Himbacine derived thrombin receptor (PAR-1) antagonists: SAR of the pyridine ring

The structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the vinyl pyridine region of himbacine derived thrombin receptor (PAR-1) antagonists is described. A 2-vinylpyridyl ring substituted with an aryl or a heteroaryl group at the 5-position showed the best overall PAR-1 affinity and pharmacokinetic properties. One of the newly discovered analogs bearing a 5-(3-pyridyl) substituent showed excellent PAR-1 affinity (Ki = 22 nM) and oral activity with reduced ClogP and improved off-target selectivity compared to an earlier development candidate.     

Discovery of nor-seco himbacine analogs as thrombin receptor antagonists

Discovery of a novel nor-seco himbacine analog as potent thrombin receptor (PAR-1) antagonist is described. Despite low plasma level, these new analogs showed excellent ex vivo efficacy in the monkey platelet aggregation assay. A potent hydroxy metabolite generated in vivo was identified as the agent responsible for the ex vivo efficacy. Following this discovery, the metabolite series was optimized to obtain analogs that showed very good ex vivo efficacy along with excellent pharmacokinetic profile in c. monkey.     

Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationship studies of himbacine derived muscarinic receptor antagonists

A parallel synthesis of racemic himbacine analogs was carried out by N-alkylation of various commercially available cyclic amine derivatives with the alkylating agent 4 which bears the tricyclic unit of himbacine. Several of these analogs have potency comparable to that of himbacine, albeit lacking the desired selectivity. Structure-activity relationship studies support the existence of a hydrophobic pocket in the receptor where the piperidine ring of dihydrohimbacine binds.     

Polarization of the C. elegans zygote proceeds via distinct establishment and maintenance phases

Polarization of the C. elegans zygote along the anterior-posterior axis depends on cortically enriched (PAR) and cytoplasmic (MEX-5/6) proteins, which function together to localize determinants (e.g. PIE-1) in response to a polarizing cue associated with the sperm asters. Using time-lapse microscopy and GFP fusions, we have analyzed the localization dynamics of PAR-2, PAR-6, MEX-5, MEX-6 and PIE-1 in wild-type and mutant embryos. These studies reveal that polarization involves two genetically and temporally distinct phases. During the first phase (establishment), the sperm asters at one end of the embryo exclude the PAR-3/PAR-6/PKC3 complex from the nearby cortex, allowing the ring finger protein PAR-2 to accumulate in an expanding 'posterior' domain. Onset of the establishment phase involves the non-muscle myosin NMY-2 and the 14-3-3 protein PAR-5. The kinase PAR-1 and the CCCH finger proteins MEX-5 and MEX-6 also function during the establishment phase in a feedback loop to regulate growth of the posterior domain. The second phase begins after pronuclear meeting, when the sperm asters begin to invade the anterior. During this phase (maintenance), PAR-2 maintains anterior-posterior polarity by excluding the PAR-3/PAR-6/PKC3 complex from the posterior. These findings provide a model for how PAR and MEX proteins convert a transient asymmetry into a stably polarized axis.     

雷公藤二萜类化合物精细立体结构研究

雷公藤二萜内酯类化合物在结构上有一定的相似性:它们均含有3个六元环、1个五元内酯环和1～3个二元氧环,并且具有多种生物活性。本文选择了7个具有代表性的雷公藤二萜内酯化合物并通过X衍射分析获得其三维结构数据,以已有的药理实验数据为基础,对其精细立体结构变化和生物活性关系进行了探讨。研究结果表明:雷公藤萜内酯类化合物中的A、B、C三个六元环是其活性骨架的几何依托;18位上的羰基和7～8位上的三元氧环是其活性的可能结合部位;而该类化合物的活性部位则集中在C环的取代位置上;D环不是该类化合物具有生物活性的必需骨架部分。     

