Kinetic Deuterium Isotope Effects in Cytochrome P450 Reactions

Structure-property Relationships Reported for the New Drugs Approved in 2022

BACKGROUND

The structure-property relationship illustrates how modifying the chemical structure of a pharmaceutical compound influences its absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and other related properties. Understanding structure-property relationships of clinically approved drugs could provide useful information for drug design and optimization strategies.

METHOD

Among new drugs approved around the world in 2022, including 37 in the US, structure- property relationships of seven drugs were compiled from medicinal chemistry literature, in which detailed pharmacokinetic and/or physicochemical properties were disclosed not only for the final drug but also for its key analogues generated during drug development.

RESULTS

The discovery campaigns for these seven drugs demonstrate extensive design and optimization efforts to identify suitable candidates for clinical development. Several strategies have been successfully employed, such as attaching a solubilizing group, bioisosteric replacement, and deuterium incorporation, resulting in new compounds with enhanced physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties.

CONCLUSION

The structure-property relationships hereby summarized illustrate how proper structural modifications could successfully improve the overall drug-like properties. The structure-property relationships of clinically approved drugs are expected to continue to provide valuable references and guides for the development of future drugs.

Novel thienopyrimidones targeting hepatic and erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium parasites with increased microsomal stability

Based on the structure of a previously identified hit, Gamhepathiopine 1, which showed promising antiplasmodial activity, but poor microsomal stability, several strategies were investigated to improve the metabolic stability of the compounds. This included the introduction of fluorine or deuterium atoms, as well as carbocyclic groups. Among the new compounds, the 2-aminocyclobutyl derivative 5g demonstrated enhanced microsomal stability compared to compound 1, while retaining antiplasmodial activity against erythrocytic and hepatic stages of Plasmodium, without significant cytotoxicity against primary hepatocytes.

Terminal Deuterium Atoms Protect Silicon from Oxidation

In recent years, the hybrid silicon-molecular electronics technology has been gaining significant attention for applications in sensors, photovoltaics, power generation, and molecular electronics devices. However, Si-H surfaces, which are the platforms on which these devices are formed, are prone to oxidation, compromising the mechanical and electronic stability of the devices. Here, we show that when hydrogen is replaced by deuterium, the Si-D surface becomes significantly more resistant to oxidation when either positive or negative voltages are applied to the Si surface. Si-D surfaces are more resistant to oxidation, and their current-voltage characteristics are more stable than those measured on Si-H surfaces. At positive voltages, the Si-D stability appears to be related to the flat band potential of Si-D being more positive compared to Si-H surfaces, making Si-D surfaces less attractive to oxidizing OH- ions. The limited oxidation of Si-D surfaces at negative potentials is interpreted by the frequencies of the Si-D bending modes being coupled to that of the bulk Si surface phonon modes, which would make the duration of the Si-D excited vibrational state significantly less than that of Si-H. The strong surface isotope effect has implications in the design of silicon-based sensing, molecular electronics, and power-generation devices and the interpretation of charge transfer across them.

Metabolism of (R)-Praziquantel versus the Activation of a Parasite Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin Ion Channel

Praziquantel (PZQ) is an essential anthelmintic drug recently established to be an activator of a Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin (TRPMPZQ ) ion channel in trematode worms. Bioinformatic, mutagenesis and drug metabolism work indicate that the cyclohexyl ring of PZQ is a key pharmacophore for activation of trematode TRPMPZQ , as well as serving as the primary site of oxidative metabolism which results in PZQ being a short-lived drug. Based on our recent findings, the hydrophobic cleft in schistosome TRPMPZQ defined by three hydrophobic residues surrounding the cyclohexyl ring has little tolerance for polarity. Here we evaluate the in vitro and in vivo activities of PZQ analogues with improved metabolic stability relative to the challenge of maintaining activity on the channel. Finally, an estimation of the respective contribution to the overall activity of both the parent and the main metabolite of PZQ in humans is reported.

Deuteration for Metabolic Stabilization of SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors GC373 and Nirmatrelvir

Nirmatrelvir and GC373 inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease and hinder viral replication in COVID-19. As nirmatrelvir in Paxlovid is oxidized by cytochrome P450 3A4, ritonavir is coadministered to block this. However, ritonavir undesirably alters the metabolism of other drugs. Hydrogens can be replaced with deuterium in nirmatrelvir and GC373 to slow oxidation. Results show that deuterium slows oxidation of nirmatrelvir adjacent to nitrogen by ∼40% and that the type of warhead can switch the site of oxidative metabolism.

