Implication of sulfonylurea derivatives as prospective inhibitors of human carbonic anhydrase II

Sulphonyl thiourea compounds containing pyrimidine as dual inhibitors of I, II, IX, and XII carbonic anhydrases and cancer cell lines: synthesis, characterization and in silico studies

Some novel sulphonyl thiourea derivatives (7a-m) containing 4,6-diarylpyrimidine rings were designed and synthesized using a one-pot procedure. These compounds exhibited remarkable dual inhibitory activity against human carbonic anhydrase hCA I, hCA II, hCA IX, and XII isoenzymes and some cancer cell lines. Among them, some thioureas had significantly more potent inhibitory activities in the order of 7l > 7c > 7f (against the hCA I isoform), 7f > 7b > 7c (against the hCA II isoform), 7c > 7g > 7a > 7b (against the hCA IX isoform), and 7d > 7c > 7g > 7f (against the hCA XII isoform). The obtained inhibitory activity data against the hCA IX and XII isoforms showed that compound 7c was the most potent inhibitor in this sulphonyl thiourea series against enzyme hCA IX, with K I = 125.1 ± 12.4 nM, while compound 7d was the most potent inhibitor against enzyme hCA XII, with K I = 111.0 ± 12.3 nM. Compound 7c exhibited strong inhibitory activity among all four tested hCA enzymes, while thiourea 7f was a potent inhibitor for enzymes hCA I, II and XII. All these compounds demonstrated non-competitive inhibition of both enzymes. Some selected potential inhibitory compounds, including 7c, 7d, and 7g, exhibited remarkable cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines, including human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human liver adenocarcinoma (HepG2), human cervical epithelial carcinoma (HeLa), and human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549). These compounds exhibited low cytotoxicity in the WI-38 cell line. The compounds 7c and 7d were the most potent inhibitors against tumour-associated hCA IX and hCA XII isoenzymes. Furthermore, these compounds exhibited remarkable inhibition against some cancer cell lines, such as MCF-7, HepG2, HeLa, and A549. They were subjected to in silico screening for molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The results of in vitro and in silico studies revealed that compounds 7c and 7d were the most promising derivatives in this series owing to their significant effects on the studied hCA IX and hCA XII isoenzymes, respectively. The results showed that the sulphonyl thiourea moiety was deeply accommodated in the active site and interacted with zinc ions in the receptors.

Sulfonyl thiourea derivatives from 2-aminodiarylpyrimidines: In vitro and in silico evaluation as potential carbonic anhydrase I, II, IX, and XII inhibitors

A series of synthesized sulfonyl thiourea derivatives (7a-o) of substituted 2-amino-4,6-diarylpyrimidines (4a-o) exhibited the remarkable inhibitory activity against some the human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs), including hCA I, II, IX, and XII isoforms. The inhibitory efficacy of synthesized sulfonyl thiourea derivatives were experimentally validated by in vitro enzymatic assays. 7a (KI  = 46.14 nM), 7j (KI  = 48.92 nM), and 7m (KI  = 62.59 nM) (for isoform hCA I); 7f (KI  = 42.72 nM), 7i (KI  = 40.98 nM), and 7j (KI  = 33.40 nM) (for isoform hCA II); 7j (KI  = 228.5 nM), 7m (KI  = 195.4 nM), and 7n (KI  = 210.1 nM) (for isoform hCA IX); 7l (KI  = 116.9 nM), 7m (KI  = 118.8 nM), and 7n (KI  = 147.2 nM) (for isoform hCA XII) in comparison with KI values of 452.1, 327.3, 437.2, and 338.9 nM, respectively, of the standard drug AAZ. These compounds also had significantly more potent inhibitory action against cytosolic isoform hCA I and tumor-associated isoforms hCA IX and hCA XII. Furthermore, the potential inhibitory compounds were subjected to in silico screening for molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The results of in vitro and in silico studies revealed that compounds 7a, 7j, and 7m were the most promising derivatives in this series due to their significant effects on studied hCA I, II, IX, and XII isoforms, respectively. The results showed that the sulfonyl thiourea moiety was accommodated deeply in the active site and interacted with the zinc ion in the receptors.

