Use of Small-Molecule Crystal Structures To Address Solubility in a Novel Series of G Protein Coupled Receptor 119 Agonists: Optimization of a Lead and in Vivo Evaluation

TMSCl-Promoted Sulfonylation of Propargylic Alcohols with Sodium Sulfinates for the Construction of (E)-1,3-Disulfonylpropenes and (E)-1-Sulfonylpropenols

A direct and novel transformation of propargylic alcohols with sodium sulfinates for the regio- and stereoselective synthesis of (E)-1,3-disulfonylpropenes and (E)-1-sulfonylpropenols was successfully developed in the presence of TMSCl under mild conditions. The preliminary mechanistic experiments demonstrated that the reaction underwent an unprecedented dual nucleophilic substitution/radical addition process, in which sodium sulfinates were used not only as nucleophiles but also as a sulfonyl radical source.

First GPR119 PET Imaging Ligand: Synthesis, Radiochemistry, and Preliminary Evaluations

G-protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) has emerged as a promising target for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. Activating GPR119 improves glucose homeostasis, while suppressing appetite and weight gain. Measuring GPR119 levels in vivo could significantly advance GPR119-based drug development strategies including target engagement, occupancy, and distribution studies. To date, no positron emission tomography (PET) ligands are available to image GPR119. In this paper, we report the synthesis, radiolabeling, and preliminary biological evaluations of a novel PET radiotracer [18F]KSS3 to image GPR119. PET imaging will provide information on GPR119 changes with diabetic glycemic loads and the efficacy of GPR119 agonists as antidiabetic drugs. Our results demonstrate [18F]KSS3's high radiochemical purity, specific activity, cellular uptake, and in vivo and ex vivo uptake in pancreas, liver, and gut regions, with high GPR119 expression. Cell pretreatment with nonradioactive KSS3, rodent PET imaging, biodistribution, and autoradiography studies showed significant blocking in the pancreas showing [18F]KSS3's high specificity.

The Role of Allylic Strain for Conformational Control in Medicinal Chemistry

It is axiomatic in medicinal chemistry that optimization of the potency of a small molecule at a macromolecular target requires complementarity between the ligand and target. In order to minimize the conformational penalty on binding, both enthalpically and entropically, it is therefore preferred to have the ligand preorganized in the bound conformation. In this Perspective, we highlight the role of allylic strain in controlling conformational preferences. Allylic strain was originally described for carbon-based allylic systems, but the same principles apply to other types of structure with sp² or pseudo-sp² arrangements. These systems include benzylic (including heteroaryl methyl) positions, amides, N-aryl groups, aryl ethers, and nucleotides. We have derived torsion profiles from small molecule X-ray structures for these systems. Through multiple examples, we show how these effects have been applied in drug discovery and how they can be used prospectively to influence conformation in the design process.

Metal-catalysed C-H bond activation and borylation

Transition metal-catalysed direct borylation of hydrocarbons via C-H bond activation has received a remarkable level of attention as a popular reaction in the synthesis of organoboron compounds owing to their synthetic versatility. While controlling the site-selectivity was one of the most challenging issues in these C-H borylation reactions, enormous efforts of several research groups proved instrumental in dealing with selectivity issues that presently reached an impressive level for both proximal and distal C-H bond borylation reactions. For example, in the case of ortho C-H bond borylation reactions, innovative methodologies have been developed either by the modification of the directing groups attached with the substrates or by creating new catalytic systems via the design of new ligand frameworks. Whereas meta and para selective C-H borylations remained a formidable challenge, numerous innovative concepts have been developed within a very short period of time by the development of new catalytic systems with the employment of various noncovalent interactions. Moreover, significant advancements have occurred for aliphatic C(sp³)-H borylations as well as enantioselective borylations. In this review article, we aim to discuss and summarize the different approaches and findings related to the development of directed proximal ortho, distal meta/para, aliphatic (racemic and enantioselective) borylation reactions since 2014. Additionally, considering the C-H borylation reaction as one of the most important mainstream reactions, various applications of this C-H borylation reaction toward the synthesis of natural products, therapeutics, and applications in materials chemistry will be summarized in the last part of this review article.

