Halogenated benzimidazole carboxamides target integrin alpha4beta1 on T-cell and B-cell lymphomas

Integrin alpha(4)beta(1) is an attractive but poorly understood target for selective diagnosis and treatment of T-cell and B-cell lymphomas. This report focuses on the rapid microwave preparation, structure-activity relationships, and biological evaluation of medicinally pertinent benzimidazole heterocycles as integrin alpha(4)beta(1) antagonists. We documented tumor uptake of derivatives labeled with (125)I in xenograft murine models of B-cell lymphoma. Molecular homology models of integrin alpha(4)beta(1) predicted that docked halobenzimidazole carboxamides have the halogen atom in a suitable orientation for halogen-hydrogen bonding. The high-affinity halogenated ligands identified offer attractive tools for medicinal and biological use, including fluoro and iodo derivatives with potential radiodiagnostic ((18)F) or radiotherapeutic ((131)I) applications, or chloro and bromo analogues that could provide structural insights into integrin-ligand interactions through photoaffinity, cross-linking/mass spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallographic studies.

Targeting multiple chorismate-utilizing enzymes with a single inhibitor: validation of a three-stage design

Chorismate-utilizing enzymes are attractive antimicrobial drug targets due to their absence in humans and their central role in bacterial survival and virulence. The structural and mechanistic homology of a group of these inspired the goal of discovering inhibitors that target multiple enzymes. Previously, we discovered seven inhibitors of 4-amino-4-deoxychorismate synthase (ADCS) in an on-bead, fluorescent-based screen of a 2304-member one-bead-one-compound combinatorial library. The inhibitors comprise PAYLOAD and COMBI stages, which interact with active site and surface residues, respectively, and are linked by a SPACER stage. These seven compounds, and six derivatives thereof, also inhibit two other enzymes in this family, isochorismate synthase (IS) and anthranilate synthase (AS). The best binding compound inhibits ADCS, IS, and AS with K(i) values of 720, 56, and 80 microM, respectively. Inhibitors with varying SPACER lengths show the original choice of lysine to be optimal. Lastly, inhibition data confirm the PAYLOAD stage directs the inhibitors to the ADCS active site.

Pyrazolylthiazole as DeltaF508-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator correctors with improved hydrophilicity compared to bithiazoles

Deletion of phenylalanine residue 508 (DeltaF508) in the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator protein (CFTR) is a major cause of CF. Small molecule "correctors" of defective DeltaF508-CFTR cellular processing hold promise for CF therapy. We previously identified and characterized bithiazole CF corrector 1 and s-cis-locked bithiazole 2. Herein, we report the regiodivergent synthesis of Ngamma and Nbeta isomers of thiazole-tethered pyrazoles with improved hydrophilicity compared to bithiazoles. We synthesized a focused library of 54 pyrazolylthiazoles 3, which included examples of both regioisomers 4 and 5. The thiazole-tethered pyrazoles allowed incorporation of property-modulating functionality on the pyrazole ring (ester, acid, and amide) while retaining DeltaF508-CFTR corrector activity (EC(50)) of under 1 microM. The most active pyrazolylthiazole (14h) has an experimentally determined log P of 4.1, which is 1.2 log units lower than bithiazole CF corrector 1.

Nucleophilic substitution of oxazino-/oxazolino-/benzoxazin [3,2-b]indazoles: an effective route to 1H-indazolones

A variety of nucleophiles, thiolates, alkoxides, amines, iodide, and cyanide, react with oxazino-, oxazolino-, and benzoxazin[3,2-b]indazoles under microwave conditions to yield a diverse set of 2-substituted 1H-indazolones. The synthetic utility of these indazoles is further demonstrated by ANRORC (addition of the nucleophile, ring-opening, and ring closure) reactions to yield isomeric pyrazoloindazolones by a process wherein iodide acts first as a nucleophile and subsequently as a leaving group.

