Inhibition of cathepsin G by 2-amino-3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones: kinetic investigations and docking studies

A series of benzoxazinones was used to investigate the interaction of human cathepsin G with acyl-enzyme inhibitors. With respect to the primary specificity of cathepsin G, inhibitors with hydrophobic or basic residues at position 2 were included in the study. Parameters of the enzyme acylation and deacylation were determined by slow-binding kinetics in the presence of a chromogenic substrate. For selected inhibitors, the time course of the enzyme-catalyzed conversion of the inhibitors was followed. This approach was suitable to elucidate a rate-determining deacylation step. Docking simulations of the noncovalent enzyme-inhibitor complexes were performed and several clusters were analyzed for each inhibitor. The amino acids of the active site that participate in the binding of the inhibitors were determined. The arrangements in several clusters of an inhibitor were not uniform with respect to the orientation by which the inhibitor was bound in the S(1) pocket. Docking of the basic piperazino derivatives 6 and 10 indicated an interaction with Glu 226 at the bottom of the S(1) specificity pocket. The (N-methyl)benzylamino derivative 1 showed the strongest acylation rate (k(on)=1200 M(-1) s(-1)), which was attributed to a high extent of pseudo-productive orientations of the noncovalent preassociation complex.     

Inhibition of chymotrypsin and pancreatic elastase by 4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones

Eight 3,1-Benzoxazin-4-ones have been used to inactivate chymotrypsin and pancreatic elastase. Whereas 6,7-dimethoxy substitution only slightly decreased the acylation rate constant, the deacylation reaction was nearly unaffected. Bulky alkoxy groups in position 2 of the heterocyclic moiety were shown to increase enormously the acylation rate of chymotrypsin, but not that of elastase.     

Benzenesulfonamide derivatives of 2-substituted 4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones and benzthiazin-4-ones as inhibitors of complement C1r protease

A series of 2-sulfonyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazinones was prepared that inhibit C1r protease in vitro. Several compounds were found to be selective for C1r verses the related serine protease trypsin. Selected compounds demonstrated functional activity in a hemolysis assay.     

Synthesis and anti-elastase properties of 6-amino-2-phenyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one aminoacyl and dipeptidyl derivatives

A series of 6-amino-2-phenyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one aminoacyl and dipeptidyl derivatives, in which aminoacids and dipeptides are linked to the benzoxazinone moiety via an amide bond, were synthesized and tested in vitro for their inhibitory activity towards human leukocyte elastase (HLE). When compared to their values without inhibitors, the residual enzymatic activities decrease with time, indicating a time-dependent inhibition. The most potent inhibitions were obtained when Z-Arg-(Pmc), Z-Val-Phe, Z-Ala-Val or Z-Val-Ala are linked to the 6-amino group. Twenty-five new compounds were synthesized.     

Inhibitors of the tissue factor/factor VIIa-induced coagulation: synthesis and in vitro evaluation of novel specific 2-aryl substituted 4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones

The synthesis of a series of novel 2-aryl substituted 4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-ones and their evaluation as specific inhibitors of the Tissue Factor (TF)/Factor VIIa (FVIIa)-induced pathway of coagulation is reported. Inhibitory activities (IC50 values) in the range 0.17 to > 40 microM on the activation of Factor X (FX) by the TF/FVIIa complex were found for compounds having one or two electronegative substituents such as F, Cl and NO2 in the 2-aryl substituent. Different substitutions both electron-attracting and donating groups were allowed in the 5, 6, 7 and 8 positions. Several of the compounds showed a selectivity ratio towards FX and thrombin of > 50, thus being the first small molecules described as potential drugs for oral antithrombotic treatment without side effects such as bleeding which is observed especially with thrombin inhibitors. The best substituent pattern being the 2-aryl group substituted with: 2-F; 2,6-F2; or 2-FX; 6-Cl; together with electronegative substitution in the 5, 6, 7, or 8 positions. 2-Heteroaryl substituents like thienyl and furanyl were of low activity while some 2-(2-chloro-3-pyridyl) derivatives had inhibitory activity < 10 microM and a good selectivity.     

Inhibition of chymase activity by phosphoglycerides

The activity of chymase was markedly inhibited by phosphoglycerides such as phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol, but was not affected by acylglycerides, phosphoglyceroserine, serine, inositol, or glycerol. These results suggest that both the nonpolar hydrophobic hydrocarbon tails and the polar hydrophilic head are essential for the inhibitory effects of phosphoglycerides. Binding of a primary amine to an anionic polar head of phosphatidic acid, such as in phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine, slightly decreased the inhibitory effect of phosphatidic acid and, conversely, binding of a strong cation to the head, such as in phosphatidylcholine, resulted in its activation of chymase. Phosphatidic acid containing an unsaturated fatty acid, such as dioleoyl phosphatidic acid, caused the same extent of inhibition as natural phosphatidic acid from bovine brain, but was 20 times more inhibitory than phosphatidic acid containing a saturated fatty acid, such as distearoyl phosphatidic acid. The inhibition by phosphatidylserine was noncompetitive and pseudoirreversible, and the K_i value was 0.54 μm. The inhibition of chymase by phosphatidylserine was pH dependent, being strong at pH 8.5 to 9.5 but weak below pH 7.5. Phosphatidylserine specifically inhibited chymase and elastase; it did not inhibit the other chymotrypsin-type serine endopeptidases tested, trypsin, papain, collagenase, carboxypeptidase A, or cathepsin D.     