Improvement in aqueous solubility of achiral symmetric cyclofenil by modification to a chiral asymmetric analog

Decreasing the partition coefficient (LogP) by the introduction of a hydrophilic group is the conventional approach for improving the aqueous solubility of drug candidates, but is not always effective. Since melting point is related to aqueous solubility, we and other groups have developed alternative strategies to improve solubility by means of chemical modification to weaken intermolecular interaction in the solid state, thereby lowering the melting point and increasing the solubility. Here, we show that converting the symmetrical molecular structure of the clinically used estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist cyclofenil (1) into asymmetrical form by introducing an alkyl group enhances the aqueous solubility. Among the synthesized analogs, the chiral methylated analog (R)-4c shows the highest solubility, being 3.6-fold more soluble than 1 even though its hydrophobicity is increased by the methylation. Furthermore, (R)-4c also showed higher membrane permeability than 1, while retaining a comparable metabolic rate, and equivalent biological activity of the active forms (R)-13a to 2. Further validation of this strategy using lead compounds having symmetric structures is expected.

Photo-induced weak base-catalyzed synthesis of α-haloboronates from vinylboronates and polyfluoroalkyl halides

An unprecedented strategy for the synthesis of sp²-α-haloboronates has been developed. Unique KOAc catalytic system, high synthetic application value of the product and no participation of metal constitute the notable features of this reaction.

Computationally-Guided Development of a Chelated NHC-P Iridium(I) Complex for the Directed Hydrogen Isotope Exchange of Aryl Sulfones

Herein, we report the rational, computationally-guided design of an iridium(I) catalyst system capable of enabling directed hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) with the challenging sulfone directing group. Substrate binding energy was used as a parameter to guide rational ligand design via an in silico catalyst screen, resulting in a lead series of chelated iridium(I) NHC-phosphine complexes. Subsequent preparative studies show that the optimal catalyst system displays high levels of activity in HIE, and we demonstrate the labeling of a broad scope of substituted aryl sulfones. We also show that the activity of the catalyst is maintained at low pressures of deuterium gas and apply these conditions to tritium radiolabeling, including the expedient synthesis of a tritium-labeled drug molecule.

Identifying and characterizing translationally modulated molecular crystal structures

Most structural (i.e. displacive) modulations make molecules independent that had been related by translation in a phase having a smaller or centered unit cell. In the modulated structure the independent molecules are differentiated by small translations, rotations, and/or conformational changes but an approximate translational relationship is normally retained. A program has been written to identify such pseudotranslations because they can be difficult to find by eye and because they combine with each other and with lattice translations in ways that can be confusing. To characterize the pseudotranslations the program calculates their fractional translational, orientational, and conformational components as well as several quality indicators. While many pseudotranslations are obvious, others are borderline; setting tolerances for identifying a pseudotranslation proved difficult. Defaults were chosen to reproduce experience-based judgment but they can be varied in the program input. The program was run for organic and for metallo-organic structures with R ≤ 0.075 in the 2019 release of the Cambridge Structural Database. The frequency of pseudotranslations increases with Z' and is approximately 50% for Z' > 4. Some structures were found in which an identified pseudotranslation cannot correspond to a modulation. These include structures in which some but not all of the molecules are related by pseudotranslations and structures in which pseudotranslations in different parts of the unit cell have different directions.

2-Arylbenzo[d]oxazole Phosphinate Esters as Second-Generation Modulators of Utrophin for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Utrophin modulation is a promising therapeutic strategy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which should be applicable to all patient populations. Following on from ezutromid, the first-generation utrophin modulator, we describe the development of a second generation of utrophin modulators, based on the bioisosteric replacement of the sulfone group with a phosphinate ester and substitution of the metabolically labile naphthalene with a haloaryl substituent. The improved physicochemical and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties, further reflected in the enhanced pharmacokinetic profile of the most advanced compounds, 30 and 27, led to significantly better in vivo exposure compared to ezutromid and alleviation of the dystrophic phenotype in mdx mice. While 30 was found to have dose-limiting hepatotoxicity, 27 and its enantiomers exhibited limited off-target effects, resulting in a safe profile and highlighting their potential utility as next-generation utrophin modulators suitable for progression toward a future DMD therapy.