Isoxazolopyrimidines as Novel ΔF508-CFTR Correctors

Using a cell-based high-throughput screen, we identified isoxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines as novel small-molecule correctors of the cystic fibrosis mutant protein ΔF508-CFTR. 22 Isoxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine analogues were synthesized and tested. Synthesis of the key intermediate, 5-amino-3-arylisoxazole-4-carboxamide, was accomplished by nitrile oxide cycloaddition to (2-amino-1-cyano-2-oxoethyl)sodium. Formation of 3-arylisoxazolo-[5,4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one and chlorination gave 4-chloro-3-arylisoxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine. Finally, functionalization at C-4 of the pyrimidine ring by nucleophilic substitution gave the targeted isoxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines. Six of the reported analogues had low micromolar potency for increasing halide transport in ΔF508-CFTR cells.

Cyclopenta[b]pyrroles from triazines: synthetic and mechanistic studies

The pyrrolidine-mediated reactions of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazines with cyclobutanone lead to cyclopenta[b]pyrroles, which can be derivatized into hydrazones and oximes. The cyclopenta[b]pyrrole ring system likely arises through a tandem [4 + 2] cycloaddition/cycloreversion/ring rearrangement reaction. In contrast, 3,6-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazines undergo a simple nucleophilic 1,4-addition with cyclobutanone to give 1:1 adducts.

Design and synthesis of a hybrid potentiator-corrector agonist of the cystic fibrosis mutant protein DeltaF508-CFTR

A developing therapy of cystic fibrosis caused by the DeltaF508 mutation in CFTR employs correction of defective CFTR chloride channel gating by a 'potentiator' and of defective CFTR protein folding by a 'corrector'. Based on SAR data for phenylglycine-type potentiators and bithiazole correctors, we designed a hybrid molecule incorporating an enzymatic hydrolysable linker to deliver the potentiator (PG01) fragment 2 and the corrector (Corr-4a) fragment 13. The hybrid molecule 14 contained PG01-OH and Corr-4a-linker-CO(2)H moieties, linked with an ethylene glycol spacer through an ester bond. The potentiator 2 and corrector 13 fragments (after cleavage) had low micromolar potency for restoration of DeltaF508-CFTR channel gating and cellular processing, respectively. Cleavage of hybrid molecule 14 by intestinal enzymes under physiological conditions produced the active potentiator 2 and corrector fragments 13, providing proof-of-concept for small-molecule potentiator-corrector hybrids as a single drug therapy for CF caused by the DeltaF508 mutation.

3-(Arylthiomethyl)isoxazole-4,5-dicarboxamides: chemoselective nucleophilic chemistry and insecticidal activity

A collection of 91 3-(arylthiomethyl)isoxazole-4,5-dicarboxamides was prepared starting from dimethyl 3-(chloromethyl)isoxazole-4,5-dicarboxylate. The thioether moieties in these compounds were subsequently oxidized to give the corresponding 3-(arylsulfonylmethyl)isoxazole-4,5-dicarboxamides. By carefully controlling stoichiometry and reaction conditions, the C4 and C5 carbomethoxy groups could be differentially derivatized to carboxamides. A total of 182 trisubstituted isoxazoles are reported and deposited in the National Institutes of Health Molecular Repository; an 80 compound subset was evaluated for insecticidal activity.

An oxazolo[3,2-b]indazole route to 1H-indazolones

The novel heterocycle 2,3-dihydrooxazolo[3,2-b]indazole has been synthesized and utilized to provide easy access to 1H-indazolones, particularly the previously unreported 2-(2-alkoxyethyl)-1H-indazol-3(2H)-ones. Mechanistic as well as optimization and reaction scope studies are reported.

Environmental causes of autoimmunity: Clues to the loss of tolerance in primary biliary cirrhosis (137.14)

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a human autoimmune disease that destroys small bile ducts and is characterized by antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) directed to the inner lipoyl domain of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDC-E2). Our thesis is that environmental factors trigger the onset of PBC by breaking tolerance to PDC-E2. In particular, we submit that chemical xenobiotic modification of the lipoyl moiety of PDC-E2 results in creation of a neoantigen with a subsequent immune response in genetically predisposed individuals. Our previous work has been focused in two areas: the use of microarrays to identify chemical xenobiotics that react to AMAs as well as or better than native autoantigen and, second, the demonstration that a PBC-like disease can be generated in mice following immunization with our optimal xenobiotic coupled to BSA. Herein, we have focused on fine mapping of the optimal chemical compounds that mimic lipoic acid. We modified the S-S linkage ring structure of lipoic acid and conjugated an array of such chemicals on a PDC-E2 peptide backbone and then analyzed such compounds for reactivity using sera from patients with PBC and a variety of controls. Importantly, by such chemical fine mapping, we now identify 6,8-bis(acetylthio)octanoic acid as an optimal chemical structure. Finally, we note that this compound has striking structural similarity with a variety of drug metabolites.

