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Shivankar BR, Bhandare VV, Joshi K, Patil VS, Dhotare PS, Sonawane KD, Krishnamurty S. Investigation of cathinone analogs targeting human dopamine transporter using molecular modeling. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38698732 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2335303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
In a step towards understanding the structure-property relationship among Synthetic Cathinones (SCs), a combined methodology based on Density Functional Theory (DFT), Administration, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) predictions, docking and molecular dynamics simulations have been applied to correlate physicochemical descriptors of various SCs to their biological activity. The results from DFT and molecular docking studies correlate well with each other explaining the biological activity trends of the studied SCs. Quantum mechanical descriptors viz. polarizability, electron affinity, ionization potential, chemical hardness, electronegativity, molecular electrostatic potential, and ion interaction studies unravel the distinguishingly reactive nature of Group D (pyrrolidine substituted) and Group E (methylenedioxy and pyrrolidine substituted) compounds. According to ADMET analysis, Group D and Group E molecules have a higher probability of permeating through the blood-brain barrier. Molecular docking results indicate that Phe76, Ala77, Asp79, Val152, Tyr156, Phe320, and Phe326 constitute the binding pocket residues of hDAT in which the most active ligands MDPV, MDPBP, and MDPPP are bound. Finally, to validate the derived quantum chemical descriptors and docking results, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are performed with homology-modelled hDAT (human dopamine transporter). The MD simulation results revealed that the majority of SCs remain stable within the hDAT protein's active sites via non-bonded interactions after 100 ns long simulations. The findings from DFT, ADMET analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation studies complement each other suggesting that pyrrolidine-substituted SCs (Group D and E), specifically, MPBP and PVN are proven potent SCs along with MDPV, validating various experimental observations.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavana R Shivankar
- Physical Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | | | - Krati Joshi
- Physical Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
| | - Vishal S Patil
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, KLE College of Pharmacy Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi, India
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | - Sailaja Krishnamurty
- Physical Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Nguyen VT, Harris AC, Eltit JM. Structural and functional perspectives on interactions between synthetic cathinones and monoamine transporters. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 99:83-124. [PMID: 38467490 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinone derivatives comprise a family of psychoactive compounds structurally related to amphetamine. Over the last decade, clandestine chemists have synthesized a consistent stream of innovative cathinone derivatives to outpace governmental regulatory restrictions. Many of these unregulated substances are produced and distributed as designer drugs. Two of the principal chemical scaffolds exploited to expand the synthetic cathinone family are methcathinone and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (or α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, α-PVP). These compounds' main physiological targets are monoamine transporters, where they promote addiction by potentiating dopaminergic neurotransmission. This chapter describes techniques used to study the pharmacodynamic properties of cathinones at monoamine transporters in vitro. Biochemical techniques described include uptake inhibition and release assays in rat brain synaptosomes and in mammalian expression systems. Electrophysiological techniques include current measurements using the voltage clamp technique. We describe a Ca2+ mobilization assay wherein voltage-gated Ca2+ channels function as reporters to study the action of synthetic cathinones at monoamine transporters. We discuss results from systematic structure-activity relationship studies on simple and complex cathinones at monoamine transporters with an emphasis on identifying structural moieties that modulate potency and selectivity at these transporters. Moreover, different profiles of selectivity at monoamine transporters directly predict compounds associated with behavioral and subjective effects within animals and humans. In conclusion, clarification of the structural aspects of compounds which modulate potency and selectivity at monoamine transporters is critical to identify and predict potential addictive drugs. This knowledge may allow prompt allocation of resources toward drugs that represent the greatest threats after drugs are identified by forensic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vy T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Alan C Harris
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jose M Eltit
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Froimowitz M, Taboada R, Poulos ZJ, Rainone DJ, Imler GH, Gardner EL, Kelley CJ. Chiral Resolution of the Enantiomers of the Slow-Onset Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor CTDP-32476 and Their Activities. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:35738-35745. [PMID: 37810691 PMCID: PMC10552101 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
