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Cdc7 serine/threonine kinase is a key regulator of DNA synthesis in eukaryotic organisms. Cdc7 inhibition through siRNA or prototype small molecules causes p53 independent apoptosis in tumor cells while reversibly arresting cell cycle progression in primary fibroblasts. This implies that Cdc7 kinase could be considered a potential target for anticancer therapy. We previously reported that pyrrolopyridinones (e.g., 1) are potent and selective inhibitors of Cdc7 kinase, with good cellular potency and in vitro ADME properties but with suboptimal pharmacokinetic profiles. Here we report on a new chemical class of 5-heteroaryl-3-carboxamido-2-substituted pyrroles (1A) that offers advantages of chemistry diversification and synthetic simplification. This work led to the identification of compound 18, with biochemical data and ADME profile similar to those of compound 1 but characterized by superior efficacy in an in vivo model. Derivative 18 represents a new lead compound worthy of further investigation toward the ultimate goal of identifying a clinical candidate.

Cdc7 kinase has recently emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy and low-molecular-weight inhibitors of Cdc7 kinase have been found to be effective in the inhibition of tumor growth in animal models. In this paper, we describe synthesis and structure-activity relationships of new 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives identified as inhibitors of Cdc7 kinase. Progress from (Z)-2-phenyl-5-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-ylmethylene)-3,5-dihydro-4H-imidazol-4-one (1) to [(Z)-2-(benzylamino)-5-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-ylmethylene)-1,3-thiazol-4(5H)-one] (42), a potent ATP mimetic inhibitor of Cdc7 kinase with IC(50) value of 7 nM, is also reported.

Cdc7 kinase is a key regulator of the S-phase of the cell cycle, known to promote the activation of DNA replication origins in eukaryotic organisms. Cdc7 inhibition can cause tumor-cell death in a p53-independent manner, supporting the rationale for developing Cdc7 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. In this paper, we conclude the structure-activity relationships study of the 2-heteroaryl-pyrrolopyridinone class of compounds that display potent inhibitory activity against Cdc7 kinase. Furthermore, we also describe the discovery of 89S, [(S)-2-(2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl)-7-(2-fluoro-ethyl)-1,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridin-4-one], as a potent ATP mimetic inhibitor of Cdc7. Compound 89S has a Ki value of 0.5 nM, inhibits cell proliferation of different tumor cell lines with an IC50 in the submicromolar range, and exhibits in vivo tumor growth inhibition of 68% in the A2780 xenograft model.

A solid-state bioprocess with wheat bran and rice husk as substrate was used to isolate filamentous fungi with lipase activity from dairy effluent and soil contaminated with diesel oil. The lipase activity was measured in units, with one unit (U) being defined as the amount of enzyme required to liberate 1 micromol of fatty acids per minute per gram of bran substrate (1 U = 1 micromol min(-1) g(-1)). We obtained 24 isolates of filamentous fungi with lipase activity, 17 from the dairy effluent and 7 from the diesel oil-contaminated soil. The best lipase producers were the dairy effluent isolate Aspergillus E-6, with a maximum lipase activity of 49.81 U, and Aspergillus isolate O-4 recovered from the diesel oil-contaminated soil, with a maximum lipase activity of 45.49 U. Both isolates produced their maximum lipase activity eight days after the start of the bioprocess.

Cdc7 is an essential kinase that promotes DNA replication by activating origins of replication. Here, we characterized the potent Cdc7 inhibitor PHA-767491 (1) in biochemical and cell-based assays, and we tested its antitumor activity in rodents. We found that the compound blocks DNA synthesis and affects the phosphorylation of the replicative DNA helicase at Cdc7-dependent phosphorylation sites. Unlike current DNA synthesis inhibitors, PHA-767491 prevents the activation of replication origins but does not impede replication fork progression, and it does not trigger a sustained DNA damage response. Treatment with PHA-767491 results in apoptotic cell death in multiple cancer cell types and tumor growth inhibition in preclinical cancer models. To our knowledge, PHA-767491 is the first molecule that directly affects the mechanisms controlling initiation as opposed to elongation in DNA replication, and its activities suggest that Cdc7 kinase inhibition could be a new strategy for the development of anticancer therapeutics.

Cdc7 kinase is an essential protein that promotes DNA replication in eukaryotic organisms. Genetic evidence indicates that Cdc7 inhibition can cause selective tumor-cell death in a p53-independent manner, supporting the rationale for developing Cdc7 small-molecule inhibitors for the treatment of cancers. In this paper, the synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 2-heteroaryl-pyrrolopyridinones, the first potent Cdc7 kinase inhibitors, are described. Starting from 2-pyridin-4-yl-1,5,6,7-tetrahydro-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridin-4-one, progress toward a simple scaffold, tailored for Cdc7 inhibition, is reported.

The synthesis and the preliminary expansion of this new class of CDK2 inhibitors are presented. The synthesis was accomplished using a solution-phase protocol amenable to rapid parallel expansion and suitable to be scaled-up in view of possible lead development. Following a medicinal chemistry program aimed at improving cell permeability and selectivity, a series of compounds with nanomolar activity in the biochemical assay and able to efficiently inhibit tumor cell proliferation has been obtained.

A series of condensed N-aryl-2-cyano-3-oxo-3-pyrazolyl-propanamides were synthesized and evaluated for immunomodulating activity following intraperitoneal administration. These new molecules were found to enhance macrophage cytotoxicity and stimulate host mediated antibacterial defences in mice. The compound 3-cyano-3-(1,4-dihydro-1-phenyl-[1]-benzothiopyrano[4,3-c]pyrazol- 3-yl]-3-oxo-N-phenyl-propanamide, chosen for wider pharmacological investigation, proved effective in preventing adjuvant-induced arthritis development in rats.

A series of 5-oxo-5H-1,3,4-thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxamides were synthesized and evaluated for antiinflammatory activity in the carrageenin oedema test and in RPAR in the rat. Some proved active in both tests. Two compounds, namely 2-(3-pyridyl)- and 2-morpholino-5-oxo-5H- 1,3,4-thiadiazole[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-N-(2-pyridyl)carboxamide were particularly interesting.

A series of (E)-5-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethenyl]-1H,7H-pyrazolo-[1,5-a]pyrimidine-7-ones were synthesized and evaluated for the inhibition of stress-induced gastric ulcers in the rat after oral administration. Several molecules were found to be very active. The particularly interesting compound (E)-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-[2-(3-pyridyl)ethenyl]-1H,7H-pyrazolo[1,5-a]- pyrimidine-7-one was chosen for wider pharmacological investigation.

A series of 3-benzylidene-1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-oxopyrrolo-[2,1-b] quinazolinecarboxylic acids and 6-benzylidene-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-11-oxo-11H-pyrido[2,1-b] quinazolinecarboxylic acid was synthesized and evaluated for their antiulcer activity by the test of inhibition of restraint ulcers in the rat, and for gastric antisecretory activity using the technique of Shay. Some compounds appear potentially useful for therapeutic application.

A series of 7-trans-(2-pyridylethenyl)-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-5-ones was synthesized and evaluated for their pharmacological activity. Some compounds were found to be effective in inhibiting restraint ulcers in the rat. Two of them also showed interesting antiinflammatory activity.

A series of 7-oxo-1H,7H-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-N-pyridylcarboxamides was synthesized and assayed in the carrageenin-induced paw oedema test in the rat. Some compounds showed moderate antiinflammatory activity.