Identification of Novel, Structurally Diverse, Small Molecule Modulators of GPR119

GPR119 drug discovery efforts in the pharmaceutical industry for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, were initiated based on its restricted distribution in pancreas and GI tract, and its possible role in glucose homeostasis. While a number of lead series have emerged, the pharmacological endpoints they provide have not been clear. In particular, many lead series have demonstrated loss of efficacy and significant toxic side effects. Thus, we sought to identify novel, potent, positive modulators of GPR119. In this study, we have successfully developed and optimized a high-throughput screening strategy to identify GPR119 modulators using a live cell assay format that utilizes a cyclic nucleotide-gated channel as a biosensor for cAMP production. Our high-throughput screening (HTS) approach is unique to that of previous HTS approaches targeting this receptor, as changes in cAMP were measured both in the presence and absence of an EC₁₀ of the endogenous ligand, oleoylethanolamide, enabling detection of both agonists and potential allosteric modulators in a single assay. From these efforts, we have identified positive modulators of GPR119 with similar as well as unique scaffolds compared to existing compounds and similar as well as unique signaling properties. Our compounds will not only serve as novel molecular probes to better understand GPR119 pleiotropic signaling and the underlying physiological consequences of receptor activation, but are also well-suited for translation as potential therapeutic agents.

A Monophosphine Ligand Derived from Anthracene Photodimer: Synthetic Applications for Palladium-Catalyzed Coupling Reactions

Herein, we present an air-stable dianthracenyl monophosphine ligand (diAnthPhos) which can be prepared in two steps from commercially available anthracene derivatives. The ligand exhibits excellent efficiency for palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions. In particular, Miyaura borylation of heterocycle-containing electrophiles can be facilitated employing the diAnthPhos ligand with a broad substrate scope and low catalyst loading. The valuable synthetic utility of the new ligand is further demonstrated by a one-pot Miyaura borylation/Suzuki coupling protocol for heteroaryl-containing substrates.

Lowering Lipophilicity by Adding Carbon: AzaSpiroHeptanes, a logD Lowering Twist

We have conducted an analysis of azaspiro[3.3]heptanes used as replacements for morpholines, piperidines, and piperazines in a medicinal chemistry context. In most cases, introducing a spirocyclic center lowered the measured logD _7.4 of the corresponding molecules by as much as -1.0 relative to the more usual heterocycle. This may seem counterintuitive, as the net change in the molecule is the addition of a single carbon atom, but it may be rationalized in terms of increased basicity. An exception to this was found with N-linked 2-azaspiro[3.3]heptane, where logD _7.4 increased by as much as +0.5, consistent with the addition of carbon. During our investigation, we also concluded that azaspiro[3.3]heptanes are most likely not suitable bioisosteres for morpholines, piperidines, and piperazines, when not used as terminal groups, due to significant changes in their geometry.

A Million Crystal Structures: The Whole Is Greater than the Sum of Its Parts

The founding in 1965 of what is now called the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) has reaped dividends in numerous and diverse areas of chemical research. Each of the million or so crystal structures in the database was solved for its own particular reason, but collected together, the structures can be reused to address a multitude of new problems. In this Review, which is focused mainly on the last 10 years, we chronicle the contribution of the CSD to research into molecular geometries, molecular interactions, and molecular assemblies and demonstrate its value in the design of biologically active molecules and the solid forms in which they are delivered. Its potential in other commercially relevant areas is described, including gas storage and delivery, thin films, and (opto)electronics. The CSD also aids the solution of new crystal structures. Because no scientific instrument is without shortcomings, the limitations of CSD research are assessed. We emphasize the importance of maintaining database quality: notwithstanding the arrival of big data and machine learning, it remains perilous to ignore the principle of garbage in, garbage out. Finally, we explain why the CSD must evolve with the world around it to ensure it remains fit for purpose in the years ahead.

