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Nizi MG, Persoons L, Corona A, Felicetti T, Cernicchi G, Massari S, Manfroni G, Vangeel L, Barreca ML, Esposito F, Jochmans D, Milia J, Cecchetti V, Schols D, Neyts J, Tramontano E, Sabatini S, De Jonghe S, Tabarrini O. Discovery of 2-Phenylquinolines with Broad-Spectrum Anti-coronavirus Activity. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:855-864. [PMID: 35571875 PMCID: PMC9088073 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
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A selection of compounds
from a proprietary library, based on chemical
diversity and various biological activities, was evaluated as potential
inhibitors of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) in a phenotypic-based screening assay. A compound based
on a 2-phenylquinoline scaffold emerged as the most promising
hit, with EC50 and CC50 values of 6 and 18 μM,
respectively. The subsequent selection of additional analogues, along
with the synthesis of ad hoc derivatives, led to compounds that maintained
low μM activity as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication and
lacked cytotoxicity at 100 μM. In addition, the most promising
congeners also show pronounced antiviral activity against the human
coronaviruses HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43, with EC50 values
ranging from 0.2 to 9.4 μM. The presence of a 6,7-dimethoxytetrahydroisoquinoline
group at the C-4 position of the 2-phenylquinoline core gave
compound 6g that showed potent activity against SARS-CoV-2
helicase (nsp13), a highly conserved enzyme, highlighting a potentiality
against emerging HCoVs outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Nizi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Leentje Persoons
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giada Cernicchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Vangeel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Francesca Esposito
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jessica Milia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Dominique Schols
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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2
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Felicetti T, Pismataro MC, Cecchetti V, Tabarrini O, Massari S. Triazolopyrimidine Nuclei: Privileged Scaffolds for Developing Antiviral Agents with a Proper Pharmacokinetic Profile. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1379-1407. [PMID: 34042030 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210526120534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are a continuing threat to global health. The lack or limited therapeutic armamentarium against some viral infections and increasing drug resistance issues make the search for new antiviral agents urgent. In recent years, a growing literature highlighted the use of triazolopyrimidine (TZP) heterocycles in the development of antiviral agents, with numerous compounds that showed potent antiviral activities against different RNA and DNA viruses. TZP core represents a privileged scaffold for achieving biologically active molecules, thanks to: i) the synthetic feasibility that allows to variously functionalize TZPs in the different positions of the nucleus, ii) the ability of TZP core to establish multiple interactions with the molecular target, and iii) its favorable pharmacokinetic properties. In the present review, after mentioning selected examples of TZP-based compounds with varied biological activities, we will focus on those antivirals that appeared in the literature in the last 10 years. Approaches used for their identification, the hit-to-lead studies, and the emerged structure-activity relationship will be described. A mention of the synthetic methodologies to prepare TZP nuclei will also be given. In addition, their mechanism of action, the binding mode within the biological target, and pharmacokinetic properties will be analyzed, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of compounds based on the TZP scaffold, which is increasingly used in medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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3
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Asiri YI, Alsayari A, Muhsinah AB, Mabkhot YN, Hassan MZ. Benzothiazoles as potential antiviral agents. J Pharm Pharmacol 2020; 72:1459-1480. [PMID: 32705690 PMCID: PMC7405065 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The recent viral pandemic poses a unique challenge for healthcare providers. Despite the remarkable progress, the number of novel antiviral agents in the pipeline is woefully inadequate against the evolving virulence and drug resistance of current viruses. This highlights the urgent need for new and improved vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutic agents to obviate the viral pandemic. KEY FINDINGS Benzothiazole plays a pivotal role in the design and development of antiviral drugs. This is evident from the fact that it comprises many clinically useful agents. The current review is aimed to provide an insight into the recent development of benzothiazole-based antiviral agents, with a special focus on their structure-activity relationships and lead optimisation. One hundred and five articles were initially identified, and from these studies, 64 potential novel lead molecules and main findings were highlighted in this review. SUMMARY We hope this review will provide a logical perspective on the importance of improving the future designs of novel broad-spectrum benzothiazole-based antiviral agents to be used against emerging viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya I Asiri
