An Efficient Two-Step Total Synthesis of the Quaterpyridine Nemertelline

Regioselective and univocal Suzuki cross-coupling reactions performed on halopyridinyl boronic acids provide a flexible and versatile route to a multigram scale synthesis of 2,2'-dichloro-3,4'-bipyridine 14, which allows couplings with excess pyridin-3-yl boronic acid to give a new and efficient two-step rapid synthesis of nemertelline, the quaterpyridine neurotoxin isolated from a Hoplonemertine sea worm.

2-Bromo-6-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)pyridine, a new unexpected bifunctional building block for combinatorial chemistry

The first reported structure of a pyridin-2-ylboron derivative, viz. the title compound, C(11)H(15)BBrNO(2), (I), is compared with its regioisomer 2-bromo-5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)pyridine, (II) [Sopková-de Oliveira Santos, Lancelot, Bouillon & Rault (2003). Acta Cryst. C59, o111-o113]. Structural differences are observed, firstly in the orientation of the dioxaborolane ring with respect to the pyridine ring and secondly in the bond angles of the BO(2) group. These differences do not explain the experimentally observed differences in chemical reactivity between (I) and (II) but do confirm the relatively lower stability of (I). However, ab initio calculations of the HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) and LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital), based on the known crystal structures of the two compounds, show different distributions, which correspond to the differences observed during chemical reactions.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of five-membered heterocycles fused to cyclopenta[c]thiophene as new antitumor agents

A series of 10 derivatives 2-6 issued from the fusion of various five-membered heterocycles to cyclopenta[c]thiophene were evaluated for potential anticancer activity in the NCI's in vitro human disease-oriented tumor cell line screening panel that consisted of 60 human tumor cell lines arranged in nine subpanels, representing diverse histologies. Among these tested compounds, four were found to be cytotoxic allowing us to point out some structure-activity relationships. The oxazolidinone derivatives 2a-c displayed further in vivo antitumor activity in the hollow fiber assay and standard xenograft testing developed at the NCI.

Synthesis, pharmacological study and modeling of 7-methoxyindazole and related substituted indazoles as neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors

The synthesis, pharmacological evaluation and modelisation of 7-methoxyindazole (7-MI) and related alkoxyindazoles as novel inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase are presented. 7-MI remains the most active compound of this series in an in vitro enzymatic assay of neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity. Modeling studies of the interaction of 7-substituted indazole derivatives complexed with nNOS and the relationship with their respective biological activities suggest that a bulky substitution on position-7 is responsible for a steric hindrance effect which does not allow these compounds to interact with nNOS in the same way as 7-NI and 7-MI.

Synthesis and initial results for MAO-B inhibition by new N-propargyl-3-pyrrol-1-ylindanamine derivatives, analogues of rasagiline

The syntthesis of new N-propargyl-3-pyrrol-1-ylindanamine derivatives, analogues of rasagiline, is described in ten steps starting from the corresponding arylaldehydes via the corresponding cis-3-pyrrol-1-ylindanamines. The cis-configuration of some intermediates has been established using X-ray analysis and NOE experiments. The new N-propargyl-3-pyrrol-1-ylindanamine derivatives were evaluated for their potential MAO-B inhibitor activity in an in vivo model of MPTP-induced Parkinsonism in mice with respect to the potent MAO-B inhibitor rasagiline.

2-(6-bromopyridin-3-yl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane and (6-bromopyridin-3-yl)boronic acid, new bifunctional building blocks for combinatorial chemistry

The first comparative study between two new heterocyclic boron derivatives, viz. a (6-bromopyridin-3-yl)boronic ester, C(11)H(15)BBrNO(2), and (6-bromopyridin-3-yl)boronic acid, C(5)H(5)BBrNO(2), shows a small but not significant difference in their C-B bond lengths, which cannot explain the experimentally observed difference in their stabilities. The crystal packing of the boronic ester consists principally of van der Waals interactions, while the boronic acid molecules interact in their crystal through hydrogen bonds.