Discovery and Characterization of AZD6738, a Potent Inhibitor of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated and Rad3 Related (ATR) Kinase with Application as an Anticancer Agent

The kinase ataxia telangiectasia mutated and rad3 related (ATR) is a key regulator of the DNA-damage response and the apical kinase which orchestrates the cellular processes that repair stalled replication forks (replication stress) and associated DNA double-strand breaks. Inhibition of repair pathways mediated by ATR in a context where alternative pathways are less active is expected to aid clinical response by increasing replication stress. Here we describe the development of the clinical candidate 2 (AZD6738), a potent and selective sulfoximine morpholinopyrimidine ATR inhibitor with excellent preclinical physicochemical and pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics. Compound 2 was developed improving aqueous solubility and eliminating CYP3A4 time-dependent inhibition starting from the earlier described inhibitor 1 (AZ20). The clinical candidate 2 has favorable human PK suitable for once or twice daily dosing and achieves biologically effective exposure at moderate doses. Compound 2 is currently being tested in multiple phase I/II trials as an anticancer agent.

Current anti-diabetic agents and their molecular targets: A review

Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition characterized by the body's loss of control over blood sugar. The frequency of diagnosed cases and consequential increases in medical costs makes it a rapidly growing chronic disease that threatens human health worldwide. In addition, its unnerving statistical projections are perilous to both the economy of the nation and man's life expectancy. Type-I and type-II diabetes are the two clinical forms of diabetes mellitus. Type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is illustrated by the abnormality of glucose homeostasis in the body, resulting in hyperglycemia. Although significant research attention has been devoted to the development of diabetes regimens, which demonstrates success in lowering blood glucose levels, their efficacies are unsustainable due to undesirable side effects such as weight gain and hypoglycemia. Over the years, heterocyclic scaffolds have been the basis of anti-diabetic chemotherapies; hence, in this review we consolidate the use of bioactive scaffolds, which have been evaluated for their biological response as inhibitors against their respective anti-diabetic molecular targets over the past five years (2012-2017). Our investigation reveals a diverse target set which includes; protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B (PTP1B), dipeptidly peptidase-4 (DPP-4), free fatty acid receptors 1 (FFAR1), G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2), α-glucosidase, aldose reductase, glycogen phosphorylase (GP), fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), glucagon receptor (GCGr) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). This review offers a medium on which future drug design and development toward diabetes management may be modelled (i.e. optimization via structural derivatization), as many of the drug candidates highlighted show promise as an effective anti-diabetic chemotherapy.

Practical application of ligand efficiency metrics in lead optimisation

The use of composite metrics that normalise biological potency values in relation to markers of physicochemical properties, such as size or lipophilicity, has gained a significant amount of traction with many medicinal chemists in recent years. However, there is no consensus on best practice in the area and their application has attracted some criticism. Here we present our approach to their application in lead optimisation projects, provide an objective discussion of the principles we consider important and illustrate how our use of lipophilic ligand efficiency enabled the progression of a number of our successful drug discovery projects. We derive, from this and some recent literature highlights, a set of heuristic guidelines for lipophilicity based optimisation that we believe are generally applicable across chemical series and protein targets.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrimidine derivatives with diverse azabicyclic ether/amine as novel GPR119 agonist

A class of novel pyrimidine derivatives bearing diverse conformationally restricted azabicyclic ether/amine were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their GPR119 agonist activities against type 2 diabetes. Most compounds exhibited superior hEC₅₀ values to endogenous lipid oleoylethanolamide (OEA). Analogs with 2-fluoro substitution in the aryl ring showed more potent GPR119 activation than those without fluorine. Especially compound 27m synthesized from endo-azabicyclic alcohol was observed to have the best EC₅₀ value (1.2nM) and quite good agonistic activity (112.2% max) as a full agonist.

The use of small-molecule structures to complement protein-ligand crystal structures in drug discovery

Many ligand-discovery stories tell of the use of structures of protein-ligand complexes, but the contribution of structural chemistry is such a core part of finding and improving ligands that it is often overlooked. More than 800 000 crystal structures are available to the community through the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). Individually, these structures can be of tremendous value and the collection of crystal structures is even more helpful. This article provides examples of how small-molecule crystal structures have been used to complement those of protein-ligand complexes to address challenges ranging from affinity, selectivity and bioavailability though to solubility.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Triazolo- and Imidazolopyridine RORγt Inverse Agonists