Metabolic Stability of the Demyelination Positron Emission Tomography Tracer [18F]3-Fluoro-4-Aminopyridine and Identification of Its Metabolites

[18F]3-fluoro-4-aminopyridine ([18F]3F4AP) is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for imaging demyelination based on the multiple sclerosis drug 4-aminopyridine (4AP, dalfampridine). This radiotracer was found to be stable in rodents and nonhuman primates imaged under isoflurane anesthesia. However, recent findings indicate that its stability is greatly decreased in awake humans and mice. Since both 4AP and isoflurane are metabolized primarily by cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily E member 1 (CYP2E1), we postulated that this enzyme may be responsible for the metabolism of 3F4AP. Here, we investigated the metabolism of [18F]3F4AP by CYP2E1 and identified its metabolites. We also investigated whether deuteration, a common approach to increase the stability of drugs, could improve its stability. Our results demonstrate that CYP2E1 readily metabolizes 3F4AP and its deuterated analogs and that the primary metabolites are 5-hydroxy-3F4AP and 3F4AP N-oxide. Although deuteration did not decrease the rate of the CYP2E1-mediated oxidation, our findings explain the diminished in vivo stability of 3F4AP compared with 4AP and further our understanding of when deuteration may improve the metabolic stability of drugs and PET ligands. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The demyelination tracer [18F]3F4AP was found to undergo rapid metabolism in humans, which could compromise its utility. Understanding the enzymes and metabolic products involved may offer strategies to reduce metabolism. Using a combination of in vitro assays and chemical syntheses, this report shows that cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2E1 is likely responsible for [18F]3F4AP metabolism, that 4-amino-5-fluoroprydin-3-ol (5-hydroxy-3F4AP, 5OH3F4AP) and 4-amino-3-fluoropyridine 1-oxide (3F4AP N-oxide) are the main metabolites, and that deuteration is unlikely to improve the stability of the tracer in vivo.

Deuterium in drug discovery: progress, opportunities and challenges

Substitution of a hydrogen atom with its heavy isotope deuterium entails the addition of one neutron to a molecule. Despite being a subtle change, this structural modification, known as deuteration, may improve the pharmacokinetic and/or toxicity profile of drugs, potentially translating into improvements in efficacy and safety compared with the non-deuterated counterparts. Initially, efforts to exploit this potential primarily led to the development of deuterated analogues of marketed drugs through a 'deuterium switch' approach, such as deutetrabenazine, which became the first deuterated drug to receive FDA approval in 2017. In the past few years, the focus has shifted to applying deuteration in novel drug discovery, and the FDA approved the pioneering de novo deuterated drug deucravacitinib in 2022. In this Review, we highlight key milestones in the field of deuteration in drug discovery and development, emphasizing recent and instructive medicinal chemistry programmes and discussing the opportunities and hurdles for drug developers, as well as the questions that remain to be addressed.

Selective Deuteration Improves the Affinity of Adenosine A2A Receptor Ligands: A Computational Case Study with Istradefylline and Caffeine

We used a range of computational techniques to assess the effect of selective C-H deuteration on the antagonist istradefylline affinity for the adenosine A_2A receptor, which was discussed relative to its structural analogue caffeine, a well-known and likely the most widely used stimulant. The obtained results revealed that smaller caffeine shows high receptor flexibility and exchanges between two distinct poses, which agrees with crystallographic data. In contrast, the additional C8-trans-styryl fragment in istradefylline locks the ligand within a uniform binding pose, while contributing to the affinity through the C-H···π and π···π contacts with surface residues, which, together with its much lower hydration prior to binding, enhances the affinity over caffeine. In addition, the aromatic C8-unit shows a higher deuteration sensitivity over the xanthine part, so when both of its methoxy groups are d₆-deuterated, the affinity improvement is -0.4 kcal mol^-1, which surpasses the overall affinity gain of -0.3 kcal mol^-1 in the perdeuterated d₉-caffeine. Yet, the latter predicts around 1.7-fold potency increase, being relevant for its pharmaceutical implementations, and also those within the coffee and energy drink production industries. Still, the full potential of our strategy is achieved in polydeuterated d₁₉-istradefylline, whose A_2A affinity improves by -0.6 kcal mol^-1, signifying a 2.8-fold potency increase that strongly promotes it as a potential synthetic target. This knowledge supports deuterium application in drug design, and while the literature already reports about over 20 deuterated drugs currently in the clinical development, it is easily foreseen that more examples will hit the market in the years to come. With this in mind, we propose that the devised computational methodology, involving the ONIOM division of the QM region for the ligand and the MM region for its environment, with an implicit quantization of nuclear motions relevant for the H/D exchange, allows fast and efficient estimates of the binding isotope effects in any biological system.