New benzo[h][1,6]naphthyridine and azepino[3,2-c]quinoline derivatives as selective antagonists of 5-HT4 receptors: binding profile and pharmacological characterization

A series of benzo[h][1,6]naphthyridine and azepino[3,2-c]quinoline derivatives were prepared and evaluated to determine the necessary requirements for high affinity on the 5-HT(4) receptors and high selectivity versus other receptors. The compounds were synthesized by substituting the chlorine atom of benzonaphthyridines and azepinoquinolines with various N-alkyl-4-piperidinylmethanolates. They were evaluated in binding assays with [(3)H]GR 113808 as the 5-HT(4) receptor radioligand. The affinity values (K(i) or inhibition percentages) depended upon the substituent on the aromatic ring on one hand and the substituent on the lateral piperidine chain on the other hand. A chlorine atom produced a marked drop in activity while a N-propyl or N-butyl group gave compounds with nanomolar affinities (1 < K(i) < 10 nM). Among the most potent ligands (3a, 4a, 5a), 4a was selected on the basis of its high affinity and selectivity for pharmacological screening and was evaluated in vivo in specific tests. This compound reveals itself as an antagonist/low partial agonist in the COS-7 cells stably expressing the 5-HT(4(a)) receptor. Derivative 4a also showed in vivo potent analgesic activity in the writhing test at very low doses.

A first cyclopenta[c]thiophene dimer as a new bivalent potent cytotoxic derivative

Application of the bivalent approach to the cyclopenta[c]thiophene series led to a potent cytotoxic dimer.

Synthesis of new aromatic pyrrolo[2,1-c] [1,4]benzodiazepines and pyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e] [1,4]diazepines as anti-tumoral agents

Diazepine analogs of thieno[2,3-b]pyrrolizin-8-ones were synthesized by aromatization of 2-hydroxypyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e][1,4]diazepines. These compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against the L1210 leukemia cell line. The activity of these compounds was in the micromolar range, the best result being for the mixture of the isomers 5 and 6 which showed a 0.35 microM IC50 against cell growth.

7-Methoxy-1H-indazole, a new inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase

The crystal structure of 7-methoxy-1H-indazole, C(8)H(8)N(2)O, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, shows that the methoxy group lies in the plane of the indazole system with its methyl group located trans to the indazole N-H group. The crystal packing consists principally of hydrogen-bonded trimers. Intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions are formed between the indazole N atoms, with the N-H group as a hydrogen-bond donor and the remaining N atom as an acceptor.

Pharmacological studies and synthesis of morpholino alkyl derivatives

Seven morpholin derivatives were synthesized (compounds 1-7) and their behavioural effects were evaluated; the elements considered were locomotor activity, motor coordination, catalepsy, stereotyped behaviour and antinociception. All the compounds, at doses of 10-20-40 mg/kg/i.p., induced a reduction of all behavioural elements without a significant antinociceptive effect. These results indicate that these morpholin derivatives affect the central nervous system.

The maximum common substructure as a molecular depiction in a supervised classification context: experiments in quantitative structure/biodegradability relationships

The maximum common structure between two molecules (MCS) induces a similarity that enables one to group compounds sharing the same pattern. This text relates a study based on such a structural depiction in a context of quantitative structure/biodegradability relationships (QSBR). The similarity indices are based exclusively on the MCS. First, the results of statistical tests prove that these indices significantly group compounds of similar activity together. These first conclusions enable the elaboration of classification models using those structural similarities. In a second part, a population of classifiers relying on the maximum common structure and the k-nearest-neighbor algorithm is explored. Finally, a thorough examination of the best models is conducted.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of cyclopenta[c]thiophene related compounds as new antitumor agents

A series of 22 cyclopenta[c]thiophene related compounds was obtained by the pharmacomodulation of 6-amino-5,6-dihydro-4H-cyclopenta[c]thiophen-4-ones 1a-g. All compounds were evaluated for potential anticancer activity in the NCI's in vitro human disease-oriented tumor cell line screening panel that consisted of 60 human tumor cell lines arranged in nine subpanels, representing diverse histologies. Among these tested compounds, seven were found to be cytotoxic, especially against leukemia cell lines, allowing us to point out some structure-activity relationships. These derivatives were further evaluated for potential in vivo anticancer activity in the hollow fiber assay developed at the NCI, which selected two compounds, 1f and 3a for standard xenograft testing.

Molecular design based on 3D-pharmacophore. Application to 5-HT4 receptor

A definition of a pharmacophore for the 5-HT4 antagonist was carried out by considering a three-dimensional model which correlates the chemical structures of series of antagonists with their biological affinities. A molecular design is described by analyzing the differences between two 3D serotonin pharmacophores. This successful structural modification demonstrates the efficiency of this approach to design new serotonin ligands.

Synthesis of a novel class of non-peptide NK-2 receptor ligand, derived from 1-phenyl-3-pyrrol-1-ylindan-2-carboxamides

A series of trans,trans-1-phenyl-3-pyrrol-1-ylindan-2-carboxamide derivatives has been synthesized in eight steps starting from cinnamic acid or 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid. The trans,trans configuration of these carboxamides has been established by X-ray analysis and by NOE experiments in NMR. These new compounds were evaluated for their potential NK-1, NK-2 and NK-3 receptors binding affinity. The N,N-disubstituted carboxamides bound selectively on NK-2 receptors.

