Pyrrolidine analogs of GZ-793A: Synthesis and evaluation as inhibitors of the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2)

Central heterocyclic ring size reduction from piperidinyl to pyrrolidinyl in the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2) inhibitor GZ-793A and its analogs resulted in novel N-propane-1,2(R)-diol analogs 11a–i. These compounds were evaluated for their affinity for the dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ) binding site on VMAT2 and for their ability to inhibit vesicular dopamine (DA) uptake. The 4-difluoromethoxyphenethyl analog 11f was the most potent inhibitor of [³H]-DTBZ binding (K_i = 560 nM), with 15-fold greater affinity for this site than GZ-793A (K_i = 8.29 μM). Analog 11f also showed similar potency of inhibition of [³H]-DA uptake into vesicles (K_i = 45 nM) compared to that for GZ-793A (K_i = 29 nM). Thus, 11f represents a new water-soluble inhibitor of VMAT function.     

Lobeline esters as novel ligands for neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and neurotransmitter transporters

Vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2) is a viable target for development of pharmacotherapies for psychostimulant abuse. Lobeline (1) is a potent antagonist at α4β21 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, has moderate affinity (K_i = 5.46 μM) for VMAT2, and is being investigated currently as a clinical candidate for treatment of psychostimulant abuse. A series of carboxylic acid and sulfonic acid ester analogs 2–20 of lobeline were synthesized and evaluated for interaction with α4β21 and α71 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT) and VMAT2. Both carboxylic acid and sulfonic acid esters had low affinity at α71 nAChRs. Similar to lobeline (K_i = 4 nM), sulfonic acid esters had high affinity at α4β21 (K_i = 5–17 nM). Aromatic carboxylic acid ester analogs of lobeline (2–4) were 100–1000-fold less potent than lobeline at α4β21 nAChRs, whereas aliphatic carboxylic acid ester analogs were 10–100-fold less potent than lobeline at α4β21. Two representative lobeline esters, the 10-O-benzoate (2) and the 10-O-benzenesulfonate (10) were evaluated in the ³⁶Rb⁺ efflux assay using rat thalamic synaptosomes, and were shown to be antagonists with IC₅₀ values of 0.85 μM and 1.60 μM, respectively. Both carboxylic and sulfonic acid esters exhibited a range of potencies (equipotent to 13–45-fold greater potency compared to lobeline) for inhibiting DAT and SERT, respectively, and like lobeline, had moderate affinity (K_i = 1.98–10.8 μM) for VMAT2. One of the more interesting analogs, p-methoxybenzoic acid ester 4, had low affinity at α4β21 nAChRs (K_i = 19.3 μM) and was equipotent with lobeline, at VMAT2 (K_i = 2.98 μM), exhibiting a 6.5-fold selectivity for VMAT2 over α4β2 nAChRs. Thus, esterification of the lobeline molecule may be a useful structural modification for the development of lobeline analogs with improved selectivity at VMAT2.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-amino-dihydrotetrabenzine derivatives as probes for imaging vesicular monoamine transporter-2

A novel series of analogs of 2-amino-dihydrotetrabenazine derivatives, 4–6, targeting the vesicular monoamine transporter have been prepared. In vitro binding was carried out in tissue homogenates prepared from rat striatal tissue homogenates with both [¹²⁵I]-iodovinyl-TBZ and [³H]DTBZ. There was a good correlation (r² = 0.925) between the affinities of the different compounds for [¹²⁵I]-iodovinyl-TBZ and [³H]-DTBZ binding. Compound 5 exhibited a better affinity for the vesicular monoamine transporter (K_i = 8.68 ± 1.26 nM and 7.01 ± 0.07 nM, respectively), which may be a good lead compound for further structural modification to develop useful probes for VMAT2.     

Novel bis-, tris-, and tetrakis-tertiary amino analogs as antagonists at neuronal nicotinic receptors that mediate nicotine-evoked dopamine release

A series of tertiary amine analogs derived from lead azaaromatic quaternary ammonium salts has been designed and synthesized. The preliminary structure-activity relationships of these new analogs suggest that such tertiary amine analogs, which potently inhibit nicotine-evoked dopamine release from rat striatum, represent drug-like inhibitors of α6-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The bis-tertiary amine analog 7 exhibited an IC₅₀ of 0.95 nM, while the tris-tertiary amine analog 19 had an IC₅₀ of 0.35 nM at nAChRs mediating nicotine-evoked dopamine release.     