Synthesis, biological and molecular modelling for 1,3,4-thiadiazole sulfonyl thioureas: bacterial and fungal activity

Some substituted thioureas (6a-i) containing a 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring were synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding substituted 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles 3a-i with p-toluenesulfonyl isocyanate in a one-pot procedure. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of these sulfonyl thioureas were estimated using a minimum inhibitory concentration protocol. Almost all the thioureas exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity. Amongst the studied compounds, thioureas 6a, 6c, 6h, and 6i were better inhibitors against the bacterium S. aureus, with MIC values of 0.78-3.125 μg mL-1. These compounds were also tested for their inhibition against S. aureus enzymes, including enzymes of DNA gyrase, DNA topoisomerase IV (Topo IV), and dihydrofolate reductase. Amongst the compounds, 6h was a strong inhibitor, with IC50 values of 1.22, 53.78, and 0.23, respectively. Induced fit docking calculations were performed to observe the binding efficiency and steric interactions of these compounds. The obtained results showed that compound 6h was compatible with the active sites of S. aureus DNA gyrase 2XCS. This ligand interacted with residues ASP1083 (chain D), MET1121 (chain B), ARG1122 (chain D), and also with HOH2035, HOH2089, HOH2110, HOH2162. Molecular dynamics simulation in a water solvent system showed that the active interactions with residues ASP083 and MET1121 (chain B), along with ASP1083, MET1121, and ARG1122 (chain D), played an important role in stabilizing complex 6h/2XCS in the active pocket.

In the footsteps of an inhibitor unbinding from the active site of human carbonic anhydrase II

The crystal structure of human carbonic anhydrase (HCA) II bound to an inhibitor molecule, 6-hydroxy-2-thioxocoumarin (FC5), shows FC5 to be located in a hydrophobic pocket at the active site. The present work employs classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to follow the FC5 molecule for 1 μs as it unbinds from its binding location, adopts the path of substrate/product diffusion (path 1) to leave the active site at around 75 ns. It is then found to undergo repeated binding and unbinding at different locations on the surface of the enzyme in water. Several transient excursions through different regions of the enzyme are also observed prior to its exit from the active site. These transient paths are combined with functionally relevant cavities/channels to enlist five additional pathways (path 2-6). Pathways 1-6 are subsequently explored using steered MD and umbrella sampling simulations. A free energy barrier of 0.969 kcal mol^-1 is encountered along path 1, while barriers in the range of 0.57-2.84 kcal mol^-1 are obtained along paths 2, 4 and 5. We also analyze in detail the interaction between FC5 and the enzyme along each path as the former leaves the active site of HCA II. Our results indicate path 1 to be the major exit pathway for FC5, although competing contributions may also come from the paths 2, 4 and 5.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and glaucoma in 2021: where do we stand?

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) have been used for many decades in the treatment of glaucoma. Systemic CAIs were an early treatment option to lower intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humour production; however, frequent side effects including polyuria and paresthesia contributed to the eventual development of topical CAIs. As topical drug development evolved over time, prostaglandin analogues and beta-blockers have become the gold standard of glaucoma therapies. Although prescribed less often than other classes of topical glaucoma therapies, topical CAIs continue to be used in combination therapies with beta-blockers and alpha agonists. Topical CAIs have also been demonstrated to alter biomarkers of ocular haemodynamics, which have relevance in glaucoma. The purpose of this review is to review and summarise the current state of topical CAI prescribing trends, known efficacy and suggested mechanisms and potential influence on ocular haemodynamics for the future of glaucoma management.

