Informing the pandemic response: the role of the WHO's COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update

On 31 December 2019, the Municipal Health Commission of Wuhan, China, reported a cluster of atypical pneumonia cases. On 5 January 2020, the WHO publicly released a Disease Outbreak News (DON) report, providing information about the pneumonia cases, implemented response interventions, and WHO's risk assessment and advice on public health and social measures. Following 9 additional DON reports and 209 daily situation reports, on 17 August 2020, WHO published the first edition of the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update (WEU). On 1 September 2023, the 158th edition of the WEU was published on WHO's website, marking its final issue. Since then, the WEU has been replaced by comprehensive global epidemiological updates on COVID-19 released every 4 weeks. During the span of its publication, the webpage that hosts the WEU and the COVID-19 Operational Updates was accessed annually over 1.4 million times on average, with visits originating from more than 100 countries. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the WEU process, from data collection to publication, focusing on the scope, technical details, main features, underlying methods, impact and limitations. We also discuss WHO's experience in disseminating epidemiological information on the COVID-19 pandemic at the global level and provide recommendations for enhancing collaboration and information sharing to support future health emergency responses.

Functional significance of the novel H-RAS gene mutation M72I in a patient with medullary thyroid cancer

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) accounts for around 5-10% of all thyroid cancers. Though usually sporadic, 1 in 4 cases are of genetic origin, with germinal mutations in the RET proto-oncogene in familial forms and somatic mutations both in RET and in the RAS family genes in sporadic ones.This study aimed to characterize a rare H-RAS sequence variant -M72I- in a patient with sporadic MTC, focusing on its functional significance.Mutation analysis was performed for the RET, N-RAS, K-RAS and H-RAS genes by direct sequencing. Western blot analysis was done on 4 thyroid tissues from 1 patient carrying the M72I mutation in H-RAS, 1 with the Q61R mutation in H-RAS, 1 with no RET, H-RAS, K-RAS or N-RAS gene mutations, and 1 normal thyroid, using different antibodies against Erk1/2, phospho-Erk1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204), Akt and phospho-Akt (Ser473). Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations were completed for H-RAS wt and H-RAS M72I.Western blot analysis demonstrated that both MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways were activated in the MTC patient carrying the M72I variant. In silico results showed conformational changes in H-RAS that could influence its activation by Sos and phosphate binding. Results of molecular dynamics were consistent with Western blot experiments.The M72I mutation may contribute effectively to proliferation and survival signaling throughout the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. This work underscores the importance of studying genetic alterations that may lead to carcinogenesis.

β2 -Glycoprotein I binds to thrombin and selectively inhibits the enzyme procoagulant functions

BACKGROUND

This work was aimed at characterizing the interaction of β(2)-glycoprotein I (β(2)GPI), an abundant plasma protein of unknown function, with human thrombin, the final effector protease in the coagulation cascade.

METHODS

The β(2)GPI-thrombin interaction was studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), fluorescence, and molecular modeling. The effect of β(2)GPI on the procoagulant (fibrin generation and platelet aggregation) and anticoagulant (protein C activation) functions of thrombin were investigated with turbidimetric, immunocytofluorimetric and enzymatic assays.

RESULTS

SPR and fluorescence data indicated that β(2)GPI tightly bound thrombin (K(d) = 34 nM) by interacting with both protease exosites, while leaving the active site accessible. This picture is fully consistent with the theoretical model of the β(2)GPI-thrombin complex. In particular, blockage of thrombin exosites with binders specific for exosite-1 (hirugen and HD1 aptamer) or exosite-2 (fibrinogen γ'-peptide and HD22 aptamer) impaired the β2 GPI-thrombin interaction. Identical results were obtained with thrombin mutants having one of the two exosites selectively compromised by mutation (Arg73Ala and Arg101Ala). Fluorescence measurements indicated that β(2)GPI did not affect the affinity of the enzyme for active site inhibitors, such as p-aminobenzamidine and the hirudin(1-47) domain, in agreement with the structural model. β(2)GPI dose-dependently prolonged the thrombin clotting time and ecarin clotting time in β(2)GPI-deficient plasma. β(2)GPI inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation (IC50 = 0.36 μM) by impairing thrombin cleavage of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) (IC50 = 0.32 μM), both on gel-filtered platelets and in whole blood. Strikingly, β(2) GPI did not affect thrombin-mediated generation of the anticoagulant protein C.

CONCLUSIONS

β(2) GPI functions as a physiologic anticoagulant by inhibiting the key procoagulant activities of thrombin without affecting its unique anticoagulant function.

The dark side of protein kinase CK2 inhibition

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous, highly pleiotropic and essential protein kinase whose abnormally high constitutive activity has been implicated in several human diseases. In the last decade, several ATP competitive inhibitors of CK2, characterized by an in vitro activity that ranges from micromolar to nanomolar, have been discovered. However, until now only one drug candidate has been entered in Phase I clinical trial as a potential anticancer drug. Why this constitutively active kinase is so undruggable? Can ATP competitive inhibitors be considered the most promising drug candidates for the near future? In this review, we would like to underline how targeting binding sites outside the conventional ATP-binding could represent a new promising strategy to inhibit CK2 activity and, consequently, bear a great potentiality in discovering new drug candidates.

