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A dihydroquinolinone moiety was found to be a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor pharmacophore when combined with certain amines. This fragment was coupled with selected D2 ligands to prepare a series of dual acting compounds with attractive in vitro profiles as dopamine D2 partial agonists and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Structure–activity studies revealed that the linker plays a key role in contributing to D2 affinity, function, and SRI activity.

The proteolytic enzyme beta-secretase (BACE1) plays a central role in the synthesis of the pathogenic beta-amyloid in Alzheimer's disease. Recently, we reported small molecule acylguanidines as potent BACE1 inhibitors. However, many of these acylguanidines have a high polar surface area (e.g. as measured by the topological polar surface area or TPSA), which is unfavorable for crossing the blood-brain barrier. Herein, we describe the identification of the 2-aminopyridine moiety as a bioisosteric replacement of the acylguanidine moiety, which resulted in inhibitors with lower TPSA values and superior brain penetration. X-ray crystallographic studies indicated that the 2-aminopyridine moiety interacts directly with the catalytic aspartic acids Asp32 and Asp228 via a hydrogen-bonding network.

Publisher Summary Since the identification and cloning of the 5-HT6 receptor almost two decades ago, tremendous progress has been made in elucidating 5-HT6 receptor function using modern biology techniques. The pharmacological potential of the modulation of this receptor was demonstrated by the many potent and selective 5-HT6 ligands identified subsequently. The advancement of a number of 5-HT6 antagonists into clinical development for cognitive enhancement in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia shows the translational potential of this receptor for the treatment of significant diseases. Alzheimer's disease represents one of the greatest human health challenges in this century and present palliative treatments reportedly exert their activity via the cholinergic or glutamatergic systems. Extensive neurobiology and in vivo pharmacology studies in rodents have shown that 5-HT6 antagonists can improve memory and cognition through involvement in multiple neurotransmission systems, in particular cholinergic and glutamatergic systems. Therefore, central antagonism of the 5-HT6 receptor may provide a mechanistically distinct palliative treatment for Alzheimer's disease that works through both of these neuronal systems.

An efficient route to the title compounds was achieved using the triflates of ketones and phenols followed by Pd-catalyzed CO insertion in the presence of chiral amino alcohols. Aryl, vinyl bromides and 2-pyridone also served as useful substrates.

The identification of small molecule aminohydantoins as potent and selective human beta-secretase inhibitors is reported. These analogues exhibit low nannomolar potency for BACE1, show comparable activity in a cell-based (ELISA) assay, and demonstrate100x selectivity for the other structurally related aspartyl proteases BACE2, cathepsinD, renin, and pepsin. On the basis of the cocrystal structure of the HTS-hit 2 in the BACE1 active site and by use of a structure-based drug design approach, we methodically explored the comparatively large binding pocket of the BACE1 enzyme and identified key interactions between the ligand and the protein that contributed to the affinity. One of the more potent compounds, (S)-55, displayed an IC(50) value for BACE1 of 10 nM and exhibited comparable cellular activity (EC(50) = 20 nM) in the ELISA assay. Acute oral administration of (S)-55 at 100 mg/kg resulted in a 69% reduction of plasma A beta(40) at 8 h in a Tg2576 mouse (p0.001).

The preclinical characterization of WS-50030 [7-{4-[3-(1H-inden-3-yl)propyl]piperazin-1-yl}-1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one] is described. In vitro binding and functional studies revealed highest affinity to the D(2) receptor (D(2L) K(i), 4.0 nM) and serotonin transporter (K(i), 7.1 nM), potent D(2) partial agonist activity (EC(50), 0.38 nM; E(max), 30%), and complete block of the serotonin transporter (IC(50), 56.4 nM). Consistent with this in vitro profile, WS-50030 (10 mg/kg/day, 21 days) significantly increased extracellular 5-HT in the rat medial prefrontal cortex, short-term WS-50030 treatment blocked apomorphine-induced climbing (ID(50), 0.51 mg/kg) in a dose range that produced minimal catalepsy in mice and induced low levels of contralateral rotation in rats with unilateral substantia nigra 6-hydroxydopamine lesions (10 mg/kg i.p.), a behavioral profile similar to that of the D(2) partial agonist aripiprazole. In a rat model predictive of antipsychotic-like activity, WS-50030 and aripiprazole reduced conditioned avoidance responding by 42 and 55% at 10 mg/kg, respectively. Despite aripiprazole's reported lack of effect on serotonin transporters, long-term treatment with aripiprazole or WS-50030 reversed olfactory bulbectomy-induced hyperactivity at doses that did not reduce activity in sham-operated rats, indicating antidepressant-like activity for both compounds. Despite possessing serotonin reuptake inhibitory activity in addition to D(2) receptor partial agonism, WS-50030 displays activity in preclinical models predictive of antipsychotic- and antidepressant efficacy similar to aripiprazole, suggesting potential efficacy of WS-50030 versus positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, comorbid mood symptoms, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression. Furthermore, WS-50030 provides a tool to further explore how combining these mechanisms might differentiate from other antipsychotics or antidepressants.

