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In our constant search for new successors of agomelatine, we report herein a new series of compounds resulting from bioisosteric modulation of the naphthalene ring. The isoquinoline and tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives were synthesized and pharmacologically evaluated. This isosteric replacement of the naphthalene group of agomelatine has led to potent agonist and partial agonist compounds with nanomolar melatonergic binding affinities. Overall, the presence of a nitrogen atom was accompanied with a decrease in the binding affinity toward both MT1 and MT2 and the loss of 5HT2C response, especially for tetrahydroisoquinoline in comparison with the parent compound. Interestingly, due to the presence of this nitrogen atom, a notable improvement in the pharmacokinetic properties was observed for all compounds.

International audience; For further development of successors of Agomelatine through modulation of its pharmacokinetic properties, we report herein the design, synthesis and pharmacological results of a new family of melatonin receptor ligands. Issued from the introduction of quinazoline and phthalazine scaffolds carrying an ethyl amide lateral chain and a methoxy group as bioisosteric ligands analogues of previously developed Agomelatine. The biological activity of the prepared analogues was compared with that of Agomelatine. Quinazoline and phthalazine rings proved to be a versatile scaffold for easy feasible MT1 and MT2 ligands. Potent agonists with sub-micromolar binding affinity were obtained. However, the presence of two nitrogen atoms resulted in compounds with lower affinity for both MT1 and MT2, in comparison with the parent compound, balanced by the exhibition of good pharmacokinetic properties.

A new family of melatonin receptor ligands, characterized by a tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) scaffold carrying an amide chain in position 3, was devised as conformationally constrained analogs of flexible N-anilinoethylamides previously developed. Molecular superposition models allowed to identify the patterns of substitution conferring high receptor binding affinity and to support the THQ ring as a suitable scaffold for the preparation of melatonin ligands. The biological activity of 3-acylamino-THQs was compared with that of the corresponding tetralin derivatives. The THQ ring proved to be a versatile scaffold for easy feasible MT1 and MT2 ligands, which resulted as more polar bioisosteres of their tetralin analogs. Potent partial agonists, with subnanomolar binding affinity for the MT2 receptor, were obtained, and a new series of THQ derivatives is presented. The putative binding mode of potent THQs and tetralines was discussed on the basis of their conformational equilibria as inferred from molecular dyna...

A novel group of aryl methyl sulfones based on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compounds exhibiting a methyl sulfone instead of the acetic or propionic acid group was designed, synthesized and evaluated in vitro for inhibition against the human cyclooxygenase of COX-1 and COX-2 isoenzymes and in vivo for anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageenan induced rat paw edema model in rats. Also, in vitro chemosensitivity and in vivo analgesic and intestinal side effects were determined for defining the therapeutic and safety profile. Molecular modeling assisted the design of compounds and the interpretation of the experimental results. Biological assay results showed that methyl sulfone compounds 2 and 7 were the most potent COX inhibitors (IC50 between 0.04 and 0.71 M). Also, these highly active methyl sulfones displayed greater COX-2 activity than the parent carboxylic NSAIDs, thus indicating that the replacement of the acetic or propionic acids by a methyl sulfone group enables some of these structures to possess higher COX-2 inhibitory activity than that of the corresponding alkyl carboxylic analogues. The improved inhibitory activity is attributed to the higher flexibility of the sulfone-receptor interaction that enables more profound exploration of the binding site compared with that of acidic analogues. This observation is underpinned by molecular modeling studies that indicates a change in the binding mode or mechanism compared to the standard binding mode displayed by ibuprofen. The most promising compounds 2 and 7 possess a therapeutical profile that enables their chemical scaffolds to be utilized for development of new NSAIDs.

International audience; We describe the synthesis of 26 compounds, small polycerasoidol analogs, that are Lipinski’s rule-of-five compliant. In order to confirm key structural features to activate PPARα and/or PPARγ, we have adopted structural modifications in the following parts: (i) the benzopyran core (hydrophobic nucleus) by benzopyran-4-one, dihydrobenzopyran or benzopyran-4-ol; (ii) the side chain at 2-position by shortening to C3, C4 and C5-carbons versus C-9-carbons of polycerasoidol; (iii) the carboxylic group (polar head) by oxygenated groups (hydroxyl, acetoxy, epoxide, ester, aldehyde) or non-oxygenated motifs (allyl and alkyl). Benzopyran-4-ones 6, 12, 13 and 17 as well as dihydrobenzopyrans 22, 24 and 25 were able to activate hPPARα, whereas benzopyran-4-one (7) with C5-carbons in the side chain exhibited hPPARγ agonism. According to our previous docking studies, SAR confirm that the hydrophobic nucleus (benzopyran-4-one or dihydrobenzopyran) is essential to activate PPARα and/or PPARγ, and the flexible linker (side alkyl chain) should containg at least C5-carbon atoms to activate PPARγ. By contrast, the polar head (“carboxylic group”) tolerated several oxygenated groups but also non-oxygenated motifs. Taking into account these key structural features, small polycerasoidol analogs might provide potential active molecules useful in the treatment of dyslipidemia and/or type 2 diabetes.