2-Difluoromethoxy-Substituted Estratriene Sulfamates: Synthesis, Antiproliferative SAR, Antitubulin Activity, and Steroid Sulfatase Inhibition

2-Difluoromethoxyestratriene derivatives were designed to improve potency and in vivo stability of the drug candidate 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2). Compound evaluation in vitro against the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA MB-231 breast cancer cells, as inhibitors of tubulin polymerisation and also steroid sulfatase (STS) both in cell lysates and in whole cells, showed promising activities. In antiproliferative assays 2-difluoromethoxyestradiol was less potent than 2ME2, but its sulfamates were often more potent than their corresponding non-fluorinated analogues. The fluorinated bis-sulfamate is a promising antiproliferative agent in MCF-7 cells (GI50 0.28 μM) vs the known 2-methoxyestradiol-3,17-O,O-bissulfamate (STX140, GI50 0.52 μM), confirming the utility of our approach. Compounds were also evaluated in the NCI 60-cell line panel and the fluorinated bis-sulfamate derivative displayed very good overall activities with a sub-micromolar average GI50 . It was a very potent STS inhibitor in whole JEG-3 cells (IC50 3.7 nM) similar to STX140 (4.2 nM) and additionally interferes with tubulin assembly in vitro and colchicine binding to tubulin. An X-ray study of 2-difluoromethoxy-3-benzyloxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one examined conformational aspects of the fluorinated substituent. The known related derivative 2-difluoromethyl-3-sulfamoyloxyestrone was evaluated for STS inhibition in whole JEG-3 cells and showed an excellent IC50 of 55 pM.

Hydrogen/Deuterium Transfer from Anisole to Methoxy Radicals: A Theoretical Study of a Deuterium-Labeled Drug Model

Recently, deuterium-labeled drugs, such as deutetrabenazine, have attracted considerable attention. Consequently, understanding the reaction mechanisms of deuterium-labeled drugs is crucial, both fundamentally and for real applications. To understand the mechanisms of H- and D-transfer reactions, in this study, we used deuterated anisole as a deutetrabenazine model and computationally considered the nuclear quantum effects of protons, deuterons, and electrons. We demonstrated that geometrical differences exist in the partially and fully deuterated methoxy groups and hydrogen-bonded structures of intermediates and transition states due to the H/D isotope effect. The observed geometrical features and electronic structures are ascribable to the different nuclear quantum effects of protons and deuterons. Primary and secondary kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) were calculated for H- and D-transfer reactions from deuterated and undeuterated anisole, with the calculated primary KIEs in good agreement with the corresponding experimental data. These results reveal that the nuclear quantum effects of protons and deuterons need to be considered when analyzing the reaction mechanisms of H- and D-transfer reactions and that a theoretical approach that directly includes nuclear quantum effects is a powerful tool for the analysis of H/D isotope effects in H- and D-transfer reactions.

Precision Biotransformation of Emerging Pollutants by Human Cytochrome P450 Using Computational-Experimental Synergy: A Case Study of Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) Phosphate