The identification of highly selective small molecule di-substituted pyridinyl aminohydantoins as β-secretase inhibitors is reported. The more potent and selective analogs demonstrate low nanomolar potency for the BACE1 enzyme as measured in a FRET assay, and exhibit comparable activity in a cell-based (ELISA) assay. In addition, these pyridine-aminohydantoins are highly selectivity (>500×) against the other structurally related aspartyl proteases BACE2, cathepsin D, pepsin and renin. Our design strategy followed a traditional SAR approach and was supported by molecular modeling studies based on the previously reported aminohydantoin 3a. We have taken advantage of the amino acid difference between the BACE1 and BACE2 at the S2′ pocket (BACE1 Pro70 changed to BACE2 Lys86) to build ligands with >500-fold selectivity against BACE2. The addition of large substituents on the targeted ligand at the vicinity of this aberration has generated a steric conflict between the ligand and these two proteins, thus impacting the ligand’s affinity and selectivity. These ligands have also shown an exceptional selectivity against cathepsin D (>5000-fold) as well as the other aspartyl proteases mentioned. One of the more potent compounds (S)-39 displayed an IC50 value for BACE1 of 10 nM, and exhibited cellular activity with an EC50 value of 130 nM in the ELISA assay.

A 5-fluoro-tetrahydrocarbazole serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) building block was combined with a variety of linkers and dopamine D2 receptor ligands in an attempt to identify potent D2 partial agonist/SRI molecules for treatment of schizophrenia. This approach has the potential to treat a broader range of symptoms compared to existing therapies. Selected compounds in this series demonstrate high affinity for both targets and D2 partial agonism in cell-based and in vivo assays.

A series of 1-aminoethyl-3-arylsulfonyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines 10a–z was prepared as novel 5-HT6 ligands. The best compounds were high affinity, full agonists at 5-HT6 receptors. Several agonists demonstrated good selectivity over other serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. Acute administration of selective agonist 10e significantly increased extracellular GABA concentrations in rat frontal cortex. This compound also reduced adjunctive drinking behavior in the rat schedule-induced polydipsia assay, possibly predictive of efficacy in obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety related disorders.

As part of our continuing efforts to identify therapeutics for CNS diseases such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease (AD), we have been focused on the 5-HT(6) receptor in order to identify potent and selective ligands as a potential treatment for cognitive dysfunction. Herein we report the identification of a novel series of benzoxazole derivatives as potent 5-HT(6) ligands. The synthesis and detailed SAR of this class of compounds are reported. The compounds have been shown to be full antagonists in a cyclic AMP functional assay.

The amyloid hypothesis states that a variety of neurotoxic beta-amyloid (Abeta) species contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Accordingly, a key determinant of disease onset and progression is the appropriate balance between Abeta production and clearance. Enzymes responsible for the degradation of Abeta are not well understood, and, thus far, it has not been possible to enhance Abeta catabolism by pharmacological manipulation. We provide evidence that Abeta catabolism is increased after inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and may constitute a viable therapeutic approach for lowering brain Abeta levels. PAI-1 inhibits the activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), an enzyme that cleaves plasminogen to generate plasmin, a protease that degrades Abeta oligomers and monomers. Because tPA, plasminogen and PAI-1 are expressed in the brain, we tested the hypothesis that inhibitors of PAI-1 will enhance the proteolytic clearance of brain Abeta. Our data demonstrate that PAI-1 inhibitors augment the activity of tPA and plasmin in hippocampus, significantly lower plasma and brain Abeta levels, restore long-term potentiation deficits in hippocampal slices from transgenic Abeta-producing mice, and reverse cognitive deficits in these mice.

A regiospecific synthesis of a series of 1-sulfonyl azepinoindoles as potent 5-HT6 ligands is reported.

The proteolytic enzyme beta-secretase (BACE-1) produces amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide, the primary constituent of neurofibrillary plaques, implicated in Alzheimer's disease, by cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein. A small molecule inhibitor of BACE-1, (diaminomethylene)-2,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrrole-1-acetamide (1, BACE-1 IC(50)=3.7 microM), was recently described, representing a new small molecule lead. Initial SAR investigation demonstrated the potential of accessing the nearby S(3) and S(1)(') substrate binding pockets of the BACE-1 enzyme by building substituents off one of the phenyl substituents and guanidinyl functional group. We report here the optimization of guanidinyl functional group substituents on 1, leading to potent submicromolar BACE-1 inhibitors.

