2-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, 2a, was discovered in our chemical library as a novel p110alpha inhibitor with an IC(50) of 0.67microM, through screening in a scintillation proximity assay. Optimization of the substituents of 2a increased the p110alpha inhibitory activity by more than 300-fold (2g: IC(50)=0.0018microM). Further structural modification of 2g afforded thiazole derivative 12, which has potent p110alpha inhibitory activity (IC(50) of 0.0028microM) and is highly selective for p110alpha over other PI3K isoforms. Compound 12 also inhibited serum-induced cell proliferation of A375 and HeLa cells in vitro with IC(50) values of 0.14microM and 0.21microM, respectively, and suppressed tumor growth by 37% in a mouse HeLa xenograft model when dosed intraperitoneally at 25mg/kg. These results suggest that selective p110alpha inhibitors may have potential as cancer therapeutic agents.     

cis-Dichloroplatinum(II) complexes tethered to 9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamides: synthesis and action in resistant cell lines in vitro.

A series of intercalator-tethered platinum(II) complexes PtLCl(2) have been prepared where L are the diamine ligands N-[2-[(aminoethyl)amino]ethyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide, N-[3-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]propyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide, N-[4-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]butyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide and N-[5-[(aminoethyl)amino]pentyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide and N-[6-[(aminoethyl)amino]hexyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide. The activity of the complexes was assessed in the CH-1, CH-1cisR, 41M, 41McisR and SKOV-3 cell lines. The compounds with the shorter linker chain lengths are generally the most active against these cell lines and are much more toxic than Pt(en)C1(2). For example, for the n=2 compound the IC(50) values are 0.017 microM (CH-1), 1.7 microM (41M), 1.4 microM (SKOV-3) and the resistance ratios are 51 (CH-1cisR) and 1.6 (41McisR). For the untethered analogue Pt(en)C1(2) the IC(50) values are 2.5 microM (CH-1), 2.9 microM (41M), 45 microM (SKOV-3) and the resistance ratios are 2.8 (CH-1cisR) and 4.1 (41McisR). The very large differential in IC(50) values between the CH-1 and CH-1cisR pair of cell lines for the 9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide tethered platinum complexes indicates that repair of platinum-induced DNA damage may be a major determinant of the activity of these compounds.     

In vitro inhibition of glycogen-degrading enzymes and glycosidases by six-membered sugar mimics and their evaluation in cell cultures

We investigated in vitro inhibition of mammalian carbohydrate-degrading enzymes by six-membered sugar mimics and their evaluation in cell cultures. 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) showed no significant inhibition toward glycogen phosphorylase (GP) but was a potent inhibitor of another glycogen-degrading enzyme, amylo-1,6-glucosidase (1,6-GL), with an IC(50) value of 0.16 microM. In primary rat hepatocytes, the inhibition of glycogen breakdown by DNJ reached plateau at 100 microM with 25% inhibition and then remained unchanged. The potent GP inhibitor 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol (D-AB1) inhibited hepatic glucose production with an IC(50) value of about 9 microM and the inhibition by D-AB1 was further enhanced in the presence of DNJ. DNJ and alpha-homonojirimycin (HNJ) are very potent inhibitors of rat intestinal maltase, with IC(50) values of 0.13 and 0.08 microM, respectively, and also showed a similar strong inhibition toward maltase in Caco-2 cell model system, with IC(50) value of 0.05 and 0.10 microM, respectively. D-Isofagomine (D-IFG) and L-IFG are competitive and noncompetitive inhibitors of human lysosomal beta-glucosidase (beta-GL), respectively, with K(i) values of 8.4 nM and 6.9 microM. D-IFG increased intracellular beta-GL activity by twofold at 10 microM in Gaucher N370S cell line as an 'active-site-specific' chaperone, and surprisingly a noncompetitive inhibitor L-IFG also increased intracellular beta-GL activity by 1.6-fold at 500 microM.     

Benzimidazole inhibitors of hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase: identification of 2-[(4-diarylmethoxy)phenyl]-benzimidazole

A series of 1-cycloalkyl-2-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activity against HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). A SAR study was performed and led to identify the 2-[(4-diarylmethoxy)phenyl]-benzimidazoles as potent inhibitors. They inhibit subgenomic HCV RNA replication in the replicon cells at low micromolar concentrations (EC(50) as low as 1.1microM). They are selective against DNA polymerases (IC(50)>10microM) and exhibit low cytotoxicity.     