Positive allosteric modulators of 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazol-4-yl)propionic acid (AMPA)-type ionotropic glutamate receptors are promising compounds for treatment of neurological disorders, for example, Alzheimer's disease. Here, we report synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of mono-, di-, or trialkyl-substituted 7-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides, comprising in total 16 new modulators. The trisubstituted compounds 7b, 7d, and 7e revealed potent activity (EC2× = 2.7-4.3 μM; concentration of compound responsible for a 2-fold increase of the AMPA mediated response) as AMPA receptor potentiators in an in vitro cellular fluorescence assay (FLIPR). The 4-cyclopropyl compound 7f was found to be considerably less potent (EC2× = 60 μM), in contrast to previously described 4-monoalkyl-substituted benzothiadiazine dioxides for which the cyclopropyl group constitutes the best choice of substituent. 7b was subjected to X-ray structural analysis in complex with the GluA2 ligand-binding domain. We propose an explanation of the unexpected structure-activity relationship of this new series of mono-, di-, and trialkyl-substituted 1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide compounds. The methyl substituent in the 3-position directs the binding mode of the 1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide (BTD) scaffold. When a methyl substituent is present in the 3-position of the BTD, additional methyl substituents in both the 2- and 4-positions increase potency, whereas introduction of a 4-cyclopropyl group does not enhance potency of 2,3,4-alkyl-substituted BTDs. A hydrogen bond donor in the 2-position of the BTD is not necessary for modulator potency.

Dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α/γ (PPARα/γ) agonists regulate both lipid and glucose homeostasis under different metabolic conditions and can exert anti-inflammatory activity. We investigated the potential dual PPARα/γ agonism of prenylated benzopyrans polycerasoidol (1) and polycerasoidin (2) and their derivatives for novel drug development. Nine semisynthetic derivatives were prepared from the natural polycerasoidol (1) and polycerasoidin (2), which were evaluated for PPARα, -γ, -δ and retinoid X receptor-α activity in transactivation assays. Polycerasoidol (1) exhibited potent dual PPARα/γ agonism and low cytotoxicity. Structure–activity relationship studies revealed that a free phenol group at C-6 and a carboxylic acid at C-9′ were key features for dual PPARα/γ agonism activity. Molecular modeling indicated the relevance of these groups for optimal ligand binding to the PPARα and PPARγ domains. In addition, polycerasoidol (1) exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting mononuclear leukocyte adhesion to the dysfunctional endothelium in a concentration-dependent manner via RXRα/PPARγ interactions. Therefore, polycerasoidol (1) can be considered a hit-to-lead molecule for the further development of novel dual PPARα/γ agonists capable of preventing cardiovascular events associated with metabolic disorders. Fil: Bermejo, Almudena. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Collado, Aida. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Barrachina, Isabel. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Marqués, Patrice. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: El Aouad, Noureddine. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Franck, Xavier. Université de Rouen; Francia Fil: Garibotto, Francisco Matías. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis; Argentina Fil: Dacquet, Catherine. Institut de Recherches Servier; Francia Fil: Caignard, Daniel H.. Institut de Recherches Servier; Francia Fil: Suvire, Fernando Daniel. Universidad Nacional de San Luis; Argentina Fil: Enriz, Ricardo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas de San Luis; Argentina Fil: Piqueras, Laura. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Figadère, Bruno. Université Paris Sud; Francia Fil: Sanz, María-Jesús. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Cabedo, Nuria. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Cortes, Diego. Universidad de Valencia; España

The tyrosine-protein kinase Src, also known as proto-oncogene c-Src or simply c-Src, is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase protein that has been shown to be involved in the regulation of important cellular processes including migration, survival and proliferation. In fact, Src activation has been associated with multiple cancers, such as colon, breast, pancreas, lung, or brain (Roskoski, R. Jr. Pharmacol. Res. 2015, 94, 9-25; Creedon, H., et al., Crit. Rev. Oncog. 2012, 17, 145-159). There are only few Src inhibitors in clinical development, therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new low molecular weight therapeutics able to inhibit Src and, thus, to modulate aberrant pathways leading to malignant transformation of cells (Lu, X.L., et al., Curr. Med. Chem. 2012, 19, 1821-1829). Heterocyclic compounds attracted a lot of attention because of their wide spread biological activities. Thus, we have previously reported the synthesis of biological active heterocyclic derivatives based on the reactivity of the amidine moiety of 2-amino-2-oxazolines 2 with bis-electrophiles (Massip, S., et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2006, 14, 2697-2719). https://ibb.co/hzkMnJ In a preliminary screening testing our heterocycles library, we have identified a “hit” (compound 1d) derived from various substituted 6-formyl-oxazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines as a new Src kinase inhibitor (IC50 = 4 µM). These original oxazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives 1a-k were synthesized through a Diels-Alder cycloaddition of alkylidene derivatives of 2-amino-2-oxazoline (compounds 3a-k) with acrolein, as an electron-poor dienophile, a reaction previously described by our group (Guillon, J., et al., Synlett 2002, 8, 1249-1252). Versatility given by this reaction allowed us to access a promising family of diversely substituted 6-formyl-oxazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines with inhibitory effect on Src kinase. Acknowledgments: This work was supported by a grant from Ligue Contre le Cancer (Gironde, Bordeaux, France).