One of the most recently identified serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) receptor subtypes is the 5-HT6 receptor. Although in-depth localization studies reveal an exclusive distribution of 5-HT6 mRNA in the central nervous system, the precise biological role of this receptor still remains unknown. In the present series of experiments, we report the pharmacological and neurochemical characterization of two novel and selective 5-HT6 receptor agonists. WAY-181187 and WAY-208466 possess high affinity binding (2.2 and 4.8 nM, respectively) at the human 5-HT6 receptor and profile as full receptor agonists (WAY-181187: EC50=6.6 nM, Emax=93%; WAY-208466: EC50=7.3 nM; Emax=100%). In the rat frontal cortex, acute administration of WAY-181187 (3-30 mg/kg, subcutaneous (s.c.)) significantly increased extracellular GABA concentrations without altering the levels of glutamate or norepinephrine. Additionally, WAY-181187 (30 mg/kg, s.c.) produced modest yet significant decreases in cortical dopamine and 5-HT levels. Subsequent studies showed that the neurochemical effects of WAY-181187 in the frontal cortex could be blocked by pretreatment with the 5-HT6 antagonist, SB-271046 (10 mg/kg, s.c.), implicating 5-HT6 receptor mechanisms in mediating these responses. Moreover, the effects of WAY-181187 on catecholamines were attenuated by an intracortical infusion of the GABA A receptor antagonist, bicuculline (10 microM), confirming a local relationship between 5-HT6 receptors and GABAergic systems in the frontal cortex. In the dorsal hippocampus, striatum, and amygdala, WAY-181187 (10-30 mg/kg, s.c.) elicited robust elevations in extracellular levels of GABA without producing similar effects on concentrations of norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, or glutamate. In contrast to these brain regions, WAY-181187 had no effect on the extracellular levels of GABA in the nucleus accumbens or thalamus. Additional studies showed that WAY-208466 (10 mg/kg, s.c.) preferentially elevated cortical GABA levels following both acute and chronic (14 day) administration, indicating that neurochemical tolerance does not develop following repeated 5-HT6 receptor stimulation. In hippocampal slice preparations (in vitro), 5-HT(6) receptor agonism attenuated stimulated glutamate levels elicited by sodium azide and high KCl treatment. Furthermore, in the rat schedule-induced polydipsia model of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), acute administration of WAY-181187 (56-178 mg/kg, po) decreased adjunctive drinking behavior in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, WAY-181187 and WAY-208466 are novel, selective, and potent 5-HT6 receptor agonists displaying a unique neurochemical signature in vivo. Moreover, these data highlight a previously undescribed role for 5-HT6 receptors to modulate basal GABA and stimulated glutamate transmission, as well as reveal a potential therapeutic role for this receptor in the treatment of some types of anxiety-related disorders (eg OCD).

Synthesis of 2,3-substituted indoles from phenylhydrazine and alpha-branched aldehydes via rearrangement of 3,3-disubstituted indolenine intermediates is reported. [reaction: see text]

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by gradual and increasing loss of cognitive function and behavioral abnormalities. The formation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are recognized as the key pathologies of the disease. Changes in the levels of various key neurotransmitters has been noted in patients with Alzheimer's disease and may represent the earliest biochemical casualty, preceding or signifying the onset of the disease. Over the last 20 years a number of approaches to the palliative treatment of Alzheimer's disease have been scrutinized. The majority of effort has been focused on cognitive dysfunction, as this is the initial and key debilitating symptom of the disease. The identification and commercial development of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors has, until recently, virtually dominated the field, and although efficacy has been demonstrated, the clinical results suggest alternate approaches are warranted. This review will highlight those palliative approaches that have focused on the improvement of learning and memory and not on the disease-modifying strategies of the beta-amyloid, tau phosphorylation or other neurodegenerative hypotheses.

A general and convenient synthesis of N-aryl piperazines from bis(2-chloroethyl)amine hydrochloride and a broad range of anilines in diethylene glycol monomethyl ether is described.

The discovery of N-substituted-pyridoindolines and their binding affinities at the 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2C) and D(2) receptors, and in vivo efficacy as 5-HT(2A) antagonists is described. The structure-activity relationship of a series of core tetracyclic derivatives with varying butyrophenone sidechains is also discussed. This study has led to the identification of potent, orally bioavailable 5-HT(2A)/D(2) receptor dual antagonists as potential atypical antipsychotics.

The lactone 2 known as a precursor to the alkaloid eburnamine 1 has been prepared via chiral bicyclic lactam 4 in 4 steps in 35% overall yield and >99% enantiomeric excess

The cyanide catalyzed 1,4-Michael addition of aldehydes to α, β-unsaturated ketones has been examined with regard to substituent effects. Adjustment of the donor/acceptor relationship allows for the synthesis of multisubstituted diaryl 1,4-diketones.