Identification of a highly potent and selective DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) inhibitor (NU7441) by screening of chromenone libraries

A solution-phase multiple-parallel synthesis approach was employed for the preparation of 6-, 7- and 8-aryl-substituted chromenone libraries, which were screened as inhibitors of the DNA repair enzyme DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). These studies resulted in the identification of 8-dibenzothiophen-4-yl-2-morpholin-4-yl-chromen-4-one (NU7441) as a highly potent and selective DNA-PK inhibitor (IC50=14 nM), exhibiting ATP-competitive inhibition kinetics.

Inhibition of monoamine oxidases by functionalized coumarin derivatives: biological activities, QSARs, and 3D-QSARs

A large series of coumarin derivatives (71 compounds) were tested for their monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B) inhibitory activity. Most of the compounds acted preferentially on MAO-B with IC(50) values in the micromolar to low-nanomolar range; high inhibitory activities toward MAO-A were also measured for sulfonic acid esters. The most active compound was 7-[(3, 4-difluorobenzyl)oxy]-3,4-dimethylcoumarin, with an IC(50) value toward MAO-B of 1.14 nM. A QSAR study of 7-X-benzyloxy meta-substituted 3,4-dimethylcoumarin derivatives acting on MAO-B yielded good statistical results (q(2)() = 0.72, r(2)() = 0.86), revealing the importance of lipophilic interactions in modulating the inhibition and excluding any dependence on electronic properties. CoMFA was performed on two data sets of MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors. The GOLPE procedure, with variable selection criteria, was applied to improve the predictivity of the models and to facilitate the graphical interpretation of results.

In vivo antitumor, in vitro antibacterial activity and alkylating properties of phosphorohydrazine derivatives of coumarin and chromone

The aim of this research was to examine chemical and biological properties of the products (4a-c/5a-c, 8b-c, 9a-b) of the reaction of methyl chromone-3-carboxylate (2), 3-formyl-4-hydroxycoumarin (3), 3-formylchromone (6) and chromone 3-carbonyl chloride (7) with phosphorus hydrazides (1a-c). For structure and keto-enol tautomerism analyses (1)H, (13)C, (31)P NMR spectroscopy was used. The ring transformation species (4a-c/5a-c) containing the coumarin ring (5a-c) were predominant in the solution. The chromone series 8b-c and 9a-b was obtained in reaction of phosphorus hydrazides (1a-c) with 3-formylchromone (6) and chromone-3-carbonyl chloride (7). Alkylating activity of phosphorohydrazides of coumarin and chromone was determined with in vitro Preussmann test (NBP test). Some of the compounds were examined towards antitumor and antibacterial activity. Compounds 4b-c/5b-c and 9a demonstrated in vitro antitumor activity against P388 leukemia. Antineoplastic activity of the compounds 4b/5b and 9a combined with methotrexate was showed using L1210 murine leukemia.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of some new 3-hydroxy-2-(1-phenyl-3-aryl-4-pyrazolyl) chromones

Seven new 3-hydroxy-2-(1-phenyl-3-aryl-4-pyrazolyl) chromones 4a-g have been synthesized by the oxidation of 2-hydroxychalcone analogues of pyrazole 3a-g with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in KOH-MeOH by Algar Flynn Oymanda (AFO) reaction. The structures of the compounds 4 were established by the combined use of (1)H NMR, IR and mass spectra. All the seven compounds were tested in vitro for their antifungal activity against three phytopathogenic fungi, namely Helminthosporium species, Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata. Five compounds 4a, 4b, 4c, 4e and 4f were associated with substantially higher antifungal activity than commercial antifungal compound Actidione (cycloheximide) against all three phytopathogenic fungi.