Molecular design based on 3D-pharmacophore. Application to 5-HT subtypes receptors

A first definition of a pharmacophore for the serotonin reuptake inhibitors was carried out by considering a three-dimensional model which correlates the chemical structures of series of reuptake inhibitors with their biological affinities. A molecular design was described by analyzing two different 3D serotonin pharmacophores. This successful approach enabled us to consider the design of new serotonin ligands by the same method.

Synthesis and preliminary behavioural evaluation in mice of new 3-aryl-3-pyrrol-1-ylpropanamides, analogues of FGIN-1-27 and FGIN-1-43

The 2-aryl-3-indoleacetamides FGIN-1-27 and FGIN-1-43 have already been characterized in-vitro as potent and specific ligands for the mitochondrial DBI receptor. This affinity was associated with psychotropic properties in several rodent behavioural tasks (in particular anxiolytic action) via enhancement of GABA transmission through neurosteroid production. The synthesis of new 3-aryl-3-pyrrol-1-ylpropanamides 1a-i, analogues of FGIN-1-27 and FGIN-1-43, is described in four steps starting from the corresponding arylaldehydes. Preliminary evaluation of these compounds in behavioural studies (spontaneous locomotor activity and anxiolytic activity) in mice was also undertaken.

Design, synthesis and antiproliferative activity of tripentones: a new series of antitubulin agents

Structure-activity relationship studies of a new series of tripentones (thieno[2,3-b]pyrrolizin-8-ones), led us to prepare several derivatives with antiproliferative activities. The most promising 3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)thieno[2,3-b]pyrrolizin-8-one 20 (leukemia L1210, IC(50)=15 nM) was shown to be a potent inhibitor of tubulin polymerization.

Solid phase synthesis of sulphonamides: novel ligands of 5-HT6 receptors

Using solid phase synthesis techniques, we have rapidly obtained a series of eight aryl sulphonamides derived from putrescine. These conjugates with various aryl groups were evaluated for their affinity towards 5-HT6 receptors in man. This evaluation revealed the interest of two compounds which present the same activity level, in the submicromolar range, as two reference derivatives. The most potent will be considered as a new lead for further investigations.

Prediction of the Daphnia acute toxicity from heterogeneous data

Two descriptors (log(P(ow)), 'hardness') were selected to predict the Daphnia acute toxicity of a training set of heterogeneous chemical compounds. The data were extracted from 523 notification files about new chemicals stored at the French Department of Environment. The selection of the descriptors was carried out using a statistical method coupling ordinary least square (OLS) regression and genetic algorithm (GA). The validity limits for the final equation are discussed by comparing the actual and predicted activities of several compounds. The study points out the interest of the 'hardness' parameter for quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) with a heterogeneous data set.

Association of two 3D QSAR analyses. application to the study of partial agonist serotonin-3 ligands

CATALYST and COMFA, two software packages for 3D QSAR studies, were associated to correlate the three-dimensional structures of 75 serotonin 5-HT3 ligands to their biological affinities. The conformational analysis and the influence of chemical function-based alignments (the basis of this association) on final results are discussed in this publication. These two analyses allow for precisely quantitating the weights of significant chemical groups or functions on the biological affinities.

Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase by 7-methoxyindazole and related substituted indazoles

The synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of methoxyindazoles as new inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase are presented. The 7-methoxyindazole, although less potent than 7-NI, is the most active compound of the series in an in vitro enzymatic assay of neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity. This result shows that the nitro-substitution is not indispensable to the biological activity of the indazole ring. 7-Methoxyindazole possesses in vivo NOS inhibitory as well and related antinociceptive properties.

First tricyclic oximino derivatives as 5-HT3 ligands

The design and synthesis of a new type of 5-HT3 ligand with subnanomolar affinity are described. The O-dialkylaminoethyloximinothienopyrrolizine structure was deduced from molecular modeling studies by replacement of an amidine moiety by an oximino one.

7-Nitro-1H-indazole, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase

The crystal structure of 7-nitro-1H-indazole, C(7)H(5)N(3)O(2), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, shows the existence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond between an O atom of the nitro group and the NH group of the indazole ring. The crystal packing consists of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and indazole.indazole interactions.