Precision biotransformation is an envisioned strategy offering detailed insights into biotransformation pathways in real environmental settings using experimentally guided high-accuracy quantum chemistry. Emerging pollutants, whose metabolites are easily overlooked but may cause idiosyncratic toxicity, are important targets of such a strategy. We demonstrate here that complex metabolic reactions of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) catalyzed by human CYP450 enzymes can be mapped via a three-step synergy strategy: (i) screening the possible metabolites via high-throughout (moderate-accuracy) computations; (ii) analyzing the proposed metabolites in vitro by human liver microsomes and recombinant human CYP450 enzymes; and (iii) rationalizing the experimental data via precise mechanisms using high-level targeted computations. Through the bilateral dialogues from qualitative to semi-quantitative to quantitative levels, we show how TDCIPP metabolism especially by CYP3A4 generates bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) as an O-dealkylation metabolite and bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) 3-chloro-1-hydroxy-2-propyl phosphate (alcohol_β-dehalogen) as a dehalogenation/reduction metabolite via the initial rate-determining H-abstraction from αC- and βC-positions. The relative yield ratio [dehalogenation/reduction]/[O-dealkylation] is derived from the relative barriers of H-abstraction at the βC- and αC-positions by CYP3A4, estimated as 0.002 to 0.23, viz., an in vitro measured ratio of 0.04. Importantly, alcohol_β-dehalogen formation points to a new mechanism involving successive oxidation and reduction functions of CYP450, with its precursor aldehyde_β-dehalogen being a key intermediate detected by trapping assays and rationalized by computations. We conclude that the proposed three-step synergy strategy may meet the increasing challenge of elucidating biotransformation mechanisms of substantial synthesized organic compounds in the future.

Rejigging Electron and Proton Transfer to Transition between Dioxygenase, Monooxygenase, Peroxygenase, and Oxygen Reduction Activity: Insights from Bioinspired Constructs of Heme Enzymes

Nature has employed heme proteins to execute a diverse set of vital life processes. Years of research have been devoted to understanding the factors which bias these heme enzymes, with all having a heme cofactor, toward distinct catalytic activity. Among them, axial ligation, distal super structure, and substrate binding pockets are few very vividly recognized ones. Detailed mechanistic investigation of these heme enzymes suggested that several of these enzymes, while functionally divergent, use similar intermediates. Furthermore, the formation and decay of these intermediates depend on proton and electron transfer processes in the enzyme active site. Over the past decade, work in this group, using in situ surface enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy of synthetic and biosynthetic analogues of heme enzymes, a general idea of how proton and electron transfer rates relate to the lifetime of different O2 derived intermediates has been developed. These findings suggest that the enzymatic activities of all these heme enzymes can be integrated into one general cycle which can be branched out to different catalytic pathways by regulating the lifetime and population of each of these intermediates. This regulation can further be achieved by tuning the electron and proton transfer steps. By strategically populating one of these intermediates during oxygen reduction, one can navigate through different catalytic processes to a desired direction by altering proton and electron transfer steps.

A New Highly Deuterated [18F]AV-45, [18F]D15FSP, for Imaging β-Amyloid Plaques in the Brain

[¹⁸F]AV-45 (florbetapir f18, Amyvid) is an FDA-approved PET imaging agent targeting Aβ plaques in the brain for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Its metabolites led to a high background in the brain and large bone uptake of [¹⁸F]F^-, produced from dealkylation of the PEG chain. To slow down the in vivo metabolism, we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a highly deuterated derivative, [¹⁸F]D15FSP, and compared it with N-methyl-deuterated [¹⁸F]D3FSP and nondeuterated [¹⁸F]AV-45. D15FSP displayed excellent binding affinity (K _i = 7.52 nM) to Aβ aggregates. In vitro autoradiography of [¹⁸F]D15FSP, [¹⁸F]D3FSP, and [¹⁸F]AV-45 showed excellent binding to Aβ plaques in human AD brain sections. Biodistribution studies displayed lower bone uptake at 120 min for [¹⁸F]D15FSP compared to that for [¹⁸F]D3FSP and [¹⁸F]AV-45 (1.44 vs 4.23 and 4.03%ID/g, respectively). As the highly deuterated [¹⁸F]D15FSP displayed excellent Aβ binding affinity, high initial brain penetration, and lower bone retention, it might be suitable for PET imaging in detecting Aβ plaques.

