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From previous studies, it is evident that metal-organic gold(I) complexes have antiproliferative activities. The aim of this study is not only to find new anticancer agents but also to overcome existing cytostatic resistance in cancer cells. The synthesis and medicinal evaluation of two cationic 1,3-disubstituted gold(I) bis-tetrazolylidene complexes 1 and 2 are reported. To determine apoptosis-inducing properties of the complexes, DNA fragmentation was measured using propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry. Gold(I) complex 1 targets explicitly malignant cells, effectively inhibiting their growth and selectively inducing apoptosis without signs of necrosis. Even in cells resistant to common treatments such as doxorubicin, it overcomes multidrug resistance and sensitizes existing drug-resistant cells to common cytostatic drugs. It is assumed that gold(I) complex 1 involves the mitochondrial pathway in apoptosis and targets members of the BCL-2 family, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.

Since the largest and most fatal Ebola virus epidemic during 2014-2016, there have been several consecutive filoviral outbreaks in recent years, including those in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Ongoing outbreak prevalence and limited FDA-approved filoviral therapeutics emphasize the need for novel small molecule treatments. Here, we showcase the structure-activity relationship development of N-substituted pyrrole-based heterocycles and their potent, submicromolar entry inhibition against diverse filoviruses in a target-based pseudovirus assay. Inhibitor antiviral activity was validated using replication-competent Ebola, Sudan, and Marburg viruses. Mutational analysis was used to map the targeted region within the Ebola virus glycoprotein. Antiviral counter-screen and phospholipidosis assays were performed to demonstrate the reduced off-target activity of these filoviral entry inhibitors. Favorable antiviral potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties of the N-substituted pyrrole-based heterocycles support their potential as broad-spectrum antifiloviral treatments.

A series of novel five-membered sulfur-containing heterocyclic nucleoside derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. The structure-activity relationship studies revealed that some of them showed obvious antitumor activities in several cancer cell lines. Among them, compound 22o exhibited remarkable antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells and was more potent than cisplatin (IC 50 = 2.80 vs 7.99 μM). Furthermore, mechanism studies indicated that 22o inhibited cell metastasis, induced cell apoptosis, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and activated autophagy through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, drug affinity responsive target stability and the cellular thermal shift assay revealed that 22o targeted RPS6 and inhibited its phosphorylation. Importantly, 22o inhibited the growth of the HeLa xenograft mouse model with a low systemic toxicity. These results indicated that 22o may serve as potent anticancer agents that merit further attention in future anticancer drug discovery.

Antagonism of the human adenosine A 3 receptor (hA 3 R) has potential therapeutic application. Alchemical relative binding free energy calculations of K18 and K32 suggested that the combination of a 3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-isoxazolyl group with 2-pyridinyl at the ends of a carbonyloxycarboximidamide group should improve hA 3 R affinity. Of the 25 new analogues synthesized, 37 and 74 showed improved hA 3 R affinity compared to K18 (and K32 ). This was further improved through the addition of a bromine group to the 2-pyridinyl at the 5-position, generating compound 39 . Alchemical relative binding free energy calculations, mutagenesis studies and MD simulations supported the compounds' binding pattern while suggesting that the bromine of 39 inserts deep into the hA 3 R orthosteric pocket, so highlighting the importance of rigidification of the carbonyloxycarboximidamide moiety. MD simulations highlighted the importance of rigidification of the carbonyloxycarboximidamide, while suggesting that the bromine of 39 inserts deep into the hA 3 R orthosteric pocket, which was supported through mutagenesis studies 39 also selectively antagonized endogenously expressed hA 3 R in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma cells, while pharmacokinetic studies indicated low toxicity enabling in vivo evaluation. We therefore suggest that 39 has potential for further development as a high-affinity hA 3 R antagonist.

Disrupting microtubule dynamics has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, drug resistance remains a challenge hindering the development of microtubule-targeting agents. In this work, a novel class of diaryl substituted fused heterocycles were designed, synthesized, and evaluated, which were demonstrated as effective dual katanin and tubulin regulators with antitumor activity. Following three rounds of stepwise optimization, compound 21b , featuring a 3 H -imidazo[4,5- b ]pyridine core, displayed excellent targeting capabilities on katanin and tubulin, along with notable antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects. Mechanistic studies revealed that 21b disrupts the microtubule network in tumor cells, leading to G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Importantly, 21b exhibited significant inhibition of tumor growth in MDA-MB-231 and A549/T xenograft tumor models without evident toxicity and side effects. In conclusion, compound 21b presents a novel mechanism for disrupting microtubule dynamics, warranting further investigation as a dual-targeted antitumor agent with potential antimultidrug resistance properties.

A series of heterocyclic ring-fused derivatives of bisnoralcohol (BA) were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Most of these derivatives possessed potent antiosteoporosis activities in a dose-dependent manner. Among these compounds, 31 (SH442, IC 50 = 0.052 μM) exhibited the highest potency, displaying 100% inhibition at 1.0 μM and 82.8% inhibition at an even lower concentration of 0.1 μM, which was much more potent than the lead compound BA (IC 50 = 2.325 μM). Cytotoxicity tests suggested that the inhibitory effect of these compounds on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation did not result from their cytotoxicity. Mechanistic studies revealed that SH442 inhibited the expression of osteoclastogenesis-related marker genes and proteins, including TRAP, TRAF6, c-Fos, CTSK, and MMP9. Especially, SH442 could significantly attenuate bone loss of ovariectomy mouse in vivo . Therefore, these BA derivatives could be used as promising leads for the development of a new type of antiosteoporosis agent.

DAG-lactones represent useful templates for the design of potent and selective C1 domain ligands for PKC isozymes. The ester moiety at the sn -1 position, a common feature in this template, is relevant for C1 domain interactions, but it represents a labile group susceptible to endogenous esterases. An interesting challenge involves replacing the ester group of these ligands while still maintaining biological activity. Here, we present the synthesis and functional characterization of novel diacylglycerol-lactones containing heterocyclic ring substituents at the sn -1 position. Our results showed that the new compound 10B12 , a DAG-lactone with an isoxazole ring, binds PKCα and PKCε with nanomolar affinity. Remarkably, 10B12 displays preferential selectivity for PKCε translocation in cells and induces a PKCε-dependent reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton into peripheral ruffles in lung cancer cells. We conclude that introducing a stable isoxazole ring as an ester surrogate in DAG-lactones emerges as a novel structural approach to achieve PKC isozyme selectivity.