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrhman Alsayari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullatif B Muhsinah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahia N Mabkhot
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Z Hassan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Nizi MG, Desantis J, Nakatani Y, Massari S, Mazzarella MA, Shetye G, Sabatini S, Barreca ML, Manfroni G, Felicetti T, Rushton-Green R, Hards K, Latacz G, Satała G, Bojarski AJ, Cecchetti V, Kolář MH, Handzlik J, Cook GM, Franzblau SG, Tabarrini O. Antitubercular polyhalogenated phenothiazines and phenoselenazine with reduced binding to CNS receptors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 201:112420. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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5
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Massari S, Corona A, Distinto S, Desantis J, Caredda A, Sabatini S, Manfroni G, Felicetti T, Cecchetti V, Pannecouque C, Maccioni E, Tramontano E, Tabarrini O. From cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide to oxazinone-based derivatives as allosteric HIV-1 ribonuclease H inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2019; 34:55-74. [PMID: 30362381 PMCID: PMC6211256 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2018.1523901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The paper focussed on a step-by-step structural modification of a cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide derivative recently identified by us as reverse transcriptase (RT)-associated ribonuclease H (RNase H) inhibitor. In particular, its conversion to a 2-aryl-cycloheptathienoozaxinone derivative and the successive thorough exploration of both 2-aromatic and cycloheptathieno moieties led to identify oxazinone-based compounds as new anti-RNase H chemotypes. The presence of the catechol moiety at the C-2 position of the scaffold emerged as critical to achieve potent anti-RNase H activity, which also encompassed anti-RNA dependent DNA polymerase (RDDP) activity for the tricyclic derivatives. Benzothienooxazinone derivative 22 resulted the most potent dual inhibitor exhibiting IC50s of 0.53 and 2.90 μM against the RNase H and RDDP functions. Mutagenesis and docking studies suggested that compound 22 binds two allosteric pockets within the RT, one located between the RNase H active site and the primer grip region and the other close to the DNA polymerase catalytic centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Distinto
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessia Caredda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Felicetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elias Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Monserrato, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Desantis J, Massari S, Sosic A, Manfroni G, Cannalire R, Felicetti T, Pannecouque C, Gatto B, Tabarrini O. Design and Synthesis of WM5 Analogues as HIV-1 TAR RNA Binders. THE OPEN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1874104501913010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
The 6-aminoquinolone WM5, previously identified by us, is among the most selective small molecules known as TAR RNA binders to show anti-HIV activity.
Methods:
Starting from WM5, a series of analogues modified at N-1, C-6 or C-7 position was prepared by inserting guanidine or amidine groups as well as other protonable moieties intended to electrostatically bind the phosphate backbone of TAR. All the compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit HIV-1 replication in MT-4 cells and in parallel for their cytotoxicity. The active compounds were also evaluated for their ability to interfere with the formation of the Tat-TAR complex using a Fluorescence Quenching Assay (FQA).
Results:
Some of the synthesized compounds showed an anti-HIV-1 activity in the sub-micromolar range with the naphthyridone derivatives being the most potent. Three of the synthesized derivatives were able to interact with the Tat-TAR complex formation presenting Ki values improved as compared to the values obtained with WM5.
Conclusion:
The addition of a pyridine-based protonable side chain at the N-1 position of the quinolone/naphthyridone core imparted to the compounds the ability to interfere with Tat-TAR complex formation and HIV-1 replication.