This work received the honour of being the Cover of the ACS Chemical Neuroscience in its issue of May 2015, 6-Methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline (pinoline) and N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (melatonin) are both structurally related to 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). Here we describe the design, synthesis, and characterization of a series of melatonin rigid analogues resulting from the hybridization of both pinoline and melatonin structures. The pharmacological evaluation of melatonin-pinoline hybrids comprises serotonergic and melatonergic receptors, metabolic enzymes (monoamine oxidases), antioxidant potential, the in vitro blood-brain barrier permeability, and neurogenic studies. Pinoline at trace concentrations and 2-acetyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline (2) were able to stimulate early neurogenesis and neuronal maturation in an in vitro model of neural stem cells isolated from the adult rat subventricular zone. Such effects are presumably mediated via serotonergic and melatonergic stimulation, respectively., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Project SAF2012-31035), the Fundación de Investigacion Mediica Mutua Madrileña Automovilistica (AP103952012), and the CSIC (PIE-201280E074). M.F.R. had a JAE-Predoctoral Contract (Grant JAE-Pre-2009-106) from the Program “Junta para la Ampliación de Estudios” cofinanced by the CSIC and the European Social Fund.

International audience; In this paper we report the investigation of C-3 and β-acetamide positions of agomelatine analogues. Concomitant insertion of a hydroxymethyl in the β-acetamide position and aliphatic groups in C-3 position produced a positive effect on both melatonin (MT1, MT2) and serotonin (5-HT2C) binding affinities. In particular, the allyl 6b and ethyl 15a represented the more interesting compounds of this series. Furthermore, the introduction of methyl cycloalkyl groups (compounds 11a, 12a) exhibited no change in both MT2 and 5-HT2C binding affinities while a decrease of MT1 binding affinity occurred leading to an MT2 selectivity. Finally, the acetamide modulation has led to methyl thiourea 11h, with a weak MT2 selectivity.

We recently reported a series of naphthofuranic compounds as constrained agomelatine analogues. Herein, in order to explore alternative ethyl amide side chain rigidification, naphthocyclopentane and quinolinocyclopentane derivatives with various acetamide modulations were synthesized and evaluated at both melatonin (MT

A series of benzothiazol-2-one containing α-ethoxyphenylpropionic acid derivatives incorporating resveratrol or butein scaffolds were designed as fused full PPARγ agonist ligands and SIRT1-activating compounds for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications. Compound 14d displayed the best in vitro pharmacological profile with full PPARγ agonist activity (Emax = 98%, EC50 = 200 nM), SIRT1 enzymatic activation (+128%) and SGK1 expression inhibition (- 57%) which is known to limit side effects as fluid retention and body-weight gain. Compound 14d showed high efficacy in an ob/ob mice model with significant decreases in serum triglyceride, glucose and insulin levels but mostly with limited body-weight gain by mimicking calorie restriction (CR) and inhibiting SGK1 expression.

New series of melatonergic ligands issued from two methoxy-quinolinic scaffolds (2-MQ and 3-MQ), were designed and synthesized. Herein we report the synthetic scheme and pharmacological results of the new prepared compounds. Investigation of compound 11a, the strict 2-MQ analogue, revealed the promising potential of this series. Therefore, pharmacomodulation of the acetamide function of 11a has led to compounds with different pharmacological profiles and the emergence of an MT2 selectivity. Besides, sulphonamide 11b showed the most important MT2 selectivity of this series (167 folds) while methyl and ethyl-ureas 11f and 11g represented the most potent melatonergic ligands of this study.

We report herein the racemic resolution and pharmacological evaluation of naphthalenic ligand analogues of compound 3a. Propionamide 3b and fluoroacetamide 3c showed a good pharmacological profile towards MT1, MT2 and 5-HT2C. Hence, their enantiomers were successfully separated from racemates (±)-3a and (±)-3b and evaluated for their binding affinities and antidepressant activity. Binding results revealed that (−)-R-enantiomers were more potent than (+)-S-enantiomers. Furthermore, the (−)-R-enantiomers exhibited high binding affinities with partial agonist activity at melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptor subtypes and antagonist activity at the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor subtype. The R-fluoroacetamide 3c demonstrated the most potent binding affinity towards the 5-HT2C receptor subtype (pKi = 6.73 ± 0.02).

