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Zhu XX, Gao F, Wan LX. Design, synthesis and anti-Alzheimer's disease activity evaluation of C-3 arylated huperzine A derivatives. Fitoterapia 2024; 177:106141. [PMID: 39053739 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
A series of C-3 arylated huperzine A (HPA) derivatives (1-30) were designed and synthesized in good yields via palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. Cholinesterase inhibitory and neuroprotective activities of all 30 derivatives were evaluated. Cholinesterase inhibition results revealed that derivatives 2 and 15 exhibited dual inhibitory activity against both acetylcholinesterase (AChE inhibition: 2, IC50 = 1.205 ± 0.395 μM; 15, IC50 = 0.225 ± 0.062 μM) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE inhibition: 2, IC50 = 8.598 ± 3.605 μM; 15, IC50 = 4.013 ± 0.068 μM), a feature not observed in huperzine A. Molecular docking results indicated that the introduction of aryl groups enhanced the affinity of the derivatives for the acyl-binding pocket of BChE, thereby limiting the hydrolysis of acetyl choline. However, these derivatives exhibited poor performance in cytotoxicity and neuroprotection assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xing Zhu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, PR China
| | - Feng Gao
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, PR China.
| | - Lin-Xi Wan
- Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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de Sousa LF, Paschoal DFS, Novato WTG. Molecular modeling of multi-target analogs of huperzine A and applications in Alzheimer's disease. J Mol Model 2024; 30:200. [PMID: 38850372 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-05991-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Given the diverse pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease, it is improbable that a single targeted drug will prove successful as a therapeutic strategy. Therefore, exploring various hypotheses in drug design is imperative. The sequestration of Fe(II) and Zn(II) cations stands out as a crucial mechanism based on the mitigation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, inhibiting acetylcholinesterase represents a pivotal strategy to enhance acetylcholine levels in the synaptic cleft. This research aims to investigate the analogs of Huperzine A, documented in scientific literature, considering of these two hypotheses. Consequently, the speciation chemistry of these structures with Fe(II) and Zn(II) was scrutinized using quantum chemistry calculations, molecular docking simulations, and theoretical predictions of pharmacokinetics properties. From the pharmacokinetic properties, only two analogs, HupA-A1 and HupA-A2, exhibited a theoretical permeability across the blood-brain barrier; on the other hand, from a thermodynamic standpoint, the enantiomers of HupA-A2 showed negligible chelation values. The enantiomers with the most favorable interaction parameters were S'R'HupA-A1 (ΔGBIND = -40.0 kcal mol-1, fitness score = 35.5) and R'R'HupA-A1 (ΔGBIND = -35.5 kcal mol-1, fitness score = 22.61), being compared with HupA (ΔGBIND = -41.75 kcal mol-1, fitness score = 39.95). From this study, some prime candidates for promising drug were S'R'HupA-A1 and R'R'HupA-A1, primarily owing to their favorable thermodynamic chelating capability and potential anticholinesterase mechanism. METHODS Quantum chemistry calculations were carried out at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level, considering the IEF-PCM(UFF) implicit solvent model for water. The coordination compounds were assessed using the Gibbs free energy variation and hard and soft acid theory. Molecular docking calculations were conducted using the GOLD program, based on the crystal structure of the acetylcholinesterase protein (PDB code = 4EY5), where the ChemScore function was employed with the active site defined as the region within a 15-Å radius around the centroid coordinates (X = -9.557583, Y = -43.910473, Z = 31.466687). Pharmacokinetic properties were predicted using SwissADME, focusing on Lipinski's rule of five.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo F de Sousa
- NQTCM: Núcleo de Química Teórica e Computacional de Macaé, Polo Ajuda, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 27.971-525, Macaé, RJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diego F S Paschoal
- NQTCM: Núcleo de Química Teórica e Computacional de Macaé, Polo Ajuda, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 27.971-525, Macaé, RJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Willian T G Novato
- NQTCM: Núcleo de Química Teórica e Computacional de Macaé, Polo Ajuda, Instituto Multidisciplinar de Química, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 27.971-525, Macaé, RJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Cheng B, Song L, Chen F. Huperzine alkaloids: forty years of total syntheses. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:59-84. [PMID: 37818549 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00029j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2023Huperzine alkaloids are a group of natural products belonging to the Lycopodium alkaloids family. The representative member huperzine A has a unique structure and exhibits potent inhibitory activity against acetylcholine esterase (AChE). This subfamily of alkaloids provides a great opportunity for developing synthetic methodologies and asymmetric synthesis. The efforts towards the synthesis of huperzine A have cultivated dozens of total syntheses and a rich body of new chemistry. Impressive progress has also been made in the synthesis of other huperzine alkaloids. The total syntheses of huperzines B, U, O, Q and R, structure reassignment and total syntheses of huperzines K, M and N have been reported in the past decade. This review focuses on the synthetic organic chemistry and the biosynthesis and medicinal chemistry of huperzines are also covered briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bichu Cheng
