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That reversible protein phosphorylation by kinases and phosphatases occurs in metabolic disorders is well known. Various studies have revealed that a multi-faceted and tightly regulated phosphatase, pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP)-1/2 displays robust effects in cardioprotection, ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), and vascular remodelling. PHLPP1 promotes foamy macrophage development through ChREBP/AMPK-dependent pathways. Adipocyte-specific loss of PHLPP2 reduces adiposity, improves glucose tolerance,and attenuates fatty liver via the PHLPP2-HSL-PPARα axis. Discoveries of PHLPP1-mediated insulin resistance and pancreatic β cell death via the PHLPP1/2-Mst1-mTORC1 triangular loop have shed light on its significance in diabetology. PHLPP1 downregulation attenuates diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) by restoring PI3K-Akt-mTOR signalling. In this review, we summarise the functional role of, and cellular signalling mediated by, PHLPPs in metabolic tissues and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets.

Transcriptional coactivators play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. PRIP interacting protein with methyl transferase domain (PIMT)/trimethyl guanosine synthase 1 (TGS1) is a co-activator interacting protein with an RNA methyl transferase domain. PIMT serves as a bridge between HAT and non-HAT coactivators and differentially modulates gene expression. Disruption of PIMT is embryonic lethal. PIMT regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis and TNF-α-induced insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle. As a methyl transferase, PIMT controls post-transcriptional regulation of HIV-1 and is essential for human telomerase RNA biogenesis. This review comprehensively describes the dual role of PIMT, which promises to be a putative target in metabolic disorders.

A series of indole based novel Schiff bases was designed as potential agonists of 5‑HT2C receptor that was supported by docking studies in silico. These compounds were synthesized via Amberlyst-15 catalysed condensation of an appropriate pyrazole based primary amine with the corresponding indole-3-aldehyde under ultrasound irradiation at ambient temperature. A number of target Schiff bases were obtained in good yields (77-87%) under mild conditions within 1 h. Notably, the methodology afforded the corresponding pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one derivatives when the primary amine was replaced by a secondary amine. Several Schiff bases showed agonist activity when tested against human 5-HT2C using luciferase assay in HEK293T cells in vitro. The SAR (Structure-Activity-Relationship) studies suggested that the imine moiety was more favorable over its cyclic form i.e. the corresponding pyrazolopyrimidinone ring. The Schiff bases 3b (EC50 1.8 nM) and 3i (EC50 5.7 nM) were identified as the most active compounds and were comparable with Lorcaserin (EC50 8.5 nM). Also like Lorcaserin, none of these compounds were found to be PAM of 5-HT2C. With ~24 and ~150 fold selectivity towards 5-HT2C over 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B respectively the compound 3i that reduced locomotor activity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae model emerged as a promising hit molecule for further study.

The chorismate mutase (CM) is considered as an attractive target for the identification of potential antitubercular agents due to its absence in animals but not in bacteria. A series of 3-indolylmethyl substituted pyrazolotriazinone derivatives were designed and docked into CM in silico as potential inhibitors. These compounds were efficiently synthesized using the Pd/Cu-catalyzed coupling-cyclization in a single pot involving the construction of indole ring. The methodology was later extended to the preparation of corresponding benzo analogs of pyrazolotriazinones i.e. 3-indolylmethyl substituted benzotriazinone derivatives. Several of these novel compounds showed significant inhibition of CM when tested in vitro at 30 µM. The SAR (Structure-Activity-Relationship) studies suggested that benzotriazinone moiety was more favorable over the pyrazolotriazinone ring. The two best active compounds showed IC50 ∼ 0.4–0.9 µM (better than the reference/known compounds used) and no toxicity till 30 µM in vitro.

Amberlyst-15 has been identified as a green and reusable catalyst in the synthesis of spiro 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones under ultrasound irradiation at room temperature. The reaction can be performed in an open flask as the conversion was found to be not sensitive to the presence of air or atmospheric moisture. The methodology was found to be general and a wide variety of spiro 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones were prepared from 2-aminobenzamides and cyclic ketones within a few minutes in quantitative yields. The products isolated do not require any chromatographic purification. This method provides advantages such as shorter reaction time, high yields of products, and simple operational procedures. Some of the compounds showed chorismate mutase inhibitory properties when tested in vitro.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis chorismate mutase (MtbCM) catalyzes the rearrangement of chorismate to prephenate in the shikimate biosynthetic pathway to form the essential amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine. Two genes encoding chorismate mutase have been identified in Mtb. The secretory form,∗MtbCM (encoded by Rv1885c) is assumed to play a key role in pathogenesis of tuberculosis. Also, the inhibition of MtbCM may hinder the supply of nutrients to the organism. Indeed, the existence of chorismate mutase (CM) in bacteria, fungi and higher plants but not in human and low sequence homology among known CM makes it an interesting target for the discovery of anti-tubercular agents. The present article mainly focuses on the recent developments in the structure, function and inhibition of MtbCM. The understanding of various aspects of MtbCM as presented in the current article may facilitate the design and subsequent chemical synthesis of new inhibitors against ∗MtbCM, that could lead to the discovery and development of novel and potent anti-tubercular agents in future.