Agomelatine is a naphthalenic analogue of melatonin that is in clinical use for the treatment of major depressive disorders. Interestingly, while agomelatine exhibits potent affinity for melatonin receptors, it binds with only moderate affinity to the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor. Optimization of agomelatine toward this target could further potentiate its clinical efficacy. To explore this hypothesis and to access derivatives in which a key point of agomelatine metabolism is blocked, a series of naphthalenic derivatives was designed and synthesized as novel analogues of agomelatine. Most of the prepared compounds exhibited good binding affinity at the melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptor subtypes. Two compounds, an acetamide and an acrylamide derivative, exhibited good binding affinities at both the human melatonin (MT) receptors and the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor subtype, with pKi values of 7.96 and 7.95 against MT1, 7.86 and 8.68 against MT2, and 6.64 and 6.44 against 5-HT2C, respectively.

N-(Arylcyclopropyl)acetamides and N-(arylvinyl)acetamides or methyl ureas have been prepared as constrained analogues of melatonin. The affinity of these new compounds for chicken brain melatonin receptors and recombinant human MT1 and MT2 receptors was evaluated using 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin as radioligand. Strict ethylenic or cyclopropyl analogues of the commercialized agonist agomelatine (Valdoxan®) were equipotent to agomelatine in binding bioassays. However, the ethylenic analogue was more effective than the cyclopropyl one in the melanophore aggregation bioassay, but was still less potent than the disubstituted 2,7-dimethoxy-naphtalenic compounds.

Compounds that simultaneously activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) subtypes α and γ have the potential to effectively treat dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a single pharmaceutically active molecule. The frequently observed side effects of selective PPARγ agonists, such as edema and weight gain, were expected to be overcome by using additive PPARα activity, leading to dual PPARα/γ agonists with balanced activity for both subtypes. Herein we report the discovery, synthesis, and optimization of a new series of α-ethoxyphenylpropionic acid bearing 5- or 6-substituted indoles. The incorporation of oxime ethers on the carbonyl portion of the benzoyl group can bring the PPARα/γ potency ratio equal to or slightly greater than one, as is the case for compounds 20 c and 21 a. Compound 20 c shows high efficacy in an ob/ob mouse model of T2D and dyslipidemia, similar to that of rosiglitazone and tesaglitazar, but with a significant increase in body weight gain. In contrast, compound 21 a, less potent as a dual PPARα/γ activator than 20 c, showed an interesting pharmacological profile, as it elicits a decrease in body weight relative to reference compounds.

As part of our ongoing interest in developing new melatoninergic ligands bearing the same pharmacological profile as agomelatine, we focused our attention on this compound as a lead. Several chemical modifications have been performed on positions C-3 and 8 of the naphthalene ring determined as primary targets for the agomelatine metabolism. Herein we report the modulation of the positions C-3 and 7 in addition of the amide side chain because of this later prominent role in the affinity profile of such ligands. Synthesized compounds were then biologically evaluated at human cloned melatoninergic and serotoninergic receptors and showed different binding affinity and intrinsic activity profiles. Compounds bearing fluoroacetamide group (compounds 4 and 5 ) showed a high melatoninergic binding affinity particularly towards MT 1 receptor subtype. Thus, the fluoroacetamide 4 exhibited a good melatoninergic (MT 1 /MT 2 ) binding affinity (70 pM) higher than the lead. Moreover, other compounds ( 10a , 10e , 16 , 17 and 18 ) issued from these modulations behaved as MT 1 and MT 2 agonists and exhibited a sub-nanomolar binding affinity towards these receptors. However, only compounds 10e , 17 and 18 showed a sub-nanomolar binding affinity at 5-HT 2C higher than the agomelatine.

Naphthalenic analogs of MCA-NAT (5-methoxycarbonylamino-N-acetyltryptamine) have been synthesized and evaluated as melatonin receptor ligands. Introduction of a methoxycarbonylamino substituent at the C-7 position of the naphthalenic nucleus yields MT3 selective ligands. This selectivity can be modulated with suitable variations of the C-7 position and the acyl group on the C-1 side chain. We identified new series of compounds with affinity for the MT3 binding site in the nanomolar range, and singled out a selective ligand, (N-[2-(7-methylsulfamoyl-naphth-1-yl)ethyl]acetamide (17), with a Ki of 4.9 nM and selectivity of 1024 and 2040 versus MT1 and MT2 receptors respectively.