An improved synthesis was developed for CDTP-32476, a potent slow-onset dopamine reuptake blocker that may have utility as a treatment for cocaine abuse. The enantiomers of the compound were separated by fractional crystallization with N-acetylleucine enantiomers. An X-ray crystal structure was obtained of the RR enantiomer paired with N-acetyl-d-leucine. Chiral chromatography showed that the resolved enantiomers were pure with little contamination by the other enantiomer. The enantiomers were tested for their ability to block the reuptake of monoamines at their respective transporters and to stimulate locomotor activity in mice. Both enantiomers potently blocked the reuptake of dopamine and stimulated locomotor activity in mice. The RR enantiomer that corresponds to the active RR enantiomer of methylphenidate was slightly more potent at the dopamine reuptake site. The RR enantiomer also was found to be about twice as selective for the dopamine transporter relative to the norepinephrine transporter, which may have clinical implications. A method for designing slow-onset stimulants is proposed since there is increasing evidence that such activity is an important factor in stimulants that may have limited abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Froimowitz
- 90
Eastbourne Road, Newton Centre, Massachusetts 02459, United States
| | - Rosa Taboada
- Massachusetts
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Zachary J. Poulos
- Massachusetts
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Dominic J. Rainone
- Massachusetts
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Gregory H. Imler
- Naval
Research Laboratory, Code 6930, 4555 Overlook Ave., SW, Washington D.C., 20375I, United States
| | - Eliot L. Gardner
- Intramural
Research Program, National Institute on
Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Charles J. Kelley
- Massachusetts
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Davies RA, Nguyen VT, Eltit JM, Glennon RA. Structure-Activity Relationships for a Recently Controlled Synthetic Cathinone Dopamine Transporter Reuptake Inhibitor: α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP). ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2527-2536. [PMID: 37406364 PMCID: PMC10670441 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Pyrrolidinohexiophenone (α-PHP) is the one-carbon unit α-extended homolog of the better-known and widely abused synthetic cathinone central stimulant α-PVP ("flakka"); both are now U.S. Schedule I controlled substances. Structurally, α-PVP and α-PHP possess a common terminal N-pyrrolidine moiety and differ only with respect to the length of their α-alkyl chain. Using a synaptosomal assay, we previously reported that α-PHP is at least as potent as α-PVP as a dopamine transporter (DAT) reuptake inhibitor. A systematic structure-activity study of synthetic cathinones (e.g., α-PHP) as DAT reuptake inhibitors (i.e., transport blockers), a mechanism thought responsible for their abuse liability, has yet to be conducted. Here, we examined a series of 4-substituted α-PHP analogues and found that, with one exception, all behaved as relatively (28- to >300-fold) selective DAT versus serotonin transporter (SERT) reuptake inhibitors with DAT inhibition potencies of most falling within a very narrow (i.e., <3-fold) range. The 4-CF3 analogue of α-PHP was a confirmed "outlier" in that it was at least 80-fold less potent than the other analogues and displayed reduced (i.e., no) DAT vs SERT selectivity. Consideration of various physicochemical properties of the CF3 group, relative to that of the other substituents involved here, provided relatively little insight. Unlike with DAT-releasing agents, as previously reported by us, a QSAR study was precluded because of the limited range of empirical results (with the exception of the 4-CF3 analogue) for DAT reuptake inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Davies
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia 23298 U.S
| | - Vy T. Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia 23298 U.S
| | - Jose M. Eltit
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia 23298 U.S
| | - Richard A. Glennon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia 23298 U.S
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Jones CB, Eltit JM, Dukat M. Do 2-(Benzoyl)piperidines Represent a Novel Class of hDAT Reuptake Inhibitors? ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:741-748. [PMID: 36745029 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
2-(Benzoyl)piperidines (analogues of 1a), structural hybrids of the clinically employed ADHD medication methylphenidate (2) and the abused synthetic cathinone pentedrone (3), have been previously reported to act as novel and selective reuptake inhibitors of the human dopamine transporter (hDAT). One of the more potent benzoylpiperidines, as is the case with methylphenidate analogues, is its 3,4-dichloroaryl counterpart. Here, we demonstrate using homology models that these compounds (i.e., benzoylpiperidines and methylphenidate analogues) likely bind in a comparable manner at hDAT. In addition, it is shown here that the 3,4-dichlorobenzoylpiperidine analogue of 1a is more potent than its 3,4-dimethyl counterpart, suggesting that the electronic character of the substituents might play a role in the potency of these hybrids. Furthermore, the 3,4-benz-fused (i.e., naphthyl) benzoylpiperidine analogue acts in the same manner as its corresponding methylphenidate counterpart at hDAT. As with its methylphenidate counterpart, the naphthyl compound also acts, rather uniquely (although with lower potency) relative to other members of the two series, at the human serotonin transporter (hSERT). In conclusion, the benzoylpiperidines represent a novel structural class of hDAT reuptake inhibitors that function in a manner similar to their methylphenidate counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Jones
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980540, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Jose M Eltit
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980551, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Małgorzata Dukat