Induction and detoxification of maize 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones by insect herbivores

In monocotyledonous plants, 1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐ones, also referred to as benzoxazinoids or hydroxamic acids, are one of the most important chemical barriers against herbivores. However, knowledge about their behavior after attack, mode of action and potential detoxification by specialized insects remains limited. We chose an innovative analytical approach to understand the role of maize 1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐ones in plant–insect interactions. By combining unbiased metabolomics screening and simultaneous measurements of living and digested plant tissue, we created a quantitative dynamic map of 1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐ones at the plant–insect interface. Hypotheses derived from this map were tested by specifically developed in vitro assays using purified 1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐ones and active extracts from mutant plants lacking 1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐ones. Our data show that maize plants possess a two‐step defensive system that effectively fends off both the generalist Spodoptera littoralis and the specialist Spodoptera frugiperda. In the first step, upon insect attack, large quantities of 2‐β‐d ‐glucopyranosyloxy‐4,7‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐one (HDMBOA‐Glc) are formed. In the second step, after tissue disruption by the herbivores, highly unstable 2‐hydroxy‐4,7‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐one (HDMBOA) is released by plant‐derived β‐glucosidases. HDMBOA acts as a strong deterrent to both S. littoralis and S. frugiperda. Although constitutively produced 1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐ones such as 2,4‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐one (DIMBOA) are detoxified via glycosylation by the insects, no conjugation of HDMBOA in the insect gut was found, which may explain why even the specialist S. frugiperda has not evolved immunity against this plant defense. Taken together, our results show the benefit of using a plant–insect interface approach to elucidate plant defensive processes and unravel a potent resistance mechanism in maize.     

Inhibition of chymase activity by long chain fatty acids

The activity of chymase was markedly inhibited by fatty acids with carbon chain lengths of 14-22 at doses greater than 0.02 microM, irrespective of the number of double bonds. Cis acids with a carbon chain length of 18, such as stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid were potent inhibitors, whereas the trans isomer of oleic acid, elaidic acid, showed less inhibitory activity. The extent of inhibition by oleyl alcohol was almost the same as that by oleic acid, suggesting that the acid moiety itself was not necessary for the inhibition; but a fatty acid with a terminal functional amide, oleamide, showed little inhibitory activity. The inhibition was noncompetitive and was reversible, and the Ki value of oleic acid was 2.7 microM. Stearic acid and oleic acid inhibited all chymotrypsin-type serine endopeptidases tested. The ID50 values of these fatty acids for atypical mast cell protease were higher than those for the other chymotrypsin-type serine endopeptidases tested. Other proteases, such as papain, trypsin, collagenase, and carboxypeptidase A, except cathespin D, were not affected by stearic or oleic acid.     

Biosynthesis of 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones in Zea mays

¹⁴C- and ¹⁵N-anthranilic acid are incorporated into the 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones in maize seedling leaves with low dilution of the isotope. o-Aminophenol and 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid are not incorporated and are probably not intermediates. The cyclic hydroxamic acid and lactam members of the 1,4-benzoxazin-3-one group of compounds are readily interconverted.     

Combinatorial approaches to harmacophoric heterocycles: A solid-phase synthesis of 3,1-benzoxazine-4-ones

An efficient solid-phase synthesis of 3,1-benzoxazine-4-ones is described. Immobilized amino acid based functionalized urea derivatives 2 undergo a high yielding heterocyclization under mild conditions in presence of coupling reagents (DIC, TsCl/Py, or Ac2O) to afford 3,1-benzoxazine-4-ones 6. The method offers broad scope for structural and chemical diversity, and is amenable for combinatorial synthesis of 3,1-benzoxazine-4-ones libraries with potential for discovery of novel serine protease inhibitors. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 2-alkenylchroman-4-ones, 2-alkenylthiochroman-4-ones and 2-alkenylquinol-4-ones

2-Alkenylchroman-4-ones, 2-alkenylthiochroman-4-ones, and 2-alkenylquinol-4-ones were prepared with very good regioselectivity by Me3SiOTf-mediated conjugate addition of alkenylmagnesium bromides and alkenyllithium compounds to chromones thiochromones, and quinol-4-ones. A number of products exhibit a considerable antimicrobial activity. The best activity, with respect to the spectrum of antimicrobial activity, was observed for 2-vinylchroman-4-ones containing an unsubstituted vinyl group and a chloride group located at the chromanone moiety.     