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7
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Cannalire R, Tiecco M, Cecchetti V, Germani R, Manfroni G. Advantageous Use of Ionic Liquids for the Synthesis of Pharmaceutically Relevant Quinolones. European J Org Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201800415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Cannalire
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Via del Liceo 1-06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Matteo Tiecco
- Dipartimento di Chimica; Biologia e Biotecnologie; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Via Elce di Sotto 8-06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Via del Liceo 1-06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Raimondo Germani
- Dipartimento di Chimica; Biologia e Biotecnologie; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Via Elce di Sotto 8-06123 Perugia Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche; Università degli Studi di Perugia; Via del Liceo 1-06123 Perugia Italy
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8
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Ali I, Suhail M, Asnin L. Chiral separation of quinolones by liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. J Sep Sci 2017; 40:2863-2882. [PMID: 28510993 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201700200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The quinolones are derivatives of oxoquinolines and mostly known for their antibacterial and antiviral activities. Many quinolones are chiral compounds having asymmetric centers and important due to their enantioselective biological activities. In order to study the biological activities of quinolone enantiomers, to control the manufacturing of homochiral drugs and to prepare necessary quantities of pure enantiomers for preclinical or clinical trials, respective chiral separation methods are urgently needed. In this context, the present review discusses chromatographic and electrophoretic methods for the enantioseparation of chiral quinolones and provides some useful information on their physical and pharmaceutical properties. The drawbacks of currently used techniques are revealed and ways to overcome them are outlined. Moreover, recommendations for an optimal choice of a separation protocol are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Ali
- Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Mohd Suhail
- Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Leonid Asnin
- Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Perm, Russia
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9
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Palomba M, Rossi L, Sancineto L, Tramontano E, Corona A, Bagnoli L, Santi C, Pannecouque C, Tabarrini O, Marini F. A new vinyl selenone-based domino approach to spirocyclopropyl oxindoles endowed with anti-HIV RT activity. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:2015-24. [PMID: 26754878 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob02451j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we disclose a general and flexible access to spirocyclopropyl oxindoles by a domino Michael/intramolecular nucleophilic substitution pathway with variously substituted vinyl selenones and enolizable oxindoles in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The spirocyclopropyl oxindole being a privileged scaffold, some of the synthesized compounds were selected for biological evaluation. Compound showed selective anti-HIV-1 activity thanks to its ability to inhibit the reverse transcriptase.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Palomba
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - L Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - L Sancineto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - E Tramontano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato SS554 - 09042, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - A Corona
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato SS554 - 09042, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - L Bagnoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - C Santi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - C Pannecouque
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - O Tabarrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - F Marini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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10
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Franci G, Manfroni G, Cannalire R, Felicetti T, Tabarrini O, Salvato A, Barreca ML, Altucci L, Cecchetti V. Tumour cell population growth inhibition and cell death induction of functionalized 6-aminoquinolone derivatives. Cell Prolif 2016; 48:705-17. [PMID: 26597381 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A number of previous studies has provided evidence that the well-known anti-bacterial quinolones may have potential as anti-cancer drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential anti-tumour activity and selectivity of a set of 6-aminoquinolones showing some chemical similarity to naphthyridone derivative CX-5461, recently described as innovative anti-cancer agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS In-house quinolones 1-8 and ad hoc synthesized derivatives 9-13 were tested on Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells and mesenchymal progenitor (MePR2B) cell lines, analysing their effects on the cell cycle and cell death using FACS methodology. Activation of p53 was evaluated by western blotting. RESULTS Benzyl esters 4, 5 and their amide counterparts 12, 13 drastically modulated MCF-7 cell cycles inducing DNA fragmentation and cell death, thus proving to be potential anti-tumour compounds. When assayed in non-tumour MePR2B cells, compounds 4 and 5 were cytotoxic while 12 and 13 had a certain degree of selectivity, with compound 12 emerging as the most promising. Western blot analysis revealed that severe p53-K382ac activation was promoted by benzylester 5. In contrast, amide 12 exerted only a moderate effect which was, however, comparable to that of suberoylanilide hydoxamic acid (SAHA). CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results further reinforce evidence that quinolones have potential as anti-cancer agents. Future work will be focused on understanding compound 12 mechanisms of action, and to obtain more potent and selective compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Franci
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Patologia Generale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - G Manfroni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - R Cannalire
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - T Felicetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - O Tabarrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - A Salvato
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Patologia Generale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - M L Barreca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - L Altucci
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Patologia Generale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, 80138, Napoli, Italy.,Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica, IGB, 'Adriano Buzzati Traverso' Via P. Castellino, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - V Cecchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123, Perugia, Italy
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11
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Corona A, Desantis J, Massari S, Distinto S, Masaoka T, Sabatini S, Esposito F, Manfroni G, Maccioni E, Cecchetti V, Pannecouque C, Le Grice SFJ, Tramontano E, Tabarrini O. Studies on Cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide Derivatives as Allosteric HIV-1 Ribonuclease H Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:1709-20. [PMID: 26990134 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the significant progress achieved with combination antiretroviral therapy in the fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the difficulty to eradicate the virus together with the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant strains clearly underline a pressing need for innovative agents, possibly endowed with novel mechanisms of action. In this context, owing to its essential role in HIV genome replication, the reverse transcriptase associated ribonuclease H (RNase H) has proven to be an appealing target. To identify new RNase H inhibitors, an in-house cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide library was screened; this led to compounds endowed with inhibitory activity, the structural optimization of which led to the catechol derivative 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzamido)-N-(pyridin-2-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (compound 33) with an IC50 value on the RNase H activity in the nanomolar range. Mechanistic studies suggested selective inhibition of the RNase H through binding to an innovative allosteric site, which could be further exploited to enrich this class of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Corona
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Simona Distinto
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Takashi Masaoka
- Basic Research Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702-1201, USA
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Esposito
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elias Maccioni
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research-KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stuart F J Le Grice
- Basic Research Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702-1201, USA
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS554, 09042, Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123, Perugia, Italy.