Activation of group VI phospholipase A2 isoforms in cardiac endothelial cells

The endothelium comprises a cellular barrier between the circulation and tissues. We have previously shown that activation of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) and PAR-2 on the surface of human coronary artery endothelial cells by tryptase or thrombin increases group VIA phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)β) activity and results in production of multiple phospholipid-derived inflammatory metabolites. We isolated cardiac endothelial cells from hearts of iPLA(2)β-knockout (iPLA(2)β-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice and measured arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin I(2) (PGI(2)), and platelet-activating factor (PAF) production in response to PAR stimulation. Thrombin (0.1 IU/ml) or tryptase (20 ng/ml) stimulation of WT endothelial cells rapidly increased AA and PGI(2) release and increased PAF production. Selective inhibition of iPLA(2)β with (S)-bromoenol lactone (5 μM, 10 min) completely inhibited thrombin- and tryptase-stimulated responses. Thrombin or tryptase stimulation of iPLA(2)β-KO endothelial cells did not result in significant PAF production and inhibited AA and PGI(2) release. Stimulation of cardiac endothelial cells from group VIB (iPLA(2)γ)-KO mice increased PAF production to levels similar to those of WT cells but significantly attenuated PGI(2) release. These results indicate that cardiac endothelial cell PAF production is dependent on iPLA(2)β activation and that both iPLA(2)β and iPLA(2)γ may be involved in PGI(2) release.     

Antimicrobial activity of some 2-amino-5-subsituted pyridine derivatives

A series of 2-amino-5-substituted pyridine derivatives were prepared and evaluated against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria under laboratory conditions. Position 4 on the pyridine ring has notable fungicidal and bactericidal activity, greater than position 3 and/or position 6. Reaction of 1-hydroxymethyl benzotriazole with the amino group of the pyridine ring gave better fungicidal activity than substitution on the carbon of the pyridine ring (compound 4 versus 1c). Replacing the benzotriazole moiety with thiophenol exhibited the strongest fungicidal and bactericidal activity in this series (compound 3).     

Protease-activated receptor 1 knockout reduces experimentally induced liver fibrosis

Thrombin inhibition protects against liver fibrosis. However, it is not known whether the thrombin profibrogenic effect is due to effects on blood coagulation or to signaling via protease-activated receptors (PARs). We took advantage of the lack of blood coagulation defects in PAR-1-knockout mice. Acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) toxicity was similar in wild-type (WT), PAR-1(-/-), and PAR-1(+/-) mice as judged by aminotransferase levels, area of liver necrosis, and liver peroxidation measured by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Fifteen mice/group received CCl(4) or its solvent for 6 wk (300 microl/kg, 3 times a week). Fibrosis area was increased 10-fold by CCl(4) treatment in WT mice. PAR-1 deficiency protected against fibrosis, with 36% and 56% decrease in PAR-1(+/-) and PAR-1(-/-) mice, respectively (P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for area of activated fibrogenic cells (64% and 79% decrease in PAR-1(+/-) and PAR-1(-/-) mice, respectively, P < 0.001). These findings were corroborated by measurements of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and PDGF-beta receptor mRNA levels. There was also a significant decrease in T lymphocyte infiltration in PAR-1-deficient mice. Altogether, these results suggest that thrombin profibrogenic effects are independent of effects on blood coagulation and are instead due to direct effects on fibrogenic cells and possibly on T lymphocytes.     

Conformation of the N(CH3)2 group in cytosine and in simple model pyrimidines and pyridines. Steric effects of ortho-methyl substitution on infrared spectra and molecular dipole moments

Infrared spectra of amino and dimethylamino derivatives with and without an ortho-methyl group of 4- and 5-substituted pyrimidines, 4-substituted pyridine, benzene and of the respective cytosines were recorded in the region of skeletal ring vibrations. Integrated intensities of ring vibration(s) v8 at about 1600 cm-1 sensitive to the presence of electron-donating substituents were used for elucidation of the steric effects of ortho-methyl on the mesomeric interaction between the -N(CH3)2 group and the ring. Molecular dipole moments were also determined experimentally in benzene for simple pyrimidine and pyridine derivatives and analysed vectorially with the use of component group moments in terms of the N(CH3)2 group conformation. The data point to a progressive twist of the dimethylamino group in hindered derivatives in the order: pyrimidine-5 greater than pyridine-4 greater than pyrimidine-4. They are also in agreement with the essential planarity of sterically crowded m41,4,4,5cytosine.     