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980540, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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Jurczyk J, Lux MC, Adpressa D, Kim SF, Lam YH, Yeung CS, Sarpong R. Photomediated ring contraction of saturated heterocycles. Science 2021; 373:1004-1012. [PMID: 34385352 PMCID: PMC8627180 DOI: 10.1126/science.abi7183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Saturated heterocycles are found in numerous therapeutics and bioactive natural products and are abundant in many medicinal and agrochemical compound libraries. To access new chemical space and function, many methods for functionalization on the periphery of these structures have been developed. Comparatively fewer methods are known for restructuring their core framework. Herein, we describe a visible light-mediated ring contraction of α-acylated saturated heterocycles. This unconventional transformation is orthogonal to traditional ring contractions, challenging the paradigm for diversification of heterocycles including piperidine, morpholine, thiane, tetrahydropyran, and tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives. The success of this Norrish type II variant rests on reactivity differences between photoreactive ketone groups in specific chemical environments. This strategy was applied to late-stage remodeling of pharmaceutical derivatives, peptides, and sugars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Jurczyk
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michaelyn C Lux
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Donovon Adpressa
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co. Inc., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sojung F Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Yu-Hong Lam
- Computational and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
| | - Charles S Yeung
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Richmond Sarpong
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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Ruchala I, Battisti UM, Nguyen VT, Chen RYT, Glennon RA, Eltit JM. Functional characterization of N-octyl 4-methylamphetamine variants and related bivalent compounds at the dopamine and serotonin transporters using Ca 2+ channels as sensors. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 419:115513. [PMID: 33785354 PMCID: PMC8148225 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The early characterization of ligands at the dopamine and serotonin transporters, DAT and SERT, respectively, is important for drug discovery, forensic sciences, and drug abuse research. 4-Methyl amphetamine (4-MA) is a good example of an abused drug whose overdose can be fatal. It is a potent substrate at DAT and SERT where its simplest secondary amine (N-methyl 4-MA) retains substrate activity at them. In contrast, N-n-butyl 4-MA is very weak, therefore it was categorized as inactive at these transporters. Here, N-octyl 4-MA and other related compounds were synthesized, and their activities were evaluated at DAT and SERT. To expedite this endeavor, cells expressing DAT or SERT were co-transfected with a voltage-gated Ca2+ channel and, the genetically-encoded Ca2+ sensor, GCaMP6s. Control compounds and the newly synthesized molecules were tested on these cells using an automated multi-well fluorescence plate reader; substrates and inhibitors were identified successfully at DAT and SERT. N-Octyl 4-MA and three bivalent compounds were inhibitors at these transporters. These findings were validated by measuring Ca2+-mobilization using quantitative fluorescence microscopy. The bivalent molecules were the most potent of the series and were further characterized in an uptake-inhibition assay. Compared to cocaine, they showed comparable potency inhibiting uptake at DAT and higher potency at SERT. These observations support a previous hypothesis that amphetamine-related (and, here, N-extended alkyl and) bivalent arylalkylamine molecules are active at monoamine transporters, showing potent activity as reuptake inhibitors, and implicate the involvement of a distant auxiliary binding feature to account for their actions at DAT and SERT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Ruchala
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States of America
| | - Umberto M Battisti
- Deparment of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States of America
| | - Vy T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States of America
| | - Rita Yu-Tzu Chen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States of America
| | - Richard A Glennon
- Deparment of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States of America
| | - Jose M Eltit
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States of America.
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Ham JS, Park B, Son M, Roque JB, Jurczyk J, Yeung CS, Baik MH, Sarpong R. C-H/C-C Functionalization Approach to N-Fused Heterocycles from Saturated Azacycles. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:13041-13050. [PMID: 32627545 PMCID: PMC7773224 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c04278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Herein we report the synthesis of substituted indolizidines and related N-fused bicycles from simple saturated cyclic amines through sequential C-H and C-C bond functionalizations. Inspired by the Norrish-Yang Type II reaction, C-H functionalization of azacycles is achieved by forming α-hydroxy-β-lactams from precursor α-ketoamide derivatives under mild, visible light conditions. Selective cleavage of the distal C(sp2)-C(sp3) bond in α-hydroxy-β-lactams using a Rh-complex leads to α-acyl intermediates which undergo sequential Rh-catalyzed decarbonylation, 1,4-addition to an electrophile, and aldol cyclization, to afford N-fused bicycles including indolizidines. Computational studies provide mechanistic insight into the observed positional selectivity of C-C cleavage, which depends strongly on the groups bound to Rh trans to the phosphine ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Su Ham
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Bohyun Park
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalizations, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Son
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalizations, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jose B Roque
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Justin Jurczyk
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Charles S Yeung
- Disruptive Chemistry Fellow, Department of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Mu-Hyun Baik
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalizations, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Richmond Sarpong
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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