Design, synthesis, and evaluation of Leu∗Ala hydroxyethylene-based non-peptide β-secretase (BACE) inhibitors

Novel non-peptide beta-secretase inhibitors derived from structure-based virtual screening and bioassay

This Letter describes an efficient approach by integrating virtual screening with bioassay technology for finding small organic inhibitors targeting beta-secretase (BACE-1). Fifteen hits with inhibitory potencies ranging from 2.8 to 118 microM (IC(50)) against beta-secretase were successfully identified. Compound 12 with IC(50) of 2.8 microM is the most potent hit against BACE-1. Docking simulation from gold 3.0 suggests putative binding mode of 12 in BACE-1 and potential key pharmacophore groups for further designing of non-peptide compounds as more powerful inhibitors against BACE-1.

Discovery of potent beta-secretase (bace-1) inhibitors by the synthesis of isophthalamide-containing hybrids

AIM

The aim of this study was to design and synthesize a series of high activity compounds against aspartyl protease beta-secretase (BACE-1) bearing hydroxyethylene (HE) framework.

METHODS

First, we designed the small library based on our previous work and rational analysis. Subsequently, thirteen compounds were selected and synthesized using skilled solid phase synthetic methods to explore the relationship between structure and activity. We then used molecular modeling to explain the possible binding mode.

RESULTS

Thirteen new compounds (6-18) have been designed, synthesized and bioassayed. Their structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, low- and high-resolution mass spectra and optical rotation. Most compounds have shown moderate to excellent activities, and compound 10, which contains fewer amino acids and amide bonds than GRL-7234, was about 5-fold more potent than the control compound 4 discovered by Merck. The molecular modeling results have indicated the possible binding mode and explained the difference between compounds 10 and 16, providing direction for further study.

CONCLUSION

This study yielded several high activity compounds bearing fewer amino acids and amide bonds than previous compounds, providing insight into the further development of potent BACE-1 inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel dual inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and beta-secretase

To explore novel effective drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a series of dual inhibitors of acetylcholineterase (AChE) and beta-secretase (BACE-1) were designed based on the multi-target-directed ligands strategy. Among them, inhibitor 28 exhibited good dual potency in enzyme inhibitory potency assay (BACE-1: IC(50)=0.567 microM; AChE: IC(50)=1.83 microM), and also showed excellent inhibitory effects on Abeta production of APP transfected HEK293 cells (IC(50)=98.7 nM) and mild protective effect against hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced PC12 cell injury. Encouragingly, intracerebroventricular injection of 28 into amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice caused a 29% reduction of Abeta(1-40) production. Therefore, 28 was demonstrated as a good lead compound for the further study and more importantly, the strategy of AChE and BACE-1 dual inhibitors might be a promising direction for developing novel drugs for AD patients.