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Bonifazi A, Del Bello F, Giorgioni G, Piergentili A, Saab E, Botticelli L, Cifani C, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Quaglia W. Targeting orexin receptors: Recent advances in the development of subtype selective or dual ligands for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:1607-1667. [PMID: 37036052 DOI: 10.1002/med.21959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Orexin-A and orexin-B, also named hypocretin-1 and hypocretin-2, are two hypothalamic neuropeptides highly conserved across mammalian species. Their effects are mediated by two distinct G protein-coupled receptors, namely orexin receptor type 1 (OX1-R) and type 2 (OX2-R), which share 64% amino acid identity. Given the wide expression of OX-Rs in different central nervous system and peripheral areas and the several pathophysiological functions in which they are involved, including sleep-wake cycle regulation (mainly mediated by OX2-R), emotion, panic-like behaviors, anxiety/stress, food intake, and energy homeostasis (mainly mediated by OX1-R), both subtypes represent targets of interest for many structure-activity relationship (SAR) campaigns carried out by pharmaceutical companies and academies. However, before 2017 the research was predominantly directed towards dual-orexin ligands, and limited chemotypes were investigated. Analytical characterizations, including resolved structures for both OX1-R and OX2-R in complex with agonists and antagonists, have improved the understanding of the molecular basis of receptor recognition and are assets for medicinal chemists in the design of subtype-selective ligands. This review is focused on the medicinal chemistry aspects of small molecules acting as dual or subtype selective OX1-R/OX2-R agonists and antagonists belonging to different chemotypes and developed in the last years, including radiolabeled OX-R ligands for molecular imaging. Moreover, the pharmacological effects of the most studied ligands in different neuropsychiatric diseases, such as sleep, mood, substance use, and eating disorders, as well as pain, have been discussed. Poly-pharmacology applications and multitarget ligands have also been considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Fabio Del Bello
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Gianfabio Giorgioni
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Elizabeth Saab
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | | | - Wilma Quaglia
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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Azamatov AA, Zhurakulov SN, Vinogradova VI, Tursunkhodzhaeva F, Khinkar RM, Malatani RT, Aldurdunji MM, Tiezzi A, Mamadalieva NZ. Evaluation of the Local Anesthetic Activity, Acute Toxicity, and Structure-Toxicity Relationship in Series of Synthesized 1-Aryltetrahydroisoquinoline Alkaloid Derivatives In Vivo and In Silico. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020477. [PMID: 36677539 PMCID: PMC9864514 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Isoquinoline alkaloids constitute one of the most common classes of alkaloids that have shown a pronounced role in curing various diseases. Finding ways to reduce the toxicity of these molecules and to increase their therapeutic margin is an urgent matter. Here, a one-step method for the synthesis of a series of 1-aryl-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines was performed in 85-98% yield by the Pictet-Spengler reaction. This was accomplished using the reaction between 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamine and substituted benzaldehydes boiling in trifluoroacetic acid. Furthermore, 1-(3'-amino-, 4'-aminophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines were obtained in 94% and 97% yield by reduction in 1-(3'-nitro-, 4'-nitrophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines with SnCl2 × 2H2O. The structures of the substances obtained were confirmed by infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR) spectra. ADMET/TOPKAT in silico study concluded that the synthesized compounds exhibited acceptable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties without carcinogenic or mutagenic potential but with variable hepatotoxicity. The acute toxicity and structure-toxicity relationship (STR) in the series of 20 derivatives of 1-aryl-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines (3a-r, 4a, b) was studied via determination of acute toxicity and resorptive action in white mice employing intragastric step-by-step administration. The first compound, 1-phenyl-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (3a), showed the highest toxicity with LD50 of 280 mg/kg in contrast to 1-(3'-bromo -4'-hydroxyphenyl)-6,7-methylenedioxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (3e) which proved to be the safest of the compounds studied. Its toxicity was 13.75 times lower than that of the parent compound 3a. All compounds investigated showed high local anesthetic activity on rabbit eyes in the concentrations studied. Only 3r, 3n, and 4a caused eye irritation and redness. All investigated derivatives (except 4b) in 1% concentration were more active than lidocaine, providing longer duration of complete anesthesia. Therefore, based on the obtained results of in silico tests, local anesthesia, and acute toxicity, a conclusion can be drawn that the experimental compounds need further extensive future investigations and possible modifications so that they can act as promising drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azizbek A. Azamatov
- Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mirzo Ulugbek Str. 77, Tashkent 100170, Uzbekistan
| | - Sherzod N. Zhurakulov
- Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mirzo Ulugbek Str. 77, Tashkent 100170, Uzbekistan
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National University of Uzbekistan Named after Mirzo Ulugbek, University Str. 4, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan
| | - Valentina I. Vinogradova
- Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mirzo Ulugbek Str. 77, Tashkent 100170, Uzbekistan
| | - Firuza Tursunkhodzhaeva
- Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mirzo Ulugbek Str. 77, Tashkent 100170, Uzbekistan
| | - Roaa M. Khinkar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rania T. Malatani
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M. Aldurdunji
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Antonio Tiezzi