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12
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Recent advances in the identification of Tat-mediated transactivation inhibitors: progressing toward a functional cure of HIV. Future Med Chem 2016; 8:421-42. [PMID: 26933891 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.16.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The current anti-HIV combination therapy does not eradicate the virus that persists mainly in quiescent infected CD4(+) T cells as a latent integrated provirus that resumes after therapy interruption. The Tat-mediated transactivation (TMT) is a critical step in the HIV replication cycle that could give the opportunity to reduce the size of latent reservoirs. More than two decades of research led to the identification of various TMT inhibitors. While none of them met the criteria to reach the market, the search for a suitable TMT inhibitor is still actively pursued. Really promising compounds, including one in a Phase III clinical trial, have been recently identified, thus warranting an update.
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13
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Sancineto L, Mariotti A, Bagnoli L, Marini F, Desantis J, Iraci N, Santi C, Pannecouque C, Tabarrini O. Design and Synthesis of DiselenoBisBenzamides (DISeBAs) as Nucleocapsid Protein 7 (NCp7) Inhibitors with anti-HIV Activity. J Med Chem 2015; 58:9601-14. [PMID: 26613134 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The interest in the synthesis of Se-containing compounds is growing with the discovery of derivatives exhibiting various biological activities. In this manuscript, we have identified a series of 2,2'-diselenobisbenzamides (DISeBAs) as novel HIV retroviral nucleocapsid protein 7 (NCp7) inhibitors. Because of its pleiotropic functions in the whole viral life cycle and its mutation intolerant nature, NCp7 represents a target of great interest which is not reached by any anti-HIV agent in clinical use. Using the diselenobisbenzoic scaffold, amino acid, and benzenesulfonamide derivatives were prepared and biologically profiled against different models of HIV infection. The incorporation of amino acids such as glycine and glutamate into DISeBAs 7 and 8 resulted in selective anti-HIV activity against both acutely and chronically infected cells as well as an interesting virucidal effect. DISeBAs demonstrated broad antiretroviral activity, encompassing HIV-1 drug-resistant strains including clinical isolates, as well as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Time of addition experiments, along with the observed dose dependent inhibition of the Gag precursor proper processing, confirmed that their mechanism of action is based on NCp7 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sancineto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Group of Catalysis and Organic Green Chemistry, University of Perugia , Via del Liceo 1, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Alice Mariotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Group of Catalysis and Organic Green Chemistry, University of Perugia , Via del Liceo 1, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Luana Bagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Group of Catalysis and Organic Green Chemistry, University of Perugia , Via del Liceo 1, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Francesca Marini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Group of Catalysis and Organic Green Chemistry, University of Perugia , Via del Liceo 1, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Jenny Desantis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia , Via del Liceo 1, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia , Via del Liceo 1, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Claudio Santi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Group of Catalysis and Organic Green Chemistry, University of Perugia , Via del Liceo 1, Perugia 06100, Italy
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven , B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia , Via del Liceo 1, Perugia 06100, Italy
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14
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Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) potently suppresses HIV-1 replication, but the virus persists in quiescent infected CD4(+)T cells as a latent integrated provirus, and patients must indefinitely remain on therapy. If ART is terminated, these integrated proviruses can reactivate, driving new rounds of infection. A functional cure for HIV requires eliminating low-level ongoing viral replication that persists in certain tissue sanctuaries and preventing viral reactivation. The HIV Tat protein plays an essential role in HIV transcription by recruiting the kinase activity of the P-TEFb complex to the viral mRNA's stem-bulge-loop structure, TAR, activating transcriptional elongation. Because the Tat-mediated transactivation cascade is critical for robust HIV replication, the Tat/TAR/P-TEFb complex is one of the most attractive targets for drug development. Importantly, compounds that interfere with transcription could impair viral reactivation, low-level ongoing replication, and replenishment of the latent reservoir, thereby reducing the size of the latent reservoir pool. Here, we discuss the potential importance of transcriptional inhibitors in the treatment of latent HIV-1 disease and review recent findings on targeting Tat, TAR, and P-TEFb individually or as part of a complex. Finally, we discuss the impact of extracellular Tat in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and cancers.
