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Of the five G-protein-coupled muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs; M1-M5), M5 is the least explored and understood due to a lack of mAChR subtype-selective ligands. We recently performed a high-throughput functional screen and identified a number of weak antagonist hits that are selective for the M5 receptor. Here, we report an iterative parallel synthesis and detailed molecular pharmacologic profiling effort that led to the discovery of the first highly selective, central nervous system (CNS)-penetrant M5-orthosteric antagonist, with sub-micromolar potency (hM5 IC50=450 nM, hM5 Ki=340 nM, M1-M4 IC50>30 μM), enantiospecific inhibition, and an acceptable drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) profile for in vitro and electrophysiology studies. This compound will be a powerful tool and molecular probe for the further investigation into the role of M5 in addiction and other diseases., (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

This Paper describes the continued optimization of an MLPCN probe molecule M(1) antagonist (ML012) through an iterative parallel synthesis approach. After several rounds of modifications of the parent compound, we arrived at a new azetidine scaffold that displayed improved potency while maintaining a desirable level of selectivity over other muscarinic receptor subtypes. Data for representative molecules 7w (VU0452865) and 12a (VU0455691) are presented., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This Letter describes the continued optimization of the MLPCN probe molecule ML071. After introducing numerous cyclic constraints and novel substitutions throughout the parent structure, we produced a number of more highly potent agonists of the M(1) mACh receptor. While many novel agonists demonstrated a promising ability to increase soluble APPα release, further characterization indicated they may be functioning as bitopic agonists. These results and the implications of a bitopic mode of action are presented., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This Letter describes the continued optimization of an MLPCN probe molecule (ML012) through an iterative parallel synthesis approach. After exploring extensive modifications throughout the parent structure, we arrived at a more highly M(1)-selective antagonist, compound 13l (VU0415248). Muscarinic subtype selectivity across all five human and rat receptors for 13l, along with rat selectivity for the lead compound (ML012), is presented., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This Letter describes a chemical lead optimization campaign directed at VU0108370, a weak M(1) PAM hit with a novel chemical scaffold from a functional HTS screen within the MLPCN. An iterative parallel synthesis approach rapidly established SAR for this series and afforded VU0405652 (ML169), a potent, selective and brain penetrant M(1) PAM with an in vitro profile comparable to the prototypical M(1) PAM, BQCA, but with an improved brain to plasma ratio., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Herein we report the discovery and SAR of an indole-based protease activated receptor-4 (PAR-4) antagonist scaffold derived from a similarity search of the Vanderbilt HTS collection, leading to MLPCN probe ML354 (VU0099704). Using a novel PAC-1 fluorescent α IIb β3 activation assay this probe molecule antagonist was found to have an IC 50 of 140 nM for PAR-4 with 71-fold selectivity versus PAR-1 (PAR-1IC 50 = 10 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This Letter describes the further optimization of an MLPCN probe molecule (ML137) through the introduction of 5- and 6-membered spirocycles in place of the isatin ketone. Interestingly divergent structure–activity relationships, when compared to earlier M1 PAMs, are presented. These novel spirocycles possess improved efficacy relative to ML137, while also maintaining high selectivity for the human and rat muscarinic M1 receptor subtype. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This Letter describes the continued optimization of an MLPCN probe molecule (ML137) with a focused effort on the replacement/modification of the isatin moiety present in this highly selective M1 PAM. A diverse range of structures were validated as viable replacements for the isatin, many of which engendered sizeable improvements in their ability to enhance the potency and efficacy of acetylcholine when compared to ML137. Muscarinic receptor subtype selectivity for the M1 receptor was also maintained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This Paper describes the continued optimization of an MLPCN probe molecule M1 antagonist (ML012) through an iterative parallel synthesis approach. After several rounds of modifications of the parent compound, we arrived at a new azetidine scaffold that displayed improved potency while maintaining a desirable level of selectivity over other muscarinic receptor subtypes. Data for representative molecules 7w (VU0452865) and 12a (VU0455691) are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This Letter describes the continued optimization of the MLPCN probe molecule ML071. After introducing numerous cyclic constraints and novel substitutions throughout the parent structure, we produced a number of more highly potent agonists of the M1 mACh receptor. While many novel agonists demonstrated a promising ability to increase soluble APPα release, further characterization indicated they may be functioning as bitopic agonists. These results and the implications of a bitopic mode of action are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This Letter describes the continued optimization of an MLPCN probe molecule (ML012) through an iterative parallel synthesis approach. After exploring extensive modifications throughout the parent structure, we arrived at a more highly M1-selective antagonist, compound 13l (VU0415248). Muscarinic subtype selectivity across all five human and rat receptors for 13l, along with rat selectivity for the lead compound (ML012), is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This Letter describes a chemical lead optimization campaign directed at VU0108370, a weak M1 PAM hit with a novel chemical scaffold from a functional HTS screen within the MLPCN. An iterative parallel synthesis approach rapidly established SAR for this series and afforded VU0405652 (ML169), a potent, selective and brain penetrant M1 PAM with an in vitro profile comparable to the prototypical M1 PAM, BQCA, but with an improved brain to plasma ratio. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]