- Department for the Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forestal Systems, Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Nilufar Z. Mamadalieva
- Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mirzo Ulugbek Str. 77, Tashkent 100170, Uzbekistan
- Correspondence:
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Decker AM, Brackeen MF, Mohammadkhani A, Kormos CM, Hesk D, Borgland SL, Blough BE. Identification of a Potent Human Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 Antagonist. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1082-1095. [PMID: 35325532 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human trace amine-associated receptor subtype 1 (hTAAR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor that has therapeutic potential for multiple diseases, including schizophrenia, drug addiction, and Parkinson's disease (PD). Although several potent agonists have been identified and have shown positive results in various clinical trials for schizophrenia, the discovery of potent hTAAR1 antagonists remains elusive. Herein, we report the results of structure-activity relationship studies that have led to the discovery of a potent hTAAR1 antagonist (RTI-7470-44, 34). RTI-7470-44 exhibited an IC50 of 8.4 nM in an in vitro cAMP functional assay, a Ki of 0.3 nM in a radioligand binding assay, and showed species selectivity for hTAAR1 over the rat and mouse orthologues. RTI-7470-44 displayed good blood-brain barrier permeability, moderate metabolic stability, and a favorable preliminary off-target profile. Finally, RTI-7470-44 increased the spontaneous firing rate of mouse VTA dopaminergic neurons and blocked the effects of the known TAAR1 agonist RO5166017. Collectively, this work provides a promising hTAAR1 antagonist probe that can be used to study TAAR1 pharmacology and the potential therapeutic role in hypodopaminergic diseases such as PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M. Decker
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Marcus F. Brackeen
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Aida Mohammadkhani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Chad M. Kormos
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - David Hesk
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Stephanie L. Borgland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Bruce E. Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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Decker AM, Mathews KM, Blough BE, Gilmour BP. Validation of a High-Throughput Calcium Mobilization Assay for the Human Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 26:140-150. [PMID: 32734809 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220945279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The human trace amine-associated receptor 1 (hTAAR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is widely expressed in monoaminergic nuclei in the central nervous system and has therapeutic potential for multiple diseases, including drug addiction and schizophrenia. Thus, identification of novel hTAAR1 ligands is critical to advancing our knowledge of hTAAR1 function and to the development of therapeutics for a wide range of diseases. Herein we describe the development of a robust, 3-addition high-throughput screening (HTS) calcium mobilization assay using stable CHO-Gαq16-hTAAR1 cells, which functionally couple hTAAR1 to the promiscuous Gαq16 protein and thus allow signal transduction to occur through mobilization of internal calcium. Our previously established 96-well hTAAR1 assay was first miniaturized to the 384-well format and optimized to provide an assay with a Z' factor of 0.84, which is indicative of a robust HTS assay. Using the 3-addition protocol, 22,000 compounds were screened and yielded a ~1% agonist hit rate and a ~0.2% antagonist hit rate. Of the antagonist hits, two confirmed hits are the most potent hTAAR1 antagonists identified to date (IC50 = 206 and 281 nM). While scientists have been studying hTAAR1 for years, the lack of suitable hTAAR1 antagonists has been a major roadblock for studying the basic pharmacology of hTAAR1. Thus, these new ligands will serve as valuable tools to study hTAAR1-mediated signaling mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and in vivo functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Decker
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kelly M Mathews
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Brian P Gilmour
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Structure-based development of a subtype-selective orexin 1 receptor antagonist. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:18059-18067. [PMID: 32669442 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2002704117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Orexins are neuropeptides that activate the rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors OX1R and OX2R. The orexin system plays an important role in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and the regulation of feeding and emotions. The nonselective orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant has been the first drug on the market targeting the orexin system and is prescribed for the treatment of insomnia. Subtype-selective OX1R antagonists are valuable tools to further investigate the functions and physiological role of the OX1R in vivo and promising lead compounds for the treatment of drug addiction, anxiety, pain or obesity. Starting from the OX1R and OX2R crystal structures bound to suvorexant, we exploited a single amino acid difference in the orthosteric binding site by using molecular docking and structure-based drug design to optimize ligand interactions with the OX1R while introducing repulsive interactions with the OX2R. A newly established enantiospecific synthesis provided ligands showing up to 75-fold selectivity for the OX1R over the OX2R subtype. The structure of a new OX1R antagonist with subnanomolar affinity (JH112) was determined by crystallography in complex with the OX1R and corresponded closely to the docking-predicted geometry. JH112 exhibits high selectivity over a panel of different GPCRs, is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and acts as slowly diffusing and insurmountable antagonist for Gq protein activation and in particular β-arrestin-2 recruitment at OX1R. This study demonstrates the potential of structure-based drug design to develop more subtype-selective GPCR ligands with potentially reduced side effects and provides an attractive probe molecule and lead compound.