Retinoic-acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) is a key transcription factor implicated in the production of pro-inflammatory Th17 cytokines, which drive a number of autoimmune diseases. Despite diverse chemical series having been reported, combining high potency with a good physicochemical profile has been a very challenging task in the RORγt inhibitor field. Based on available chemical structures and incorporating in-house knowledge, a new series of triazolo- and imidazopyridine RORγt inverse agonists was designed. In addition, replacement of the terminal cyclopentylamide metabolic soft spot by five-membered heterocycles was investigated. From our efforts, we identified an optimal 6,7,8-substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine core system and a 5-tert-butyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole as cyclopentylamide replacement leading to compounds 10 ((S)-N-(8-((4-(cyclopentanecarbonyl)-3-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)-7-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-6-yl)-2-methylpyrimidine-5-carboxamide) and 33 ((S)-N-(8-((4-(5-(tert-butyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-3-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)-7-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-6-yl)-2-methylpyrimidine-5-carboxamide). Both derivatives showed good pharmacological potencies in biochemical and cell-based assays combined with excellent physicochemical properties, including low to medium plasma protein binding across species. Finally, 10 and 33 were shown to be active in a rodent pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model after oral gavage at 15 mg kg^-1 , lowering IL-17 cytokine production in ex vivo antigen recall assays.

Oral 2-oleyl glyceryl ether improves glucose tolerance in mice through the GPR119 receptor

The intestinal G protein-coupled receptor GPR119 is a novel metabolic target involving glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-derived insulin-regulated glucose homeostasis. Endogenous and diet-derived lipids, including N-acylethanolamines and 2-monoacylglycerols (2-MAG) activate GPR119. The purpose of this work is to evaluate whether 2-oleoyl glycerol (2-OG) improves glucose tolerance through GPR119, using wild type (WT) and GPR 119 knock out (KO) mice. We here show that GPR119 is essential for 2-OG-mediated release of GLP-1 and CCK from GLUTag cells, since a GPR119 specific antagonist completely abolished the hormone release. Similarly, in isolated primary colonic crypt cultures from WT mice, GPR119 was required for 2-OG-stimulated GLP-1 release while there was no response in crypts from KO mice. In vivo, gavage with 2-oleyl glyceryl ether ((2-OG ether), a stable 2-OG analog with a potency of 5.3 µM for GPR119 with respect to cAMP formation as compared to 2.3 µM for 2-OG), significantly (P < 0.05) improved glucose clearance in WT littermates, but not in GPR119 KO mice. Finally, deletion of GPR119 in mice resulted in lower glucagon levels, whereas the levels of insulin and GIP were unchanged. In the present study we show that 2-OG stimulates GLP-1 secretion through GPR119 activation in vitro, and that fat-derived 2-MAGs are potent candidates for mediating fat-induced GLP-1 release through GPR119 in vivo. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(6):665-673, 2016.

Accessing Drug Metabolites via Transition-Metal Catalyzed C-H Oxidation: The Liver as Synthetic Inspiration

Can classical and modern chemical C-H oxidation reactions complement biotransformation in the synthesis of drug metabolites? We have surveyed the literature in an effort to try to answer this important question of major practical significance in the pharmaceutical industry. Drug metabolites are required throughout all phases of the drug discovery and development process; however, their synthesis is still an unsolved problem. This Review, not intended to be comprehensive or historical, highlights relevant applications of chemical C-H oxidation reactions, electrochemistry and microfluidic technologies to drug templates in order to access drug metabolites, and also highlights promising reactions to this end. Where possible or appropriate, the contrast with biotransformation is drawn. In doing so, we have tried to identify gaps where they exist in the hope to spur further activity in this very important research area.

Facile synthesis of 3-amino-5-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles via PIDA-mediated intramolecular oxidative cyclization

Advantages: ambient condition and simple procedure. Additive and metal free method. Up to 25 examples and 79% yield. Wide functional groups tolerance.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119) Agonists for the Treatment of Diabetes: Recent Progress and Prevailing Challenges

In this Perspective, recent advances and challenges in the development of GPR119 agonists as new oral antidiabetic drugs will be discussed. Such agonists are expected to exhibit a low risk to induce hypoglycemia as well as to have a beneficial impact on body weight. Many pharmaceutical companies have been active in the search for GPR119 agonists, making it a highly competitive area in the industrial environment. Several GPR119 agonists have been entered into clinical studies, but many have failed either in phase I or II and none has progressed beyond phase II. Herein we describe the strategies chosen by the different medicinal chemistry teams in academia and the pharmaceutical industry to improve potency, physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and the safety profile of GPR119 agonists in the discovery phase in order to improve the odds for successful development.