A series of N-(2-(5-fluoro-2-(4-fluorophenylthio)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)ethyl)acylamides was synthesized and evaluated for binding affinity and intrinsic activity at melatonin receptors. The affinity of each compound for the melatonin receptors was determined by binding studies on cloned human MT1 and MT2 receptors expressed in CHO cells. Agonist and antagonist potency was measured on the [35S]GTPγS binding assay for the most interesting compounds. The new derivatives 8-14 showed modest to high selectivity (between 4 and 220) for MT2 receptors. The most selective compound, N-(2-(5-fluoro-2-(4-fluorophenylthio)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)ethyl)but-3-enamide (14), an MT2 ligand with affinity for the MT2 receptor similar to that of melatonin and a 220-fold preference over MT1 receptors, acts as a partial agonist. In addition, N-(2-(5-fluoro-2-(4-fluorophenylthio)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)ethyl)propionamide (9), a nanomolar MT2 ligand with a good selectivity ratio (MT1/MT2=51) shows antagonist activity on both melatonin receptors.

A series of 7-azaindolic ligands bearing a methoxy group and a N -acetyl chain as melatoninergic pharmacophores were synthesized and their binding affinities towards MT 1 and MT 2 receptors were evaluated. Compounds 7a – c and 12 (cyclohexyl ring connected at C-2 and C-3 position) appears as important melatonin MT 2 and MT 1 receptors agonists. On the other hand, the presence of basic groups (amines) at position C-3 was detrimental to the melatoninergic affinities.

Hexahydroindenopyridine (HHIP) is an interesting heterocyclic framework that contains an indene core similar to ramelteon. This type of tricyclic piperidines aroused our interest as potential melatoninergic ligands. Melatonin receptor ligands have applications in insomnia and depression. We report herein an efficient two-step method to prepare new HHIP by the reaction of an enamine with 3-bromopropylamine hydrobromide. Some synthesized compounds showed moderate affinity for melatonin receptors in the nanomolar or low micromolar range. Furthermore, the methylenedioxy HHIPs 2d (N-phenylacetamide) and 2f (N,N-diethylacetamide), exhibited high selectivity at MT1 or MT2 receptors, respectively, when compared with melatonin. It seems that the methylenedioxy group on the indene ring system and the N-acetamide substituent are important structural features to bind selectively MT1 or MT2 subtypes.

Amongst ionotropic glutamatergic receptors, the AMPA receptor subtype has been recognized as a major contributor to the fast excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system and the expression and maintenance of longterm potentiation. This receptor subtype also represents an interesting target to develop innovative therapeutic drugs such as positive allosteric modulators (AMPA receptor potentiators) since the enhancement of AMPA signals is expected to be beneficial in the management of several neurological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and learning-memory deficits linked to Alzheimer's disease. This article is dedicated to the use of (hetero) aromatic ring-fused thiadiazines (i.e. benzo- pyrido- and thienothiadiazines) as core structures for the discovery of new positive allosteric modulators of AMPA receptors. Recent advances exploring other chemotypes in the field of AMPA potentiators is the object of a separate review of the present issue.

Taking into account structure-activity relationships obtained with our previous series, new diversely substituted 1,2,4-pyridothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides were designed to obtain novel AMPA potentiators. The aim of this work was focused on the improvement of lipophilicity, which is well known as a critical parameter to obtain in vivo active central nervous system agents. For this purpose, two positions on the pyridine ring were privileged to insert selected groups. Among the synthesized compounds emerged 7-chloro-4-ethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrido[2,3-e]-[1,2,4]-thiadiazine 1,1-dioxide (12d), which was evaluated in two memory tests in Wistar rats and showed cognition enhancing effects after intraperitoneal injection at doses as low as 0.3mg/kg.

A series of naphthalenic analogues of melatonin were prepared and evaluated as melatonin receptor MT(2) selective ligands. Activity and MT(2) selectivity can be modulated with suitable variations of the C-3 phenyl and the acyl group on the C-1 side chain. Surprisingly, in contrast with what had been previously described in other series (2-benzylindoles, 2-benzylbenzofurans and 3-phenyltetralins), the presence of a C-3 phenyl with a functional group on the meta position seems to be primordial for MT(2) affinity and selectivity. Indeed, N-[2-(3-(3-hydroxymethylphenyl)-7-methoxynaphth-1-yl)ethyl]acetamide (21) is one of the best MT(2) selective ligands described until now and behaves as an antagonist.

A new series of substituted 4,4-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-quinolin-2-one have been prepared via condensation of 3,3-dimethylacryloyl chloride with aniline. Details of synthetic procedures are shown. Our aim was to investigate the potency of our original heterocycle in the inhibition of the Rho-kinase enzyme, known to be of major importance in the cascade reactions leading to arterial hypertension. Biological activity for the seven compounds has been investigated and is presented.