Discovery of potent chromen-4-one inhibitors of the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) using a small-molecule library approach

Structure-activity relationships for inhibition of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) have been defined for substituted chromen-4-ones. For the 2-amino-substituted benzo[h]chromen-4-ones, a morpholine substituent at this position was essential for activity. Small libraries of 6- and 7-alkoxy-substituted chromen-4-ones showed that a number of 7-alkoxy-substituted chromenones displayed improved activity. Focused libraries incorporating 6-, 7-, and 8-aryl and heteroaryl substituents were prepared. In these cases, 6- and 7-substitution was disfavored, whereas 8-substitution was largely tolerated. Surprisingly, two compounds, 2-N-morpholino-8-dibenzofuranyl-chromen-4-one (NU7427, 32{38}) and the 2-N-morpholino-8-dibenzothiophenyl-chromen-4-one (NU7441, 32{26}) were excellent inhibitors (IC50 vs DNA-PK = 40 and 13 nM, respectively). The ring-saturated analogue 2-N-morpholino-8-(6',7',8',9'-tetrahydrodibenzothiophene)chromen-4-one, 36, retained potent activity (IC50 vs DNA-PK = 23 nM). The dibenzothiophene 32{38} sensitized HeLa cells to ionizing radiation in vitro, with dose modification factors of 2.5 at 10% survival being observed at 0.5 microM. The cytotoxicity of the topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide was also potentiated.

Selective benzopyranone and pyrimido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one inhibitors of DNA-dependent protein kinase: synthesis, structure-activity studies, and radiosensitization of a human tumor cell line in vitro

A diverse range of chromen-2-one, chromen-4-one and pyrimidoisoquinolin-4-one derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activity against the DNA repair enzyme DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), with a view to elucidating structure-activity relationships for potency and kinase selectivity. DNA-PK inhibitory activity varied widely over the series of compounds evaluated (IC(50) values ranged from 0.19 to >10 microM), with excellent activity being observed for the 7,8-benzochromen-4-one and pyrimido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one templates. By contrast, inhibitors based on the benzochromen-2-one (coumarin) or 2-aryl-7,8-benzochromen-4-one (flavone) scaffolds were less potent. Crucially, these studies revealed a very constrained structure-activity relationship at the 2-position of the benzopyranone and pyrimido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one pharmacophore, with only a 2-morpholino or 2-(2'-methylmorpholino) group being tolerated at this position. More detailed biological studies conducted with the most potent inhibitor NU7163 (48; IC(50) = 0.19 microM) demonstrated ATP-competitive DNA-PK inhibition, with a K(i) value of 24 nM, and 48 exhibited selectivity for DNA-PK compared with the related enzymes ATM, ATR, mTOR, and PI 3-K (p110alpha). Compound 48 sensitized the HeLa human tumor cell line to the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation in vitro, a dose modification factor of 2.3 at 10% survival being observed with an inhibitor concentration of 5 microM. This study identified these structural classes as novel DNA-PK inhibitors and delineated initial structure-activity relationships against DNA-PK.

Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of 3-Iodochromones and Heteroatom Analogues via ICl-Induced Cyclization

The ICl-induced cyclization of heteroatom-substituted alkynones provides a simple, highly efficient approach to various 3-iodochromones and analogues. This process is run under mild conditions, tolerates various functional groups, and generally provides chromones in good to excellent yields. Subsequent palladium-catalyzed transformations afford a rapid increase in molecular complexity and a convenient preparation of a wide range of functionally substituted chromones, furans, and polycyclic compounds. Iodothiochromenones and iodoquinolinones are also prepared by similar ICl-induced cyclizations.

Studies on antianaphylactic agents. 5. Synthesis of 3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)chromones, a new series of antiallergic substances

A number of 3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)chromones were synthesized and found to have antiallergic activity in the rat passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) test. These compounds are active when administered orally in rats and of possible value for the treatment of asthma.