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15
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Sancineto L, Iraci N, Barreca ML, Massari S, Manfroni G, Corazza G, Cecchetti V, Marcello A, Daelemans D, Pannecouque C, Tabarrini O. Exploiting the anti-HIV 6-desfluoroquinolones to design multiple ligands. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:4658-66. [PMID: 25127466 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It is getting clearer that many drugs effective in different therapeutic areas act on multiple rather than single targets. The application of polypharmacology concepts might have numerous advantages especially for disease such as HIV/AIDS, where the rapid emergence of resistance requires a complex combination of more than one drug. In this paper, we have designed three hybrid molecules combining WM5, a quinolone derivative we previously identified as HIV Tat-mediated transcription (TMT) inhibitor, with the tricyclic core of nevirapine and BILR 355BS (BILR) non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) to investigate whether it could be possible to obtain molecules acting on both transcription steps of the HIV replicative cycle. One among the three designed multiple ligands, reached this goal. Indeed, compound 1 inhibited both TMT and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. Unexpectedly, while the anti-TMT activity exerted by compound 1 resulted into a selective inhibition of HIV-1 reactivation from latently infected OM10.1 cells, the anti-RT properties shown by all of the synthesized compounds did not translate into an anti-HIV activity in acutely infected cells. Thus, we have herein produced the proof of concept that the design of dual TMT-RT inhibitors is indeed possible, but optimization efforts are needed to obtain more potent derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sancineto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Barreca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Corazza
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marcello
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Dirk Daelemans
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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16
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Donalisio M, Massari S, Argenziano M, Manfroni G, Cagno V, Civra A, Sabatini S, Cecchetti V, Loregian A, Cavalli R, Lembo D, Tabarrini O. Ethyl 1,8-Naphthyridone-3-carboxylates Downregulate Human Papillomavirus-16 E6 and E7 Oncogene Expression. J Med Chem 2014; 57:5649-63. [DOI: 10.1021/jm500340h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Donalisio
- Department
of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Monica Argenziano
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manfroni
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Valeria Cagno
- Department
of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Civra
- Department
of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefano Sabatini
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department
of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Roberta Cavalli
- Department
of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - David Lembo
- Department
of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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17
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Royle CM, Tsai MH, Tabarrini O, Massari S, Graham DR, Aquino VN, Boasso A. Modulation of HIV-1-induced activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells by 6-desfluoroquinolones. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2014; 30:345-54. [PMID: 24229417 PMCID: PMC3976578 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2013.0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) is an important contributor to the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection. The quinolone derivative chloroquine (CQ) prevents endosomal acidification, required for toll-like receptor sensing of HIV by pDCs, and is currently under clinical trial as an immunotherapeutic approach. We tested three different 6-desfluoroquinolones (6-DFQs), structurally related to CQ and endowed with antiretroviral activity, for their ability to inhibit HIV-induced pDC activation and interferon (IFN)-α production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. PBMCs from six healthy donors were cultured overnight with aldrithiol-2 (AT-2)-inactivated HIV-1MN in the presence or absence of 6-DFQs or CQ. IFN-α production was measured by ELISA; pDC and monocyte activation was analyzed by flow cytometry. Incubation with HIV labeled with the fluorescent dye DyLight-488 (DL488) was used to test virus uptake by flow cytometry. We found that the 6-DFQs effectively inhibited HIV-induced IFN-α similar to CQ, but only 6-DFQs also inhibited the upregulation of the pDC activation marker CD83. Interestingly, HIV-induced expression of the costimulatory molecule CD80 and, to a lesser extent CD86, was further enhanced on pDCs by 6-DFQs, but not CQ. Conversely, 6-DFQs and CQ had similar inhibitory effects on HIV-induced monocyte activation, consistent with the primary mechanism being associated with IFN-α signaling. Finally, 6-DFQs interfered with HIV interaction with pDCs and monocytes, but not myeloid DCs. Our data indicate that 6-DFQs may interfere with pDC-mediated and IFN-α-dependent immunopathogenesis while supporting pDC differentiation into mature antigen-presenting cells by favoring expression of costimulatory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Royle