International audience; Following our research for new melatonergic ligands, herein we report the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new series of naphthofuranic derivatives as MT1 and MT2 ligands. Binding affinity results of the prepared compounds revealed good binding affinities at both melatonin receptor subtypes. Particularly, compound 6a behaved as an MT1 partial agonist and MT2 full agonist and exhibited an excellent binding affinity at MT2 (Ki = 0.09 nM). In addition, lateral chain displacement from position 1 to 2 of the furan core had no effect on the binding affinity at both MT1 and MT2, while elongation of this side chain, led to decreased melatonergic binding affinities.

A series of 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides have been synthesized and evaluated as potentiators of AMPA receptors. Attention was paid to the impact of the substituent introduced at the 7-position of the heterocycle. The biological evaluation was achieved by measuring the AMPA current in rat cortex mRNA-injected Xenopus oocytes. The most potent compound, 4-ethyl-7-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide (12a) was found to be active in an object recognition test in rats demonstrating cognition enhancing effects in vivo after oral administration.

We report herein an efficient synthesis of 2-substituted furo[3,2-b]pyridines and their biological evaluation as melatonin receptors ligands. The proposed eight-step sequence ending with a Suzuki coupling allowed a rapid access to various analogues. The steric hindrance and the conformation of the aryl group in C2-position were evaluated regarding the selectivity of the molecule for one of the two high affinity melatonin receptors as well as the activity profile of the compound. Introduction of 1-naphthyl substituent gave the best result in terms of selectivity with a MT1/MT2 ratio of about 150 (MT1 Ki = 198 nM, MT2 Ki = 1.3 nM).

et al., Herein we present a new family of melatonin-based compounds, in which the acetamido group of melatonin has been bioisosterically replaced by a series of reversed amides and azoles, such as oxazole, 1,2,4-oxadiazole, and 1,3,4-oxadiazole, as well as other related five-membered heterocycles, namely, 1,3,4-oxadiazol(thio)ones, 1,3,4-triazol(thio)ones, and an 1,3,4-thiadiazole. New compounds were fully characterized at melatonin receptors (MT1R and MT2R), and results were rationalized by superimposition studies of their structures to the bioactive conformation of melatonin. We also found that several of these melatonin-based compounds promoted differentiation of rat neural stem cells to a neuronal phenotype in vitro, in some cases to a higher extent than melatonin. This unique profile constitutes the starting point for further pharmacological studies to assess the mechanistic pathways and the relevance of neurogenesis induced by melatonin-related structures., We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO, Grants SAF2012-31035, SAF2010-16365, and SAF2014-52940-R), Fundación de Investigación Médica Mutua Madrileña Automovilística (Grant AP103952012), and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC, Grant PIE-201280E074). The Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) is funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. M.d.l.F.R. thanks CSIC for a JAE-Predoctoral Contract, and J.A.M.-G. thanks CIBERNED for a postdoctoral fellowship . We also acknowledge Dr. Paula Morales for the binding assays on cannabinoid receptors and the National Institute on Mental Health-Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH-PDSP, Contract HHSN-271-2013-00017-C, Dr. Bryan Roth) for binding experiments on serotonin receptors and transporter.

A new family of 8-HETE analogs has been synthesized as dual PPAR α and γ agonists. A versatile strategy has been developed to allow modulations not only around the aromatic core but also on the side chains of these analogs. The affinity of these compounds towards the PPARα and PPARγ receptors is reported, together with their transactivation percentage. The derivatives having a propargylic type side chain gave the most promising results as dual agonists. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)

A new class of dual PPARs alpha and gamma agonists was developed. These compounds are structural analogues of the arachidonic acid metabolite, the 8-(S)-HETE. A versatile strategy has been introduced to prepare the target molecules having different carbo- and heterocyclic cores and to modulate the unsaturations on the side chains. Their affinity towards the PPARs alpha and gamma receptors is reported, together with their transactivation percentage. Most of these derivatives have a good activity as dual agonists but the quinoline-derived products appear as the most promising compounds.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has several receptors; one of them, the neuropeptide Y5 receptor (NPY5) seems involved in feeding behavior in mammals. Although this particular receptor has been extensively studied in the literature, the difficulties encountered to obtain a stable cell line expressing this recombinant receptor have impaired the development of tools necessary to establish its molecular pharmacology. We thus established a method for the functional study of new ligands. It is based upon the cotransfection in human melatonin receptor 1 (MT1)-overexpressing HEK293 cells of three plasmids encoding melanocortin receptor (MC5), neuropeptide Y5 receptor (NPY5) and a cyclic AMP response element-controlled luciferase. Once challenged with αMSH, the MC5 receptor activates the cyclic AMP response, through the coupling protein subunit Gs. In contrast, NPY5 agonists, through the NPY5 receptor which is negatively coupled to the same pathway, counteract the αMSH-mediated effect on cyclic AMP level. Using appropriate controls, this method can pinpoint compounds with antagonistic activity. Simple and straightforward, this system permits reproducible measurements of agonist or antagonist effects in the presence of neuropeptide Y, the natural agonist. This method has the advantage over already existing methods and beyond its apparent complexity, to enhance the cyclic AMP concentration at a ‘physiological’ level, by opposition to a forskolin-induced adenylate cyclase activation. Finally, to further validate this assay, we showed results from (1) a series of natural peptidic agonists that permitted the standardization and (2) a series of potent nonpeptidic antagonists (affinity >10−9 M) that form a new class of active NPY5 receptor antagonists.