A competing salt-bridge suppresses helix formation by the isolated C-peptide carboxylate of ribonuclease A

The C-peptide of ribonuclease A (residues 1 to 13) is obtained by cyanogen bromide cleavage at Met13, which converts methionine to a mixture of homoserine lactone (giving C-peptide lactone) and homoserine carboxylate (giving C-peptide carboxylate). The helix-forming properties of C-peptide lactone have been reported. The helix is formed intramolecularly in aqueous solution, is stabilized at low temperatures (0 to 20 °C) and also by a pH-dependent interaction between sidechains. The C-peptide lactone helix is about 1000-fold more stable than expected from “host-guest” data for helix formation in synthetic polypeptides.Here we report the failure of C-peptide carboxylate to form an α-helix in comparable conditions. Formation of a salt-bridge between the α-COO^? group and the imidazolium ring of His12⁺ appears to be responsible for the suppression of helix formation. The presence of the Hse13-COO^? … His12⁺ salt-bridge in C-peptide carboxylate is shown by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance titration of the amide proton resonances of His12 and Hse13, and is expected from model peptide studies. The most probable reason why C-peptide carboxylate does not form an α-helix is that the Hse13-COO^? … His12⁺ salt-bridge competes successfully with a helix stabilizing salt-bridge (Glu9^? … His12⁺).S-peptide (residues 1 to 20 of ribonuclease A) does form an α-helix with properties similar to those of the C-peptide (lactone) helix, which shows that the lactone ring of C-peptide lactone is not needed for helix formation.These results support the hypothesis that a Glu9^? … His12⁺ salt-bridge stabilizes the C-peptide (lactone) helix, and they show that specific interactions between side-chains can be important in preventing as well as in promoting α-helix formation.     

Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2): structure-function study of receptor activation by diverse peptides related to tethered-ligand epitopes

Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) is a tethered-ligand, G-protein-coupled receptor that is activated by proteolytic cleavage or by small peptides derived from its cleaved N-terminal sequence, such as SLIGRL-NH2. To assess specific PAR activity, we developed an immortalized murine PAR-1 (-/-) cell line transfected with either human PAR-2 or PAR-1. A "directed" library of more than 100 PAR agonist peptide analogues was synthesized and evaluated for PAR-2 and PAR-1 activity to establish an in-depth structure-function profile for specific action on PAR-2. The most potent agonist peptides (EC50 = 2-4 microM) had Lys at position 6, Ala at position 4, and pFPhe at position 2; however, these also exhibited potent PAR-1 activity (EC50 = 0.05-0.35 microM). We identified SLIARK-NH2 and SL-Cha-ARL-NH2 as relatively potent, highly selective PAR-2 agonists with EC50 values of 4 microM. Position 1 did not tolerate basic, acidic, or large hydrophobic amino acids. N-Terminal capping by acetyl eliminated PAR-2 activity, although removal of the amino group reduced potency by just 4-fold. At position 2, substitution of Leu by Cha or Phe gave equivalent PAR-2 potency, but this modification also activated PAR-1, whereas Ala, Asp, Lys, or Gln abolished PAR-2 activity; at position 3, Ile and Cha were optimal, although various amino acids were tolerated; at position 4, Ala or Cha increased PAR-2 potency 2-fold, although Cha introduced PAR-1 activity; at position 5, Arg or Lys could be replaced successfully by large hydrophobic amino acids. These results with hexapeptide C-terminal amides that mimic the native PAR-2 ligand indicate structural modes for obtaining optimal PAR-2 activity, which could be useful for the design of PAR-2 antagonists.     