- Immunology Section, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ming-Han Tsai
- Immunology Section, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Facoltà di Farmacia, Università degliStudi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Serena Massari
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Facoltà di Farmacia, Università degliStudi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - David R. Graham
- Retrovirus Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Veronica N. Aquino
- Retrovirus Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Adriano Boasso
- Immunology Section, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Manfroni G, Cannalire R, Barreca ML, Kaushik-Basu N, Leyssen P, Winquist J, Iraci N, Manvar D, Paeshuyse J, Guhamazumder R, Basu A, Sabatini S, Tabarrini O, Danielson UH, Neyts J, Cecchetti V. The versatile nature of the 6-aminoquinolone scaffold: identification of submicromolar hepatitis C virus NS5B inhibitors. J Med Chem 2013; 57:1952-63. [PMID: 24131104 DOI: 10.1021/jm401362f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that the 6-aminoquinolone chemotype is a privileged scaffold to obtain antibacterial and antiviral agents. Herein we describe the design, synthesis, and enzymatic and cellular characterization of new 6-aminoquinolone derivatives as potent inhibitors of NS5B polymerase, an attractive and viable therapeutic target to develop safe anti-HCV agents. The 6-amino-7-[4-(2-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]quinolone derivative 8 proved to be the best compound of this series, exhibiting an IC50 value of 0.069 μM against NS5B polymerase and selective antiviral effect (EC50 = 3.03 μM) coupled with the absence of any cytostatic effect (CC50 > 163 μM; SI > 54) in Huh 9-13 cells carrying a HCV genotype 1b, as measured by MTS assay. These results indicate that the 6-aminoquinolone scaffold is worthy of further investigation in the context of NS5B-targeted HCV drug discovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Manfroni
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Perugia , Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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19
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Sancineto L, Iraci N, Massari S, Attanasio V, Corazza G, Barreca ML, Sabatini S, Manfroni G, Avanzi NR, Cecchetti V, Pannecouque C, Marcello A, Tabarrini O. Computer-Aided Design, Synthesis and Validation of 2-Phenylquinazolinone Fragments as CDK9 Inhibitors with Anti-HIV-1 Tat-Mediated Transcription Activity. ChemMedChem 2013; 8:1941-53. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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20
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Massari S, Mercorelli B, Sancineto L, Sabatini S, Cecchetti V, Gribaudo G, Palù G, Pannecouque C, Loregian A, Tabarrini O. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of WC5 analogues as inhibitors of human cytomegalovirus Immediate-Early 2 protein, a promising target for anti-HCMV treatment. ChemMedChem 2013; 8:1403-14. [PMID: 23757191 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is mostly asymptomatic for immunocompetent individuals, it remains a serious threat for those who are immunocompromised, in whom it is associated with various clinical manifestations. The therapeutic utility of the few available anti-HCMV drugs is limited by several drawbacks, including cross-resistance due to their common mechanism of action, i.e., inhibition of viral DNA polymerase. Therefore, compounds that target other essential viral events could overcome this problem. One example of this is the 6-aminoquinolone WC5, which acts by directly blocking the transactivation of essential viral Early genes by the Immediate-Early 2 (IE2) protein. In this study, the quinolone scaffold of the lead compound WC5 was investigated in depth, defining more suitable substituents for each of the scaffold positions explored and identifying novel, potent and nontoxic compounds. Some compounds showed potent anti-HCMV activity by interfering with IE2-dependent viral E gene expression. Among them, naphthyridone 1 was also endowed with potent anti-HIV activity in latently infected cells. Their antiviral profile along with their innovative mechanism of action make these anti-HCMV quinolones a very promising class of compounds to be exploited for more effective antiviral therapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Massari
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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21