Bandwidth-efficient phase modulation techniques for stimulated Brillouin scattering suppression in fiber optic parametric amplifiers

Two novel bandwidth efficient pump-dithering Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) suppression techniques are introduced. The techniques employ a frequency-hopped chirp and an RF noise source to impart phase modulation on the pumps of a two pump Fiber Optical Parametric Amplifier (FOPA). The effectiveness of the introduced techniques is confirmed by measurements of the SBS threshold increase and the associated improvements relative to the current state of the art. Additionally, the effect on the idler signal integrity is presented as measured following amplification from a two pump FOPA employing both techniques. The measured 0.8 dB penalty with pumps dithered by an RF noise source, after accruing 160 ps/nm of dispersion with 38 dB conversion gain in a two-pump FOPA is the lowest reported to date.

Short wavelength infrared frequency conversion in ultra-compact fiber device

Linear and nonlinear characteristics of devices using millimeter-scale spools of highly nonlinear fiber are experimentally investigated within 2000-2400nm spectral range. Coils with radius larger than 3.5 mm indicate that macro-bending induced radiation loss is negligible up to 2400nm. Devices with smaller diameter coiling resulted in macro-bending losses that dominate over micro-bending losses beyond 2200nm. A tunable short-wave infrared source was constructed using a coin-sized fiber module to demonstrate an efficient nonlinear conversion from 1.26 to 2.2 microm.

DNA topoisomerase II structures and anthracycline activity: insights into ternary complex formation

DNA Topoisomerase II (Top2) is an essential nuclear enzyme that regulates the topological state of the DNA, and a target of very effective anticancer drugs including anthracycline antibiotics. Even though several aspects of drug activity against Top2 are understood, the drug receptor site is not yet known. Several Top2 mutants have altered drug sensitivity and have provided information of structural features determining drug action. Here, we have revised the published crystal structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic Top2s and relevant biochemical investigations of enzyme activity and anthracycline action. In particular, we have considered Top2 mutations conferring resistance to anthracyclines and related agents. Following a previous study (Moro et al, Biochemistry, 2004; 43: 7503-13), we have then re-built a molecular model of the entire enzyme in complex with DNA after the cleavage reaction, and used it to define the receptor site of anthracyclines. The results suggest a model wherein the drug specifically contacts the cleaved DNA as well as amino acid residues of the enzyme CAP-like domain. The findings can explain several established structure-activity relationships of antitumour anthracyclines, and provide a framework for further developments of effective Top2 poison.

Tandem 3D-QSARs approach as a valuable tool to predict binding affinity data: design of new Gly/NMDA receptor antagonists as a key study

Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) represent a very well consolidated computational approach to correlate structural or property descriptors of chemical compounds with their chemical or biological activities. We have recently reported that autocorrelation Molecular Electrostatic Potential (autoMEP) vectors in combination to Partial Least-Square (PLS) analysis or to Response Surface Analysis (RSA) can represent an interesting alternative 3D-QSAR strategy. In the present paper, we would like to present how the applicability of in tandem linear and nonlinear 3D-QSAR methods (autoMEP/PLS&RSA) can help to predict binding affinity data of a new set of N-methyl-d-aspartate (Gly/NMDA) receptor antagonists.

In Silico Binding Free Energy Predictability by Using the Linear Interaction Energy (LIE) Method: Bromobenzimidazole CK2 Inhibitors as a Case Study

Protein kinase CK2 is essential for cell viability, and its control regards a broad series of cellular events such as gene expression, RNA, and protein synthesis. Evidence of its involvement in tumor development and viral replication indicates CK2 as a potential target of antineoplastic and antiviral drugs. In this study the Linear Interaction Energy (LIE) Method with the Surface Generalized Born (SGB) continuum solvation model was used to study several bromobenzimidazole CK2 inhibitors. This methodology, developed by Aqvist, finds a plausible compromise between accuracy and computational speed in evaluating binding free energy (DeltaGbind) values. In this study, two different free binding energy models, named "CK2scoreA" and "CK2scoreB", were developed using 22 inhibitors as the training set in a stepwise approach useful to appropriately select both the tautomeric form and the starting binding position of each inhibitor. Both models are statistically acceptable. Indeed, the better one is characterized by a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.81, and the predictive accuracy was 0.65 kcal/mol. The corresponding validation, using an external test set of 16 analogs, showed a correlation coefficient (q2) of 0.68 and a prediction root-mean-square error of 0.78 kcal/mol. In this case, the LIE approach has been proved to be an efficient methodology to rationalize the difference of activity, the key interactions, and the different possible binding modes of this specific class of potent CK2 inhibitors.