Stereospecific synthesis of chiral caprolactone monomers from D-glucose

The synthesis and characterisation of a novel chiral bicyclic oxacaprolactone is reported. The choice of diisopropylidene-D-glucose as a starting material allowed selective introduction of the synthetic equivalent necessary for the formation of the seven-membered ring of the lactone, i.e., one carbon atom and the carbonyl of the ester which was to become the carbonyl group of the lactone. In order to complete the formation of the seven-membered ring, via intramolecular lactonisation, it was necessary to excise carbon six and to establish a primary alcohol group at C-5. The lactone was fully characterised and available for ring-opening polymerisation.     

Thrombin receptor induction by injury-related factors in human skeletal muscle cells

Thrombin is involved in tissue repair through its proteolytic activation of a specific thrombin receptor (PAR-1). Previous studies have shown that serine proteases and their inhibitors are involved in neuromuscular junction plasticity. We hypothesized that thrombin could also be involved during skeletal muscle inflammation. Thus we investigated the expression of PAR-1 in human myoblasts and myotubes in vitro and its regulation by injury-related factors. The functionality of this receptor was tested by measuring thrombin's ability to elicit Ca2+ signals. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry demonstrated the presence of PAR-1 in myoblasts but not in myotubes unless they were treated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (10 ng/ml), interleukin-1beta (5 ng/ml), or transforming growth factor-beta(1) (10 ng/ml). The addition of 10 nM alpha-thrombin evoked a strong Ca2+ signal in myoblasts while a limited response in myotubes was observed. However, in the additional presence of injury-related factors, the amplitude of the Ca2+ response was significantly enhanced, representing 88, 65, 48% of their respective basal level, compared to 27% of that obtained in controls. Moreover, immunochemical studies on human skeletal muscle biopsies of patients suffering from inflammatory myopathies showed an overexpression of PAR-1. These results suggest that PAR-1 synthesis may be induced in response to muscle injury, thereby implicating thrombin signaling in certain muscle inflammatory diseases.     

Quaternary salts of 4,3' and 4,4' bis-pyridinium monooximes. Part 2: synthesis and biological activity

In continuation of our investigations of unsymmetrical bisquaternary monooximes, we synthesized four new series of compounds bridged by hexyl, heptyl, octyl and nonyl groups. All eight monooximes viz., dibromides of 1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)6-(3/4-carbamoylpyridinium)hexane, 1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-7-(3/4-carbamoylpyridinium)heptane, 1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-8-(3/4-carbamoylpyridinium)octane, 1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-9-(3/4-carbamoylpyridinium)nonane as well as the corresponding bis-oximes were synthesized and characterized by spectral data. Their ability to reactivate tetraethylpyrophosphate (TEPP) inhibited mouse total brain cholinesterase was investigated and compared with the conventional oxime 2-pyridinealdoxime chloride (2-PAM). Mouse brain homogenate was used as the source of acetylcholinesterase. Among all the compounds, tested the compound with the hexylene bridge (6b) and a 3-carbamoyl group on the second pyridine ring was found to be the most active acetylcholinesterase reactivator (72%) which is greater than that of 2-PAM (56%). However, the activity was reversed; as the chain length increased from a heptylene to a nonylene bridge, they potentiated the inhibitory effect of TEPP rather than reactivation. It is interesting to note that compound 6b with a carbamoyl group at the 3rd position of the pyridine ring showed dose dependent reactivation whereas the corresponding compound 6a with the carbamoyl group present at the 4th position of the pyridine ring showed reactivation at lower concentration (30 microM) and potentiation of TEPP inhibition at higher concentrations (100 and 300 microM).     