Controlling Selectivity for Cycloadditions of Nitrones and Alkenes Tethered by Benzimidazoles: Combining Experiment and Theory

Herein we describe a combined experimental/theoretical study on the effects of substituents on regio- and stereoselectivity in intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of nitrones and alkenes tethered by benzimidazoles. By employing a large substituent at position R² or R³, complete selectivity was achieved for either the fused or bridged cycloadduct, respectively. In addition, these cycloadducts were formed as single diastereomers in all of the cycloadditions examined.

Selectively targeting T- and B-cell lymphomas: a benzothiazole antagonist of alpha4beta1 integrin

Current cancer chemotherapeutic agents clinically deployed today are designed to be indiscriminately cytotoxic, however, achieving selective targeting of cancer malignancies would allow for improved diagnostic and chemotherapeutic tools. Integrin alpha(4)beta(1), a heterodimeric cell surface receptor, is believed to have a low-affinity conformation in resting normal lymphocytes and an activated high-affinity conformation in cancerous cells, specifically T- and B-cell lymphomas. This highly attractive yet poorly understood receptor has been selectively targeted with the bisaryl urea peptidomimetic antagonist 1. However, concerns regarding its preliminary pharmacokinetic (PK) profile provided an impetus to change the pharmacophore from a bisaryl urea to a 2-arylaminobenzothiazole moiety, resulting in an analogue with improved physicochemical properties, solubility, and kidney:tumor ratio while maintaining potency (6; IC(50) = 53 pM). The results presented herein utilized heterocyclic and solid-phase chemistry, cell adhesion assay, and in vivo optical imaging using the cyanine dye Cy5.5 conjugate.

Oxidative stress caused by pyocyanin impairs CFTR Cl(-) transport in human bronchial epithelial cells

Pyocyanin (N-methyl-1-hydroxyphenazine), a redox-active virulence factor produced by the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is known to compromise mucociliary clearance. Exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells to pyocyanin increased the rate of cellular release of H(2)O(2) threefold above the endogenous H(2)O(2) production. Real-time measurements of the redox potential of the cytosolic compartment using the redox sensor roGFP1 showed that pyocyanin (100 microM) oxidized the cytosol from a resting value of -318+/-5 mV by 48.0+/-4.6 mV within 2 h; a comparable oxidation was induced by 100 microM H(2)O(2). Whereas resting Cl(-) secretion was slightly activated by pyocyanin (to 10% of maximal currents), forskolin-stimulated Cl(-) secretion was inhibited by 86%. The decline was linearly related to the cytosolic redox potential (1.8% inhibition/mV oxidation). Cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells homozygous for DeltaF508 CFTR failed to secrete Cl(-) in response to pyocyanin or H(2)O(2), indicating that these oxidants specifically target the CFTR and not other Cl(-) conductances. Treatment with pyocyanin also decreased total cellular glutathione levels to 62% and cellular ATP levels to 46% after 24 h. We conclude that pyocyanin is a key factor that redox cycles in the cytosol, generates H(2)O(2), depletes glutathione and ATP, and impairs CFTR function in Pseudomonas-infected lungs.

Potent s-cis-locked bithiazole correctors of DeltaF508 cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator cellular processing for cystic fibrosis therapy

N-(5-(2-(5-Chloro-2-methoxyphenylamino)thiazol-4-yl)-4-methylthiazol-2-yl)pivalamide 1 (compound 15Jf) was found previously to correct defective cellular processing of the cystic fibrosis protein DeltaF508-CFTR. Eight C4'-C5 C,C-bond-controlling bithiazole analogues of 1 were designed, synthesized, and evaluated to establish that constraining rotation about the bithiazole-tethering has a significant effect on corrector activity. For example, constraining the C4'-C5 bithiazole tether in the s-cis conformation [N-(2-(5-chloro-2-methoxyphenylamino)-7,8-dihydro-6 H-cyclohepta[1,2- d:3,4- d']bithiazole-2'-yl)pivalamide, 29] results in improved corrector activity. Heteroatom placement in the bithaizole core is also critical as evidenced by the decisive loss of corrector activity with s-cis constrained N-(2-(5-chloro-2-methoxyphenylamino)-5,6-dihydro-4 H-cyclohepta[1,2- d:3,4- d']bithiazole-2'-yl)pivalamide 33. In addition, computational models were utilized to examine the conformational preferences for select model systems. Following our analysis, the " s-cis-locked" cycloheptathiazolothiazole 29 was found to be the most potent bithiazole corrector, with an IC50 of approximately 450 nM.