Lipoprotein ability to exchange and remove lipids from model membranes as a function of fatty acid saturation and presence of cholesterol

Lipoproteins play a central role in the development of atherosclerosis. High and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), known as 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol, respectively, remove and/or deposit lipids into the artery wall. Hence, insight into lipid exchange processes between lipoproteins and cell membranes is of particular importance in understanding the onset and development of cardiovascular disease. In order to elucidate the impact of phospholipid tail saturation and the presence of cholesterol in cell membranes on these processes, neutron reflection was employed in the present investigation to follow lipid exchange with both HDL and LDL against model membranes. Mirroring clinical risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis, lower exchange was observed in the presence of cholesterol, as well as for an unsaturated phospholipid, compared to faster exchange when using a fully saturated phospholipid. These results highlight the importance of membrane composition on the interaction with lipoproteins, chiefly the saturation level of the lipids and presence of cholesterol, and provide novel insight into factors of importance for build-up and reversibility of atherosclerotic plaque. In addition, the correlation between the results and well-established clinical risk factors suggests that the approach taken can be employed also for understanding a broader set of risk factors including, e.g., effects of triglycerides and oxidative stress, as well as local effects of drugs on atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Twelfth-Position Deuteration of Nevirapine Reduces 12-Hydroxy-Nevirapine Formation and Nevirapine-Induced Hepatocyte Death

Cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism of the anti-HIV drug nevirapine (NVP) to 12-hydroxy-NVP (12-OHNVP) has been implicated in NVP toxicities. We investigated the impact of twelfth-position trideuteration (12-D3NVP) on the hepatic metabolism of and response to NVP. Formation of 12-OHNVP decreased in human (10.6-fold) and mouse (4.6-fold) hepatocytes incubated with 10 μM 12-D3NVP vs NVP. An observed kinetic isotope effect of 10.1 was measured in human liver microsomes. During mouse hepatocyte treatment (400 μM) with NVP or 12-D3NVP, cell death was reduced 30% with 12-D3NVP vs NVP, while glucuronidated and glutathione-conjugated metabolites increased with 12-D3NVP vs NVP. Using mass spectrometry proteomics, changes in hepatocyte protein expression, including an increase in stress marker insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), were observed with 12-D3NVP vs NVP. These results demonstrate that while deuteration can reduce P450 metabolite formation, impacts on phase II metabolism and hepatocyte protein expression should be considered when employing deuteration to reduce P450 metabolite-related hepatotoxicity.

Mechanism-Guided Design and Discovery of Efficient Cytochrome P450-Derived C-H Amination Biocatalysts

Cytochromes P450 have been recently identified as a promising class of biocatalysts for mediating C-H aminations via nitrene transfer, a valuable transformation for forging new C-N bonds. The catalytic efficiency of P450s in these non-native transformations is however significantly inferior to that exhibited by these enzymes in their native monooxygenase function. Using a mechanism-guided strategy, we report here the rational design of a series of P450_BM3-based variants with dramatically enhanced C-H amination activity acquired through disruption of the native proton relay network and other highly conserved structural elements within this class of enzymes. This approach further guided the identification of XplA and BezE, two "atypical" natural P450s implicated in the degradation of a man-made explosive and in benzastatins biosynthesis, respectively, as very efficient C-H aminases. Both XplA and BezE could be engineered to further improve their C-H amination reactivity, which demonstrates their evolvability for abiological reactions. These engineered and natural P450 catalysts can promote the intramolecular C-H amination of arylsulfonyl azides with over 10 000-14 000 catalytic turnovers, ranking among the most efficient nitrene transfer biocatalysts reported to date. Mechanistic and structure-reactivity studies provide insights into the origin of the C-H amination reactivity enhancement and highlight the divergent structural requirements inherent to supporting C-H amination versus C-H monooxygenation reactivity within this class of enzymes. Overall, this work provides new promising scaffolds for the development of nitrene transferases and demonstrates the value of mechanism-driven rational design as a strategy for improving the catalytic efficiency of metalloenzymes in the context of abiological transformations.

A Modified Arrhenius Approach to Thermodynamically Study Regioselectivity in Cytochrome P450-Catalyzed Substrate Conversion

The regio- (and stereo-)selectivity and specific activity of cytochrome P450s are determined by the accessibility of potential sites of metabolism (SOMs) of the bound substrate relative to the heme, and the activation barrier of the regioselective oxidation reaction(s). The accessibility of potential SOMs depends on the relative binding free energy (ΔΔGbind ) of the catalytically active substrate-binding poses, and the probability of the substrate to adopt a transition-state geometry. An established experimental method to measure activation energies of enzymatic reactions is the analysis of reaction rate constants at different temperatures and the construction of Arrhenius plots. This is a challenge for multistep P450-catalyzed processes that involve redox partners. We introduce a modified Arrhenius approach to overcome the limitations in studying P450 selectivity, which can be applied in multiproduct enzyme catalysis. Our approach gives combined information on relative activation energies, ΔΔGbind values, and collision entropies, yielding direct insight into the basis of selectivity in substrate conversion.

