New 1-arylindoles based serotonin 5-HT7 antagonists. Synthesis and binding evaluation studies

Straightforward synthesis of N-arylindoles via one-pot Fischer indolisation-indole N-arylation

A microwave-promoted, one-pot, three-component synthesis of N-arylindoles has been developed, utilising sequential Fischer indolisation then copper(i)-catalysed indole N-arylation. Novel arylation conditions were identified that use a simple and cheap catalyst/base system (Cu₂O/K₃PO₄) in an environmentally benign solvent (ethanol), with no requirement for ligands, additives or exclusion of air or water, and microwave irradiation enabled significant acceleration of this commonly sluggish process. These conditions were designed to dovetail with Fischer indolisation, and the resulting one-pot, two-step sequence is rapid (total reaction time = 40 minutes), operationally straightforward, generally high yielding and it draws upon readily available hydrazine, ketone/aldehyde and aryl iodide building blocks. This process shows broad substrate tolerance and we have demonstrated its utility in the synthesis of 18 N-arylindoles bearing varied and useful functionality.

Development and challenges in the discovery of 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptor ligands

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is a small molecule that acts both in the central and peripheral nervous system as a neurotransmitter and a hormone, respectively. Serotonin is synthesized via a multi-stage pathway beginning with l-tryptophan, which is converted by an enzyme called tryptophan hydroxylase into L-5-Hydroxytryptophan. It is well-known for its significance in the control of mood, anxiety, depression, and insomnia as well as in normal human functions such as sleep, sexual activity, and appetite. Thus, for medical chemists and pharmaceutical firms, serotonin is one of the most desirable targets. Among the seven different classes of serotonin receptors, the 5-HT_1A was one of the first discovered serotonin receptors, and the 5-HT₇ was the last addition to the serotonin receptor family. Both the classes were thoroughly examined. 5-HT_1A neurotransmission-related dysfunctions are linked to many psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and movement disorders. 5-HT₇ is a member of the cell surface receptor GPCR superfamily and is regulated by the serotonin neurotransmitter. It has been the focus of intensive research efforts since its discovery, which was prompted by its presence in functionally important regions of the brain. The thalamus and hypothalamus have the highest 5-HT₇ receptor densities. They are also found in the hippocampus and cortex at higher densities. Thermoregulation, circadian rhythm, learning and memory, and sleep are all associated with the 5-HT₇ receptor. It is also suspected that this receptor may be involved in the control of mood, indicating that it may be a beneficial target for depression treatment. Several differently structured molecules such as aminotetralins, ergolines, arylpiperazines, indolylalkylamines, aporphines, and aryloxyalkyl-amines are known to bind to 5-HT_1A and 5-HT₇ receptor sites. In brain serotonin receptors 5-HT_1A and 5-HT₇ are strongly co-expressed in regions involved in depression. However, their functional interaction has not been identified. An overview of the 5-HT_1A and 5-HT₇ receptor ligands belonging to different chemical groups is mentioned in this review.

Synthesis of N-Arylindoles from 2-Alkenylanilines and Diazonaphthalen-2(1H)-ones through Simultaneous Indole Construction and Aryl Introduction

In this paper, an efficient synthesis of N-arylindoles through the cascade reaction of 2-alkenylanilines with diazonaphthalen-2(1H)-ones is presented. Mechanistically, this reaction involves the generation of a Ru-carbene complex from diazonaphthalen-2(1H)-one, followed by carbene N-H bond insertion with 2-alkenylaniline, intramolecular cyclization, and oxidative aromatization. In this reaction, the Ru(II) complex acts as a multifunctional catalyst to promote not only the carbene formation but also the intramolecular cyclization and the dehydrogenative aromatization. Meanwhile, air acts as a green and cost-effective oxidant. To our knowledge, this is the first example in which N-arylindoles were synthesized through simultaneous introduction of the N-aryl unit and construction of the indole scaffold. Notable advantages of this method include readily accessible and halide-free substrates, additive-free reaction conditions, good efficiency, excellent atom economy, and compatibility with diverse functional groups. In addition, the utility of the product thus obtained was showcased by its diverse structural transformations.

Cu(i) catalysis for selective condensation/bicycloaromatization of two different arylalkynes: direct and general construction of functionalized C-N axial biaryl compounds

Selective condensation/bicycloaromatization of two different arylalkynes is firstly developed under ligand-free copper(i)-catalysis, which allows the direct synthesis of C-N axial biaryl compounds in high yields with excellent selectivity and functional group tolerance. Due to the critical effects of Cu(i) catalyst and HFIP, many easily occurring undesired reactions are suppressed, and the coupled five-six aromatic rings are constructed via the selective formation of two C(sp2)-N(sp2) bonds and four C(sp2)-C(sp2) bonds. The achievement of moderate enantioselectivity verifies its potential for the simplest asymmetric synthesis of atropoisomeric biaryls. Western blotting demonstrated that the newly developed compounds are promising targets in biology and pharmaceuticals. This unique reaction can construct structurally diverse C-N axial biaryl compounds that have never been reported by other methods, and might be extended to various applications in materials, chemistry, biology, and pharmaceuticals.

Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential of the 5-HT7 Receptor

It is well-documented that serotonin (5-HT) exerts its pharmacological effects through a series of 5-HT receptors. The most recently identified member of this family, 5-HT₇, was first identified in 1993. Over the course of the last 25 years, this receptor has been the subject of intense investigation, and it has been demonstrated that 5-HT₇ plays an important role in a wide range of pharmacological processes. As a result of these findings, modulation of 5-HT₇ activity has been the focus of numerous drug discovery and development programs. This review provides an overview of the roles of 5-HT₇ in normal physiology and the therapeutic potential of this interesting drug target.

Structure-Activity Relationships and Therapeutic Potentials of 5-HT7 Receptor Ligands: An Update

Serotonin 5-HT₇ receptor (5-HT₇R) has been the subject of intense research efforts because of its presence in brain areas such as the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cortex. Preclinical data link the 5-HT₇R to a variety of central nervous system processes including the regulation of circadian rhythms, mood, cognition, pain processing, and mechanisms of addiction. 5-HT₇R blockade has antidepressant effects and may ameliorate cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. 5-HT₇R has been recently shown to modulate neuronal morphology, excitability, and plasticity, thus contributing to shape brain networks during development and to remodel neuronal wiring in the mature brain. Therefore, the activation of 5-HT₇R has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders associated with abnormal neuronal connectivity. This Perspective celebrates the silver jubilee of the discovery of 5-HT₇R by providing a survey of recent studies on the medicinal chemistry of 5-HT₇R ligands and on the neuropharmacology of 5-HT₇R.

Synthesis and evaluation of the structural elements in alkylated tetrahydroisoquinolines for binding to CNS receptors

Diseases of the CNS are often complex and involve multiple receptor systems and thus, the treatment options for these diseases must focus on targeting the multiple receptors implicated in the various disorders. Schizophrenia and depression are examples of such diseases and their pharmacotherapy thus depends on agents which target multiple receptors including the dopamine, serotonin and even cholinergic receptors at the same time. In our previous campaign to find multi-receptor ligands, we have identified the benzothiazole 1a as an initial lead molecule. In the current work, we have expanded the structure affinity relationship (SAFIR) of 1a resulting in the identification of a partially restrained butyrophenone 3j as a potent and selective dual 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptor ligand. It is expected that compound 3j may serve as a new lead for further development in our search for newer and novel ligands with the potential to treat diseases of CNS origin.