Discovery of HIV-1 integrase inhibitors through a novel combination of ligand and structure-based drug design

Over the past 10 years, classical computer-aided molecular design methods have not been frequently applied for the discovery of novel HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors, due to the intrinsic challenges that this enzyme presents. Therefore, a novel approach that combines the chemical information of known integrase inhibitors with the enzyme's detailed 3D structure in a stepwise fashion is proposed: (I) use of a pharmacophore model (PM), which takes into account in a weighted fashion the chemical features of known ligands, in analogous manner to the to search the Maybridge and the NCI 3D databases; (II) drug-likeness optimization; (III) virtual high-throughput screening of the hits matching the PM query against 1QS4 wild-type IN structure using different Docking/Scoring combinations; (IV) visual inspection and selection of the hits in function of: binding free energies; binding mode type within the active site; retrieval among the best 20% hits in more than 6 Docking/Scoring protocols at the same time. This approach aims at a rational selection of new potential HIV-1 integrase inhibitors.

Novel Strategies for the Design of New Potent and Selective Human A3 Receptor Antagonists: An Update

A computer-aided approach has been developed in order to understand the molecular pharmacology of human A3R, and specifically, to lead to the discovery and structural refinement of new, potent and selective human A3R antagonists. This review focuses on our combined target-based and ligand-based drug design strategy, recently applied to provide more accurate information about the recognition mode on human A3R of some pyrazolotriazolopyrimidine and triazoloquinoxalinone analogs. The 3D rhodopsin-based homology model of human A3R has represented the starting point of our approach. A high throughput molecular docking method on the considered antagonists has allowed us to generate a receptor-based pharmacophore model. A novel "Y-shaped" pharmacophore binding motif has been proposed for both pyrazolotriazolopyrimidine and triazoloquinoxalinone derivatives. Moreover, related receptor-based 3D-QSAR analysis has been carried out to provide a suitable tool for prediction of the antagonists binding affinity on human A3R.

Synthesis, biological and modeling studies of 1,3-di-n-propyl-2,4-dioxo-6-methyl-8-(substituted) 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro [1,2,4]-triazolo [3,4-f]-purines as adenosine receptor antagonists

A new series of potential adenosine receptor antagonists with a [1,2,4]-triazolo-[3,4-f]-purine structure bearing at the 1 and 3 position n-propyl groups have been synthesized, and their affinities at the four human adenosine receptor subtypes (A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3)) have been evaluated. In this case the presence of n-propyl groups seems to induce potency at the A(2A) and A(3) adenosine receptor subtypes as opposed to our previously reported series bearing methyl substituents at the 1 and 3 positions. In particular the non-acylated derivative 17 showed affinity at these two receptor subtypes in the micromolar range. Indeed, preliminary molecular modeling investigations according to the experimental binding data indicate a modest steric and electrostatic antagonist-receptor complementarity.

Cervical-vaginal disease in HIV immunosuppressed patients: management and present screening programme

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (L-SIL and H-SIL) in HIV-positive patients using cytological, colposcopic and histological examinations. The correlations between these cervical lesions, the role of HPV and the clinical and immunological aspects of HIV infection and inflammatory cervical-vaginal disease were studied. We believe that HPV infection and preneoplastic and/or neoplastic lesions occur more often in immunodepressed HIV-positive patients, and that on the grounds of the high risk of precancerous lesions in this population and the low sensibility of the Pap test, it is advisable to perform a colposcopic examination to discover early lesions that must undergo a specific biopsy.

Comparison of pupil responses to luminance and colour in severe optic neuritis

OBJECTIVE

The pupil response to light flux increments is abnormal in severe optic neuritis, but little is known about the effects of this condition on the pupil colour response. The aim of this study was to examine how optic neuritis affects pupil responses to light flux and colour modulation and the extent to which such pupil responses mirror the loss and recovery of vision.

METHODS

A new pupil examination technique that makes use of sinusoidal modulation of either luminance contrast or chromatic saturation was employed. This technique enables the automatic extraction of both pupil response amplitude and latency and achieves a high signal to noise ratio with fewer averages.

RESULTS

The study reveals a greater loss of pupil response amplitude and significantly longer latencies to chromatic modulation (i.e. approximately 80 ms). Stimulation of the unaffected eye in the optic neuritis group results in smaller response amplitudes when compared to the normal group for both light flux and colour modulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Pupil response components can be affected differently in optic neuritis. These findings suggest that the pupil colour response, in particular, may provide a useful, objective estimator to judge the extent of damage and recovery in diseases of the optic nerve.

PEG-Ara-C conjugates for controlled release

The antitumour agent 1-beta-D arabinofuranosilcytosyne (Ara-C) was covalently linked to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in order to improve the in vivo stability and blood residence time. Eight PEG conjugates were synthesised, with linear or branched PEG of 5000, 10000 and 20000 Da molecular weight through an amino acid spacer. Starting from mPEG-OH or HO-PEG-OH, conjugation was carried out to the one or two available hydroxyl groups at the polymer's extreme. Furthermore, to increase the drug loading of the polymer, the hydroxyl functions of PEG were functionalised with a bicarboxylic amino acid yielding a tetrafunctional derivative and, by recursive conjugation with the same bicarboxylic amino acid, products with four or eight Ara-C molecules for each PEG chain were prepared. A computer graphic investigation demonstrated that aminoadipic acid was a suitable bicarboxylic amino acid to overcome the steric hindrance between the vicinal Ara-C molecules in the dendrimeric structure. In this paper we report the optimised conditions for synthesis and purification of PEG-Ara-C products with a low amount of remaining free drug, studies toward the hydrolysis of PEG-Ara-C and the Ara-C deamination by cytidine deaminase, pharmacokinetics in mice and cytotoxicity towards HeLa human cells were also investigated. Increased stability towards degradation of the conjugated Ara-C products, in particular for the highly loaded ones, improved blood residence time in mice and a reduced cytotoxicity with respect to the free Ara-C form was demonstrated.