Identification of novel adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists by virtual screening

Virtual screening was performed against experimentally enabled homology models of the adenosine A(2A) receptor, identifying a diverse range of ligand efficient antagonists (hit rate 9%). By use of ligand docking and Biophysical Mapping (BPM), hits 1 and 5 were optimized to potent and selective lead molecules (11-13 from 5, pK(I) = 7.5-8.5, 13- to >100-fold selective versus adenosine A(1); 14-16 from 1, pK(I) = 7.9-9.0, 19- to 59-fold selective).

A new class of nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors: design and synthesis of chromone and xanthone derivatives and inhibition of the P450 enzymes aromatase and 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase

Aromatase (P450arom) is a target of pharmacological interest for the treatment of breast cancer. In this paper, we report the design, synthesis, and in vitro biological evaluation of a series of new (di)benzopyranone-based inhibitors of this enzyme. The design of the new compounds was guided by a CoMFA model previously developed for a series of nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors. Both the chromone and the xanthone nuclei were taken as molecular skeletons, and the functions supposed to be critical for binding to the aromatase active site - a heterocyclic ring (imidazole or 1,3,4-triazole) linked to the aromatic moiety by a methylene unit and an H-bond accepting function (CN, NO(2), Br) located on the aromatic ring at a suitable distance from the heterocyclic nitrogen carrying the lone pair--were attached to them. The chromone, xanthone, and flavone derivatives were prepared by conventional synthetic methods from the appropriate methyl analogues. Aromatase inhibitory activities were determined by the method of Thompson and Siiteri, using human placental microsomes and [1 beta,2 beta-(3)H]testosterone as the labeled substrate. All the compounds were also tested on 17 alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase (P450 17), an enzyme of therapeutic interest for the treatment of prostatic diseases. The goal to find new potent inhibitors of aromatase was reached with the xanthone derivatives 22d,e (IC(50) values 43 and 40 nM, respectively), which exceeded the potency of the known reference drug fadrozole and also showed high selectivity with respect to P450 17. Moreover, compounds 22g-i based on the same xanthonic nucleus showed fairly high potency as P450 17 inhibitors (IC(50) values 220, 130, and 42 nM, respectively). Thus, they might be new leads for the development of drug candidates for androgen-dependent diseases.

Synthesis, characterization, and DNA-binding properties of the Ln(III) complexes with 6-hydroxy chromone-3-carbaldehyde-(2′-hydroxy) benzoyl hydrazone

A new ligand, 6-hydroxy chromone-3-carbaldehyde-(2'-hydroxy) benzoyl hydrazone (L), was prepared by condensation of 6-hydroxy-3-carbaldehyde chromone (CDC) with 2-hydroxy benzoyl hydrazine. Its four rare earth complexes have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, molar conductivities, mass spectra, 1H NMR, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), UV-vis spectra, fluorescence spectra, and IR spectra. The general formula of the complexes is [LnL2.(NO3)2].NO3 [Ln=La(1), Sm(2), Dy(3), Eu(4)]. Spectrometric titration, ethidium bromide displacement experiments, and viscosity measurements indicate that Eu(III) complex and ligand, especially the Eu(III) complex, strongly bind with calf-thymus DNA, presumably via an intercalation mechanism. The intrinsic binding constants of Eu(III) complex and ligand with DNA were 3.55 x 10(6) and 1.33 x 10(6)M(-1) through fluorescence titration data, respectively. In addition, the suppression ratio for O2-* and OH* of the ligand and its complexes was studied by spectrophotometric methods. The experimental results show that La (1), Sm (2), and Eu (4) complexes are better effective inhibitor for OH* than that of mannitol. It indicates that the complexes have the activity to suppress O2-* and OH* and exhibit more effective antioxidants than ligand alone.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Inhibition of cytosolic/tumor-associated carbonic anhydrase isozymes I, II, IX, and XII with Schiff’s bases incorporating chromone and aromatic sulfonamide moieties, and their zinc complexes