Ring systems in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes are ubiquitous chemical motifs. While the synthesis of common ring systems is well described and novel ring systems can be readily and computationally enumerated, the synthetic accessibility of unprecedented ring systems remains a challenge. "Ring Breaker" uses a data-driven approach to enable the prediction of ring-forming reactions, for which we have demonstrated its utility on frequently found and unprecedented ring systems, in agreement with literature syntheses. We demonstrate the performance of the neural network on a range of ring fragments from the ZINC and DrugBank databases and highlight its potential for incorporation into computer aided synthesis planning tools. These approaches to ring formation and retrosynthetic disconnection offer opportunities for chemists to explore and select more efficient syntheses/synthetic routes.

Drug discovery programs of covalent irreversible, mechanism-based enzyme inhibitors often focus on optimization of potency as determined by IC 50 -values in biochemical assays. These assays do not allow the characterization of the binding activity ( K i ) and reactivity ( k inact ) as individual kinetic parameters of the covalent inhibitors. Here, we report the development of a kinetic substrate assay to study the influence of the acidity (p K a ) of heterocyclic leaving group of triazole urea derivatives as diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL)-α inhibitors. Surprisingly, we found that the reactivity of the inhibitors did not correlate with the p K a of the leaving group, whereas the position of the nitrogen atoms in the heterocyclic core determined to a large extent the binding activity of the inhibitor. This finding was confirmed and clarified by molecular dynamics simulations on the covalently bound Michaelis-Menten complex. A deeper understanding of the binding properties of covalent serine hydrolase inhibitors is expected to aid in the discovery and development of more selective covalent inhibitors.

Herein, a novel series of multireceptor ligands was developed as polypharmacological antipsychotic agents using the designed multiple ligand approach between dopamine receptors and serotonin receptors. Among them, compound 47 possessed unique pharmacological features, exhibiting high affinities for D 2 , D 3 , 5-HT 1A , 5-HT 2A , and 5-HT 6 receptors and low efficacy at the off-target receptors (5-HT 2C , histamine H 1 , and adrenergic α 1 receptor). Compound 47 showed dose-dependent inhibition of apomorphine- and MK-801-induced motor behavior, and the conditioned avoidance response with low cataleptic effect. Moreover, compound 47 resulted nonsignificantly serum prolactin levels and weight gain change compared with risperidone. Additionally, compound 47 possessed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with oral bioavailability of 58.8% in rats. Furthermore, compound 47 displayed procognition properties in a novel object recognition task in rats. Taken together, compound 47 may constitute a novel class of atypical antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia.

Targeting allosteric sites at M 1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors is a promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Positive allosteric modulators not only may potentiate binding and/or signaling of the endogenous agonist acetylcholine (ACh) but also may possess direct agonist activity (thus referred to as PAM-agonists). Recent studies suggest that PAM-agonists with robust intrinsic efficacy are more likely to produce adverse effects in vivo. Herein we present the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of pyrrole-3-carboxamides with a diverse range of allosteric profiles. We proposed structural modifications at top, core, or pendant moieties of a prototypical molecule. Although generally there was a correlation between the degree of agonist activity and the modulatory potency of the PAMs, some derivatives displayed weak intrinsic efficacy yet maintained strong allosteric modulation. We also identified molecules with the ability to potentiate mainly the affinity or both affinity and efficacy of ACh.

Modafinil is a wake promoting compound with high potential for cognitive enhancement. It is targeting the dopamine transporter (DAT) with moderate selectivity, thereby leading to reuptake inhibition and increased dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft. A series of modafinil analogues have been reported so far, but more target-specific analogues remain to be discovered. It was the aim of this study to synthesize and characterize such analogues and, indeed, a series of compounds were showing higher activities on the DAT and a higher selectivity toward DAT versus serotonin and norepinephrine transporters than modafinil. This was achieved by substituting the amide moiety by five- and six-membered aromatic heterocycles. In vitro studies indicated binding to the cocaine pocket on DAT, although molecular dynamics revealed binding different from that of cocaine. Moreover, no release of dopamine was observed, ruling out amphetamine-like effects. The absence of neurotoxicity of a representative analogue may encourage further preclinical studies of the above-mentioned compounds.

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is the infectious disease responsible for the highest number of deaths worldwide. Herein, 22 new N-oxide-containing compounds were synthesized followed by in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their antitubercular potential against Mtb. Compound 8 was found to be the most promising compound, with MIC 90 values of 1.10 and 6.62 μM against active and nonreplicating Mtb, respectively. Additionally, we carried out in vivo experiments to confirm the safety and efficacy of compound 8; the compound was found to be orally bioavailable and highly effective, leading to a reduction of Mtb to undetectable levels in a mouse model of infection. Microarray-based initial studies on the mechanism of action suggest that compound 8 blocks translation. Altogether, these results indicate that benzofuroxan derivative 8 is a promising lead compound for the development of a novel chemical class of antitubercular drugs.

The development of new efficient therapeutics for the treatment of malaria and cancer is an important endeavor. Over the past 15 years, much attention has been paid to the synthesis of dimeric structures, which combine two units of artemisinin, as lead compounds of interest. A wide variety of atemisinin-derived dimers containing different linkers demonstrate improved properties compared to their parent compounds (e.g., circumventing multidrug resistance), making the dimerization concept highly compelling for development of efficient antimalarial and anticancer drugs. The present Perspective highlights recent developments on different types of artemisinin-derived dimers and their structural and functional features. Particular emphasis is put on the respective in vitro and in vivo studies, exploring the role of the length and nature of linkers on the activities of the dimers, and considering the future prospects of the dimerization concept for drug discovery.