Investigation of 4-amino-5-alkynylpyrimidine-2(1H)-ones as anti-mycobacterial agents

In vitro anti-mycobacterial activities of novel 4-amino-5-alkynylpyrimidine-2(1H)-ones were investigated. 4-Amino-5-heptynylpyrimidine-2(1H)-one (3) and 4-amino-5-(2-phenylethynyl)pyrimidine-2(1H)-one (7) displayed potent in vitro activity against Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Compounds 3 and 7 were also assessed for their in vivo activity in BALB/c mice infected with M. tuberculosis (H37Ra). Both compounds showed promising in vivo efficacy at a dose of 25 mg/kg for 2 weeks. Importantly, compounds 3 and 7 interacted synergistically with the front-line anti-tuberculosis drug isoniazid in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that this class of compounds has strong anti-mycobacterial potential.     

Contents of 1,4-benzoxazin-3-ones and 2-benzoxazolinone from Stenandrium dulce (Nees)

Secondary metabolites, DIBOA, HBOA, 7-OH-HBOA and BOA, were isolated and quantified from S. dulce (Nees), a native species in Chile belonging to the Acanthaceae family. The highest DIBOA and HBOA contents were determined in leaves (9.25 mmol kg(-1) fr. wt) and root (6.81 mmol kg(-1) fr. wt), respectively. Aglycones, 7-OH-HBOA and HBOA, were isolated together from root extracts of Acanthaceae species. Both, HBOA and 7-OH-HBOA should be direct precursors in the biosynthesis of DIBOA and DIMBOA, respectively.     

Oxidative condensation of 2-amino-4-methylphenol to dihydrophenoxazinone compound by human hemoglobin.

2-Amino-4-methylphenol was converted to a brownish yellow material by the lysates of human erythrocytes or purified human hemoglobin. The reaction proceeded oxidatively, coupled with the oxidation of hemoglobin. The major component of the brownish yellow material produced by oxidative condensation of 2-amino-4-methylphenol was identified as 3-amino-1,4 alpha-dihydro-4 alpha, 8-dimethyl-2H-phenoxazin-2-one on the basis of its spectral data including NMR spectra, IR spectra, EI mass spectra, and absorption spectra. The changes in 3-amino-1,4 alpha-dihydro-4 alpha,8-dimethyl-2H-phenoxazin-2-one during incubation of purified human hemoglobin and 2-amino-4-methylphenol were analyzed spectrophotometrically and by using HPLC. The reaction mechanism involved may be similar to that of actinomycin synthase, which oxidizes 2-amino-5-methylphenol to the dihydrophenoxazinone.     

The synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 3-amino-4-benzylquinolin-2-ones; discovery of novel KCNQ2 channel openers

3-amino-4-benzylquinolin-2-ones have been identified as a novel class of KCNQ2 channel openers. Synthesis and SAR is described along with their electrophysiological evaluation as activators of the cloned mKCNQ2 channel expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The preliminary SAR data suggest the importance of both the trifluoromethylsulfonamido group and electron-withdrawing substituents on the quinolone nucleus for expression of KCNQ2 channel opening properties.     

Synthesis and biofilm inhibition studies of 2-(2-amino-6-arylpyrimidin-4-yl)quinazolin-4(3H)-ones

Synthesis of novel 4(3H)-quinazolinonyl aminopyrimidine derivatives has been achieved via quinazolinonyl enones which in turn were obtained from 2-acyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone. They have been assayed for biofilm inhibition against Gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)) and Gram-negative bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii). The analogues with 2,4,6-trimethoxy phenyl, 4-methylthio phenyl, and 3-bromo phenyl substituents (5h, 5j & 5k) have been shown to inhibit biofilm formation efficiently in MRSA with IC₅₀ values of 20.7–22.4 μM). The analogues 5h and 5j have demonstrated low toxicity in human cells in vitro and can be investigated further as leads.     

Highly efficient inhibition of human chymase by alpha(2)-macroglobulin.

The inhibition of human chymase by the protease inhibitor alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha2M) was investigated. Titration of chymase hydrolytic activity with purified alpha2M showed that approximately 1 mol of alpha2M tetramer inhibits 1 mol of chymase. Inhibition was associated with cleavage of the alpha2M bait region and formation of a 200-kDa covalent complex. NH(2)-terminal sequencing of chymase-treated alpha2M revealed cleavage at bonds Phe684-Tyr685 and Tyr685-Glu686 of the bait region. alpha2M pretreated with methylamine, an inactivator of alpha2M, did not inhibit chymase. The apparent second-order rate constant for inhibition (k(ass)) was 5 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1), making alpha2M the most efficient natural protein protease inhibitor of chymase so far described. The k(ass) value for inhibition was decreased approximately 10-fold by addition of heparin, a glycosaminoglycan produced by mast cells that binds to chymase. Heparin did not change significantly the stoichiometry of inhibition or block covalent complex formation. These results indicate that alpha2M is an important inhibitor to consider in the regulation of human chymase.