Methylene Oxidation of Alkyl Sulfates by Cytochrome P450BM-3 and a Role for Conformational Selection in Substrate Recognition

Cytochrome P450_BM-3 (P450_BM-3) is a flavoprotein reductase-heme fusion protein from the bacterium Bacillus megaterium that has been well-characterized in many biophysical aspects. Although the enzyme is known to catalyze the hydroxylation of medium and long-chain fatty acids at high rates, no definitive physiological function has been associated with this process in the organism other than a possible protective role. We found that P450_BM-3 rapidly hydroxylates alkyl sulfates, particularly those with 12-16 carbons (i.e., including dodecyl sulfate) in a similar manner to the fatty acids. The products were characterized as primarily ω-1 hydroxylated alkyl sulfates (plus some ω-2 and ω-3 hydroxylation products), and some further oxidation to dihydroxy and keto derivatives also occurred. Binding of the alkyl sulfates to P450_BM-3 converted the iron from the low-spin to high-spin form in a saturable manner, consistent with the catalytic results. Rates of binding decreased as a function of increasing concentration of dodecyl sulfate or the fatty acid myristate. This pattern is consistent with a binding model involving multiple events and with conformational selection (equilibrium of the unbound enzyme prior to binding) instead of an induced fit mechanism. Neither C-H bond-breaking nor product release was found to be rate-limiting in the oxidation of lauric acid. The conformational selection results rationalize some known crystal structures of P450_BM-3 and can help explain the flexibility of P450_BM-3 and engineered forms in accepting a great variety of substrates.

Cytochrome P450 2E1 and its roles in disease

Cytochrome P450 (P450) 2E1 is the major P450 enzyme involved in ethanol metabolism. That role is shared with two other enzymes that oxidize ethanol, alcohol dehydrogenase and catalase. P450 2E1 is also involved in the bioactivation of a number of low molecular weight cancer suspects, as validated in vivo in mouse models where cancers could be attenuated by deletion of Cyp2e1. P450 2E1 does not have a role in global production of reactive oxygen species but localized roles are possible, e.g. in mitochondria. The structures, conformations, and catalytic mechanisms of P450 2E1 have some unusual features among P450s. The concentration of hepatic P450 varies ≥10-fold among humans, possibly in part due to single nucleotide variants. The level of P450 2E1 may have relevance in the rates of oxidation of drugs, particularly acetaminophen and anesthetics.

Preclinical evaluation of [18F]D3FSP, deuterated AV-45, for imaging of β-amyloid in the brain

INTRODUCTION

Since the approval of three ¹⁸F labeled β-amyloid-targeting PET imaging agents, Amyvid (florbetapir f18, AV-45), Neuraceq (florbetaben f18, AV-1) and Vizamyl (flutemetamol f18, F-PIB), they have increasingly been employed to assist differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in patients with dementia. Also, they are frequently used in selecting patients participating drug trials aiming to reduce β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain. The first approved tracer in this class was [¹⁸F]AV-45, which is metabolized rapidly in blood and some of its N-demethylated metabolites cross the blood brain barrier and resulted in lowering the image contrast. To improve metabolic stability of [¹⁸F]AV-45, we hypothesized that substituting N-CH₃ with N-CD₃ at the metabolically labile position, creating [¹⁸F]D3FSP, may reduce in vivo N-demethylation. We report the preclinical evaluation of [¹⁸F]D3FSP as an Aβ imaging agent.

METHODS

Preclinical pharmacology of [¹⁸F]D3FSP was evaluated using in vitro autoradiography and competitive binding assay. Biodistribution of [¹⁸F]D3FSP was evaluated in wild-type CD-1 mice. In vivo metabolism in mice and in vitro microsomal metabolism were analyzed by HPLC. Single dose acute toxicity of D3FSP was also performed in rats.

RESULTS

[¹⁸F]D3FSP showed high binding affinity to β-amyloid plaques (Ki = 3.44 ± 1.22 nM, a value similar as AV-45 (Ki = 4.02 ± 0.22 nM)), and displayed excellent β-amyloid binding in AD brain sections consistent with known Aβ regional distribution. After an iv injection it exhibited good initial brain uptake and fast washout in wild-type CD-1 mice. In vitro microsomal metabolism and in vivo metabolism in mice did not result in any significant differences between [¹⁸F]D3FSP and [¹⁸F]AV-45. No treatment-related mortality or any adverse effects were observed in single dose acute toxicity studies administered at hundred-folds of maximum human dose.