Inhibition of 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase (CYP17) from rat testis by green tea catechins and black tea theaflavins

In the course of screening for 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase inhibitors from food ingredients, the methanol soluble fraction of green tea and black tea, which were expected to be rich in catechin and theaflavin content, showed potent inhibitory activity. (-)-Epigallocathechin gallate and theaflavin 3-O-gallate with a pirogallol moiety significantly inhibited C17,20-lyase activity on IC50 values of 24.5 microM and 11.5 microM respectively. They had potent cytotoxicity against human prostate cancer LNCaP cells (IC50=28.1 microM and 37.4 microM).     

Design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of N-bicyclo-5-chloro-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives as potent glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors

As a result of the various N-bicyclo-5-chloro-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives with a hydroxy moiety synthesized in an effort to discover novel glycogen phosphorylase (GP) inhibitors, 5-chloro-N-(5-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (5b) was found to have potent inhibitory activity. The introduction of fluorine atoms both at a position adjacent to the hydroxy group and in the central benzene moiety lead to the optically active derivative 5-chloro-N-[(5R)-1,3,6,6-tetrafluoro-5-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl]-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (25e(alpha), which was the most potent compound in this series (IC(50)=0.020microM). This compound inhibited glucagon-induced glucose output in cultured primary hepatocytes with an IC(50) value of 0.69microM, and showed oral hypoglycemic activity in diabetic db/db mice at 10mg/kg. Compound 25e(alpha) also had an excellent pharmacokinetic profile, with high oral bioavailability and a long plasma half-life, in male SD rats. The binding mode of 25e(alpha) to this molecule and the role of fluorine atoms in that binding were speculated in an enzyme docking study.     

Structural requirement of chalcones for the inhibitory activity of interleukin-5

Novel chalcones were found as potent inhibitors of interleukin (IL)-5. 1-(2-Benzyloxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-one (2b, 78.8% inhibition at 50microM, IC(50)=25.3microM) was initially identified as a potent inhibitor of IL-5. This shows the compatible activity with budesonide or sophoricoside. To identify structural requirements, 26 chalcones were prepared and their inhibitory activities were tested against IL-5. Among them, compound 4-[(E)-3-(2-cyclohexylmethoxy-6-hydroxyphenyl)-3-oxoprop-1-enyl]benzenesulfonamide (2w, 99.5% inhibition at 50microM, IC(50)=1.8microM) shows the most potent activity. The important structural requirements of these chalcone analogs exhibiting the inhibitory activity against IL-5 were recognized as the following. (1) The hydrophobic group such as benzyloxy or cyclohexylmethoxy at 6-position of A ring is necessary. (2) The existence of phenolic hydroxyl at 6-position of A ring is critical. (3) Propenone unit as alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone is essential. (4) Electron withdrawing groups with hydrogen acceptor property at 4-position of B ring enhance the activity and quantitative structure-activity relationship of 2 regarding these substituents was determined.     

Prostaglandin-H-synthase (PGHS)-1 and -2 microtiter assays for the testing of herbal drugs and in vitro inhibition of PGHS-isoenzyms by polyunsaturated fatty acids from Platycodi radix

In order to test inhibition of prostaglandin-H-synthase-1 and -2 (PGHS-1 and -2) by plant extracts, we have established two enzyme based in vitro assays with enzyme immunoassay (EIA) evaluation. The assays have been evaluated with known synthetic inhibitors and with plant extracts. In a screening of traditionally used Chinese herbs for anti-inflammatory activity, a series of n-hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed significant inhibitory effect in comparison with the known specific PGHS-2 inhibitors NS-398 (IC(50) = 2.6 microM) and nimesulide (IC(50) = 36 microM). The lipophilic extracts of the Chinese drug Jiengeng, the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. (Campanulaceae), showed good inhibitory activity against both PGHS isoenzymes. The directly prepared DCM-extract exhibited better activity against PGHS-2 (IC(50) = 4.0 microg/ml) than against PGHS-1 (IC(50) = 17.6 microg/ml). We identified fatty acids as main active constituents and quantified them. Linoleic acid showed the highest content (ca. 20% of the dried extract) and a high and preferential PGHS-2 inhibitory activity (IC(50) (PGHS-1) = 20 microM; IC(50) (PGHS-2) = 2 microM). The comparison of the concentration of linoleic acid and the inhibitory activity of the direct DCM-extract showed, that linoleic acid is mainly responsible for the in vitro activity of the extract on PGHS-2.     