[Bilateral synovial chondromatosis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: a case report. ]

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare pathology of unknown aetiology. It originates from the chondroid metaplasia of the connective tissue of the synovial membrane. Consequently, cartilaginous nodules develop in the affected joints, first calcifying and then ossifying. The bursae mucosae, the vaginae tendinis and the para-articular connective tissue are less frequently affected. The most common locations of this pathology are the knee, the hip, the shoulder, the elbow and the ankle. The small joints are rarely affected, even less the bilateral involving of joints, above all of hand or foot, is exceptional. In a clinical and radiological valuation, it is difficult to distinguish synovial chondromatosis from osteoarthritis and from degenerative arthopathies in general. A sure diagnosis can be obtained only by means of a histological examination. We here report a case of synovial chondromatosis bilaterally located on the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Clinical and radiological features were similar to those of hallux rigidus, a typical and peculiar metatarsophalangeal joint pathology. The diagnostic suspicion arose during surgery, and was subsequently confirmed by histological examination. During the following visits, the patient did not present any painful symptomatology.

Quantitation of camptothecin and related compounds

Camptothecin and congeners represent a clinically very useful class of anticancer agents. Proper identification and quantitation of the original compounds and their metabolites in biological fluids is fundamental to assess drug metabolism and distribution in animals and in man. In this paper we will review the recent literature available on the methods used for separation and quantitative determination of the camptothecin family of drugs. Complications arise from the fact that they are chemically labile, and the pharmacologically active lactone structure can undergo ring opening at physiological conditions. In addition, a number of metabolic changes usually occur, producing a variety of active or inactive metabolites. Hence, the conditions of extraction, pre-treatment and quantitative analysis are to be carefully calibrated in order to provide meaningful results.

Anthracyclines: recent developments in their separation and quantitation

Anthracyclines are among the most widely used anticancer agents. Notwithstanding the large efforts to develop new drugs with a better pharmaceutical profile, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, epirubicin and idarubicin are still the most used in clinical practice. Many efforts are now ongoing to reduce the side effects by using pharmaceutical formulations able to release the drug in the most appropriate way and monitoring the quantity of anthracyclines and their metabolites in the body fluids or tissues frequently and in every patient to maintain the drug concentration within the expected range. This review describes the most recent developments in the separation and quantitation of the above clinically useful drugs, together with their principal metabolites. Some less widely used derivatives will also be considered.

The topoisomerase II poison clerocidin alkylates non-paired guanines of DNA: implications for irreversible stimulation of DNA cleavage

Clerocidin, a diterpenoid with antibacterial and antitumor activity, stimulates in vitro DNA cleavage mediated by mammalian and bacterial topoisomerase (topo) II. Different from the classical topoisomerase poisons, clerocidin-stimulated breaks at guanines immediately preceding the sites of DNA cleavage are not resealed upon heat or salt treatment. To understand the mechanism of irreversible trapping of the topo II-cleavable complex, we have investigated the reactivity of clerocidin per se towards DNA. We show here that the drug is able to nick negatively supercoiled plasmids. DNA cleavage by clerocidin in enzyme-free medium is due to the ability of the drug to form covalent adducts with guanines. Indeed, clerocidin was able to specifically react with short oligonucleotides when the guanines were unpaired and exposed as in bulges or in the single-strand form. The clerocidin epoxy group attacks the nitrogen at position 7 of guanines, leading to strand scission at the modified site. Our findings also demonstrate that trapping of topoisomerases by clerocidin is specific for type II enzymes. The guanine-alkylating ability of clerocidin suggests an unprecedented mechanism of topo II poisoning, according to which the enzyme renders the drug reactive toward DNA by distorting the double-helical structure of the nucleic acid at the cleavage site.

Structurally related nucleotides as selective agonists and antagonists at P2Y1 receptors

The P2Y1 receptor responds to adenine nucleotides and is present in platelets, heart, smooth muscles prostate, ovary, and brain. A selective antagonist may be useful as an antithrombotic agent. We have analyzed the binding site of this G protein-coupled receptor using ligand design, site-directed mutagenesis, and homology modeling based on rhodopsin. We have designed and synthesized a series of deoxyadenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate derivatives that act as antagonists, or, in some cases with small structural changes, as agonists or partial agonists. The 2-position accommodates Cl or thioethers, whereas the N6-position is limited to Me or Et. 2'-Substitution with OH or OMe increases agonist efficacy over 2'-H. Using molecular modeling of the binding site, the oxygen atoms of the ribose moiety were predicted to be non-essential, i.e. no specific H-bonds with the receptor protein appear in the model. We have, therefore, substituted this moiety with carbocylics, smaller and larger rings, conformationally constrained rings, and acyclics, with retention of affinity for the receptor. With simplified pharmacophores we are exploring the steric and electronic requirements of the receptor binding site, and the structural basis of receptor activation.