AIM: These studies were performed to test the hypothesis that endogenous neuropeptide Y (NPY) acting on the NPY Y5 receptor subtype contributes to the control of food intake. The hypothesis was tested using S 25585—a newly synthesized NPY Y5 receptor antagonist. METHODS AND RESULTS: S 25585 was shown to be a high-affinity antagonist of the NPY Y5 receptor subtype (IC50 5 nM) with no significant affinity toward other NPY receptor subtypes and over 40 other receptors, channels or uptake systems. S 25585 (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) did not induce a conditioned taste aversion, significantly alter need-induced sodium appetite or induce pica, suggesting that at this dose the compound did not induce illness or malaise. In satiated rats, S 25585 (5.0 and 7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased the overfeeding induced by i.c.v. injection of NPY (1 μg) and the highly selective NPY Y5 receptor agonist [hPP1−17, Ala31, Aib32]NPY (0.7 μg). In rats fasted for 4 h immediately before the dark phase, analysis of the microstructure of feeding behavior revealed that S 25585 significantly increased latency to eat and significantly decreased the duration and size of the meals without altering the meal number or eating rate. Analysis of the behavioral satiety sequence at this time revealed that the animals passed through the normal pattern of feeding, grooming and resting. Although S 25585 appeared to be influencing a physiological system controlling appetite, this does not involve the NPY Y5 receptor since the antagonist also markedly reduced food intake in the NPY Y5 knockout mouse. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented do not support a role for the NPY Y5 receptor in the control of food intake. The results further illustrate that it is imperative that the activity of any new NPY Y5 antagonist be assessed in the NPY Y5 knockout mouse before assuming that its effect on food intake is due to blockade of this receptor.

Several new pyridazino[1',6':1,2]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-5-inium derivatives were synthesised from beta-carboline derivatives and their cytotoxic activity and effect on the cell cycle were evaluated against L1210 cancer cells.

In the course of a program aimed at designing antitumor agents containing an indolocarbazole framework, an efficient synthetic scheme based on the use of 3,4-dibromo- N -methylmaleimide and 7-azaindole has been developed to elaborate a series of mono- and di-aza derivatives of arcyriaflavin. The procedure was further exploited to introduce a hydroxyl group at different positions on the indole moiety of the non-symmetrical compounds. The DNA binding capacity and cytotoxic potential of these 7-azaindolocarbazole derivatives was evaluated.

A new family of aza-indolocarbazoles 2 – 3 was built from protected 3-(3-indolyl)-4-bromo- N -methylmaleimide in a few efficient steps. Symmetrical and non-symmetrical products were obtained. Regioselectivity of anionic condensation was controlled. A possible selective deprotection between an N -Boc and N -benzenesulphonyl group using mild basic conditions was confirmed.

Hexahydroindenopyridine (HHIP) is an interesting tricyclic piperidine nucleus that is structurally related to melatonin, a serotonin-derived neurohormone. Melatonin receptor ligands have applications in several cellular, neuroendocrine and neurophysiological disorders, including depression and/or insomnia. We report herein an efficient two-step method to prepare new HHIP via enamine C-alkylation-cyclization. The influence of substituents on the benzene ring and the nitrogen atom on melatoninergic receptors has been studied. Among the 25 synthesized HHIPs, some of them containing methylenedioxy (series 2) and 8-chloro-7-methoxy substituents (series 4) on the benzene ring revealed affinity for the MT1 and/or the MT2 receptors within the nanomolar range or low micromolar. Similar activities were also encountered for those presenting urea (4g), N-aryl (2e) and N-alkyl (2f) acetamide functions. Therefore, new synthesized compounds with a HHIP nucleus have emerged as new promising leads towards the discovery of melatoninergic ligands which could provide new therapeutic agents.

A series of 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl cyanoarylmethyl dicarboxylates (4a-4o), dicarboxylic acids 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl ester cyanoarylmethyl amide (5a-5k), and dicarboxylic acids 12alpha-deoxoartemisinyl ester N-methylcyanoarylmethyl amide (6a-6l), showing moderate cytotoxicity against P388 and L1210 cells were prepared. They induced the significant accumulation of L1210 and P388 cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. This mechanism of action was quite different from that of the majority of cytotoxic compounds used in the chemotherapy of cancer. Compound 4b possessed better cytotoxicity than the other compounds.