Loss of tolerance in C57BL/6 mice to the autoantigen E2 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase by a xenobiotic with ensuing biliary ductular disease

There have been important advances in defining effector mechanisms for several human autoimmune diseases. However, for most human autoimmune diseases, the induction stage is less well defined and there are very few clues on etiology. Our laboratory has focused on defining the molecular basis of autoantibody recognition and epitope modification in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Our work has demonstrated that antibodies to mitochondria, the hallmark of disease, are directed against a very conserved site of pyruvate dehydrogenase, the E2 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDC-E2). We have also demonstrated that several chemical xenobiotics, chosen based on quantitative structural activity relationship analysis and rigorous epitope analysis, when coupled to the lysine residue that normally binds the lipoic acid cofactor of PDC-E2, reacts as well or better to PBC sera than native autoantigen. In the present studies, we immunized C57BL/6 mice with one such xenobiotic, 2-octynoic acid, coupled to bovine serum albumin and we followed the mice for 24 weeks. Animals were studied for appearance of histologic lesions as well as appearance of antibodies to PDC-E2, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma, and splenic and liver lymphoid phenotyping by flow cytometry. Mice immunized with 2-octynoic acid manifest autoimmune cholangitis, typical mitochondrial autoantibodies, increased liver lymphoid cell numbers, an increase in CD8(+) liver infiltrating cells, particularly CD8(+) T cells that coexpress CD44, and finally an elevation of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma.

CONCLUSION

these data provide a persuasive argument in favor of an environmental origin for human PBC.

Activation of CFTR by UCCF-029 and genistein

The mechanism of action of a novel CFTR activator UC(CF)-029 on NIH3T3 cells stably expressing DeltaF508-CFTR was investigated and its effects compared to those of genistein, a known CFTR activator. This study shows that UC(CF)-029 and genistein have differing efficacies. The efficacy of UC(CF)-029 in the presence of forskolin (10microM) is approximately 50% that of genistein; however, the EC(50)'s for both drugs are comparable; 3.5microM for UC(CF)-029 and 4.4muM for genistein. Using NIH3T3 cells stably transfected with K1250A-CFTR we find that CFTR channel open time is unaffected by UC(CF)-029 or genistein, supporting the hypothesis that these compounds stabilize the open state by inhibiting ATP hydrolysis at NBD2. Our data suggest that the ability of UC(CF)-029 to augment DeltaF508-CFTR channel activity necessitates further interest.

Synthesis of 5-(thiazol-5-yl)-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles from 3-chloropentane-2,4-dione

Condensation of 3-chloropentane-2,4-dione with thioamides gives 1-(thiazol-5-yl)ethanones and subsequent Wittig olefination, followed by nitrile oxide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to the resulting prop-1-en-2-yl moiety, delivers racemic 5-(thiazol-5-yl)-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles. When this thiazole and isoxazoline diheterocyclic scaffold has a carboethoxy substituent at C2 of the thiazole ring, aminolysis provides for effective diversification. A 50-member library of various 5-(thiazol-5-yl)-4,5-dihydroisoxazoles is reported.

4'-Methyl-4,5'-bithiazole-based correctors of defective delta F508-CFTR cellular processing

The synthesis and Delta F508-CFTR corrector activity of a 148-member methylbithiazole-based library are reported. Synthetic routes were devised and optimized to generate methylbithiazole analogs in four steps. Corrector potency and efficacy were assayed using epithelial cells expressing human Delta F508-CFTR. These structure-activity data establish that the bithiazole substructure plays a critical function; eight novel methylbithiazole correctors were identified with low micromolar potencies.