Sustained wash-resistant receptor activation responses of GPR119 agonists

G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) is involved in regulating metabolic homoeostasis, with GPR119 agonists targeted for the treatment of type-2 diabetes and obesity. Using the endogenous agonist oleoylethanolamide and a number of small molecule synthetic agonists we have investigated the temporal dynamics of receptor signalling. Using both a dynamic luminescence biosensor-based assay and an endpoint cAMP accumulation assay we show that agonist-driven desensitization is not a major regulatory mechanism for GPR119 despite robust activation responses, regardless of the agonist used. Temporal analysis of the cAMP responses demonstrated sustained signalling resistant to washout for some, but not all of the agonists tested. Further analysis indicated that the sustained effects of one synthetic agonist AR-231,453 were consistent with a role for slow dissociation kinetics. In contrast, the sustained responses to MBX-2982 and AZ1 appeared to involve membrane deposition. We also detect wash-resistant responses to AR-231,453 at the level of physiologically relevant responses in an endogenous expression system (GLP-1 secretion in GLUTag cells). In conclusion, our findings indicate that in a recombinant expression system GPR119 activation is sustained, with little evidence of pronounced receptor desensitization, and for some ligands persistent agonist responses continue despite removal of excess agonist. This provides novel understanding of the temporal responses profiles of potential drug candidates targetting GPR119, and highlights the importance of carefully examining the the mechanisms through which GPCRs generate sustained responses.

Boryl substitution of functionalized aryl-, heteroaryl- and alkenyl halides with silylborane and an alkoxy base: expanded scope and mechanistic studies

A transition-metal-free method has been developed for the boryl substitution of functionalized aryl-, heteroaryl- and alkenyl halides with a silylborane in the presence of an alkali-metal alkoxide. The base-mediated boryl substitution of organohalides with a silylborane was recently reported to provide the corresponding borylated products in good to high yields, and exhibit good functional group compatibility and high tolerance to steric hindrance. In this study, the scope of this transformation has been extended significantly to include a wide variety of functionalized aryl-, heteroaryl- and alkenyl halides. In particular, the boryl substitution of (E)- and (Z)-alkenyl halides proceeded smoothly to afford the corresponding alkenyl boronates in good to high yields with retention of the configuration using modified reaction conditions. The results of the mechanistic studies suggest that this boryl substitution proceeds via a carbanion-mediated mechanism.

Low solubility in drug development: de-convoluting the relative importance of solvation and crystal packing

OBJECTIVES

An increasing trend towards low solubility is a major issue for drug development as formulation of low solubility compounds can be problematic. This paper presents a model which de-convolutes the solubility of pharmaceutical compounds into solvation and packing properties with the intention to understand the solubility limiting features.

METHODS

The Cambridge Crystallographic Database was the source of structural information. Lattice energies were calculated via force-field based approaches using Materials Studio. The solvation energies were calculated applying quantum chemistry models using Cosmotherm software.

KEY FINDINGS

The solubilities of 54 drug-like compounds were mapped onto a solvation energy/crystal packing grid. Four quadrants were identified were different balances of solvation and packing were defining the solubility. A version of the model was developed which allows for the calculation of the two features even in absence of crystal structure.

CONCLUSION

Although there are significant number of in-silico models, it has been proven very difficult to predict aqueous solubility accurately. Therefore, we have taken a different approach where the solubility is not predicted directly but is de-convoluted into two constituent features.

Design of a serotonin 4 receptor radiotracer with decreased lipophilicity for single photon emission computed tomography

With the aim to develop a suitable radiotracer for the brain imaging of the serotonin 4 receptor subtype (5-HT4R) using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), we synthesized and evaluated a library of di- and triazaphenanthridines with lipophilicity values which were in the range expected to favour brain penetration, and which demonstrated specific binding to the target of interest. Adding additional nitrogen atoms to previously described phenanthridine ligands exhibiting a high unspecific binding, we were able to design a radioiodinated compound [(125)I]14. This compound exhibited a binding affinity value of 0.094 nM toward human 5-HT4R and a high selectivity over other serotonin receptor subtypes (5-HTR). In vivo SPECT imaging studies and competition experiments demonstrated that the decreased lipophilicity (in comparison with our previously reported compounds 4 and 5) allowed a more specific labelling of the 5-HT4R brain-containing regions.