CONCLUSION

A new small molecule, [¹⁸F]D3FSP, was prepared and tested as an alternative to [¹⁸F]AV-45 to reduce N-demethylation in vivo. This strategy did not lead to better in vivo stability. However, [¹⁸F]D3FSP displayed very similar Aβ targeting property comparable to [¹⁸F]AV-45. Preclinical studies suggest that [¹⁸F]D3FSP is useful as a β-amyloid-targeting PET imaging agent.

Structure-Guided In Vitro to In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Optimization of Propargyl-Linked Antifolates

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties are strongly correlated with the in vivo efficacy of antibiotics. Propargyl-linked antifolates, a novel class of antibiotics, demonstrate potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, including multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we report our efforts to optimize the pharmacokinetic profile of this class to best match the established pharmacodynamic properties. High-resolution crystal structures were used in combination with in vitro pharmacokinetic models to design compounds that not only are metabolically stable in vivo but also retain potent antibacterial activity. The initial lead compound was prone to both N-oxidation and demethylation, which resulted in an abbreviated in vivo half-life (∼20 minutes) in mice. Stability of leads toward mouse liver microsomes was primarily used to guide medicinal chemistry efforts so robust efficacy could be demonstrated in a mouse disease model. Structure-based drug design guided mitigation of N-oxide formation through substitutions of sterically demanding groups adjacent to the pyridyl nitrogen. Additionally, deuterium and fluorine substitutions were evaluated for their effect on the rate of oxidative demethylation. The resulting compound was characterized and demonstrated to have a low projected clearance in humans with limited potential for drug-drug interactions as predicted by cytochrome P450 inhibition as well as an in vivo exposure profile that optimizes the potential for bactericidal activity, highlighting how structural data, merged with substitutions to introduce metabolic stability, are a powerful approach to drug design.

Electron Transfer Control of Reductase versus Monooxygenase: Catalytic C-H Bond Hydroxylation and Alkene Epoxidation by Molecular Oxygen

Catalytic oxidation of organic substrates, using a green oxidant like O₂, has been a long-term goal of the scientific community. In nature, these oxidations are performed by metalloenzymes that generate highly oxidizing species from O₂, which, in turn, can oxidize very stable organic substrates, e.g., mono-/dioxygenases. The same oxidants are produced during O₂ reduction/respiration in the mitochondria but are reduced by electron transfer, i.e., reductases. Iron porphyrin mimics of the active site of cytochrome P450 (Cyt P450) are created atop a self-assembled monolayer covered electrode. The rate of electron transfer from the electrode to the iron porphyrin site is attenuated to derive monooxygenase reactivity from these constructs that otherwise show O₂ reductase activity. Catalytic hydroxylation of strong C-H bonds to alcohol and epoxidation of alkenes, using molecular O₂ (with ¹⁸O₂ incorporation), is demonstrated with turnover numbers >10⁴. Uniquely, one of the two iron porphyrin catalysts used shows preferential oxidation of 2° C-H bonds of cycloalkanes to alcohols over 3° C-H bonds without overoxidation to ketones. Mechanistic investigations with labeled substrates indicate that a compound I (Fe^IV=O bound to a porphyrin cation radical) analogue, formed during O₂ reduction, is the primary oxidant. The selectivity is determined by the shape of the distal pocket of the catalyst, which, in turn, is determined by the substituents on the periphery of the porphyrin macrocycle.

Production of Deuterated Cyanidin 3-O-Glucoside from Recombinant Escherichia coli

Anthocyanins are plant secondary metabolites that, despite their chemical instability, have found many applications as natural food colorants. They are also known for their beneficial health effects because of their antioxidant and anticancer properties. More stable versions of these molecules, particularly at neutral pH conditions, are required to study the anthocyanin pharmacokinetic properties and obtain effective therapeutic results. In the present report, a cost-effective technique was developed to prepare the deuterated anthocyanin using recombinant Escherichia coli as a production host and deuterated glycerol and D₂O in the culture media. This approach resulted in the formation of endogenous deuterated uridine 5'-diphosphate-glucose that was further incorporated by the recombinant anthocyanin pathway, resulting in the formation of deuterated cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G). The deuterium exchange of O-D and C-D were studied by liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry and NMR analysis. The labeled C3G, purified by high-performance LC showed a stable nature at pH 7.0 as compared to nondeuterated C3G.