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of bis-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acrylamide derivatives as glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors

During our research using a high-throughput screening system for discovery of a new class of human liver glycogen phosphorylase a (hLGPa) inhibitors, a series of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acrylamide derivatives were synthesized, and their inhibitory activities toward hLGPa were evaluated. Among the derivatives, (2E,2'E)-N,N'-pentane-1,5-diylbis[3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acrylamide] (6c) inhibited hLGPa with an IC(50) value of 0.023 microM. An X-ray crystallographic study of the enzyme-6c complex showed that the inhibitor is bound at the dimer interface site, where the 3,4-dichlorophenyl moiety interacts hydrophobically with the enzyme.     

Identification of low-molecular inhibitors of proteinase ASK1

Protein kinase ASK1 (Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1) plays a key role in cell differentiation, aging and apoptosis. High activity of the kinase is associated with several pathologies. The ASK1 inhibitors might be therapeutic for patients with neurodegenerative, cardiovascular diseases and fibrous histiocytoma. In this work the identification of ASK1 inhibitors was performed by the methods of computer modeling and biochemical testing in vitro. The virtual screening experiments were carried out targeting the ATP binding site of ASK1 by browsing the database which contained 164 840 compounds of diverse chemical classes. The best-scored 300 ligands have been taken for the kinase assay analysis. In vitro tests revealed that derivatives of 2-thioxo-thiazolidin-4-one exhibited inhibitory activity against ASK1. The most active compound was 5-bromo-3-(4-oxo-2-thioxo-thiazolidin-5-ylidene)-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one (IC50 = 2 microM). Binding mode for inhibitors of this class with ASK1 ATP-binding site was proposed. Our results can be used for further optimization and developing more potent and selective inhibitors of ASK1.     

Crystallographic studies on acyl ureas, a new class of glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors, as potential antidiabetic drugs

Acyl ureas were discovered as a novel class of inhibitors for glycogen phosphorylase, a molecular target to control hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetics. This series is exemplified by 6-{2,6-Dichloro- 4-[3-(2-chloro-benzoyl)-ureido]-phenoxy}-hexanoic acid, which inhibits human liver glycogen phosphorylase a with an IC(50) of 2.0 microM. Here we analyze four crystal structures of acyl urea derivatives in complex with rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase b to elucidate the mechanism of inhibition of these inhibitors. The structures were determined and refined to 2.26 Angstroms resolution and demonstrate that the inhibitors bind at the allosteric activator site, where the physiological activator AMP binds. Acyl ureas induce conformational changes in the vicinity of the allosteric site. Our findings suggest that acyl ureas inhibit glycogen phosphorylase by direct inhibition of AMP binding and by indirect inhibition of substrate binding through stabilization of the T' state.     

Molecules incorporating a benzothiazole core scaffold inhibit the N-myristoyltransferase of Plasmodium falciparum

Recombinant N-myristoyltransferase of Plasmodium falciparum (termed PfNMT) has been used in the development of a SPA (scintillation proximity assay) suitable for automation and high-throughput screening of inhibitors against this enzyme. The ability to use the SPA has been facilitated by development of an expression and purification system which yields considerably improved quantities of soluble active recombinant PfNMT compared with previous studies. Specifically, yields of pure protein have been increased from 12 microg x l(-1) to >400 microg x l(-1) by use of a synthetic gene with codon usage optimized for expression in an Escherichia coli host. Preliminary small-scale 'piggyback' inhibitor studies using the SPA have identified a family of related molecules containing a core benzothiazole scaffold with IC50 values <50 microM, which demonstrate selectivity over human NMT1. Two of these compounds, when tested against cultured parasites in vitro, reduced parasitaemia by >80% at a concentration of 10 microM.