Fluorosulfonyl- and bis-(beta-chloroethyl)amino-phenylamino functionalized pyrazolo[4,3-e]1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine derivatives: irreversible antagonists at the human A3 adenosine receptor and molecular modeling studies

A series of pyrazolotriazolopyrimidines was previously reported to be highly potent and selective human A(3) adenosine receptor antagonists (Baraldi et al. J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 4768-4780). A derivative having a methyl group at the N(8) pyrazole combined with a 4-methoxyphenylcarbamoyl moiety at N(5) position, displayed a K(i) value at the hA(3) receptor of 0.2 nM. We now describe chemically reactive derivatives which act as irreversible inhibitors of this receptor. Electrophilic groups, specifically sulfonyl fluoride and nitrogen mustard (bis-(beta-chloroethyl)amino) moieties, have been incorporated at the 4-position of the aryl urea group. Membranes containing the recombinant hA(3) receptor were preincubated with the compounds and washed exhaustively. The loss of ability to bind radioligand following this treatment indicated irreversible binding. The most potent compound in irreversibly binding to the receptor was 14, which contained a sulfonyl fluoride moiety and a propyl group at the N(8) pyrazole nitrogen. The bis-(beta-chloroethyl)amino derivatives displayed a much smaller degree of irreversible binding than the sulfonyl fluoride derivatives. A computer-generated model of the human A(3) receptor was built and analyzed to help interpret these results. The model of the A(3) transmembrane region was derived using primary sequence comparison, secondary structure predictions, and three-dimensional homology building, using the recently published crystal structure of rhodopsin as a template. According to our model, sulfonyl fluoride derivatives could dock within the hypothetical TM binding domain, adopting two different energetically favorable conformations. We have identified two amino acids, Ser247 and Cys251, both in TM6, as potential nucleophilic partners of the irreversible binding to the receptor.

DNA-interactive anticancer aza-anthrapyrazoles: biophysical and biochemical studies relevant to the mechanism of action

The physicochemical and DNA-binding properties of anticancer 9-aza-anthrapyrazoles (9-aza-APs) were investigated and compared with the carbocyclic analogs losoxantrone (LX) and mitoxantrone (MX). Unlike their carbocyclic counterparts, the tested 9-aza-APs do not undergo self-aggregation phenomena. The pyridine nitrogen at position 9, missing in the carbocyclic derivatives, is involved in protonation equilibria at physiological pH. In addition, 9-aza-APs are electrochemically reduced at a potential intermediate between LX and MX. These data fully agree with quantum mechanical calculations. Binding to nucleic acids was examined by spectroscopic, chiroptical, and DNase I footprinting techniques as a function of ionic strength and base composition. The 9-aza-APs exhibit prominent affinity for DNA, with an important electrostatic contribution to the binding free energy. A very remarkable sequence preference pattern dramatically favors GC steps in double-helical DNA, whereas the carbocyclic reference compounds show a substantially lower selectivity for GC. A common DNA complexation geometry, considerably differing from that of MX, characterizes all anthrapyrazoles. Hence, bioisosteric substitution and ring-hydroxy deletion play an important role in defining the physicochemical properties and in modulating the affinity of anthrapyrazoles for the nucleic acid, the geometry of the intercalation complex, and the sequence specific contacts along the DNA chain. Drug stimulation of topoisomerase II-mediated DNA cleavage is remarkably attenuated in the aza-bioisosteric derivatives, suggesting that other non-enzyme-mediated cytotoxic mechanism(s), possibly connected with free radical production, are responsible for efficient cell killing. The biophysical and biochemical properties exhibited by 9-aza-APs contribute to clarifying the peculiar pharmacological profile of this family of compounds.

Ribose modified nucleosides and nucleotides as ligands for purine receptors

Molecular modeling of receptors for adenosine and nucleotide (P2) receptors with docked ligand, based on mutagenesis, was carried out. Adenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate derivatives act as selective P2Y1 antagonists/partial agonists. The ribose moiety was replaced with carbocyclics, smaller and larger rings, conformationally constrained rings, and acyclics, producing compounds that retained receptor affinity. Conformational constraints were built into the ribose rings of nucleoside and nucleotide ligands using the methanocarba approach, i.e. fused cyclopropane and cyclopentane rings in place of ribose, suggesting a preference for the Northern (N) conformation among ligands for P2Y1 and A1 and A3ARs.