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
- School of Science, Green Pharmaceutical Engineering Research Center, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Lili Song
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Fener Chen
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330022, China
- School of Science, Green Pharmaceutical Engineering Research Center, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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Xu JB, Miao SX, Gao F, Wan LX. Palladium-catalyzed synthesis and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity evaluation of 1-arylhuperzine A derivatives. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2023; 25:1097-1109. [PMID: 37098899 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2023.2196619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
A series of arylated huperzine A (HPA) derivatives (1-24) were efficiently synthesized in good yields (45-88% yields) through the late-stage modification of structurally complex natural anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug huperzine A (HPA), using the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity of all synthesized compounds was evaluated to screen the potential anti-AD bioactive molecules. The results showed that introducing the aryl groups to C-1 position of HPA resulted in the unsatisfactory AChE inhibitory activity. The present study demonstrably verifies pyridone carbonyl group could be the necessary and unchangeable pharmacophore for maintaining HPA's anti-AChE potency, and provides the helpful information on the further research for developing anti-AD HPA analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Bu Xu
- Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shi-Xing Miao
- Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lin-Xi Wan
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
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Saeed S, Zahoor AF, Kamal S, Raza Z, Bhat MA. Unfolding the Antibacterial Activity and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Potential of Benzofuran-Triazole Hybrids: Synthesis, Antibacterial, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, and Molecular Docking Studies. Molecules 2023; 28:6007. [PMID: 37630258 PMCID: PMC10459521 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166007] [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] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, a series of novel benzofuran-based 1,2,4-triazole derivatives (10a-e) were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory potential against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and bacterial strains (E. coli and B. subtilis). Preliminary results revealed that almost all assayed compounds displayed promising efficacy against AChE, while compound 10d was found to be a highly potent inhibitor of AChE. Similarly, these 5-bromobenzofuran-triazoles 10a-e were screened against B. subtilis QB-928 and E. coli AB-274 to evaluate their antibacterial potential in comparison to the standard antibacterial drug penicillin. Compound 10b was found to be the most active among all screened scaffolds, with an MIC value of 1.25 ± 0.60 µg/mL against B. subtilis, having comparable therapeutic efficacy to the standard drug penicillin (1 ± 1.50 µg/mL). Compound 10a displayed excellent antibacterial therapeutic efficacy against the E. coli strain with comparable MIC of 1.80 ± 0.25 µg/mL to that of the commercial drug penicillin (2.4 ± 1.00 µg/mL). Both the benzofuran-triazole molecules 10a and 10b showed a larger zone of inhibition. Moreover, IFD simulation highlighted compound 10d as a novel lead anticholinesterase scaffold conforming to block entrance, limiting the swinging gate, and disrupting the catalytic triad of AChE, and further supported its significant AChE inhibition with an IC50 value of 0.55 ± 1.00 µM. Therefore, compound 10d might be a promising candidate for further development in Alzheimer's disease treatment, and compounds 10a and 10b may be lead antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Saeed
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Ameer Fawad Zahoor
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Shagufta Kamal
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Zohaib Raza
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia;
| | - Mashooq Ahmad Bhat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Elseginy SA, Oliveira ASF, Shoemark DK, Sessions RB. Identification and validation of novel microtubule suppressors with an imidazopyridine scaffold through structure-based virtual screening and docking. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:929-943. [PMID: 36092142 PMCID: PMC9384815 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00392e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the colchicine binding site of α/β tubulin microtubules can lead to suppression of microtubule dynamics, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Therefore, the development of microtubule (MT) inhibitors is considered a promising route to anticancer agents. Our approach to identify novel scaffolds as MT inhibitors depends on a 3D-structure-based pharmacophore approach and docking using three programs MOE, Autodock and BUDE (Bristol University Docking Engine) to screen a library of virtual compounds. From this work we identified the compound 7-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-phenyl)-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-6,7-dihydro-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-5-ol (6) as a novel inhibitor scaffold. This compound inhibited several types of cancer cell proliferation at low micromolar concentrations with low toxicity. Compound 6 caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and blocked tubulin polymerization at low micromolar concentration (IC50 = 6.1 ±0.1 μM), inducing apoptosis via activation of caspase 9, increasing the level of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and decreasing the level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2. In summary, our approach identified a lead compound with potential antimitotic and antiproliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia A. Elseginy