The inhibition of corticosteroid biosynthesis could be considered as an emerging strategy to reduce their abnormally high levels, and in this framework CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 represent the most promising targets. In continuing our studies on flavonoid-like scaffolds as privileged structures in medicinal chemistry, in this paper we describe a small library of pyridyl- and imidazolylmethylchromones as potential inhibitors of these enzymes. Testing results proved that position 3 of the chromone scaffold is the most favorable for the introduction of the heme-coordinating heterocycles and, among them, the 4-imidazolyl moiety is the most convenient for the interaction with the heme iron of the selected cytochromes. A low nanomolar inhibitor of CYP11B1 (5c) was obtained, endowed with reasonable selectivity toward CYP11B2 and able to better discriminate with respect to CYP17 and CYP19.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease where motor neurons in cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord die progressively, resulting in muscle wasting, paralysis, and death. Currently, effective therapies for ALS are lacking; however, identification of pathological TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) as the hallmark lesion in sporadic ALS suggests new therapeutic targets for pharmacological intervention. Pathological TDP-43 phosphorylation appears to drive the onset and progression of ALS and may result from upregulation of the protein kinase CK-1 in affected neurons, resulting in postranslational TDP-43 modification. Consequently, brain penetrant specific CK-1 inhibitors may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating ALS and other TDP-43 proteinopathies. Using a chemical genetic approach, we report the discovery and further optimization of a number of potent CK-1δ inhibitors. Moreover, these small heterocyclic molecules are able to prevent TDP-43 phosphorylation in cell cultures, to increase Drosophila lifespan by reduction of TDP-43 neurotoxicity, and are predicted to cross the blood-brain barrier. Thus, N-(benzothiazolyl)-2-phenyl-acetamides are valuable drug candidates for further studies and may be a new therapeutic approach for ALS and others pathologies in which TDP-43 is involved.

XIAP is a key regulator of apoptosis, and its overexpression in cancer cells may contribute to their survival. The antiapoptotic function of XIAP derives from its BIR domains, which bind to and inhibit pro-apoptotic caspases. Most known IAP inhibitors are selective for the BIR3 domain and bind to cIAP1 and cIAP2 as well as XIAP. Pathways activated upon cIAP binding contribute to the function of these compounds. Inhibitors selective for XIAP should exert pro-apoptotic effects through competition with the terminal caspases. This paper details our synthetic explorations of a novel XIAP BIR2-selective benzazepinone screening hit with a focus on increasing BIR2 potency and overcoming high in vivo clearance. These efforts led to the discovery of benzoxazepinone 40, a potent BIR2-selective inhibitor with good in vivo pharmacokinetic properties which potentiates apoptotic signaling in a manner mechanistically distinct from that of known pan-IAP inhibitors.

The IAPs are key regulators of the apoptotic pathways and are commonly overexpressed in many cancer cells. IAPs contain one to three BIR domains that are crucial for their inhibitory function. The pro-survival properties of XIAP come from binding of the BIR domains to the pro-apoptotic caspases. The BIR3 domain of XIAP binds and inhibits caspase 9, while the BIR2 domain binds and inhibits the terminal caspases 3 and 7. While XIAP BIR3 inhibitors have previously been reported, they also inhibit cIAP1/2 and promote the release of TNFα, potentially limiting their therapeutic utility. This paper will focus on the optimization of selective XIAP BIR2 inhibitors leading to the discovery of highly potent benzodiazepinone 36 (IC50 = 45 nM), which has high levels of selectivity over XIAP BIR3 and cIAP1 BIR2/3 and shows efficacy in a xenograft pharmacodynamic model monitoring caspase activity while not promoting the release of TNFα in vitro.

A new series of bile acid-based trioxanes 23a-d, 24a-d, 25a-d, 26a, 26b, and 26d have been synthesized and assessed for their antimalarial activity against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii in Swiss mice by oral route. The antimalarial activity of these trioxanes showed a strong dependence on the side-chain length; shortening side-chain length lead to increase in activity. The antimalarial activity also showed even stronger dependence on the stereochemistry at C3 and C6 (C21 in Figure 5) of the trioxane moiety. Of the two diastereomers isolated of each of the trioxanes, more polar one was significantly more active than the less polar one. The more polar diastereomer of the trioxanes 26a, 26b, and 26d, were the most active compounds of the series. All these three trioxanes provided 100% protection at 24 mg/kg×4 days. In this model β-arteether provided 100% and 20% protection at 48 mg/kg×4 days and 24 mg/kg×4 days, respectively.

Hypoxia imaging is important for diagnosis of ischemic diseases, and thus various (18)F-labeled radiopharmaceuticals have been developed. However, (18)F-labeling requires multistep procedures including azeotropic distillation, which is complicated and difficult to automate. Recently, (18)F-labeling method using Al-F complex in aqueous solution was devised that offered a straightforward (18)F-labeling procedure. We synthesized nitroimidazole derivatives conjugated with 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4-diacetic acid (NODA) that can be labeled with (18)F using Al-F complex and examined their radiochemistries, in vitro and in vivo biological properties, and animal PET imaging characteristics. We found that the synthesized derivatives have excellent (18)F-labeling efficiencies, high stabilities, specific uptakes in cultured hypoxic tumor cells, and high tumor to nontumor ratios in xenografted mice. Furthermore, the derivatives were labeled with (18)F in a straightforward manner within 15 min at high labeling efficiencies and radiochemical purities. In conclusion, (18)F-labeled NODA-nitroimidazole conjugates were developed and proved to be promising hypoxia PET agents., (© 2012 American Chemical Society)

Cyclotriazadisulfonamide (CADA) inhibits HIV at submicromolar levels by specifically down-modulating cell-surface and intracellular CD4. The specific biomolecular target of CADA compounds is unknown, but previous studies led to an unsymmetrical binding model. To test this model, methods were developed for effective synthesis of diverse, unsymmetrical CADA compounds. A total of 13 new, unsymmetrical target compounds were synthesized, as well as one symmetrical analogue. The new compounds display a wide range of potency for CD4 down-modulation in CHO·CD4-YFP cells. VGD020 (IC(50) = 46 nM) is the most potent CADA compound discovered to date, and VGD029 (IC(50) = 730 nM) is the most potent fluorescent analogue. Structure-activity relationships are analyzed from the standpoint of additive or nonadditive energy effects of different substituents. They appear to be consistent with the zipper-type mechanism in which entropy costs are reduced for additional stabilizing interactions between the small molecule and its protein target., (© 2011 American Chemical Society)

Structural simplification of an antimitotic natural product podophyllotoxin with mimetic heterocyclic scaffolds constructed using multicomponent reactions led to the identification of compounds exhibiting low nanomolar antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties. The most potent compounds were found in the dihydropyridopyrazole, dihydropyridonaphthalene, dihydropyridoindole, and dihydropyridopyrimidine scaffold series. Biochemical mechanistic studies performed with dihydropyridopyrazole compounds showed that these heterocycles inhibit in vitro tubulin polymerization and disrupt the formation of mitotic spindles in dividing cells at low nanomolar concentrations, in a manner similar to podophyllotoxin itself. Separation of a racemic dihydropyridonaphthalene into individual enantiomers demonstrated that only the optical antipode matching the absolute configuration of podophyllotoxin possessed potent anticancer activity. Computer modeling, performed using the podophyllotoxin binding site on β-tubulin, provided a theoretical understanding of these successful experimental findings.