Mass isotopomer-guided decluttering of metabolomic data to visualize endogenous biomarkers of drug toxicity

Metabolomics offers the opportunity to uncover endogenous biomarkers that can lead to metabolic pathways and networks and that underpin drug toxicity mechanisms. A novel protocol is presented and discussed that is applicable to drugs which generate urinary metabolites when administered to mice sensitive to its toxicity. The protocol would not apply to drugs that are not metabolized or eliminated by a different route. Separate stable isotope-labeled and unlabeled drug administration to mice is made together with collection of urines from control animals. Untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis of these three urine groups is conducted in addition to principal components analysis (PCA). In the case of unlabeled acetaminophen and [acetyl-²H₃]acetaminophen, each given at a hepatotoxic dose (400 mg/kg i.p.) to the sensitive mouse strain (wild-type 129), the PCA loadings plot showed a distribution of ions in the shape of a "fallen-Y" with the deuterated metabolites in one arm and the paired nondeuterated metabolites in the other arm of the fallen-Y. Ions corresponding to the endogenous toxicity biomarkers sat in the mouth of the fallen-Y. This protocol represents an innovative means to separate endogenous biomarkers from drug metabolites, thereby aiding the identification of biomarkers of drug toxicity. For acetaminophen, increased hepatic oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, Ca²⁺ signaling, heme catabolism, and saturation of glucuronidation, together with decreased fatty acid β-oxidation and cellular energy dysregulation were all implied from the discovered biomarkers. The protocol can be applied to other drugs and may now be translated to clinical studies.

Stable isotope-labelled morphine to study in vivo central and peripheral morphine glucuronidation and brain transport in tolerant mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chronic administration of medication can significantly affect metabolic enzymes leading to physiological adaptations. Morphine metabolism in the liver has been extensively studied following acute morphine treatment, but such metabolic processes in the CNS are poorly characterized. Long-term morphine treatment is limited by the development of tolerance, resulting in a decrease of its analgesic effect. Whether or not morphine analgesic tolerance affects in vivo brain morphine metabolism and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability remains a major question. Here, we have attempted to characterize the in vivo metabolism and BBB permeability of morphine after long-term treatment, at both central and peripheral levels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Male C57BL/6 mice were injected with morphine or saline solution for eight consecutive days in order to induce morphine analgesic tolerance. On the ninth day, both groups received a final injection of morphine (85%) and d3-morphine (morphine bearing three ² H; 15%, w/w). Mice were then killed and blood, urine, brain and liver samples were collected. LC-MS/MS was used to quantify morphine, its metabolite morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) and their respective d3-labelled forms.

KEY RESULTS

We found no significant differences in morphine CNS uptake and metabolism between control and tolerant mice. Interestingly, d3-morphine metabolism was decreased compared to morphine without any interference with our study.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our data suggests that tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine is not linked to increased glucuronidation to M3G or to altered global BBB permeability of morphine.

Formation and Cleavage of C-C Bonds by Enzymatic Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Many oxidation-reduction (redox) enzymes, particularly oxygenases, have roles in reactions that make and break C-C bonds. The list includes cytochrome P450 and other heme-based monooxygenases, heme-based dioxygenases, nonheme iron mono- and dioxygenases, flavoproteins, radical S-adenosylmethionine enzymes, copper enzymes, and peroxidases. Reactions involve steroids, intermediary metabolism, secondary natural products, drugs, and industrial and agricultural chemicals. Many C-C bonds are formed via either (i) coupling of diradicals or (ii) generation of unstable products that rearrange. C-C cleavage reactions involve several themes: (i) rearrangement of unstable oxidized products produced by the enzymes, (ii) oxidation and collapse of radicals or cations via rearrangement, (iii) oxygenation to yield products that are readily hydrolyzed by other enzymes, and (iv) activation of O₂ in systems in which the binding of a substrate facilitates O₂ activation. Many of the enzymes involve metals, but of these, iron is clearly predominant.