As part of a research program directed towards the design and synthesis of pyranoxanthones structurally related to acronycine, we present here the synthesis and cytotoxic activity of the pyranoxanthones 3 and 4 (X= H, Br; R= H, OMe; R'= H, Ac). Some of these compounds inhibit L1210 cell proliferation.

Continuing our previous work that established that some chromones substitued by an aryl alkyl piperazino alkyl side chain are potent and selective sigma ligands and could be interesting in the treatment of psychosis, we synthesized 60 new compounds, replacing the chromone moiety by various cyclic systems. Many derivatives bind to the sigma sites in the nanomolar range and are generally selective in comparison with 5HT1A and the D2 receptors. One of the most potent ligands of these series, 1-(2-naphthyl methyl)-4-benzyl piperazine 29, has been studied in various pharmacological tests. Although it doesn't have potential in the treatment of psychosis, the results we obtained confirm the data which indicates that such derivatives could be interesting in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

A series of novel 4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)piperidine derivatives with benzothiazolin-2-one as a pivotal template was designed, synthesised and evaluated on a battery of receptors, including serotonin 5-HT 1A , 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 2C , dopamine D 2 and adrenergic α 1 receptors. The 4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)piperidine moiety is known as one of the most potent pharmacophores for the 5-HT 2A receptor. All compounds displayed high affinities for the central 5-HT 2A receptors (1 to 10 nM) combined with high to moderate 5-HT 1A (1 to 800 nM) and D 2 (5 to 1000 nM) affinities. Such a pharmacological profile could lead to new atypical antipsychotics.

The development of new potential anti-inflammatory compounds resulting from the incorporation of α-aminoacid residues into 6-amino-2,4-lutidine afforded (N-protected) aminoamides with interesting inhibitory activity. Out of 28 tested compounds, 10 ( 5a, 5b, 7d, 8a, 8b, 8d, 10a, 11b, 12a and 12b ) exerted potent (>90%) inhibition in the carrageenan foot edema (CFE) rat model after oral administration of 0.4 mmol kg −1 . Except for Cbz-glycyl, Cbz-alanyl, Fmoc-valyl and Cbz-alanyl-glycyl derivatives ( 5a, 5b, 7d and 11b ). N-deprotection afforded more active compounds. Introduction of a glycyl residue in the previously studied highly active 3-fluorobenzamide 2 , which led to 10a , maintained potent peripheral edema inhibition but had a detrimental effect in the acute TPA-induced mouse ear-swelling model. Glycylglycinamide 12a , which had an ID 50 of 9.0 mg kg −1 in the CFE test, appeared to be the most efficient compound tested in this new series of non-carboxylic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Glycinamide 8a , although less potent in the same assay (14.3 mg kg −1 ), exerted a significant inhibitory effect in acute and chronic ear-swelling tests after topical application of 3 mg/ear.

Starting from a random screening showing that 2-[(4-benzylpiperazinyl)methyl] chromone was a selective and potent sigma ligand, a series of analogues were synthesized. Introduction of a substituent on the chromone moiety, replacement of methy-lenes by carbonyl groups and benzyl by aryl groups decrease the affinity for sigma sites. The result obtained after introduction of various substituents on the aromatic part of the benzyl is strictly depending on the size and on the position of these substituents. Stretching of the carbon chain between the phenyl and the piperazine does not strongly modify the affinity. 2-[4-(4′-methoxy benzyl)-1-piperazinyl methyl] chromone has been tested in behavioral tests that permit to believe that such derivatives could be interesting for the treatment of psychosis.

A series of 6-(aza)arylmethoxychroman-2-carboxamides 22–38 , derived from Trolox ® or 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid, was prepared using two strategies, i.e. phenol blockade was carried out before or after amidification. These compounds were evaluated against peripheral inflammation by a carrageenin-induced foot-pad edema test. A permanent blockade of the phenol function by arylmethoxy groupings, in particular by the quinolylmethoxy moiety, was generally detrimental to activity; only the 6-benzyloxy and quinolylmethoxy derivatives 22 and 31 exhibited significant inhibition (58.3 and 97.1%) after oral administration of 0.4 mmol kg −1 . Among their 6-acetoxy or 6-hydroxy precursors 12–21 , evaluated at 0.4 and 0.1 mmol kg −1 , the N -(4-pyridyl) chromancarboxamides 15 and 20 exerted the highest inhibitory activity. Their ID 50 were 14.7 ± 5.5 mg kg −1 and 14.7 ± 4.5 mg kg −1 , respectively.