Identification and SAR of potent and selective non-peptide obeline somatostatin sst1 receptor antagonists

Development of an asymmetric formal synthesis of (-)-quinagolide via enzymatic resolution and stereoselective iminium ion reduction

The stereoselective reduction of a diastereoisomeric mixture of benzo[g]octahydroquinolinium ion was examined in detail. A diastereoselective borohydride reduction in combination with an efficient deacylative enzymatic resolution of its β-aminoester precursor are the key steps for a stereoselective installation of the three chiral centres present in the (3S,4aS,10aR)-eutomer of the medicinal drug quinagolide. The obtained data paves the way for an easy and practical attainment of chiral 3-substituted octahydrobenzo[g]quinolines that are privileged structures in medicinal chemistry.

Molecular-Level Understanding of the Somatostatin Receptor 1 (SSTR1)-Ligand Binding: A Structural Biology Study Based on Computational Methods

Somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1), a subtype of somatostatin receptors, is involved in various signaling mechanisms in different parts of the human body. Like most of the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the available information on the structural features of SSTR1 responsible for the biological activity is scarce. In this study, we report a molecular-level understanding of SSTR1-ligand binding, which could be helpful in solving the structural complexities involved in SSTR1 functioning. Based on a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) study using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA), we have identified that an electronegative, less-bulkier, and hydrophobic atom substitution can substantially increase the biological activity of SSTR1 ligands. A density functional theory (DFT) study has been followed to study the electron-related properties of the SSTR1 ligands and to validate the results obtained via the 3D-QSAR study. 3D models of SSTR1-ligand systems have been embedded in lipid-lipid bilayer membranes to perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Analysis of the MD trajectories reveals important information about the crucial residues involved in SSTR1-ligand binding and various conformational changes in the protein that occur after ligand binding. Additionally, we have identified the probable ligand-binding site of SSTR1 and validated it using MD. We have also studied the favorable conditions that are essential for forming the most stable and lowest-energy bioactive conformation of the ligands inside the binding site. The results of the study could be useful in constructing more potent and novel SSTR1 antagonists and agonists.

From targets to treatments: a review of molecular targets in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pancreatic NET) are relatively rare, slowly growing tumors, although their incidence is increasing, and patients may survive for several years with metastatic disease. Apart from symptomatic relief, there have been few treatment options for these tumors in the past. More recently, investigators have explored the potential of molecularly targeted agents in treating pancreatic NET, with some success. In this review, we consider the data supporting exploitation of different targets in pancreatic NET, including peptide receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases (involved in tumor angiogenesis and more directly supporting tumor growth), and intracellular targets, such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which has a central role in regulating cell growth, metabolism, and apoptosis. Probably due to the paucity of pancreatic NET, many clinical trials to date have included heterogeneous NET populations, and there are few randomized studies of this specific patient population. Very recently, promising results have been achieved in placebo-controlled, phase III trials with the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sunitinib, and the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus. These agents have been approved or are currently being reviewed by authorities for use in patients with pancreatic NET. Here we review potential molecular targets in pancreatic NET and summarize the available data for targeted agents from phase II and III trials open to patients with this tumor.

SAR of the arylpiperazine moiety of obeline somatostatin sst1 receptor antagonists

The SAR of over 50 derivatives of octahydrobenzo[g]quinoline (obeline)-type somatostatin sst(1) receptor antagonist 1 is presented, focusing on the modification of its arylpiperazine moiety. Sst(1) affinities in this series cover a range of five orders of magnitude with the best derivatives displaying subnanomolar sst(1) affinities and >10,000-fold selectivities over the sst(2) receptor subtype as well as promising pharmacokinetic properties.