A direct and single-step method has been developed for the synthesis of mono and 2,3-disubstituted quinoxalines by using a AlCl3 induced (hetero)arylation of 2,3-dichloroquinoxaline. Both symmetrical and unsymmetrical 2,3-disubstituted quinoxalines can be prepared conveniently by using this method under appropriate reaction conditions. The reaction proceeds via C–C bond formation and can be utilized for the preparation of a variety of quinoxaline derivatives from readily available starting materials and reagents. The molecular structure of a representative compound was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction study. Some of the compounds synthesized were tested for chorismate mutase inhibitory properties in vitro and one compound showed promising activity representing one of the few examples of chorismate mutase inhibition by a heteroarene based small molecule.

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of metabolic disorders, such as reduced glucose tolerance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, visceral obesity and lipid disorders. The benefit of exercise in maintaining total metabolic control is well known and recent research indicates that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) may play an important role in exercise-related effects. AMPK is considered as a master switch in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. AMPK is an enzyme that works as a fuel gauge, being activated in conditions of high phosphate depletion. In the liver, activation of AMPK results in decreased production of plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and enhanced fatty acid oxidation. AMPK is also robustly activated by skeletal muscle contraction and myocardial ischemia, and is involved in the stimulation of glucose transport and fatty acid oxidation by these stimuli. In adipose tissue, activated AMPK inhibits deposition of fat, but enhances breakdown and burning of stored fat, resulting in reduction of body weight. The two leading diabetic drugs, namely metformin and rosiglitazone, and adipokines, such as adiponectin and leptin, show their metabolic effects partially through AMPK. These data suggest that AMPK may be a key player in the development of new treatments for obesity, Type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. In this review, the author provide insight into the role of AMPK as a probable target for treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Diverse analogs of 1,5-diarylpyrazoles having 3-hydroxymethyl-4-sulfamoyl (SO2NH2)/methyl sulfonyl (SO2Me)-pheny group at N1 were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX-1/COX-2) inhibitory activity. The SAR study mainly involved the variations at positions C-3, C-5 and N1 of the pyrazole ring. Several small hydrophobic groups at/around position-4 of C-5 phenyl, viz. 3,4-dimethylphenyl analog 9, 3-methyl-4-methylsulfanylphenyl analog 14 and 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]thiophenyl analog 17, exhibited impressive COX-2 inhibitory potency. In general, the sulfonamide analogues with a CHF2 at C-3 were found to be more potent than those having a CF3 group. The three dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship comprising comparative molecular field analysis (3D-QSAR-CoMFA) afforded the models with high predictivity which further validated the acceptance of hydroxymethyl (CH2OH) group in the hydrophilic pocket of the COX-2 enzyme.

A number of novel 1,5-diarylpyrazoles possessing N-substitution on the sulfonamide (-SO2NH2) moiety were synthesized and tested for COX-1/COX-2 inhibition in vitro. Many of these 1,1-dioxo-2,3- dihydrobenzo(d)isothiazolyl substituted 1,5-diarylpyrazoles, where the SO2NH2 group was a part of the fused ring, showed COX inhibitory activity. Few of them were identified as selective COX-2 inhibitors. Structure Activity Relationship study within the series are discussed.

A number of naphthofuranones were synthesized and tested for COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition. Few of them were identified as selective COX-2 inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship studies within the series are discussed.

We report here the synthesis of a series of 5-[4-[2-[substituted phthalazinones-2(or 4)yl]ethoxy]phenylmethyl]thiazolidine-2,4-diones and 5-[4-[2-[2,3-benzoxazine-4-one-2-yl]ethoxy]phenylmethyl]thiazolidine-2,4-diones and their plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride lowering activity in db/db mice. In vitro PPARgamma transactivation assay was performed in HEK 293T cells. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies showed that the phthalazinone analogue has better activity. PHT46 (compound 5a), the best compound in this series, showed better in vitro PPARgamma transactivation potential than troglitazone and pioglitazone. In insulin resistant db/db mice, PHT46 showed better plasma glucose and triglyceride lowering activity than the standard drugs. Pharmacokinetic study in Wistar rats showed good systemic exposure of PHT46. Subchronic toxicity study in Wistar rats did not show any treatment-related adverse effect.