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Liu C, Xia L, Fu K, Cao X, Yan W, Cheng J, Roux T, Peletier LA, Yin X, Guo D. Revisit ligand-receptor interaction at the human vasopressin V 2 receptor: A kinetic perspective. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 880:173157. [PMID: 32360346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The vasopressin V2 receptor belongs to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and is a potential drug target for water balance disorders such as polycystic kidney disease. Traditionally, the discovery of novel agents for the vasopressin V2 receptor has been guided by evaluating their receptor affinity, largely ignoring the binding kinetics. However, the latter is receiving increasing attention in the drug research community and has been proved to be a more complete descriptor of the dynamic process of ligand-receptor interaction. Herein we aim to revisit the molecular basis of ligand-vasopressin V2 receptor interaction from the less-investigated kinetic perspective. A homogenous time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay was set up and optimized, which enabled accurate kinetic profiling of unlabeled vasopressin V2 receptor ligands. Receptor occupancy profiles of two representative antagonists with distinct target residence time were simulated. Their functional effects were further explored in cAMP assays. Our results showed that the antagonist with longer receptor residence time (lixivaptan) displayed sustained target occupancy than the antagonist with shorter receptor residence time (mozavaptan). In accordance, lixivaptan displayed insurmountable antagonism and wash-resistant inhibitory effect on the cellular cAMP level, while not so for mozavaptan. Together, our data provide evidence that binding kinetics, next to their affinity, offers additional information for the dynamic process of ligand-receptor interaction. Hopefully, this study may lead to more kinetics-directed medicinal chemistry efforts and aid the design and discovery of different-in-class of vasopressin V2 receptor ligands for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunji Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Leyi Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kequan Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xudong Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenzhong Yan
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Thomas Roux
- Cisbio Bioassays, Parc Marcel Boiteux, BP 84175, 30200, Codolet, France
| | - Lambertus A Peletier
- Mathematical Institute, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9512, 2300, RA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaoxing Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Dong Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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Watanabe H, Fukui K, Shimizu Y, Idoko Y, Nakamoto Y, Togashi K, Saji H, Ono M. Synthesis and biological evaluation of F-18 labeled tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives targeting orexin 1 receptor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:1620-1623. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Perrey DA, Zhang Y. Therapeutics development for addiction: Orexin-1 receptor antagonists. Brain Res 2018; 1731:145922. [PMID: 30148984 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The orexin system includes the neuropeptides orexin A and B and the cognate receptors of orexin-1 (OX1) and -2 (OX2) and has been indicated in a number of important physiological processes. It is generally accepted that the OX1 receptor is mainly involved in motivation and reward and the OX2 receptor in the modulation of sleep/wake cycle and energy homeostasis. A variety of OX1 selective antagonists (1-SORAs) have been disclosed in the literature and some of them have been evaluated as potential therapeutics for addiction treatment. In this review we summarize all OX1 antagonists reported thus far based on their core structure. Several dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) and OX2 selective antagonist (2-SORAs) have also been recently evaluated in reward and addiction models. While DORAs may seem pharmacologically advantageous for alcohol addiction given the recent findings on the OX2 receptor in reward and alcohol consumption, 1-SORAs are the better options for other drugs of addiction such as cocaine due to the absence of the sedative effects inherently associated with dual antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Perrey
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Perrey DA, Decker AM, Zhang Y. Synthesis and Evaluation of Orexin-1 Receptor Antagonists with Improved Solubility and CNS Permeability. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:587-602. [PMID: 29129052 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Orexins are hypothalamic neuropeptides playing important roles in many functions including the motivation of addictive behaviors. Blockade of the orexin-1 receptor has been suggested as a potential strategy for the treatment of drug addiction. We have previously reported OX1 receptor antagonists based on the tetrahydroisoquinoline scaffold with excellent OX1 potency and selectivity; however, these compounds had high lipophilicity (clogP > 5) and low to moderate solubility. In an effort to improve their properties, we have designed and synthesized a series of analogues where the 7-position substituents known to favor OX1 potency and selectivity were retained, and groups of different nature were introduced at the 1-position where substitution was generally tolerated as demonstrated in previous studies. Compound 44 with lower lipophilicity (clogP = 3.07) displayed excellent OX1 potency ( Ke = 5.7 nM) and selectivity (>1,760-fold over OX2) in calcium mobilization assays. In preliminary ADME studies, 44 showed excellent kinetic solubility (>200 μM), good CNS permeability ( Papp = 14.7 × 10-6 cm/sec in MDCK assay), and low drug efflux (efflux ratio = 3.3).