A rhodamine-labeled citalopram analogue as a high-affinity fluorescent probe for the serotonin transporter

A novel fluorescent ligand was synthesized as a high-affinity, high specificity probe for visualizing the serotonin transporter (SERT). The rhodamine fluorophore was extended from an aniline substitution on the 5-position of the dihydroisobenzofuran ring of citalopram (2, 1-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-carbonitrile), using an ethylamino linker. The resulting rhodamine-labeled ligand 8 inhibited [³H]5-HT uptake in COS-7 cells (K_i = 225 nM) with similar potency to the tropane-based JHC 1-064 (1), but with higher specificity towards the SERT relative to the transporters for dopamine and norepinephrine. Visualization of the SERT with compound 8 was demonstrated by confocal microscopy in HEK293 cells stably expressing EGFP–SERT.     

Design and synthesis of silicon-containing tubulin polymerization inhibitors: Replacement of the ethylene moiety of combretastatin A-4 with a silicon linker

Silicon-containing combretastatin analogs were designed, synthesized and evaluated for stability and biological activities. Among them, compound 31 exhibited strong tubulin polymerization-inhibitory activity and very potent tumor cell growth-inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.007 μM) in MCF-7 cell proliferation assay. This compound also potently inhibited [³H]colchicine binding (90.7% inhibition at 3 μM). These activities were comparable to those of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) (1). In addition, compound 31 was physico-chemically more stable than 1. These results suggest that a silicon linker can act as a bioisoster of a cis carbon–carbon double bond.     

Dopamine D3 receptor antagonists: The quest for a potentially selective PET ligand. Part 3: Radiosynthesis and in vivo studies

Compound 1 is a potent and selective antagonist of the dopamine D₃ receptor. With the aim of developing a carbon-11 labeled ligand for the dopamine D₃ receptor, 1 was selected as a potential PET probe. [¹¹C]1 was obtained by palladium catalyzed cross coupling using [¹¹C]cyanide and 4 with a specific activity of 55.5 ± 25.9 GBq/μmol (1.5 ± 0.7 Ci/μmol). [¹¹C]1 was tested in porcine and non-human primate models to assess its potential as a radioligand for PET imaging of the dopamine D₃ receptor. We conclude that in both species and despite appropriate in vitro properties, [¹¹C]1 does not show any specific signal for the dopamine D₃ receptor.     

Bis-azaaromatic quaternary ammonium salts as antagonists at nicotinic receptors mediating nicotine-evoked dopamine release: An investigation of binding conformation

A series of conformationally restricted bis-azaaromatic quaternary ammonium salts (3 and 4) have been designed and synthesized in order to investigate the possible binding conformations of N,N′-dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-3-picolinium dibromide (bPiDDB; 2), a compound which potently inhibits neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediating nicotine-evoked dopamine release. The preliminary structure–activity relationships of these new analogues suggest that bPiDDB binds in an extended conformation at the nAChR binding site, and that flexibility of the linker may be important for its high potency in inhibiting nAChRs mediating nicotine-evoked dopamine release.     

Radiosynthesis and first evaluation in mice of [18F]NS14490 for molecular imaging of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

[¹⁸F]NS14490, a new potential radiotracer for neuroimaging of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs), was synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Radioligand binding studies using [³H]methyllycaconitine and NS14490 as competitor showed a good target affinity (K_i,α7 = 2.5 nM) and a high selectivity towards other nAChRs. Radiosynthesis of [¹⁸F]NS14490 was performed by two different labelling procedures: a two-step synthesis using a prosthetic group, which led to 7% labelling yield, and the convenient direct nucleophilic substitution of the corresponding tosylate precursor, which resulted in 70% labelling yield. After optimisation of the isolation, purification and formulation process, biodistribution studies were performed in CD-1 mice. The brain uptake of [¹⁸F]NS14490 was comparably low (0.16% ID g^?1 wet weight at 5 min p.i.). The radiotracer showed a high metabolic stability in plasma and brain. Also, the target specificity was proven by pre-administration of a highly affine α7 ligand providing a rationale basis for further in vivo evaluation.     