Discovery of Natural Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of Human Carbonic Anhydrase II: An Integrated Virtual Screening, Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

Carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) is one of the zinc metalloenzymes that catalyze the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide, leading to the formation of bicarbonate and proton. CAII plays a significant role in health and disease. For example, CAII helps to maintain eye pressure while regulating the pH of the tumor microenvironment, and by extension, contributing to cancer progression. Owing to its remarkable role in cancer, visual health, and other human diseases, CAII can serve as an attractive therapeutic target. We report an original study based on high-throughput virtual screening of natural compounds from the ZINC database in search of potential inhibitors of CAII. We selected the hits based on the physicochemical, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties, pan-assay interference compound (PAINS) patterns, and interaction analysis. Importantly, two natural compounds were identified, ZINC08918123 and ZINC00952700, bearing considerable affinity and specific interactions to the residues of the CAII-binding pocket with well-organized conformational fitting compatibility. We investigated the conformational dynamics of CAII in complex with the identified compounds through molecular dynamics simulation, which revealed the formation of a stable complex preserved throughout the 100 ns trajectories. The stability of the protein/ligand complexes is maintained by significant numbers of noncovalent interactions throughout the simulations. In conclusion, natural compounds identified in the present study specifically and computer-assisted drug design broadly offer a reliable resource and strategy to discover potential promising therapeutic inhibitors of CAII to cure various cancers and glaucoma after further experimental validation and clinical studies.

Design and Development of Novel Urea, Sulfonyltriurea, and Sulfonamide Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of phingosine Kinase 1

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is one of the well-studied drug targets for cancer and inflammatory diseases. Recently discovered small-molecule inhibitors of SphK1 have been recommended in cancer therapeutics; however, selectivity and potency of first-generation inhibitors are great challenge. In search of effective SphK1 inhibitors, a set of small molecules have been designed and synthesized bearing urea, sulfonylurea, sulfonamide, and sulfonyltriurea groups. The binding affinity of these inhibitors was measured by fluorescence-binding assay and isothermal titration calorimetry. Compounds 1, 5, 6, and 7 showed an admirable binding affinity to the SphK1 in the sub-micromolar range and significantly inhibited SphK1 activity with admirable IC50 values. Molecular docking studies revealed that these compounds fit well into the sphingosine binding pocket of SphK1 and formed significant number of hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. These molecules may be exploited as potent and selective inhibitors of SphK1 that could be implicated in cancer therapeutics after the required in vivo validation.

N-Quinary heterocycle-4-sulphamoylbenzamides exert anti-hypoxic effects as dual inhibitors of carbonic anhydrases I/II

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) affects approximately 25-50% of newcomers to high altitudes. Two human carbonic anhydrase isoforms, hCA I and II, play key roles in developing high altitude illnesses. However, the only FDA-approved drug for AMS is acetazolamide (AAZ), which has a nearly 100 times weaker inhibitory activity against hCA I (K_i = 1237.10 nM) than hCA II (K_i = 13.22 nM). Hence, developing potent dual hCA I/II inhibitors for AMS prevention and treatment is a critical medical need. Here we identified N-quinary heterocycle-4-sulphamoylbenzamides as potent hCA I/II inhibitors. The newly designed compounds 2b, 5b, 5f, 6d, and 6f possessed the desired inhibitory activities (hCA I: Ki = 16.95-52.71 nM; hCA II: K_i = 8.61-18.64 nM). Their hCA I inhibitory capacity was 22- to 76-fold stronger than that of AAZ. Relative to the control group for survival in a mouse model of hypoxia, 2b and 6d prolonged the survival time of mice by 21.7% and 29.3%, respectively, which was longer than those of AAZ (6.5%). These compounds did not display any apparent toxicity in vitro and in vivo. In addition, docking simulations suggested that the quinary aromatic heterocycle groups stabilised the interaction between hCA I/II and the inhibitors, which could be further exploited in structure optimization studies. Hence, future functional studies may confirm 2b and 6d as potential clinical candidate compounds with anti-hypoxic activity against AMS.

Synthesis and evaluation of 4-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamides as potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Human Carbonic anhydrase (hCA) I and II are crucial targets for anti-acute mountain sickness. Twenty-one 4-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl) benzenesulfonamides were synthesized and screened against these two isoforms. The results illustrated that 5c, 5g, 5h, 5k were more potent against both hCA I and II than clinical drug AAZ. In particular, the value of compound 5c with hCA I (18.08 nM) was over 84-fold more than of AAZ with hCA I. The data of docking simulations were also in accord with the tendency of inhibitive activities. Furthermore, compound 6h, the methanesulfonate of 5h, showed better anti-hypoxia activity than AAZ in vivo, making it interesting lead compound.