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Perrey
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Ann M. Decker
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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Nguyen AL, Khatri HR, Woods JR, Baldwin CS, Fronczek FR, Colby DA. Magnesium-Promoted Additions of Difluoroenolates to Unactivated Imines. J Org Chem 2018; 83:3109-3118. [PMID: 29446944 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.7b03014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Although there are many synthetic methods to produce fluorinated and trifluoromethylated organic structures, the construction of difluoromethylated compounds remains a synthetic challenge. We have discovered that unactivated imines will react with difluoroenolates under exceedingly mild conditions when using magnesium salts and organic bases. We have applied this approach to the iminoaldol reaction to produce difluoromethylene groups as α,α-difluoro-β-amino-carbonyl groups. This method provides synthetically useful quantities of difficult to access α,α-difluoro-β-aminoketones without the need of protecting groups or the use of activated imines. Moreover, we have applied this strategy to create analogues of the dual orexin receptor antagonist, almorexant, in only two synthetic steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex L Nguyen
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences , University of Mississippi , University , Mississippi 38677 , United States
| | - Hari R Khatri
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences , University of Mississippi , University , Mississippi 38677 , United States
| | - James R Woods
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Cassidy S Baldwin
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences , University of Mississippi , University , Mississippi 38677 , United States
| | - Frank R Fronczek
- Department of Chemistry , Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge , Louisiana 70803 , United States
| | - David A Colby
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences , University of Mississippi , University , Mississippi 38677 , United States
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Nguyen T, Decker AM, Langston TL, Mathews KM, Siemian JN, Li JX, Harris DL, Runyon SP, Zhang Y. Discovery of Novel Proline-Based Neuropeptide FF Receptor Antagonists. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:2290-2308. [PMID: 28737888 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide FF (NPFF) system has been implicated in a number of physiological processes including modulating the pharmacological activity of opioid analgesics and several other classes of drugs of abuse. In this study, we report the discovery of a novel proline scaffold with antagonistic activity at the NPFF receptors through a high throughput screening campaign using a functional calcium mobilization assay. Focused structure-activity relationship studies on the initial hit 1 have resulted in several analogs with calcium mobilization potencies in the submicromolar range and modest selectivity for the NPFF1 receptor. Affinities and potencies of these compounds were confirmed in radioligand binding and functional cAMP assays. Two compounds, 16 and 33, had good solubility and blood-brain barrier permeability that fall within the range of CNS permeant candidates without the liability of being a P-glycoprotein substrate. Finally, both compounds reversed fentanyl-induced hyperalgesia in rats when administered intraperitoneally. Together, these results point to the potential of these proline analogs as promising NPFF receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Nguyen
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Ann M. Decker
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Tiffany L. Langston
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Kelly M. Mathews
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Justin N. Siemian
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States
| | - Danni L. Harris
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Scott P. Runyon
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
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Levy KA, Brodnik ZD, Shaw JK, Perrey DA, Zhang Y, España RA. Hypocretin receptor 1 blockade produces bimodal modulation of cocaine-associated mesolimbic dopamine signaling. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:2761-2776. [PMID: 28667509 PMCID: PMC5709206 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4673-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cocaine addiction is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by pathological motivation to obtain cocaine and behavioral and neurochemical hypersensitivity to cocaine-associated cues. These features of cocaine addiction are thought to be driven by aberrant phasic dopamine signaling. We previously demonstrated that blockade of the hypocretin receptor 1 (HCRTr1) attenuates cocaine self-administration and reduces cocaine-induced enhancement of dopamine signaling. Despite this evidence, the effects of HCRTr1 blockade on endogenous phasic dopamine release are unknown. OBJECTIVE In the current studies, we assessed whether blockade of HCRTr1 alters spontaneous and cue-evoked dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens core of freely moving rats. METHODS We first validated the behavioral and neurochemical