Crystal structures of a quorum-quenching antibody

A large number of Gram-negative bacteria employ N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) as signaling molecules in quorum sensing, which is a population density-dependent mechanism to coordinate gene expression. Antibody RS2-1G9 was elicited against a lactam mimetic of the N-acyl homoserine lactone and represents the only reported monoclonal antibody that recognizes the naturally-occuring N-acyl homoserine lactone with high affinity. Due to its high cross-reactivity, RS2-1G9 showed remarkable inhibition of quorum sensing signaling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common opportunistic pathogen in humans. The crystal structure of Fab RS2-1G9 in complex with a lactam analog revealed complete encapsulation of the polar lactam moiety in the antibody-combining site. This mode of recognition provides an elegant immunological solution for tight binding to an aliphatic, lipid-like ligand with a small head group lacking typical haptenic features, such as aromaticity or charge, which are often incorporated into hapten design to generate high-affinity antibodies. The ability of RS2-1G9 to discriminate between closely related AHLs is conferred by six hydrogen bonds to the ligand. Conversely, cross-reactivity of RS2-1G9 towards the lactone is likely to originate from conservation of these hydrogen bonds as well as an additional hydrogen bond to the oxygen of the lactone ring. A short, narrow tunnel exiting at the protein surface harbors a portion of the acyl chain and would not allow entry of the head group. The crystal structure of the antibody without its cognate lactam or lactone ligands revealed a considerably altered antibody-combining site with a closed binding pocket. Curiously, a completely buried ethylene glycol molecule mimics the lactam ring and, thus, serves as a surrogate ligand. The detailed structural delineation of this quorum-quenching antibody will aid further development of an antibody-based therapy against bacterial pathogens by interference with quorum sensing.     

Synthesis and characterization of 3-thiophene carboxamides containing a pyridine ring: structure, electrochemistry, and complexation

A series of new thiophene amides containing a pyridine ring has been synthesized and characterized. Single crystal X-ray structures have been determined for four of the new substances which show two distinct patterns of hydrogen-bonding. The crystal structure of the copper (II) complex of one of the ligands shows that the bonding is O,N in a square planar geometry with perchlorate ions in the axial positions. The new compounds do not undergo electropolymerization due to primary oxidation of the amide function but tuning of the amide group by introduction of an electron-withdrawing group on the pyridine ring allows electropolymerization to occur.     

Oxalone and lactone moieties of podophyllotoxin exhibit properties of both the B and C rings of colchicine in its binding with tubulin

Thermodynamics of podophyllotoxin binding to tubulin and its multiple points of attachment with tubulin has been studied in detail using isothermal titration calorimetry. The calorimetric enthalpy of the association of podophyllotoxin with tubulin is negative and occurs with a negative heat capacity change (DeltaC(p) = -2.47 kJ mol(-)(1) K(-)(1)). The binding is unique with a simultaneous participation of both hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding forces with unfavorable negative entropic contribution at higher temperature, favored with an enthalpy-entropy compensation. Interestingly, the binding of 2-methoxy-5-(2',3',4'-trimethoxyphenyl)tropone (AC, a colchicine analogue without the B ring) with tubulin is enthalpy-favored. However, the podophyllotoxin-tubulin association depending upon the temperature of the reaction has a favorable entropic and enthalpic component, which resembles both B- and C-ring properties of colchicine. On the basis of the crystal structure of the podophyllotoxin-tubulin complex, distance calculations have indicated a possible interaction between threonine 179 of alpha-tubulin and the hydroxy group on the D ring of podophyllotoxin. To confirm the involvement of the oxalone moiety as well as the lactone ring of podophyllotoxin in tubulin binding, analogues of podophyllotoxin are synthesized with methoxy substitution at the 4' position of ring D along with its isomer and another analogue epimerized at ring E. From these results, involvement of oxalone as well as the lactone ring of the drug in a specific orientation inclusive of ring A is indicated for podophyllotoxin-tubulin binding. Therefore, podophyllotoxin, like colchicine, behaves as a bifunctional ligand having properties of both the B and C rings of colchicine by making more than one point of attachment with the protein tubulin.     