The synthesis, characterization, and antimalarial evaluation of a new series of potential antimalarial molecules, named trioxaferroquines, are reported. Trioxaferroquines are hybrid antimalarial drugs containing a 1,2,4-trioxane covalently linked to ferroquine (Fq), a synthetic ferrocenylquinoline derivative currently under clinical development. The aim was to combine, within a single structure, an iron(II) species, a 1,2,4-trioxane, as in artemisinin, and a substituted quinoline, as in chloroquine.

Bis-tetraazamacrocycles such as the bicyclam AMD3100 (1) are a class of potent and selective anti-HIV-1 agents that inhibit virus replication by binding to the chemokine receptor CXCR4, the coreceptor for entry of X4 viruses. By sequential replacement and/or deletion of the amino groups within the azamacrocyclic ring systems, we have determined the minimum structural features required for potent antiviral activity in this class of compounds. All eight amino groups are not required for activity, the critical amino groups on a per ring basis are nonidentical, and the overall charge at physiological pH can be reduced without compromising potency. This approach led to the identification of several single ring azamacrocyclic analogues such as AMD3465 (3d), 36, and 40, which exhibit EC(50)'s against the cytopathic effects of HIV-1 of 9.0, 1.0, and 4.0 nM, respectively, antiviral potencies that are comparable to 1 (EC(50) against HIV-1 of 4.0 nM). More importantly, however, the key structural elements of 1 required for antiviral activity may facilitate the design of nonmacrocyclic CXCR4 antagonists suitable for HIV treatment via oral administration.

Small aromatic ring systems are of central importance in the development of novel synthetic protein ligands. Here we generate a complete list of 24,847 such ring systems. We call this list and associated annotations VEHICLe, which stands for virtual exploratory heterocyclic library. Searches of literature and compound databases, using this list as substructure queries, identified only 1701 as synthesized. Using a carefully validated machine learning approach, we were able to estimate that the number of unpublished, but synthetically tractable, VEHICLe rings could be over 3000. However, analysis also shows that the rate of publication of novel examples to be as low as 5-10 per year. With this work, we aim to provide fresh stimulus to creative organic chemists by highlighting a small set of apparently simple ring systems that are predicted to be tractable but are, to the best of our knowledge, unconquered.

A new series of bis-1,2,4-trioxanes 12a-h, 13a-h, and 14a-h and tris-1,2,4-trioxanes 12i-14i were prepared and evaluated against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii in Swiss mice by oral route. Cyclopentane-based bis-trioxanes 12a, 12b, 12f-h and cyclohexane-based bis-trioxanes 13a, 13f, and 13g showed promising activity. All the tris-1,2,4-trioxanes were found to be inactive. Bis-trioxane 12a, the most active compound of the series, provided 100% and 80% protection to infected mice at 48 and 24 mg/kg x 4 days, respectively. Clinically useful drug beta-arteether provided 100% and 20% protection at similar doses.

New 1,2,4-thiadiazolylnitrones and furoxanylnitrones were developed and evaluated as neuroprotective agents on a human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells model. They inhibited at low micromolar concentrations the oxidative damage and the death induced by exposure to hydrogen peroxide. These heteroarylnitrones showed excellent peroxyl free radical absorbance capacities, analyzed by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay with fluorescein as the fluorescent probe, ranging from 1.5- to 16.5-fold the value of the reference nitrone, alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN). The electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) demonstrated the ability of these derivatives to directly trap and stabilize oxygen, carbon, and sulfur-centered free radicals. These results demonstrated the potential use of these heteroarylnitrones as neuroprotective agents in preventing the death of cells exposed to enhanced oxidative stress and damage.

The synthesis and evaluation of a refined series of alpha-ketoheterocycles based on the oxazole 2 (OL-135) incorporating systematic changes in the central heterocycle bearing a key set of added substituents are described. The nature of the central heterocycle, even within the systematic and minor perturbations explored herein, significantly influenced the inhibitor activity: 1,3,4-oxadiazoles and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles 9 > tetrazoles, the isomeric 1,2,4-oxadiazoles 10, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles > oxazoles including 2 > 1,2-diazines > thiazoles > 1,3,4-triazoles. Most evident in these trends is the observation that introduction of an additional heteroatom at position 4 (oxazole numbering, N > O > CH) substantially increases activity that may be attributed to a reduced destabilizing steric interaction at the FAAH active site. Added heterocycle substituents displaying well-defined trends may be utilized to enhance the inhibitor potency and, more significantly, to enhance the inhibitor selectivity. These trends, exemplified herein, emerge from both enhancements in the FAAH activity and simultaneous disruption of binding affinity for competitive off-target enzymes.

The mechanisms of action of three C-10 non-acetal trioxane dimers (TDs) were examined in human (LNCaP) and mouse (TRAMP-C1A and -C2H) prostate cancer cell lines. 1 (AJM3/23), 2 (GHP-TM-III-07w), and 3 (GHP-KB-06) inhibited cell growth with 3 being the most potent in C1A (GI50 = 18.0 nM), C2H (GI50 = 17.0 nM), and LNCaP (GI50 = 17.9 nM) cells. In comparison to a standard cytotoxic agent such as doxorubicin (GI50 = 45.3 nM), 3 (GI50 = 17.9 nM) inhibited LNCaP cell growth more potently. TDs induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in LNCaP cells and decreased cells in the S phase. These changes correlated with modulation of G1 phase cell cycle proteins including decreased cyclin D1, cyclin E, and cdk2 and increased p21waf1 and p27Kip1. TDs also promoted apoptosis in LNCaP cells with increased expression of proapoptotic bax. These results demonstrate that TDs are potentially useful agents that warrant further preclinical development for treatment of prostate cancer.