A series of Schiff's bases was prepared by reaction of 3-formyl-chromone or 6-methyl-3-formyl-chromone with aromatic sulfonamides, such as sulfanilamide, homosulfanilamide, 4-aminoethyl-benzenesulfonamide, a pyrimidinyl-substituted sulfanilamide derivative, sulfaguanidine and 4-amino-6-trifluoromethyl-benzene-1,3-disulfonamide. The zinc complexes of these sulfonamides have also been obtained. The new derivatives and their Zn(II) complexes were investigated for the inhibition of four physiologically relevant isozymes of carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1): the cytosolic isoforms I and II, as well as the tumor-associated, transmembrane isozymes CA IX and XII. Except for the sulfaguanidine-derived compounds which were devoid of activity against all isozymes, the other sulfonamides and their metal complexes showed interesting inhibitory activity. Against isozyme CA I, the inhibition constants were in the range of 13-100 nM, against isozyme CA II in the range of 1.9-102 nM, against isozyme CA IX in the range of 6.3-48nM, and against CA XII in the range of 5.9-50nM. Generally, the formyl-chromone derived compounds were better CA inhibitors as compared to the corresponding 6-methyl-chromone derivatives, and for the simple, benzenesulfonamide derivatives activity increased with an increase of the spacer from sulfanilamide to homosulfanilamide and 4-aminoethylbenzenesulfonamide derivatives, respectively. Some of these compounds may show applications for the development of therapies targeting hypoxic tumors in which CA IX and XII are often highly overexpressed.

Synthesis, molecular characterization, and biological activity of novel synthetic derivatives of chromen-4-one in human cancer cells

The synthesis and characterization of Schiff base derivatives of 3-formylchromone 3-6 (FPA-120 to FPA-123), the minimal biologically active structural motif of soy isoflavone, genistein, and their copper(II) complexes 7-10 (FPA-124 to FPA-127) are reported here. These copper complexes possess distorted square-planar geometries capable of stabilizing Cu2+/Cu+ redox forms. The molecular modeling study revealed that the key interaction of the metal complexes was with amino acids in the pleckstrin homology (PH) and the kinase domain of the PKB (Akt) protein. Copper complex 7 significantly forms stronger charge interactions in the kinase domain than genistein, leading to better stabilization in the active pocket. In vitro evaluation of copper complexes against hormone-independent and metastatic breast (BT20), prostate (PC-3), and K-ras mutant (COLO 357) and K-ras wild-type (BxPC-3) pancreatic cancer cells revealed that 7 was the most potent compound which exhibited PKB (Akt protein) inhibitory activities and caused NF-kappaB inactivation in a well-established orthotopic pancreatic tumor model using COLO 357 cells. An inverse relationship was observed between IC50 values of the anti-proliferative activities and the Cu2+/Cu+ redox couple for these compounds, which may provide a rapid screen for evaluating the efficacy of active metallodrugs affecting redox-sensitive transcription factors such as NF-kappaB and its upstream target, the PKB (Akt) pathway, in multiple cancers.

Modulation of P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance by flavonoid derivatives and analogues

Flavonoid derivatives were synthesized and tested for their ability to modulate P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) in vitro. These compounds belong to various flavonoid subclasses, namely: chromones, azaisoflavones, and aurones. Among the investigated compounds, three showed potent reversing activity. 2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl)-5-hydroxychromone (4a), 5,7-dimethoxy-3-phenyl-4-quinolone (5), and 4,6-dimethoxyaurone (6) potentiated daunorubicin cytotoxicity on resistant K562 cells. They were also able to increase the intracellular accumulation of rhodamine-123, a fluorescent molecule which acts as a probe of P-glycoprotein-mediated MDR. This suggests that these compounds act, at least in part, by inhibiting P-glycoprotein activity. The most active compound, 5-hydroxy-2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-ylcarbonyl)chromone (4a) was found to be a powerful reversal agent, more potent than cyclosporin A, used as the reference molecule. No effect was observed on MRP transport nor on cell proliferation. Little apoptosis was induced on K562S cells with 4a compared to K562R, probably due to the extrusion of the compound by Pgp.