Structural requirements of some sulphonamides that possess an antifertility activity in male rats

Sulphonamides with different chemical structures were synthesized and these 13 compounds together with 7 commercially available sulpha drugs were tested for antifertility activity by natural mating in male rats. All compounds were given daily by gastric intubation at doses of 125, 150, 250 or 450 mg/kg for 6 weeks. Sulphapyridine caused a dose-related and reversible reduction in fertility at doses between 125 and 450 mg/kg. At the high dose, fertility was reduced to 25.9% of control at 5 weeks after treatment, and complete recovery occurred by 3 weeks after drug withdrawal. This activity was abolished when the pyridine ring was substituted by other heterocyclic rings, except sulphachloropyridazine which had only weak activity. Replacement of the pyridine ring by a hydrogen atom or short aliphatic chains preserved or even enhanced the potency. Thus, sulphanilamide, N1-methylsulphanilamide or N1-diethylsulphanilamide produced a marked but reversible reduction in fertility. Removal or substitution of the N4-amino group on the benzene ring of sulphapyridine with a methyl group destroyed the activity. However, the bromo or nitro analogue (at the para- but not the meta-position of the benzene ring) still possessed some activity. N4-Acetyl derivatives of sulphapyridine, sulphanilamide, and N1-diethylsulphanilamide were as potent as their parent compounds. These results suggest that the presence of pyridine or other heterocyclic rings is not necessary for the antifertility activity of sulphonamide compounds. However, the N4-amino group is indispensable. In addition, acetylation of this amino group does not change the potency. The prototype of the antifertility sulphonamides therefore seems to be sulphanilamide.     

Studies on the receptors mediating responses of osteoblasts to thrombin

The serine protease thrombin stimulates proliferation in osteoblasts, but decreases alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, a marker of osteoblast differentiation. Three thrombin receptors have been identified, protease activated receptor (PAR)-1, PAR-3 and PAR-4; we have previously demonstrated that mouse osteoblasts express PAR-1 and PAR-4. The effect of thrombin on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation was studied to determine which of the thrombin receptors is responsible for the primary effects of thrombin. Primary mouse calvarial osteoblasts from PAR-1-null and wild-type mice, and synthetic peptides that specifically activate PAR-1 (TFFLR-NH2) and PAR-4 (AYPGKF-NH2) were used. Both the PAR-1-activating peptide and thrombin stimulated incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (two to four-fold, P < 0.001) and reduced alkaline phosphatase activity (approximately three-fold, P < 0.05) in cells from wild-type mice. The PAR-4-activating peptide, however, had no effect on either alkaline phosphatase activity or proliferation in these cells. Neither thrombin nor PAR-4-activating peptide was able to affect osteoblast proliferation or alkaline phosphatase activity in cells isolated from PAR-1-null mice. The results demonstrate that thrombin stimulates proliferation and inhibits differentiation of osteoblasts through activation of PAR-1. No other thrombin receptor appears to be involved in these effects.     

The Drosophila PAR-1 spacer domain is required for lateral membrane association and for polarization of follicular epithelial cells

The Ser/Thr kinases of the PAR-1/MARK/Kin1 family are conserved regulators of polarity in epithelial and non-epithelial cells . Drosophila PAR-1 localizes laterally in the follicular epithelium of the ovary , where it has been shown to function at two distinct levels: It stabilizes the cytoskeleton and it regulates apical-basal polarity by directly inhibiting lateral assembly of the apical aPKC/Bazooka/PAR-6 complex . However, it has been unclear how lateral localization of Drosophila PAR-1 is achieved and whether this localization contributes to epithelial polarity in vivo. Here we show that, through its spacer domain, Drosophila PAR-1 accumulates on the lateral plasma membrane (PM) in cells of the follicular epithelium (FE). Rescue experiments indicate that in FE cells PAR-1 kinase activity is essential for all the described functions of PAR-1. In contrast, the spacer domain of PAR-1 is required for apical-basal polarity and growth control but is dispensable for microtubule (MT) stabilization. Our data indicate that the spacer domain of PAR-1 is required for lateral PM localization of PAR-1 kinase and for development of a polarized FE.