A series of novel alkynyl substituted 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one (DHPM) derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated in vitro as potential inhibitors of chorismate mutase (CM). All these compounds were prepared via a multi-component reaction (MCR) involving sequential I2-mediated Biginelli reaction followed by Cu-free Sonogashira coupling. Some of them showed promising inhibitory activities when tested at 30 μM. One compound showed dose dependent inhibition of CM with IC50 value of 14.76 ± 0.54 μM indicating o-alkynylphenyl substituted DHPM as a new scaffold for the discovery of promising inhibitors of CM.

A series of novel N-aryl substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones were designed and synthesized as potential inhibitors of chorismate mutase. Synthesis of this class of compounds was carried out by using Cu-mediated C-N bond forming reaction between thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones and aryl boronic acids. The reaction can be performed in an open flask as the conversion was found to be not sensitive to the presence of air or atmospheric moisture. A range of compounds were prepared by using this method and single crystal X-ray diffraction study was performed using a representative compound. In vitro pharmacological data of some of the compounds synthesized along with dose response studies using active molecules are presented. In silico interactions of these molecules with chorismate mutase are also presented.

A rapid and direct access to N-aryl substituted fused triazinone derivatives has been accomplished via N-arylation of 1,2,3-triazin-4-one ring involving a Cu-mediated coupling between triazinone derivatives and aryl boronic acids. A combination of Cu(OAc)(2)-Et(3)N in 1,2-dichloroethane was found to be effective and various fused triazinone derivatives have been prepared by using this methodology. Molecular structure of a representative compound was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The scope and limitations of this reaction is discussed. Some of the compounds synthesized were tested for chorismate mutase inhibitory properties in vitro. The in vitro dose response study of an active compound is presented.

A multi component based synthesis involving palladium catalyzed C-C bond forming reaction has been developed as a new strategy to access systematically modified functionalized 2-aminochromenes. This MCR involves the use of bromobenzaldehyde as a key component and is highlighted by generating a new compound library. Many of these compounds showed Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv chorismate mutase inhibiting properties in vitro representing the lead example of chorismate mutase inhibition by heteroarene based compounds.

Several chemical modifications in the N 1-benzenesulfonamide ring of celecoxib are presented. The series with a hydroxymethyl group adjacent to the sulfonamide was found to be the most potent modification that yielded many compounds selectively active against COX-2 enzyme in vitro. ? 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A series of pyrimidinone derivatives of thiazolidinediones were synthesized. Their biological activity were evaluated in insulin resistant, hyperglycemic and obese db/db mice. In vitro PPARgamma transactivation assay was performed in HEK 293T cells. PMT13 showed the best biological activity in this series. PMT13 (5-[4-[2-[2-ethyl-4-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]ethoxy]phenylmethyl]thiazolidine-2,4-dione) showed better plasma glucose, triglyceride and insulin-lowering activity in db/db mice than rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. PMT13 showed better PPARgamma transactivation than the standard compounds. Pharmacokinetic study in Wistar rats showed good systemic exposure of PMT13. Twenty-eight day oral toxicity study in Wistar rats did not show any treatment-related adverse effects.

(-)DRF 2725 (6) is a phenoxazine analogue of phenyl propanoic acid. Compound 6 showed interesting dual activation of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma. In insulin resistant db/db mice, 6 showed better reduction of plasma glucose and triglyceride levels as compared to rosiglitazone. Compound 6 has also shown good oral bioavailability and impressive pharmacokinetic characteristics. Our study indicates that 6 has great potential as a drug for diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Several thiazolidinediones having chroman moieties were synthesized and evaluated for their euglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. Some of the analogues having an aminoalkyl group as a linker between the chroman ring and 4-[5-(2,4-dioxo-1, 3-thiazolidinyl)methyl]phenoxy moiety seem to be better than troglitazone. In vitro transactivation assays of PPARgamma have been carried out with these glitazones to understand their molecular mechanism. For the first time we have found that some of the unsaturated thiazolidinediones are superior to their saturated counterpart in the in vivo assay. A more potent thiazolidinedione analogue than troglitazone is reported. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that protection of the OH group in the chroman moiety leads to a decrease in metabolism, thereby resulting in a superior pharmacological profile.

A new Pd/C-mediated tandem reaction has been developed for the one pot synthesis of indoles containing an o-(RSO2NH)C6H4 group at the C-2 position. The methodology provided novel indoles as inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv chorismate mutasein vitro representing the first example of chorismate mutase inhibition by a heteroarene based small molecule.