Synthesis of new 2-(aminomethyl)-4-phenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]-quinoxalines and their preliminary in-vivo central dopamine antagonist activity evaluation in mice

In the search for antipsychotic agents that are not associated with extrapyramidal side effects, efforts have been focused on finding selective D4-receptor antagonists and investigating their pharmacology. Our laboratory has developed a synthesis program for new pyrroloquinoxalines with therapeutic potential. We have described the synthesis of some new pyrroloquinoxalines with substituted arylpiperazino or aryltetrahydropyrido chain at position 3 of the quinoxaline ring (2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-ylmethyl)-4-phenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalinium oxalate (3a), 2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-ylmethyl]-4-phenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalinium oxalate (3b), 2-[4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazin-1-ylmethyl]-4-phenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalinium oxalate (3c), 2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-ylmethyl]-4-phenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalinium oxalate (3d), 2-(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-1-ylmethyl)-4-phenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalinium oxalate (3e), and 2-(4-phenyl1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-ylmethyl)-4-phenylpyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalinium oxalate (3f)). A preliminary pharmacological study of these products was conducted using climbing behaviour induced by apomorphine (2.5 mg kg(-1), s.c.) in mice. The derivatives were administered intraperitoneally 30 min before apomorphine. Haloperidol, chlorpromazine and clozapine were used as references. Among this series, 3b, 3c and 3f revealed a central dopamine antagonist activity. The most active derivative was 3b, which exhibited a profile relatively close to clozapine.

Reactivity of 3-iodoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using a Suzuki-type cross-coupling reaction

The influence of base and solvent in Suzuki cross-coupling reaction on various 2-substituted-3-iodoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines was reported. The reactivity was largely influenced by nature of the substituent. Optimized yields and shortened times of reaction were obtained using strong bases in DME.

YC-1, an activation inductor of soluble guanylyl cyclase

The crystal structure of 1-benzyl-3-(5-hydroxymethyl-2-furyl)indazole, C(19)H(16)N(2)O(2), showed that the furan O and indazole N atoms lie on the same face of the molecule. The crystal packing consists of intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and indazole-indazole and indazole-phenyl interactions.

New aromatase inhibitors. Synthesis and biological activity of aryl-substituted pyrrolizine and indolizine derivatives

We report herein the design and the synthesis of some aryl-substituted pyrrolizine and indolizine derivatives, on the basis of a hypothetical pharmacophore structure designed to fit the catalytic site of the human cytochrome P450 aromatase. The in vitro biological evaluation of these compounds allowed us to point out two new potent non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors, MR 20494 and MR 20492, with IC50 values in the range of 0.1 microM.

Effects of S-21007, a potent 5-HT3 partial agonist, in mouse anxiety

AIM

To study the effect of S-21007, a 5-HT3 partial agonist in different animal models of anxiety in mice.

METHODS

S-21007 effects were evaluated in the behavior tests after intraperitoneal and oral acute treatment or in the light/dark test after both acute and chronic treatments.

RESULTS

S-21007 presented anxiolytic-like properties after acute administration in the light/dark box test, the mirrored chamber test, and the elevated plus-maze at low doses 10 ng.kg(-1)-100 micrograms.kg-1, 1-100 micrograms.kg-1 and 10-100 micrograms.kg-1, respectively. In the light/dark box test, S-21007 was active orally after acute treatment at 100 ng.kg(-1)-10 mg.kg-1 and after chronic treatment (14 d) at 1-10 micrograms.kg-1. S-21007 was devoid of sedative or stimulatory effects.

CONCLUSION

S-21007 exhibited anxiolytic-like properties. The mechanism of action may be a desensitization of 5-HT3 receptor or an antagonist activity on the 5-HT3 receptors.

MR 20492 and MR 20494: two indolizinone derivatives that strongly inhibit human aromatase