Pyrazolo[4,3-e]1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine derivatives as highly potent and selective human A(3) adenosine receptor antagonists: influence of the chain at the N(8) pyrazole nitrogen

An enlarged series of pyrazolotriazolopyrimidines previously reported, in preliminary form (Baraldi et al. J. Med. Chem. 1999, 42, 4473-4478), as highly potent and selective human A(3) adenosine receptor antagonists is described. The synthesized compounds showed A(3) adenosine receptor affinity in the sub-nanomolar range and high levels of selectivity evaluated in radioligand binding assays at human A(1), A(2A), A(2B), and A(3) adenosine receptors. In particular, the effect of the chain at the N(8) pyrazole nitrogen was analyzed. This study allowed us to identify the derivative with the methyl group at the N(8) pyrazole combined with the 4-methoxyphenylcarbamoyl moiety at the N(5) position as the compound with the best binding profile in terms of both affinity and selectivity (hA(3) = 0.2 nM, hA(1)/hA(3) = 5485, hA(2A)/hA(3) = 6950, hA(2B)/hA(3) = 1305). All the compounds proved to be full antagonists in a specific functional model where the inhibition of cAMP generation by IB-MECA was measured in membranes of CHO cells stably transfected with the human A(3) receptor. The new compounds are among the most potent and selective A(3) antagonists so far described. The derivatives with higher affinity at human A(3) adenosine receptors proved to be antagonists, in the cAMP assay, capable of inhibiting the effect of IB-MECA with IC(50) values in the nanomolar range, with a trend strictly similar to that observed in the binding assay. Also a molecular modeling study was carried out, with the aim to identify possible pharmacophore maps. In fact, a sterically controlled structure-activity relationship was found for the N(8) pyrazole substituted derivatives, showing a correlation between the calculated molecular volume of pyrazolo[4,3-e]1,2, 4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine derivatives and their experimental K(i) values.

6-Aminoquinolones as new potential anti-HIV agents

A series of 6-aminoquinolone compounds were evaluated for their in vitro activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Compound 12a, bearing a methyl substituent at the N-1 position and a 4-(2-pyridyl)-1-piperazine moiety at the C-7 position, was the most active in inhibiting HIV-1 replication on de novo infected C8166 human lymphoblastoid cell lines. The 12a EC(50) value was 0.1 microM, a 7-20-fold lower concentration relative to that for compounds 8a and 7a containing a cyclopropyl and tert-butyl substituent at the N-1 position, respectively. When the C-6 amino group was replaced with a fluorine atom, a decreased antiviral effect was observed. The observed effects are selective, since potency is substantially reduced when testing the compounds against the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Active quinolone derivatives very efficiently interact with TAR RNA, which suggests a nucleic acid-targeted mechanism of action.

SEM search for sound production and sound perception organs in a variety of Drosophila species

The discovery of new song types in Hawaiian Drosophila species has raised a question of alternative sound production and sound perception mechanisms in Drosophila. For example D. disjuncta males, which produce song with a carrier frequency of 5,000-6,000 Hz, do not vibrate their wings but only tremble them in a very small amplitude while singing. In our SEM search we found at the wing base of the flies of this species a special structure which could play a part in song production. Our search for auditory sense organs in Drosophila species revealed that the aristae on fly antennae are structurally not as simple as has been assumed. In Hawaiian D. planitibia subgroup species, the fly aristae are more regular than in other Drosophila species and they are also covered with small hairs. We did not find any sign of tympanic hearing organs in any of the studied species, but we discovered on fly legs and wings sensilla which could play a part in sound/vibration perception. Our SEM survey provides a good starting point in the search for alternative pathways for sound production and perception via transmission electron microscopy combined with behavioral studies and electrophysiological recordings in Hawaiian Drosophila species.

Models for the active site of vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases: insight into the solution structure of peroxo vanadium compounds

A combined use of electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), 51V NMR spectroscopy and ab initio calculations has been proved to be a powerful tool for obtaining direct information of the structure and the chemistry of peroxo vanadates in solutions. The analysis of acid solutions containing monoperoxo vanadates showed the occurrence of exchange reactions between solvent molecules in the coordination sphere of the metal. On the other hand, bisperoxo vanadates appear to be less prone to coordinate more than one water or alcohol molecule. The bisperoxo complex [VO5]- in the presence of histidine and histidine-like ligands, at near neutral conditions, has been studied. Coordination of one and two molecules of ligand is observed affording [VO5L]- and [VO5L2]-, respectively. Characterization of these species has been obtained by MSn experiments, which allowed us to distinguish specific fragmentations of the peroxidic moiety.

Interactions between DNA and benzo- and tetrahydrobenzofurocoumarins: thermodynamic and molecular modeling studies

The non-covalent interaction of a series of new water-soluble benzo- and tetrahydrobenzofurocoumarins with salmon testes DNA has been studied using flow linear dichroism, circular dichroism, contact fluorescence energy transfer and ethidium bromide displacement assay. The new derivatives are characterised by having an alkyl amino side chain protonated at physiological pH; this fact strongly enhances the solubility in aqueous media and the affinity for the macromolecule. The results show significant difference in the affinity and the mode of binding among the examined compounds depending on the nature of the fourth condensed ring and the position of the alkylamino side chain. Benzofurocoumarins derivatives bind DNA by undergoing intercalation inside the duplex macromolecule, whereas tetrahydrobenzofurocoumarins derivatives show a substantial tilt relative to the base planes. Molecular modeling studies have been performed to characterise in detail the intercalation mechanism of these benzofurocoumarins to DNA.