- School of Biochemistry, University of BristolBiomedical Sciences Building, University WalkBristolBS8 1TDUK+44 (0)1173312146,Green Chemistry Department, Chemical Industries Research Division, National Research Centre12622Egypt
| | - A. Sofia F. Oliveira
- School of Biochemistry, University of BristolBiomedical Sciences Building, University WalkBristolBS8 1TDUK+44 (0)1173312146,School of Chemistry, University of BristolBristolBS8 1TSUK
| | - Deborah K. Shoemark
- School of Biochemistry, University of BristolBiomedical Sciences Building, University WalkBristolBS8 1TDUK+44 (0)1173312146
| | - Richard B. Sessions
- School of Biochemistry, University of BristolBiomedical Sciences Building, University WalkBristolBS8 1TDUK+44 (0)1173312146
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Delineating biosynthesis of Huperzine A, A plant-derived medicine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108026. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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A Synopsis of Multitarget Potential Therapeutic Effects of Huperzine A in Diverse Pathologies-Emphasis on Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1166-1182. [PMID: 35122609 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03530-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Numerous challenges are confronted when it comes to the recognition of therapeutic agents for treating complex neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). The perplexing pathogenicity of AD embodies cholinergic dysfunction, amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, neurofibrillary tangle formation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial disruption along with vicious production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating oxidative stress. In this frame of reference, drugs with multi target components could prove more advantageous to counter complex pathological mechanisms that are responsible for AD progression. For as much as, medicinal plant based pharmaco-therapies are emerging as potential candidates for AD treatment keeping the efficacy and safety parameters in terms of toxicity and side effects into consideration. Huperzine A (Hup A) is a purified alkaloid compound extracted from a club moss called Huperzia serrata. Several studies have reported both cholinergic and non-cholinergic effects of this compound on AD with significant neuroprotective properties. The present review convenes cumulative demonstrations of neuroprotection provided by Hup A in in vitro, in vivo, and human studies in various pathologies. The underlying molecular mechanisms of its actions have also been discussed. However, more profound evidence would certainly promote the therapeutic implementation of this drug thus furnishing decisive insights into AD therapeutics and various other pathologies along with preventive and curative management.
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Cañete JGM, Orejola JJ, Billones JB. In Sılıco Screenıng for Neuroreceptor Targets and Derıvatızatıon of Alkaloıds from Phaeanthus Ophthalmıcus. PHARMACOPHORE 2022. [DOI: 10.51847/iwm8ouzkbp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Miao SX, Wan LX, He ZX, Zhou XL, Li X, Gao F. Pd-Catalyzed Direct Diversification of Natural Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Drug: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of N-Aryl Huperzine A Analogues. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:2374-2379. [PMID: 34445873 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The first systematic direct diversification of a complex natural product by metal-catalyzed N-H functionalization was carried out. A new series of N-(hetero)aryl analogues (1-32) of the natural anti-Alzheimer's disease drug huperzine A (HPA) was prepared via palladium-catalyzed Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reactions of HPA with various aryl bromides in good yields. Most of the N-aryl-huperzine A (N-aryl-HPA) analogues showed good acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity in in vitro experiments. Three arylated huperzine A analogues (14, 19, and 30) exhibited stronger anti-AChE activity than HPA. The 5-methoxy-2-pyridyl analogue (30) displayed the most potent AChE inhibition activity, with an IC50 value of 1.5 μM, which was 7.6-fold more active than HPA. Compound 30 also exhibited better neuroprotective activity for H2O2-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells than HPA. Structure-activity relationship analysis suggested that the electron density of the installed aromatic ring or heteroaromatic ring played a significant role in inducing the AChE inhibition activity. Overall, compound 30 showed the advantages of easy synthesis, high potency and selectivity, and improved neuroprotection, making it a potential huperzine-type lead compound for Alzheimer's disease drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Xing Miao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin-Xi Wan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Xiang He
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Li Zhou
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohuan Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, People's Republic of China
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