In this study, we describe the synthesis of a new family of indolizinone derivatives designed to fit an extrahydrophobic pocket within the active site of aromatase and to strongly inhibit human aromatase. This could help improve the specificity of the inhibitors. Equine aromatase, very well characterized biochemically, is used as a comparative model. Indeed, in a previous comparison between both human and equine aromatases, we described the importance of the interaction between the inhibitor and this pocket for the indane derivative MR 20814. MR 20492 and MR 20494 are more potent inhibitors of human aromatase (Ki/Km: 1.0+/-0.3 and 0.5+/-0.3, respectively). The Ki/Km for MR 20494 is slightly higher than that obtained for fadrozole (0.1+/-0.0) and Ki/Km for both indolizinone derivatives are lower than those obtained for 4-hydroxyandrostenedione (1.9+/-0.8) and MR 20814 (8.1+/-.7). These new compounds are not enzyme inactivators. Moreover, as indicated by the higher Ki/Km values obtained with equine enzyme (9.0+/-0.6 and 6.1+/-1.6 for MR 20492 and MR 20494, respectively), both human and equine aromatase active sites appear to be structurally different. Difference absorption spectra study (350-500 nm) revealed that MR20492 and MR20494 were characterized by a combination of type-I and -II spectra with both enzymes. This result could be due to the isomerization of the molecule in polar solvent (Z and E forms). The evaluation of these new molecules, as well as 4-hydroxyandrostenedione and fadrozole, on aromatase activity in transfected 293 cell cultures evidenced a strong inhibition (IC50: 0.20+/-0.03 microM, 0.20+/-0.02 microM and 0.50+/-0.40 microM for MR 20494, fadrozole and 4-OHA, respectively) except for MR 20492 (3.9+/-0.9 microM) and MR 20814 (10.5+/-0.6 microM). These results proved that these molecules formed part of a promising family of potent inhibitors and that they penetrate 293 cells, without evidencing any cytotoxicity in Hela cells with MTT assay. This is thus encouraging for the development of new drugs for the treatment of estrogen-dependent cancers, these molecules also constitute new tools for understanding the aromatase active site.

Applicability of CATALYST in ecotoxicology, a new promising tool for 3D-QSAR: study of chlorophenols

With the aim of applying recent quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) descriptors coming from the pharmaceutical sciences to the modelization of ecotoxicity data, this work deals with the establishment of 3D-QSAR on chlorophenols by using for the first time in this field the recent CATALYST software. The training set has been intentionally chosen simply because of its homogeneous character and the abundance of reliable experimental values. Among 69 data sets collected in the literature on these chemicals, 9 were selected to have fulfilled CATALYST simulation conditions. The principle of CATALYST is briefly described. The different investigations have led to nine 3D-QSAR called "hypotheses," meeting the criteria of high statistical significance attested by costs and correlation coefficient values. The ecotoxicity values calculated from the 9 models established in this study. Analysis of the graphical representations of hypotheses led to hypotheses about the toxicity mechanisms. A comparison is finally made between the CATALYST models and those previously derived by other modeling methods.

Effect of A-ring modifications on the DNA-binding behavior and cytotoxicity of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines

Several A-ring-modified analogues of the DNA-binding antitumor agent DC-81 (5) have been synthesized in order to study structure-reactivity/cytotoxicity relationships. For two molecules (23 and 30) the modifications required the addition of a fourth ring to give the novel dioxolo[4,5-h]- and dioxano[5,6-h]pyrrolo[2,1-c][1, 4]benzodiazepin-11-one (PBD) ring systems, respectively. Another three analogues (34, 38, and 48) have the native benzenoid A-ring replaced with pyridine, diazine, or pyrimidine rings to give the novel pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]pyridodiazepine, pyrrolo[2,1-c][1, 4]diazinodiazepine, and pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]pyrimidinodiazepine systems, respectively. The other new analogues (16a,b) have extended chains at the C8-position of the DC-81 structure. During the synthesis of these compounds, a novel tin-mediated regiospecific cleavage reaction of the dioxole intermediate 18 was discovered, leading to the previously unknown iso-DC-81 (20). In addition, an unusual simultaneous nitration-oxidation reaction of 4-(3-hydroxypropoxy)-3-methoxybenzoic acid (8) was found to produce 3-(4-carboxy-2-methoxy-5-nitrophenoxy)propanoic acid (9), a key intermediate, in high yield. In general, the results of cytotoxicity and DNA-binding studies indicated that none of the changes made to the A-ring of the PBD system significantly improved either binding affinity or cytotoxicity in comparison to DC-81. This result suggests that the superior potency of natural products such as anthramycin (1), tomaymycin (2), and sibiromycin (3) is due entirely to differences in C-ring structure, and in particular exo or endo unsaturation at the C2-position and C2-substituents containing unsaturation. This study also provided information regarding the influence of A-ring substitution pattern on the relative stability of the interconvertible N10-C11 carbinolamine, carbinolamine methyl ether, and imine forms of PBDs.

Prediction of the fish acute toxicity from heterogeneous data coming from notification files

Four descriptors (Molecular weight, log(Pow), hardness and free energy of solvation) were selected to predict, on a training set of heterogeneous chemical compounds, the fish acute toxicity. The data were extracted from 523 notification files of new chemicals stored at the French Department of the Environment. The selection of the descriptors was carried out by using a statistical technique coupling OLS regression and genetic algorithm. The limits of validity for the final equation are discussed by comparing the actual and predicted activities on several compounds.