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Strategies to Block HIV Transcription: Focus on Small Molecule Tat Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2012; 1:668-97. [PMID: 24832514 PMCID: PMC4009808 DOI: 10.3390/biology1030668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
After entry into the target cell, the human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV) integrates into the host genome and becomes a proviral eukaryotic transcriptional unit. Transcriptional regulation of provirus gene expression is critical for HIV replication. Basal transcription from the integrated HIV promoter is very low in the absence of the HIV transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein and is solely dependent on cellular transcription factors. The 5' terminal region (+1 to +59) of all HIV mRNAs forms an identical stem-bulge-loop structure called the Transactivation Responsive (TAR) element. Once Tat is made, it binds to TAR and drastically activates transcription from the HIV LTR promoter. Mutations in either the Tat protein or TAR sequence usually affect HIV replication, indicating a strong requirement for their conservation. The necessity of the Tat-mediated transactivation cascade for robust HIV replication renders Tat one of the most desirable targets for transcriptional therapy against HIV replication. Screening based on inhibition of the Tat-TAR interaction has identified a number of potential compounds, but none of them are currently used as therapeutics, partly because these agents are not easily delivered for an efficient therapy, emphasizing the need for small molecule compounds. Here we will give an overview of the different strategies used to inhibit HIV transcription and review the current repertoire of small molecular weight compounds that target HIV transcription.
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22
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Tabarrini O, Sabatini S, Massari S, Pieroni M, Franzblau SG, Cecchetti V. 6-hydrogen-8-methylquinolones active against replicating and non-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chem Biol Drug Des 2012; 80:781-6. [PMID: 22889240 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The screening of an in-house quinolones library against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H(37) Rv, followed by a first cycle of optimization, yielded 6-hydrogen-8-methyl derivatives endowed with good potency. The antitubercular activity also encompassed the bacteria in a non-replicating state (NRP-TB) with minimum inhibitory concentration values lower than those of the reference agent, moxifloxacin. Among the best compounds, 11w and 11ai, characterized by a properly substituted piperidine at the C-7 position, were active against single-drug-resistant (SDR-TB) Mtb strains, maintaining overall good potency also against ciprofloxacin-resistant Mtb. This study expands the body of SAR around antitubercular quinolones leading to reconsider the role played by the usual fluorine atom at the C-6 position. Further elaboration of the 6-hydrogen-8-methylquinolone scaffold, with a particular focus on the C-7 position, is expected to give even more potent congeners holding promise for shortening the current anti-TB regimen.
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23
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Synthesis and chromatographic enantioresolution of anti-HIV quinolone derivatives. Talanta 2011; 85:1392-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2011.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Revised: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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24
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Tabarrini O, Massari S, Sancineto L, Daelemans D, Sabatini S, Manfroni G, Cecchetti V, Pannecouque C. Structural investigation of the naphthyridone scaffold: identification of a 1,6-naphthyridone derivative with potent and selective anti-HIV activity. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:1249-57. [PMID: 21567967 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Building upon a large, previously reported series of anti-HIV 6-desfluoroquinolones endowed with a peculiar mechanism of action, the inhibition of Tat-mediated transcription, replacement of the quinolone nucleus with a naphthyridone core was shown to be very productive. In this work, the naphthyridone scaffold was investigated in depth by synthesizing various analogues. This led to the identification of NM13 as the most selective derivative obtained in MT-4 cells. It is the result of the successful combination of the 1,6-naphthyridone nucleus and the C7 benzothiazolpiperazine group, which, for the first time, not only grants potent anti-HIV activity but displays very high selectivity. Further studies aimed at a more thorough investigation of the anti-HIV profile of this new derivative are in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriana Tabarrini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università di Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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