A potent, cell-permeable, conformationally constrained second mitochondria derived activator of caspase mimetic (SM-131, 2) has been designed, synthesized, and evaluated. Compound 2 binds to X-linked inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (XIAP) with a Ki of 61 nM in a competitive binding assay and directly antagonizes the XIAP inhibition of caspase-9 activity in a cell-free functional assay. Compound 2 achieves an IC50 of 100 nM in inhibition of cell growth and effectively induces cell death in the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line.

Using easily accessible keto-trioxanes 7a-g as the starting materials, a series of new variously functionalized 1,2,4-trioxanes 10-36 have been prepared and evaluated for antimalarial activity against multi-drug-resistant Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis in mice in the dose range of 24 mg/kg x 4 days to 96 mg/kg x 4 days by oral route. Trioxanes 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 have shown promising antimalarial activity. Trioxanes 14 and 18, the two most active compounds of the series, provide 100% and 60% protection at 48 mg/kg x 4 days and 24 mg/kg x 4 days, respectively. In this model beta-arteether provides 100% and 20% protection at 48 mg/kg x 4 days and 24 mg/kg x 4 days, respectively.

In only two steps and in 63% overall yield, naturally occurring 1,2,4-trioxane artemisinin (1) was converted into C-10-carba trioxane conjugated diene dimer 4. This new dimer was then transformed easily in one additional 4 + 2-cycloaddition step into phthalate dimer 5, and further modification led to bis-benzyl alcohol dimer 7 and its phosphorylated analogues 8 and 9. Bis-benzyl alcohol dimer 7 is the most antimalarially active in vitro, 10 times more potent than artemisinin (1). Bis-benzyl alcohol dimer 7 is approximately 1.5 times more orally efficacious in rodents than the antimalarial drug sodium artesunate and is about 37 times more efficacious than sodium artesunate via subcutaneous administration. Both dimers 5 and 7 are thermally stable neat even at 60 degrees C for 24 h. Phthalate dimer 5 is very highly growth inhibitory but not cytotoxic toward several human cancer cell lines; both dimers 5 and 7 very efficiently and selectively kill human cervical cancer cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner with no cytotoxic effects on normal cervical cells.

HIV attachment via the CD4 receptor is an important target for developing novel approaches to HIV chemotherapy. Cyclotriazadisulfonamide (CADA) inhibits HIV at submicromolar levels by specifically down-modulating cell-surface and intracellular CD4. An effective five-step synthesis of CADA in 30% overall yield is reported. This synthesis has also been modified to produce more than 50 analogues. Many tail-group analogues have been made by removing the benzyl tail of CADA and replacing it with various alkyl, acyl, alkoxycarbonyl and aminocarbonyl substituents. A series of sidearm analogues, including two unsymmetrical compounds, have also been prepared by modifying the CADA synthesis, replacing the toluenesulfonyl sidearms with other sulfonyl groups. Testing 30 of these compounds in MT-4 cells shows a wide range of CD4 down-modulation potency, which correlates with ability to inhibit HIV-1. Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) models were constructed using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) approaches. The X-ray crystal structures of four compounds, including CADA, show the same major conformation of the central 12-membered ring. The solid-state structure of CADA was energy minimized and used to generate the remaining 29 structures, which were similarly minimized and aligned to produce the 3D-QSAR models. Both models indicate that steric bulk of the tail group, and, to a lesser extent, the sidearms mainly determine CD4 down-modulation potency in this series of compounds.

The in vivo behavior of copper(II)-cyclen complexes was modified via substitution of the parent ligand with two different substituents, 4-tert-butylbenzyl and acetate. This was achieved by using same synthetic strategy (regioselective protection/first alkylation/deprotection/second alkylation) to give nine cyclen derivatives. The X-ray structure of [Cu(2c)Cl]+ (2c = 1-(4-tert-butylbenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane) showed that the chlorine ion from the reaction mixture occupied the remaining apical position of a square pyramidal coordination environment of these Cu-cyclen complexes. Eight out of nine compounds were labeled with 64Cu in high radiochemical purity. log P measurements showed that the lipophilicities of the copper complexes were increased dramatically by attaching hydrophobic substituents on the nitrogen atoms of cyclen. Conversely, as the number of acetate groups increased, the lipophilicity was decreased. The biodistribution of Cu-cyclen complexes was found to be influenced mostly by the overall charge of the complexes rather than their lipophilicity. Positively charged (+2) complexes showed high blood retention at early time points with sluggish clearance from liver by 24 h. The attachment of even one acetate group onto cyclen accelerated blood and liver clearance dramatically compared to +2 charged Cu(II) complexes. Neutral trans-substituted Cu-4 showed the best clearance and lowest retention of doses from all organs most time, followed by -1 charged complex Cu-2. Trans-substituted complexes structure isomers Cu-3 and Cu-4 showed better clearance and lower retention from all organs than their cis-counterparts Cu-5 and Cu-6.

In an effort to discover potent, clinically useful thrombin inhibitors, a rapid analogue synthetic approach was used to explore the P(1) region. Various benzylamines were coupled to a pyridine/pyrazinone P(2)-P(3) template. One compound with an o-thiadiazole benzylic substitution was found to have a thrombin K(i) of 0.84 nM. A study of ortho-substituted five-membered-ring heterocycles was undertaken and subsequently demonstrated that the o-triazole and tetrazole rings were optimal. Combination of these potent P(1) aryl heterocycles with a variety of P(2)-P(3) groups produced a compound with an extraordinary thrombin inhibitory activity of 1.4 pM. It is hoped that this potency enhancement in P(1) will allow for more diversification in the P(2)-P(3) region to ultimately address additional pharmacological concerns.