Synthesis of (1R,4R)-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives by an epimerization–lactamization cascade reaction

An epimerization–lactamization cascade of functionalized (2S,4R)-4-aminoproline methyl esters is developed and applied in synthesizing (1R,4R)-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (DBH) derivatives.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of tert-butyl-5-methylpyrimidin-piperazine derivatives as anti-obesity agents

A series of tert-butyl-5-methylpyrimidin-piperazine derivatives were synthesized and their anti-obesity activities were evaluated. Compounds 4g and 5j were found to have significant effects in down-regulating the triglyceride level of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 5j exhibited remarkable therapeutic effects on the diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model at 20 mg kg(-1)  day(-1) for 4 weeks by decreasing the weights of body, liver, and fat. 5j also regulated serum biomarkers to appropriate ranges, exerted therapeutic activity of steatosis in liver tissue and ameliorated the obese-related symptoms. In addition, 5j significantly decreased the blood glucose levels in oral glucose tolerance tests and improved the insulin sensitivity in insulin tolerance tests. These results suggest that 5j could be a candidate for obesity treatment.

Kinesin spindle protein inhibitors with diaryl amine scaffolds: crystal packing analysis for improved aqueous solubility

Diaryl amine derivatives have been designed and synthesized as novel kinesin spindle protein (KSP) inhibitors based on planar carbazole-type KSP inhibitors with poor aqueous solubility. The new generation of inhibitors was found to show comparable inhibitory activity and high selectivity for KSP, and this was accompanied with improved solubility. Kinetic analysis and molecular modeling studies suggested that these inhibitors work in an ATP-competitive manner via binding to the secondary allosteric site formed by α4 and α6 helices of KSP. Comparative structural investigations on a series of compounds revealed that the higher solubility of diaryl amine-type inhibitors was attributed to fewer van der Waals interactions in the crystal packing and the hydrogen-bond acceptor nitrogen of the aniline moiety for favorable solvation.

Iridium-catalyzed C-H borylation of heteroarenes: scope, regioselectivity, application to late-stage functionalization, and mechanism

A study on the iridium-catalyzed C-H borylation of heteroarenes is reported. Several heteroarenes containing multiple heteroatoms were found to be amenable to C-H borylation catalyzed by the combination of an iridium(I) precursor and tetramethylphenanthroline. The investigations of the scope of the reaction led to the development of powerful rules for predicting the regioselectivity of borylation, foremost of which is that borylation occurs distal to nitrogen atoms. One-pot functionalizations are reported of the heteroaryl boronate esters formed in situ, demonstrating the usefulness of the reported methodology for the synthesis of complex heteroaryl structures. Application of this methodology to the synthesis and late-stage functionalization of biologically active compounds is also demonstrated. Mechanistic studies show that basic heteroarenes can bind to the catalyst and alter the resting state from the olefin-bound complex observed during arene borylation to a species containing a bound heteroarene, leading to catalyst deactivation. Studies on the origins of the observed regioselectivity show that borylation occurs distal to N-H bonds due to rapid N-H borylation, creating an unfavorable steric environment for borylation adjacent to these bonds. Computational studies and mechanistic studies show that the lack of observable borylation of C-H bonds adjacent to basic nitrogen is not the result of coordination to a bulky Lewis acid prior to C-H activation, but the combination of a higher-energy pathway for the borylation of these bonds relative to other C-H bonds and the instability of the products formed from borylation adjacent to basic nitrogen.

Conformational restriction in a series of GPR119 agonists: differences in pharmacology between mouse and human

A series of conformationally restricted GPR119 agonists were prepared based around a 3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octane scaffold. Examples were found to have markedly different pharmacology in mouse and human despite similar levels of binding to the receptor. This highlights the large effects on GPCR phamacology that can result from small structural changes in the ligand, together with inter-species differences between receptors.