Synthesis and evaluation of novel azetidine analogs as potent inhibitors of vesicular [3H]dopamine uptake

Lobelane analogs that incorporate a central piperidine or pyrrolidine moiety have previously been reported by our group as potent inhibitors of VMAT2 function. Further central ring size reduction of the piperidine moiety in lobelane to a four-membered heterocyclic ring has been carried out in the current study to afford novel cis-and trans-azetidine analogs. These azetidine analogs (15a–15c and 22a–22c) potently inhibited [³H]dopamine (DA) uptake into isolated synaptic vesicles (K_i ? 66 nM). The cis-4-methoxy analog 22b was the most potent inhibitor (K_i = 24 nM), and was twofold more potent that either lobelane (2a, K_i = 45 nM) or norlobelane (2b, K_i = 43 nM). The trans-methylenedioxy analog, 15c (K_i = 31 nM), was equipotent with the cis-analog, 22b, in this assay. Thus, cis- and trans-azetidine analogs 22b and 15c represent potential leads in the discovery of new clinical candidates for the treatment of methamphetamine abuse.     

Bisquaternary pyridinium oximes: Comparison of in vitro reactivation potency of compounds bearing aliphatic linkers and heteroaromatic linkers for paraoxon-inhibited electric eel and recombinant human acetylcholinesterase

Oxime reactivators are the drugs of choice for the post-treatment of OP (organophosphorus) intoxication and used widely for mechanistic and kinetic studies of OP-inhibited cholinesterases. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate new oxime compounds to reactivate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibited by the OP paraoxon. Several new bisquaternary pyridinium oximes with heterocyclic linkers along with some known bisquaternary pyridinium oximes bearing aliphatic linkers were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro reactivation potency against paraoxon-inhibited electric eel acetylcholinesterase (EeAChE) and recombinant human acetylcholinesterase (rHuAChE). Results herein indicate that most of the compounds are better reactivators of EeAChE than of rHuAChE. The reactivation potency of two different classes of compounds with varying linker chains was compared and observed that the structure of the connecting chain is an important factor for the activity of the reactivators. At a higher concentration (10^?3 M), compounds bearing aliphatic linker showed better reactivation than compounds with heterocyclic linkers. Interestingly, oximes with a heterocyclic linker inhibited AChE at higher concentration (10^?3 M), whereas their ability to reactivate was increased at lower concentrations (10^?4 M and 10^?5 M). Compounds bearing either a thiophene linker 26, 46 or a furan linker 31 showed 59%, 49% and 52% reactivation of EeAChE, respectively, at 10^?5 M. These compounds showed 14%, 6% and 15% reactivation of rHuAChE at 10^?4 M. Amongst newly synthesized analogs with heterocyclic linkers (26–35 and 45–46), compound 31, bearing furan linker chain, was found to be the most effective reactivator with a k_r 0.042 min^?1, which is better than obidoxime (3) for paraoxon-inhibited EeAChE. Compound 31 showed a k_r 0.0041 min^?1 that is near equal to pralidoxime (1) for paraoxon-inhibited rHuAChE.     

Comparative molecular field analysis and synthetic validation of a hydroxyamide-propofol binding and functional block of neuronal voltage-dependent sodium channels

Voltage gated sodium channels represent an important therapeutic target for a number of neurological disorders including epilepsy. Unfortunately, medicinal chemistry strategies for discovering new classes of antagonist for trans-membrane ion channels have been limited to mostly broad screening compound arrays. We have developed new sodium channel antagonist based on a propofol scaffold using the ligand based strategy of comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA). The resulting CoMFA model was correlated and validated to provide insights into the design of new antagonists and to prioritize synthesis of these new structural analogs (compounds 4 and 5) that satisfied the steric and electrostatic model. Compounds 4 and 5 were evaluated for [³H]-batrachotoxinin-A-20-α-benzoate ([³H]-BTX-B) displacement yielding IC₅₀’s of 22 and 5.7 μM, respectively. We further examined the potency of these two compounds to inhibit neuronal sodium currents recorded from cultured hippocampal neurons. At a concentration of 50 μM, compounds 4 and 5 tonically inhibited sodium channels currents by 59 ± 7.8% (n = 5) and 70 ± 7.5% (n = 7), respectively. This clearly demonstrates that these compounds functionally antagonize native neuronal sodium channel currents. In summary, we have shown that CoMFA can be effectively used to discover new classes of sodium channel antagonists.     