Polyfluorinated carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) show very good inhibitory properties against carbonic anhydrase (CA) and excellent in vivo antiglaucoma properties after topical administration in rabbits. Still, the pentafluorinated compounds reported previously by this group (Scozzafava et al. J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 4542-4551) showed high reactivity with thiol groups of cysteine, glutathione, and presumably other proteins containing such moieties, which may lead to severe ocular side effects. Here, we report an approach for obtaining fluorinated CA inhibitors without the undesired enhanced reactivity. Thus, new compounds have been obtained by attaching moieties with reduced reactivity toward aromatic substitution reactions to the molecules of aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamides possessing derivatizable amino moieties. The employed tails of the 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoyl, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluophenylsulfonyl, and pentafluorophenylureido types induced excellent CA inhibitory properties in the new reported sulfonamides, mainly against the isozymes involved in aqueous humor secretion, CA II and CA IV, whereas affinity for CA I was lower. Several low-nanomolar CA II inhibitors were detected, which did not react with cysteine or glutathione, in contrast to the corresponding perfluorinated compounds previously reported. These derivatives also showed a potent reduction of the intraocular pressure (IOP) in hypertensive rabbits, amounting to 13-21 mmHg at 1 h postadministration (compared to 5 mmHg obtained with dorzolamide, a clinically used drug), and the decreased IOP was maintained for 4-5 h after the administration. These compounds constitute valuable candidates for obtaining topically acting antiglaucoma CA inhibitors of a new generation, with enhanced efficacy, prolonged duration of action, and reduced side effects.

From the discovery of competitive hexapeptide inhibitors, potent and selective HCV NS3 protease macrocyclic inhibitors have been identified. Structure-activity relationship studies were performed focusing on optimizing the N-terminal carbamate and the aromatic substituent on the (4R)-hydroxyproline moiety. Inhibitors meeting the potency criteria in the cell-based assay and with improved oral bioavailability in rats were identified. BILN 2061 was selected as the best compound, the first NS3 protease inhibitor reported with antiviral activity in man.

We have used quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) techniques, together with pharmacophore modeling, to investigate the relationships between the structures of a wide variety of geminal bisphosphonates and their activity in inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption. For aryl-X (X = alkyl, oxyalkyl, and sulfanylalkyl) derivatives of pamidronate and one alendronate, a molecular field analysis (MFA) yielded an R(2) value of 0.900 and an F-test of 54 for a training set of 29 compounds. Using reduced training sets, the activities of 20 such compounds were predicted with an average error of 2.1 over a 4000x range in activity. Such good results were only obtained when using the X-ray crystallographic structure of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) bound to the target enzyme, farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPP synthase), to guide the initial molecular alignment. For a series of heterocyclic bisphosphonates, use of the MFA method yielded an R(2) of 0.873 and an F-test of 36 for a training set of 26 compounds. Using a reduced training set, the activities of 20 compounds were predicted with an average error of 2.5 over a 2000x range in activity. With the heterocyclic compounds, test calculations indicated the importance of correct choice of protonation of the heterocyclic rings. For example, thiazoles, pyrazoles, and triazoles have low ( approximately 2-3) pK(a) values and the derived bisphosphonates are inactive in bone resorption since they cannot readily be side chain protonated and are thus poor carbocation reactive intermediate analogues. On the other hand, aminothiazoles, imidazoles, pyridyl, and aminopyridyl species typically have pK(a) values in the range approximately 5-9 and, in the absence of unfavorable steric interactions, the corresponding bisphosphonates are generally good inhibitors. However, aminoimidazole bisphosphonates are generally less active, since their pK(a)s ( approximately 11) are so high, due to guanidinium-like resonance, that they cannot readily be deprotonated, which we propose results in poor cellular uptake. The results of pharmacophore modeling using the Catalyst program revealed the importance of two negative ionizable and one positive charge feature for both aryl-X and heterocyclic pharmacophores, together with the presence of a distal hydrophobic feature in the aryl bisphosphonate and a more proximal aromatic feature in the heterocyclic bisphosphonate pharmacophores. When taken together, these results show that it is now possible to predict the activity, within a factor of about 2.3, of a wide range of aryl-X and heterocyclic bisphosphonates. The results emphasize the importance of utilizing crystallographic structural information to guide the initial alignment of extended bisphosphonates, and in the case of heterocyclic bisphosphonates, the importance of side chain protonation state. These simple ideas may facilitate the design of other, novel bisphosphonates, of use in bone resorption therapy, and as antiparasitic and immunotherapeutic agents.

Novel 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N',N' '-triacetic acid (NOTA) based octadentate ligands [2-(4,7-biscarboxymethyl[1,4,7]triazacyclononan-1-ylethyl)carbonylmethylamino]acetic acid tetrahydrochloride (1) and [3-(4,7-biscarboxymethyl[1,4,7]triazacyclononan-1-yl-propyl)carbonylmethylamino]acetic acid tetrahydrochloride (2) with pendent donor groups as potential yttrium chelators for radioimmunotherapy (RIT) have been prepared via a convenient and high-yield cyclization route. The complexation kinetics of the novel chelates with Y(III) was investigated and compared to that of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N' ',N" '-tetraacetic acid (DOTA), a macrocyclic chelating agent well recognized as forming very stable complexes with yttrium but also limited in usage because of slow Y(III) complex formation rates. The in vitro stability of the corresponding (88)Y-labeled complexes in human serum was assessed by measuring the release of (88)Y from the complexes over 14 days. The in vivo biodistribution of (86)Y-labeled 1 in mice was evaluated and compared to that of the (86)Y-DOTA complex. Formation of the Y complex of 1 was significantly more rapid than that of either 2 or DOTA. Serum stability of the (88)Y complex formed with 1 was equivalent to the DOTA complex, while the complex formed with 2 proved to be significantly unstable. The results obtained from a biodistribution study indicate that the (86)Y-1 complex possesses in vivo stability comparable to the analogous DOTA complex.

A mixture-based combinatorial library of 14-membered macrocycles was synthesized to target ribosomal RNA and uncover a new class of antibacterial agents. High-throughput screening identified a macrocyclic mixture that inhibited cell-free-coupled transcription/translation in Escherichia coli-derived extracts, with an IC(50) value in the 25-50 microM range. In a follow-up library of 64 single macrocycles, 8 gave IC(50) values ranging from 12 to 50 microM in the cell-free protein synthesis inhibition assay. Some of the macrocycles were screened in a translation inhibition assay, and IC(50) values generally paralleled those obtained in the uncoupled transcription/translation assay. Additional analogues were prepared in a preliminary structure-activity relationship study, and more potent macrocycles were identified with low micromolar activity (IC(50) values = 2-3 microM). Some of these macrocycles displayed antibacterial activity against lipopolysaccharide mutant E. coli bacterial cells (IC(50) values = 12-50 microM).