New 1,4-anthracene-9,10-dione derivatives as potential anticancer agents

The amino-substituted anthracene-9,10-dione (9,10-anthraquinone) derivatives represent one of the most important classes of potential anticancer agents. To better understand the basic rules governing DNA sequence specificity, we have recently synthesized a new class of D- and L-aminoacyl-anthraquinone derivatives. We have tested these new compounds as cytotoxic agents, and we have correlated their activity with the configuration of the chiral aminoacyl moiety. Molecular modeling studies have been performed to compare the test drugs in terms of steric overlapping.

DNA binding site selection of dimeric and tetrameric Stat5 proteins reveals a large repertoire of divergent tetrameric Stat5a binding sites

We have defined the optimal binding sites for Stat5a and Stat5b homodimers and found that they share similar core TTC(T/C)N(G/A)GAA interferon gamma-activated sequence (GAS) motifs. Stat5a tetramers can bind to tandemly linked GAS motifs, but the binding site selection revealed that tetrameric binding also can be seen with a wide range of nonconsensus motifs, which in many cases did not allow Stat5a binding as a dimer. This indicates a greater degree of flexibility in the DNA sequences that allow binding of Stat5a tetramers than dimers. Indeed, in an oligonucleotide that could bind both dimers and tetramers, it was possible to design mutants that affected dimer binding without affecting tetramer binding. A spacing of 6 bp between the GAS sites was most frequently selected, demonstrating that this distance is favorable for Stat5a tetramer binding. These data provide insights into tetramer formation by Stat5a and indicate that the repertoire of potential binding sites for this transcription factor is broader than expected.

New benzoquinolizin-5-one derivatives as furocoumarin analogs: DNA-interactions and molecular modeling studies

Three derivatives of 1H,5H and 3H,5H-benzo[ij]quinolizin-5-one (BQZ1), previously prepared by chemical synthesis with the aim of obtaining furocoumarin analogs, have been studied. These are able to intercalate inside DNA and by subsequent irradiation with UVA light, to photoreact with DNA. Compound I (10-methoxy-7-methyl-1H,5H-benzo[ij]quinolizin-5-one) has a potentially photoreactive 2,3 double bond because of its conjugation with the pyridine ring of quinolinone, while compounds II (10-acetoxy-7-methyl-3H,5H-benzo[ij]quinolizin-5-one) and III (10-methoxy-7-methyl-3H,5H-benzo[ij]quinolizin-5-one) have a potentially photoreactive 1,2 double bond conjugated with the benzene ring of quinolinone. Compounds I and III, having a tricyclic planar structure, intercalate inside the DNA, while compound II cannot intercalate efficiently because of the steric hindrance of the acetoxy group in 10, lying outside the plane of the molecule and rotated by an angle of 77.6 degrees with respect to the tricyclic plane. The photoreaction of BQZ with DNA structure, as already known for psoralen and angelicin derivatives, consists of a [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction with the pyrimidine bases. The main photoadduct between the 2,3 double bond of I and the 5,6 double bond of thymine has been isolated and characterized by NMR, showing a cis-anti structure. Theoretical calculations, using AM1 Hamiltonian, have been carried out to describe the photocycloaddition reaction mechanism better. From a theoretical point of view, in the case of BQZ both the 1,2 or 2,3 double bonds and the 6,7 double bond may be involved in the [2 + 2] photocycloaddition. Spin densities and molecular orbital symmetries of compound I, in its triplet state, suggest that the 2,3 double bond interacts favorably with the 5,6 double bond of thymine moiety. On the contrary, the acetoxy substituent in position 10 of II seems to play a negative role in the DNA intercalation process.

Binding of bis-substituted 2-aza-anthracenedione regioisomers to DNA: effects of the relative positioning of the side chains

The DNA-binding properties of a series of 2-aza-anthracenedione (benz[g]isoquinoline-5,10-dione) derivatives bearing two 3-dimethylaminopropylamino side chains at different (6,9, 7,9 and 8,9) positions of the planar ring system have been investigated. The affinity for the nucleic acid is dramatically affected by the substitution pattern, the 6,9-regioisomer being substantially more effective than the 7,9- or the 8,9-congeners. This cannot be ascribed to different binding mechanisms, as all compounds are shown to intercalate into the double helix. Instead, the geometry of intercalation into DNA and the site specificity are extensively affected by the substitution pattern. The site preference is CA (or AC) for the 6,9-regioisomer, whereas it is TA (or AT) for the 8,9-congener, the 7,9-analogue lying in between. Molecular modeling studies are in agreement with the experimental results. Although the 6,9-regioisomer was remarkably cytotoxic, it stimulated topoisomerase II-mediated cleavage of DNA very poorly. Hence, a different mechanism of DNA damage is probably operating in 2-aza-anthracenediones as the main cell-killing event. Changes in affinity for DNA, intercalation geometry and sequence specificity can explain the different cytotoxic responses exhibited by the test drugs.