Investigation of various N-heterocyclic substituted piperazine versions of 5/7-{[2-(4-aryl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-propyl-amino}-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-ol: Effect on affinity and selectivity for dopamine D3 receptor

Here we report on the design and synthesis of several heterocyclic analogues belonging to the 5/7-{[2-(4-aryl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-propyl-amino}-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-ol series of molecules. Compounds were subjected to [³H]spiperone binding assays, carried out with HEK-293 cells expressing either D2 or D3 dopamine receptors, in order to evaluate their inhibition constant (K_i) at these receptors. Results indicate that N-substitution on the piperazine ring can accommodate various substituted indole rings. The results also show that in order to maintain high affinity and selectivity for the D3 receptor the heterocyclic ring does not need to be connected directly to the piperazine ring as the majority of compounds included here are linked either via an amide or a methylene linker to the heterocyclic moiety. The enantiomers of the most potent racemic compound 10e exhibited differential activity with (?)-10e (K_i; D2 = 47.5 nM, D3 = 0.57 nM) displaying higher affinity at both D2 and D3 receptors compared to its enantiomer (+)-10e (K_i; D2 = 113 nM, D3 = 3.73 nM). Additionally, compound (?)-10e was more potent and selective for the D3 receptor compared to either 7-OH-DPAT or 5-OH-DPAT. Among the bioisosteric derivatives, the indazole derivative 10g and benzo[b]thiophene derivative 10i exhibited the highest affinity for D2 and D3 receptors. In the functional GTPγS binding study, one of the lead molecules, (?)-15, exhibited potent agonist activity at both D2 and D3 receptors with preferential affinity at D3.     

Discovery of new [1,4]dioxino[2,3-f]quinazoline-based inhibitors of EGFR including the T790M/L858R mutant

A novel series of 2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-f]quinazoline derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated as reversible and noncovalent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. Most of the compounds exhibited good potency against EGFR^wt and some showed moderate to excellent potency against EGFR^T790M/L858R mutant. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of twenty-one compounds against EGFR^wt were less than 50 nM, and those of six compounds were less than 10 nM. The IC₅₀ values of eleven compounds against EGFR^T790M/L858R were less than 100 nM. Among these, compound b1 displayed the most potent inhibitory activity against EGFR^wt (IC₅₀ = 2.0 nM) and EGFR^T790M/L858R (IC₅₀ = 6.9 nM). Compounds with excellent inhibitory activities against EGFR^wt and EGFR^T790M/L858R kinase inhibitory activities showed good antiproliferative activities against H358 and A549 cells. Docking study was performed to position compound b1 into the EGFR active pocket to determine the probable binding conformation.     

Tris-azaaromatic quaternary ammonium salts: Novel templates as antagonists at nicotinic receptors mediating nicotine-evoked dopamine release

A series of tris-azaaromatic quaternary ammonium salts has been synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediating nicotine-evoked [³H]dopamine release from superfused rat striatal slices and for inhibition of [³H]nicotine and [³H]methyllycaconitine binding to whole rat brain membranes. The 3-picolinium compound 1,3,5-tri-{5-[1-(3-picolinium)]-pent-1-ynyl}benzene tribromide (tPy3PiB), 3b, exhibited high potency and selectivity for nAChR subtypes mediating nicotine-evoked [³H]dopamine release with an IC₅₀ of 0.2 nM and I_max of 67%.     