A series of 52 conformationally constrained butyrophenones have been synthesized and pharmacologically tested as antagonists at 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2B), and 5-HT(2C) serotonin receptors, useful for dissecting the role of each 5-HT(2) subtype in pathophysiology. These compounds were also a consistent set for the identification of structural features relevant to receptor recognition and subtype discrimination. Six compounds were found highly active (pK(i) > 8.76) and selective at the 5-HT(2A) receptor vs 5-HT(2B) and/or 5-HT(2C) receptors. Piperidine fragments confer high affinity at the 5-HT(2A) receptor subtype, with benzofuranone- and thiotetralonepiperidine as the most selective derivatives over 5-HT(2C) and 5-HT(2B) receptors, respectively; K(i) (2A/2C) and/or K(B) (2A/2B) ratios greater than 100 were obtained. Compounds showing a more pronounced selectivity at 5-HT(2A)/5-HT(2C) than at 5-HT(2A)/5-HT(2B) bear 6-fluorobenzisoxazolyl- and p-fluorobenzoylpiperidine moieties containing one methylene bridging the basic piperidine to the alkanone moiety. An ethylene bridge between the alkanone and the amino moieties led to ligands with higher affinities for the 5-HT(2B) receptor. Significant selectivity at the 5-HT(2B) receptor vs 5-HT(2C) was observed with 1-1[(1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-3-naphthyl)methyl]-4-[3-(p-fluorobenzoyl)propyl]piperazine (more than 100-fold higher). Although piperidine fragments also confer higher affinity at 5-HT(2C) receptors, only piperazine-containing ligands were selective over 5-HT(2A). Moderate selectivity was observed at 5-HT(2C) vs 5-HT(2B) (10-fold) with some compounds bearing a 4-[3-(6-fluorobenzisoxazolyl)]piperidine moiety in its structure. Molecular determinants for antagonists acting at 5-HT(2A) receptors were identified by 3D-QSAR (GRID-GOLPE) studies. Docking simulations at 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors suggest a binding site for the studied type of antagonists (between transmembrane helices 2, 3, and 7) different to that of the natural agonist serotonin (between 3, 5, and 6).

Heterocyclic derivatives of (R,S)/(S,R)-1-(2-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediamine (L1) were synthesized and tested for estrogen receptor binding. The selection of the heterocycles was based on theoretical consideration. (2R,3S)/(2S,3R)-2-(2-Chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)piperazine 2, (4R,5S)/(4S,5R)-4-(2-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-imidazoline 3, and 4-(2-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(2,6-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)imidazole 4 possess a spatial structure with neighboring aromatic rings as is realized in hormonally active [1,2-diphenylethylenediamine]platinum(II) complexes. The 1,2-diphenylethane pharmacophor, however, cannot adapt an antiperiplanar conformation to interact with the estrogen receptor (ER) comparable to synthetic (e.g., diethylstilbestrol (DES)) or steroidal (e.g., estradiol (E2)) estrogens. Due to the different spatial structures, the heterocycles cause only a marginal displacement of E2 from its binding site (relative binding affinity (RBA) < 0.1%). Nevertheless, unequivocally ER mediated gene activation was verified on the MCF-7-2a cell line. Imidazoline 3 as the most active compound reached the maximum effect of E2 (100% activation) in a concentration of 5 x 10(-7) M, while piperazine 2 and imidazole 4 activate luciferase expression only in a small but significant amount of 20% and 27%, respectively. We therefore assigned these heterocyclic compounds to a second class of hormones (type-II-estrogens), which are attached at the ER at different amino acids than DES or E2 (type-I-estrogens).

Three new peptidomimetics (1-3) have been developed with highly stable and conformationally constrained macrocyclic components that replace tripeptide segments of protease substrates. Each compound inhibits both HIV-1 protease and viral replication (HIV-1, HIV-2) at nanomolar concentrations without cytotoxicity to uninfected cells below 10 microM. Their activities against HIV-1 protease (K(i) 1.7 nM (1), 0.6 nM (2), 0.3 nM (3)) are 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than their antiviral potencies against HIV-1-infected primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (IC(50) 45 nM (1), 56 nM (2), 95 nM (3)) or HIV-1-infected MT2 cells (IC(50) 90 nM (1), 60 nM (2)), suggesting suboptimal cellular uptake. However their antiviral potencies are similar to those of indinavir and amprenavir under identical conditions. There were significant differences in their capacities to inhibit the replication of HIV-1 and HIV-2 in infected MT2 cells, 1 being ineffective against HIV-2 while 2 was equally effective against both virus types. Evidence is presented that 1 and 2 inhibit cleavage of the HIV-1 structural protein precursor Pr55(gag) to p24 in virions derived from chronically infected cells, consistent with inhibition of the viral protease in cells. Crystal structures refined to 1.75 A (1) and 1.85 A (2) for two of the macrocyclic inhibitors bound to HIV-1 protease establish structural mimicry of the tripeptides that the cycles were designed to imitate. Structural comparisons between protease-bound macrocyclic inhibitors, VX478 (amprenavir), and L-735,524 (indinavir) show that their common acyclic components share the same space in the active site of the enzyme and make identical interactions with enzyme residues. This substrate-mimicking minimalist approach to drug design could have benefits in the context of viral resistance, since mutations which induce inhibitor resistance may also be those which prevent substrate processing.

The design, synthesis, and enzymic evaluation of cis- and trans-4-mercapto-6-oxo-1,4-azaphosphinane-2-carboxylic acid 4-oxide 5 against mammalian dihydroorotase is presented. The design strategy for 5 was based on the strong affinity of phosphinothioic acids for zinc and that 5 also resembles the postulated tetrahedral transition state for the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The synthesis of 5 utilized a novel protection/deprotection sequence upon 4-hydroxy-6-oxo-1, 4-azaphosphinane-2-carboxylic acid 4-oxide 4, followed by incorporation of alpha-phenyl benzenemethanethiol and exhaustive deprotection to afford 5 in 40% overall yield from 4. The activities of both isomers of 5 as inhibitors of mammalian dihydroorotase were marginally greater than that of the parent phosphinic acid 4, indicating a weak binding enhancement due to the phosphinothioic acid moiety.