[Leishmaniasis outbreak in Cancha Larga, Chaco, Argentina]

A leishmanioasis outbreak is reported among the inhabitants of an endemic area for this disease located in Cancha Larga, Chaco in Argentina. Frotis and biopsy confirmed that 11.8% of the whole population was affected. They were all treated with meglumine antimonate.

DNA-binding preferences of bisantrene analogues: relevance to the sequence specificity of drug-mediated topoisomerase II poisoning

To elucidate structure-activity relationships for drugs that are able to poison or inhibit topoisomerase II, we investigated the thermodynamics and stereochemistry of the DNA binding of a number of anthracene derivatives bearing one or two 4, 5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl-hydrazone side chains (characteristic of bisantrene) at different positions of the planar aromatic system. An aza-bioisostere, which can be considered a bisantrene-amsacrine hybrid, was also tested. The affinity for nucleic acids in different sequence contexts was evaluated by spectroscopic techniques, using various experimental conditions. DNA-melting and DNase I footprinting experiments were also performed. The location and number of the otherwise identical side chains dramatically affected the affinity of the test compounds for the nucleic acid. In addition, the new compounds exhibited different DNA sequence preferences, depending on the locations of the dihydroimidazolyl-hydrazone groups, which indicates a major role for the side-chain position in generating specific contacts with the nucleic acid. Molecular modeling studies of the intercalative binding of the 1- or 9-substituted isomers to DNA fully supported the experimental data, because a substantially more favorable recognition of A-T steps, compared with G-C steps, was found for the 9-substituted derivative, whereas a much closer energy balance was found for the 1-substituted isomer. These results compare well with the alteration of base specificity found for the topoisomerase II-mediated DNA cleavage stimulated by the isomeric drugs. Therefore, DNA-binding specificity appears to represent an important determinant for the recognition of the topoisomerase-DNA cleavable complex by the drug, at least for poisons belonging to the amsacrine-bisantrene family.

Derivatives of the triazoloquinazoline adenosine antagonist (CGS 15943) having high potency at the human A2B and A3 receptor subtypes

The adenosine antagonist 9-chloro-2-(2-furanyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[1, 5-c]quinazolin-5-amine (CGS 15943) binds nonselectively to human A1, A2A, and A3 receptors with high affinity. Acylated derivatives and one alkyl derivative of the 5-amino group and other modifications were prepared in an effort to enhance A2B or A3 subtype potency. In general, distal modifications of the N5-substituent were highly modulatory to potency and selectivity at adenosine receptors, as determined in radioligand binding assays at rat brain A1 and A2A receptors and at recombinant human A3 receptors. In Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with human A2B receptor cDNA, inhibition of agonist-induced cyclic AMP production was measured. An N5-(2-iodophenyl)acetyl derivative was highly selective for A2A receptors. An (R)-N5-alpha-methyl(phenylacetyl) derivative was the most potent derivative at A3 receptors, with a Ki value of 0.36 nM. A bulky N5-diphenylacetyl derivative, 13, displayed a Ki value of 0. 59 nM at human A3 receptors and was moderately selective for that subtype. Thus, a large, nondiscriminating hydrophobic region occurs in the A3 receptor in proximity to the N5-substituent. A series of straight-chain N5-aminoalkylacyl derivatives demonstrated that for A2B receptors the optimal chain length occurs with three methylene groups, i.e., the N5-gamma-aminobutyryl derivative 27 which had a pA2 value of 8.0 but was not selective for A2B receptors. At A1, A2A, and A3 receptors however the optimum occurs with four methylene groups. An N5-pivaloyl derivative, which was less potent than 27 at A1, A2A, and A3 receptors, retained moderate potency at A2B receptors. A molecular model of the 27-A2B receptor complex based on the structure of rhodopsin utilizing a "cross-docking" procedure was developed in order to visualize the environment of the ligand binding site.

Mapping drug interactions at the covalent topoisomerase II-DNA complex by bisantrene/amsacrine congeners

To identify structural determinants for the sequence-specific recognition of covalent topoisomerase II-DNA complexes by anti-cancer drugs, we investigated a number of bisantrene congeners, including a 10-azabioisoster, bearing one or two 4, 5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl hydrazone side chains at positions 1, 4, or 9 of the anthracene ring system. The studied bisantrene/amsacrine (m-AMSA) hybrid and bisantrene isomers were able to poison DNA topoisomerase II with an intermediate activity between those of bisantrene and m-AMSA. Moving the side chain from the central to a lateral ring (from C-9 to C-1/C-4) only slightly modified the drug DNA affinity, whereas it dramatically affected local base preferences of poison-stimulated DNA cleavage. In contrast, switching the planar aromatic systems of bisantrene and m-AMSA did not substantially alter the sequence specificity of drug action. A computer-assisted steric and electrostatic alignment analysis of the test compounds was in agreement with the experimental data, since a common pharmacophore was shared by bisantrene, m-AMSA, and 9-substituted analogs, whereas the 1-substituted isomer showed a radically changed pharmacophoric structure. Thus, the relative space occupancy and electron distribution of putative DNA binding (aromatic rings) and enzyme binding (side chains) moieties are fundamental in directing the specific action of topoisomerase II poisons and in determining the poison pharmacophore.