SAR development of a series of 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-yloxy-benzamides as kappa opioid receptor antagonists. Part 2

Further structure activity relationship studies on a previously reported 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-yloxy-benzamide series of potent and selective kappa opioid receptor antagonists is discussed. Modification of the pendant N-substitution to include a cyclohexylurea moiety produced analogs with greater in vitro opioid and hERG selectivity such as 12 (κ IC₅₀ = 172 nM, μ:κ ratio = 93, δ:κ ratio = >174, hERG IC₅₀ = >33 μM). Changes to the linker conformation and identity as well as to the benzamide ring moiety were also investigated.     

Structural basis for α-conotoxin potency and selectivity

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating movement disorder characterized by altered levels of α₆β₂1 (1 indicates the possible presence of additional subunits) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) localized on presynaptic striatal catecholaminergic neurons. α-Conotoxin MII (α-CTx MII) is a highly useful ligand to probe α₆β₂ nAChRs structure and function, but it does not discriminate among closely related α₆1 nAChR subtypes. Modification of the α-CTx MII primary sequence led to the identification of α-CTx MII[E11A], an analog with 500–5300-fold discrimination between α₆1 subtypes found in both human and non-human primates. α-CTx MII[E11A] binds most strongly (femtomolar dissociation constant) to the high affinity α₆ nAChR, a subtype that is selectively lost in Parkinson’s disease. Here, we present the three-dimensional solution structure for α-CTx MII[E11A] as determined by two-dimensional ¹H NMR spectroscopy to 0.13 ± 0.09 ? backbone and 0.45 ± 0.08 ? heavy atom root-mean-square deviation from mean structure. Structural comparisons suggest that the increased hydrophobic area of α-CTx MII[E11A] relative to other members of the α-CTx family may be responsible for its exceptionally high affinity for α6α4β21 nAChR as well as discrimination between α₆β₂ and α₃β₂ containing nAChRs. This finding may enable the rational design of novel peptide analogs that demonstrate enhanced specificity for α₆1 nAChR subunit interfaces and provide a means to better understand nAChR structural determinants that modulate brain dopamine levels and the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease.     

Synthesis of novel disulfide and sulfone hybrid scaffolds as potent β-glucuronidase inhibitor

Novel series of disulfide and sulfone hybrid analogs (1 −2 0) were synthesized and characterized through EI-MS and ¹H NMR and evaluated for β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. All synthesized analogs except 13 and 15 showed excellent β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ value ranging in between 2.20–88.16 μM as compared to standard d-saccharic acid 1,4 lactone (48.4 ± 1.25 μM). Analogs 19, 16, 4, 1, 17, 6, 10, 3, 18, 2, 11, 14 and 5 showed many fold potent activity against β-glucuronidase inhibitor. Structure activity relationship showed that substitution of electron withdrawing groups at ortho as well as para position on phenyl ring increase potency. Electron withdrawing groups at meta position on phenyl ring showed slightly low potency as compared to ortho and para position. The binding interactions were confirmed through molecular docking studies.     

Triazinoindole analogs as potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase: Synthesis,biological evaluation and molecular docking studies

A new series of triazinoindole analogs 1–11 were synthesized, characterized by EI-MS and ¹H NMR, evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory potential. All eleven (11) analogs showed different range of α-glucosidase inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ value ranging between 2.46 ± 0.008 and 312.79 ± 0.06 μM when compared with the standard acarbose (IC₅₀, 38.25 ± 0.12 μM). Among the series, compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 11 showed excellent inhibitory potential with IC₅₀ values 2.46 ± 0.008, 37.78 ± 0.05, 28.91 ± 0.0, 38.12 ± 0.04, 37.43 ± 0.03, 36.89 ± 0.06 and 37.11 ± 0.05 μM respectively. All other compounds also showed good enzyme inhibition. The binding modes of these analogs were confirmed through molecular docking.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 3,4-diaryl lactam derivatives as triple reuptake inhibitors

A series of 3,4-diarylpyrrolidin-2-one was designed, prepared and evaluated as triple reuptake inhibitors for antidepressant. Most compounds exhibited comparable in vitro efficacy as norepinephrine and dopamine transporter reuptake inhibitors. Especially, 2i showed better potency than GBR-12909 (IC₅₀ = 14 nM) which was used as reference compound for dopamine transporter. In addition, 2a and 2b showed inhibition (5.17 μM–85.6 nM) for three transporters.