Over 20 new, cyclic, peroxy ketals have been prepared via a two-step protocol starting with readily available aryl methyl ketones. Structure-activity correlations using in vitro antimalarial data as a guide for optimization of potency have led to the design and synthesis of seven new peroxides that have IC50 values of 31-85 nM (artemisinin IC50 = 8.4 nM). Some SAR generalizations are discussed.

It is believed that a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor specific for MAO A, which is reversibly bound to this enzyme and displaceable by tyramine, will be an antidepressant which will not cause a rise in blood pressure when tyramine-containing foods are ingested. Some linear tricyclic compounds with a larger and a smaller group forming the central ring and with a lipophilic group ortho to the larger group (here mostly the SO2 function of phenoxathiin 10,10-dioxide) are reported to have the sought properties. Potency appears to require short length and relatively small cross section for the substituent. The 1-ethyl (13), 1-vinyl (22), 1-trifluoromethyl (27), and 1-iodo (76) phenoxathiin dioxides had the best profiles. Structure-activity relationships, syntheses, and a possible rationale for the selectivity of these compounds and related tricyclics are given. Compound 13 was selected for further development. A summary of pharmacological data for 13 is given.

Novel C4-(hydroxyalkyl)trioxanes 5d and 5e were designed and synthesized based on an understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of similar 1,2,4-trioxanes structurally related to the antimalarial natural product artemisinin (1). In vitro efficacies of these two new pairs of C4-diastereomers against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum support conclusions about the importance to antimalarial activity of formation of a C4 radical by a 1,5-hydrogen atom abstraction. Derivatives 6, 7, and 21 of C4 beta-substituted trioxane alcohols 4a, 5d, and 5e were prepared, each in a single-step, high-yielding transformation. Four of these new analogues, 6a-c and 7, are potent in vitro antimalarials, having 140 to 50% of the efficacy of the natural trioxane artemisinin (1).

A group of racemic alkyl (or cycloalkyl) 1,4-dihydro-2,6- dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylate isomers (6-14) were prepared using a modified Hantzsch reaction that involved the condensation of nitroacetone with an alkyl (or cycloalkyl) 3-aminocrotonate and 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde. Determination of their in vitro calcium channel-modulating activities using guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) and guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) assays showed that the 2-pyridyl isomers acted as dual cardioselective calcium channel agonists (GPLA)/smooth muscle selective calcium channel antagonists (GPILSM). In contrast, the 3-pyridyl and 4-pyridyl isomers acted as calcium channel agonists on both GPLA and GPILSM. In the C-4 2-pyridyl group of compounds, the size of the C-5 alkyl (or cycloalkyl) ester substituent was a determinant of GPILSM antagonist activity where the relative activity profile was cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl > t-Bu, i-Bu, and Et > MeOCH2CH2 > Me. The point of attachment of the C-4 pyridyl substituent was a determinant of GPLA agonist activity where the potency order was generally 4- and 3-pyridyl > 2-pyridyl. (+)-Cyclohexyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-pyridyl)-5- pyridinecarboxylate [(+)-14a] was a less potent calcium antagonist (IC50 = 5.27 x 10(-6) M) than the (-)-enantiomer (IC50 = 7.48 x 10(-8) M) on GPILSM. In the GPLA assay, (+)-14a exhibited a much more potent agonist effect (EC50 = 8.45 x 10(-6) M) relative to the marginal agonist effect produced by (-)-14a. The C-4 2-pyridyl compounds (enantiomers) constitute a novel type of 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel modulator that could provide a new drug design concept directed toward the treatment of congestive heart failure, and for use as probes to study the structure-function relationships of calcium channels.

A new nonsteroidal antiandrogenic pharmacophore has been discovered using cell-based cotransfection assays with human androgen receptor (hAR). This series of AR antagonists is structurally characterized by a linear tricyclic 1,2-dihydropyridono[5,6-g]quinoline core. Analogues inhibit AR-mediated reporter gene expression and bind to AR as potently as or better than any known AR antagonists. Several analogues also showed excellent in vivo activity in classic rodent models of AR antagonism, inhibiting growth of rat ventral prostate and seminal vesicles, without accompanying increases in serum gonadotropin and testosterone levels, as is seen with other AR antagonists. Investigations of structure-activity relationships surrounding this pharmacophore resulted in molecules with complete specificity for AR, antagonist activity on an AR mutant commonly observed in prostate cancer patients, and improved in vivo efficacy. Molecules based on this series of compounds have the potential to provide unique and effective clinical opportunities for treatment of prostate cancer and other androgen-dependent diseases.

Heterocyclic analogues of 1192U90, 2-amino-N-(4-(4-(1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl)-1-piperazinyl)-butyl) benzamide hydrochloride (1), were prepared and evaluated as potential antipsychotic agents. These analogues were evaluated in vitro for their binding to the dopamine D2, serotonin 5-HT2, and serotonin 5-HT1a receptors and in vivo for their ability to antagonize the apomorphine-induced climbing response in mice. Nine different types of heterocyclic carboxamides were studied in this investigation (i.e., pyridine-, thiophene-, benzothiophene-, quinoline-, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline-, 2,3-dihydroindole-, indole-, benzimidazole-, and indazolecarboxamides). Two derivatives exhibited potent in vivo activities comparable to 1: 3-amino-N-(4-(4-(1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl)-1-piperazinyl)butyl)-2 -pyridinecarboxamide (16) and 3-amino-N-(4-(4-(1,2-benzisothiazol-3-yl)-1-piperazinyl)butyl) -2-thiophenecarboxamide (29). Furthermore, these derivatives were found to be much less active in behavioral models predictive of extrapyramidal side effects than in the mouse climbing assay, which predicts antipsychotic activity. Carboxamides 16 and 29 were selected for further evaluation as potential backup compounds to 1.