effects of the novel, highly selective, HCRTr1 antagonist RTIOX-276 using cocaine self-administration and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) in anesthetized rats. We then used FSCV in freely moving rats to examine whether RTIOX-276 impacts spontaneous and cue-evoked dopamine release. Finally, we used ex vivo slice FSCV to determine whether the effects of RTIOX-276 on dopamine signaling involve dopamine terminal adaptations. RESULTS Doses of RTIOX-276 that attenuate the motivation for cocaine reduce spontaneous dopamine transient amplitude and cue-evoked dopamine release. Further, these doses attenuated cocaine-induced dopamine uptake inhibition at the level of dopamine terminals. CONCLUSION Our results provide support for the standing hypothesis that HCRTr1 blockade suppresses endogenous phasic dopamine signals, likely via actions at dopamine cell bodies. These results also elucidate a second process through which HCRTr1 blockade attenuates the effects of cocaine by reducing cocaine sensitivity at dopamine terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- KA Levy
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - ZD Brodnik
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - JK Shaw
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
| | - DA Perrey
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, U.S.A
| | - Y Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, U.S.A
| | - RA España
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, U.S.A
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) is one of the 'privileged scaffolds', commonly found in nature. Initially, this class of compounds was known for its neurotoxicity. Later on, 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline was proved as an endogeneous Parkinsonism-preventing agent in mammals. The fused THIQs have been studied for their role as anticancer antibiotics. The US FDA approval of the trabectedin for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas, is a milestone in the anticancer drug discovery. Areas covered: This review covers the patents on various therapeutic activities of the THIQ derivatives in the years between 2010 and 2015. Patents were collected using a thorough search of Espacenet and WIPO databases. The therapeutic areas covered include cancer, malaria, central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, metabolic disorders, and so on. This also includes several patents on specific THIQs of clinical importance. Expert opinion: A large number of the THIQ derivatives have been synthesised for various therapeutic activities, with noticeable success in the area of drug discovery for cancer and CNS. They may also prove to be promising candidates for various infectious diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV-infection, HSV-infection, leishmaniasis, etc. They can also be developed as novel class of drugs for various therapeutic activities with unique mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inder Pal Singh
- a Department of Natural Products , National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) , Punjab , India
| | - Purvi Shah
- a Department of Natural Products , National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) , Punjab , India
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Feng Q, Zhao M, Gan T, Zhu H, Wang Y, Zhao S, Wang Y, Wu J, Peng S. DHDMIQK(KAP): a novel nano-delivery system of dihydroxyl-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid and KPAK towards the thrombus. J Mater Chem B 2016; 4:5991-6003. [PMID: 32263488 DOI: 10.1039/c6tb00874g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vascular thrombosis is a major risk of the onset of stroke and so novel therapeutic candidates have been attracting interest. In this context, here docking based computer assisted screening and mesoscale simulation were used to design N-[(S)-6,7-dihydroxy-1,1-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carbonyl]-Lys(Pro-Ala-Lys), DHDMIQK(KAP), for inhibiting P-selectin expression. In vitro, 1 nM of DHDMIQK(KAP) effectively down-regulated P-selectin expression. In water, in rat plasma and in the solid state DHDMIQK(KAP) formed nanoparticles of a size capable of suitable delivery in the blood circulation. FT-MS and NOESY 2D NMR spectra showed DHDMIQK(KAP) formed hexamers, identified the intermolecular interactions of the hexamer, and assigned the hexamer a butterfly like conformation. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaged DHDMIQK(KAP) forming size-suitable nanoparticles for safe delivery in the blood circulation. In particular, AFM images showed that the nanoparticles effectively adhered onto the surfaces of the platelets. In vivo DHDMIQK(KAP) lysed the thrombus and inhibited thrombosis with a minimal effective dose of 0.01 nmol kg-1. FT-MS spectrum analyses defined a specific distribution of DHDMIQK(KAP) in the thrombus, but not in the blood and vital organs. Therefore, DHDMIQK(KAP) should be a novel nano-delivery system of 6,7-dihydroxyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid and KPAK to target the thrombus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Feng
- Beijing Area Major Laboratory of Peptide and Small Molecular Drugs, Engineering Research Center of Endogenous Prophylactic of Ministry of Education of China, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P. R. China.
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