N-Oxide analogs of WAY-100635: new high affinity 5-HT1A receptor antagonists

New Trends and Current Status of Positron-Emission Tomography and Single-Photon-Emission Computerized Tomography Radioligands for Neuronal Serotonin Receptors and Serotonin Transporter

The critical role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and its receptors (5-HTRs) in the pathophysiology of diverse neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders render them attractive diagnostic and therapeutic targets for brain disorders. Therefore, the in vivo assessment of binding of 5-HT receptor ligands under a multitude of physiologic and pathologic scenarios may support more-accurate identification of disease and its progression and the patient's response to therapy as well as the screening of novel therapeutic strategies. The present Review aims to focus on the current status of radioligands used for positron-emission tomography (PET) and single-photon-emission computerized tomography (SPECT) imaging of human brain serotonin receptors. We further elaborate upon and emphasize the attributes that qualify a radioligand for theranostics on the basis of its frequency of use in clinics, its benefit to risk assessment in humans, and its continuous evolution, along with the major limitations.

Structural Insights into 5-HT1A/D4 Selectivity of WAY-100635 Analogues: Molecular Modeling, Synthesis, and in Vitro Binding

The resurgence of interest in 5-HT1A receptors as a therapeutic target requires the existence of highly selective 5-HT1A ligands. To date, WAY-100635 has been the prototypical antagonist of these receptors. However, this compound also has significant affinity for and activity at D4 dopamine receptors. In this context, this work was aimed at better understanding the 5-HT1A/D4 selectivity of WAY-100635 and analogues from a structural point of view. In silico investigations revealed two key interactions for the 5-HT1A/D4 selectivity of WAY-100635 and analogues. First, a hydrogen bond only found with the Ser 7.36 of D4 receptor appeared to be the key for a higher D4 affinity for newly synthesized aza analogues. The role of Ser 7.36 was confirmed as the affinity of aza analogues for the mutant D4 receptor S7.36A was reduced. Then, the formation of another hydrogen bond with the conserved Ser 5.42 residue appeared to be also critical for D4 binding.