Synthesis and anticancer activities of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as novel HDAC inhibitors

A series of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines bearing a hydroxamic acid moiety as novel HDAC inhibitors were designed and synthesized. The structures of the new synthesized compounds were confirmed using IR, ¹H, ¹³C NMR spectrum. Compounds 11–13 showed potent inhibitory activities against HDACs with IC₅₀ values at 0.38, 0.49 and 0.61 μM. Most of target compounds displayed strong anti-proliferative activity by a MTT assay on three human cancer cell lines including HCT-116, MCF-7 and HeLa. Compound 11, having potent inhibitory activities against HDACs, induced apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest in HCT-116 cell line.     

3D-QSAR studies on thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase IV (PDE IV) inhibitors find utility in asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) therapy. A series of 29 thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines with affinity for PDE IV was subjected to three dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR) studies using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). Both CoMFA and CoMSIA provided statistically valid models with good correlative and predictive power. The incorporation of hydrophobic, hydrogen bond donor and hydrogen bond acceptor fields showed insignificant improvement in CoMSIA model. The 3D-QSAR models provide information for predicting the affinity of related compounds and designing more potent inhibitors.     

Dual EGFR/ErbB-2 inhibitors from novel pyrrolidinyl-acetylenic thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines

A novel class of substituted pyrrolidinyl-acetylenic thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines has been identified that are potent and selective inhibitors of both EGFR/ErbB-2 receptor tyrosine kinases. The inhibitors are found to display a range of enzyme and cellular potency and also to display a varying level of covalent modification of the kinase targets. Selected molecules, including compound 15h, were found to be potent in enzymatic and cellular assays while also demonstrating exposure in the mouse from an oral dose.     

Synthesis and stereochemical effects of pyrrolidinyl-acetylenic thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as EGFR and ErbB-2 inhibitors

A novel class of pyrrolidinyl-acetyleneic thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines has been identified which potently inhibit the EGFR and ErbB-2 receptor tyrosine kinases. Synthetic modifications of the pyrrolidine carbamate moiety result in a range of effects on enzyme and cellular potency. In addition, the impact of the absolute stereochemical configuration on cellular potency and oral mouse pharmacokinetics is described.     

Discovery of 4-anilino-N-methylthieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines and 4-anilino-N-methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as potent apoptosis inducers

We report the discovery of N-((benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)methyl)-6-phenylthieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-amine (2a) as an apoptosis inducer using our proprietary cell- and caspase-based ASAP HTS assay, and SAR study of HTS hit 2a which led to the discovery of 4-anilino-N-methylthieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines and 4-anilino-N-methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as potent apoptosis inducers. Compounds 5d and 5e were the most potent with EC₅₀ values of 0.008 and 0.004 μM in T47D human breast cancer cells, respectively. Compound 5d was found to be highly active in the MX-1 breast cancer model. Functionally, compounds 5d and 5e both induced apoptosis through inhibition of tubulin polymerization.     

Identification and SAR of a new series of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as Tpl2 kinase inhibitors

We report here the synthesis and SAR of a new series of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as potent Tpl2 kinase inhibitors. The proposed binding mode suggests the potential flipped binding mode depending on the substitution. Biacore studies show evidence of binding of these molecules to the protein kinase. The kinome inhibition profile of these molecules suggests good selectivity.     

Discovery and optimization of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as B-Raf inhibitors

The serine/threonine specific protein kinase B-Raf is part of the MAPK pathway and is an interesting oncology target. We have identified thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as a core scaffold of small molecule B-Raf inhibitors. The SAR of analogs in this series will be described.     

Design and synthesis of 3-pyrazolyl-thiophene, thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as new bioactive and pharmacological activities

Two series of 5-ethyl-2-amino-3-pyrazolyl-4-methylthiophenecarboxylate and 2-thioxo-N(3)-aminothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines were prepared from 3,5-diethyl-2-amino-4-methylthio-phenecaboxylate and evaluated as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and ulcerogenic activities. Among the compounds studied, compounds which containing the substituted hydrazide at C-3 position 7, 16, and 17a showed more potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities than the standard drug (Indomethacin and Aspirin), along without ulcerogenity. While compounds 2, 5, 9, 10, and 11c showed moderate activities. Some of the newly synthesized compounds have good to excellent antimicrobial activity.     

Substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as adenosine A2A receptor antagonists

A novel series of benzyl substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines were identified as potent A_2A receptor antagonists. Several five- and six-membered heterocyclic replacements for the optimized methylfuran were explored. Select compounds effectively reverse catalepsy in mice when dosed orally.     

Synthesis and DNase I inhibitory properties of some 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines

A series of six novel and six known thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amines 2–13 were synthesized, and further were used as a starting material for preparation of a small series of eight novel thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-phthalimides 14–21. Eight compounds, five amine and three phthalimide derivatives, inhibited bovine pancreatic DNase I with an IC₅₀ below 200 µM, being more effective than referent inhibitor crystal violet. Phthalimide derivatives 16, 18 and 19 exhibited higher DNase I inhibitory activity compared to their amine precursors 7, 10 and 11. Compound 19, as the most potent (IC₅₀ = 106 ± 16 µM), offers a good starting point for a design of new DNase I inhibitors. The Pharma RQSAR model showed a significant enhancement of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines activity using aryl substituents at R1 position. The E-State RQSAR model clarified the most important structural fragments relevant for DNase I inhibition. Molecular docking and Site Finder module defined the thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines interactions with the most important catalytic residues of DNase I, including Glu 39, His 134, Asp 168 and His 252. We also found that steric effects and increase of molecular volume play a vital role in DNase I inhibition.     

Synthesis and biological activity of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines as potent JAK3 inhibitors for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious and fatal lung disease, with a median survival of only 3–5 years from diagnosis. Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) has a well-established role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and autoimmune-related pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, through the use of a conformationally-constrained design strategy, a series of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines were synthesized as potent JAK3 inhibitors for the treatment of IPF. Among them, the most potent JAK3 inhibitor, namely 8e (IC₅₀ = 1.38 nM), significantly reduced the degree of airsacculitis and fibrosis according to hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining assay for the lung tissue in the bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model. The clear reduction of the lung collagen deposition by the determination of Masson and hydroxyproline (HYP) content also demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of fibrosis. In addition, 8e also reduced the expression of the inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α and malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tissue, which indicated its higher anti-inflammatory activity compared with that of the reference agents (nintedanib and gefitinib). Furthermore, it possessed low cytotoxicity against normal human bronchial epithelia (HBE) cells (IC₅₀ > 39.0 μM) and C57BL mice. All these evaluated biological properties suggest that 8e may be a potential JAK3 inhibitor for the treatment of IPF.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some cyclic and acyclic nucleosides of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines

The reaction of compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, or 13 with 2-chloroethyl methyl ether or 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl bromide, afforded some acyclic and cyclic nucleosides of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives. Furthermore, cyclic C-nucleosides 24 and 25 were prepared from the reaction of 20, 21 or from 26, 27 with D-glucose. The antimicrobial evaluation of some prepared products showed promising antimicrobial activity.     

Anticytokinin activity of 4-substituted triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines and 4-substituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines

The synthesis and physiological activity of some novel 4-substituted triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines and 4-substituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines are described. Most of the compounds possessed high anticytokinin activity towards purine (benzyladenine) and phenylurea (4-PU-30) type cytokinins. 1-Benzyl-4-ethoxycarbonylpiperazinyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine almost completely removed cytokinin stimulated effects—betacyanin synthesis in Amaranthus caudatus cotyledons; growth of radish cotyledons and retention of chlorophyll in leaf explants. Some chemical structurephysiological activity relationships have been established.     

Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines as adenosine antagonists

A large number of nitrogen heterocycles structurally related to caffeine and theophylline have been tested for activity as adenosine antagonists. Preliminary screening, utilizing displacement of [3H]N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) binding to rat brain membranes, identified several pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines with potential antagonist activity. These were then tested for their ability to antagonize adenosine-stimulated adenylate cyclase of guinea-pig slices and to block adenosine receptors which mediate presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release from cholinergic nerves in guinea-pig ileum. Of several compounds found to have antagonist activity, one of these, 4,6-bis-alpha- carbamoylethylthio -1-phenylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine ( DJB -KK) was approximately an order of magnitude more potent than theophylline in both tests. GTP greatly reduces the potency of purine agonists, but not antagonists, as inhibitors of [3H] PIA binding; the potency of the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine compounds was not altered by GTP. The compounds have no significant activity against [3H]adenosine uptake or on the binding of ligands to muscarinic cholinergic, beta-adrenergic, GABA or L-glutamate receptors.     

Chlorotrimethylsilane-promoted one-pot synthesis of steroidal[17,16-d]pyrimidines

A novel and practical procedure was developed for the preparation of steroidal[17,16-d]pyrimidines by chlorotrimethylsilane (TMSCl)-promoted one-pot multicomponent Biginelli-like condensations of steroid-17-ones, urea and aromatic aldehydes. First, treatment of the steroid-17-ones with urea and aromatic aldehydes in dimethylformamide (DMF)/acetonitrile (ACN) gives the corresponding Biginelli products, following the aromatising reaction of the Biginelli products at the same time under air to yield the desired steroidal[17,16-d]pyrimidines (78-88%). Since steroidal[17,16-d]pyrimidines with hydroxyl group can be subsequently converted into steroidal[17,16-d]pyrimidine derivatives, this general method provides a highly efficient route to these biologically important compounds.     

Benzofuro[3,2-d]pyrimidines inspired from cercosporamide CaPkc1 inhibitor: Synthesis and evaluation of fluconazole susceptibility restoration

In a context of growing resistance to classical antifungal therapy, the design of new drugs targeting alternative pathways is highly expected. Benzofuro[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives, derived from (?)-cercosporamide, were synthesized and evaluated as potential Candida albicans PKC inhibitors in the aim of restoring susceptibility to azole treatment. Co-administration assay of benzofuropyrimidinedione 23 and fluconazole highlighted a synergistic effect on inhibition of cell growth of a Candida albicans resistant strain.     

Development of substituted pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidines as potent and selective dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors for pneumocystis pneumonia infection

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (pj) can lead to serious health consequences in patients with an immunocompromised system. Trimethoprim (TMP), used as first-line therapy in combination with sulfamethoxazole, is a selective but only moderately potent pj dihydrofolate reductase (pjDHFR) inhibitor, whereas non-clinical pjDHFR inhibitors, such as, piritrexim and trimetrexate are potent but non-selective pjDHFR inhibitors. To meet the clinical needs for a potent and selective pjDHFR inhibitor for PCP treatment, fourteen 6-substituted pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidines were developed. Comparison of the amino acid residues in the active site of pjDHFR and human DHFR (hDHFR) revealed prominent amino acid differences which could be exploited to structurally design potent and selective pjDHFR inhibitors. Molecular modeling followed by enzyme assays of the compounds revealed 15 as the best compound of the series with an IC₅₀ of 80 nM and 28-fold selectivity for inhibiting pjDHFR over hDHFR. Compound 15 serves as the lead analog for further structural variations to afford more potent and selective pjDHFR inhibitors.     

Synthesis and cytotoxicity of thieno[2,3-b]quinoline-2-carboxamide and cycloalkyl[b]thieno[3,2-e]pyridine-2-carboxamide derivatives

Seventy nine derivatives of thieno[2,3-b]quinolines, tetrahydrothieno[2,3-b]quinoline, dihydrocyclopenta[b]thieno[3,2-e]pyridine, cyclohepta[b]thieno[3,2-e]pyridine and hexahydrocycloocta[b]thieno[3,2-e]pyridine were either synthesized or obtained commercially and tested for their antiproliferative activity against HCT116, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 human cancer cell lines. The most potent eight compounds were active against all cell lines with IC₅₀ values in the 80–250 nM range. In general hexahydrocycloocta[b]thieno[3,2-e]pyridines were most active with increasing activity observed as larger cycloalkyl rings were fused to the pyridine ring.