Effects of novel inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 and the DNA-dependent protein kinase on enzyme activities and DNA repair

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) participate in nonhomologous end joining and base excision repair, respectively, and are key determinants of radio- and chemo-resistance. Both PARP-1 and DNA-PK have been identified as therapeutic targets for anticancer drug development. Here we investigate the effects of specific inhibitors on enzyme activities and DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. The enzyme activities were investigated using purified enzymes and in permeabilized cells. Inhibition, or loss of activity, was compared using potent inhibitors of DNA-PK (NU7026) and PARP-1 (AG14361), and cell lines proficient or deficient for DNA-PK or PARP-1. Inactive DNA-PK suppressed the activity of PARP-1 and vice versa. This was not the consequence of simple substrate competition, since DNA ends were provided in excess. The inhibitory effect of DNA-PK on PARP activity was confirmed in permeabilized cells. Both inhibitors prevented ionizing radiation-induced DSB repair, but only AG14361 prevented single-strand break repair. An increase in DSB levels caused by inhibition of PARP-1 was shown to be caused by a decrease in DSB repair, and not by the formation of additional DSBs. These data point to combined inhibition of PARP-1 and DNA-PK as a powerful strategy for tumor radiosensitization.

Coumarin and chromen-4-one analogues as tautomerase inhibitors of macrophage migration inhibitory factor: discovery and X-ray crystallography

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine released from T-cells and macrophages. Although a detailed understanding of the biological functions of MIF has not yet been clarified, it is known that MIF catalyzes the tautomerization of a nonphysiological molecule, D-dopachrome. Using a structure-based computer-assisted search of two databases of commercially available compounds, we have found 14 novel tautomerase inhibitors of MIF whose K(i) values are in the range of 0.038-7.4 microM. We also have determined the crystal structure of MIF complexed with the hit compound 1. It showed that the hit compound is located in the active site of MIF containing the N-terminal proline which plays an important role in the tautomerase reaction and forms several hydrogen bonds and undergoes hydrophobic interactions. A crystallographic study also revealed that there is a hydrophobic surface which consists of Pro-33, Tyr-36, Trp-108, and Phe-113 at the rim of the active site of MIF, and molecular modeling studies indicated that several more potent hit compounds have the aromatic rings which can interact with this hydrophobic surface. To our knowledge, our compounds are the most potent tautomerase inhibitors of MIF. One of these small, drug-like molecules has been cocrystallized with MIF and binds to the active site for tautomerase activity. Molecular modeling also suggests that the other hit compounds can bind in a similar fashion.

Synthesis of Succinimide-Containing Chromones, Naphthoquinones, and Xanthones under Rh(III) Catalysis: Evaluation of Anticancer Activity

The weakly coordinating ketone group directed C-H functionalizations of chromones, 1,4-naphthoquinones, and xanthones with various maleimides under rhodium(III) catalysis are described. These protocols efficiently provide a range of succinimide-containing chromones, naphthoquinones, and xanthones with excellent site selectivity and functional group compatibility. All synthetic compounds were screened for in vitro anticancer activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7). In particular, compounds 7aa and 7ca with a naphthoquinone scaffold were found to be highly cytotoxic, with an activity competitive with anticancer agent doxorubicin.

Synthesis, antimicrobial activity and bleaching effect of some reaction products of 4-oxo-4H-benzopyran-3-carboxaldehydes with aminobenzothiazoles and hydrazides

The synthesis of the biologically active novel systems derived from reaction of 3-formylchromones with three types of amino derivatives, 6-R2-2-aminobenzothiazoles, 6-amino-2-R3-thiobenzothiazoles and hydrazide derivatives (derived from cyanoacetic, isonicotine, salicylic and gallic acids) was carried out. The structures of the prepared compounds have been proved by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and IR spectra. Antimicrobial activity was studied against the following microorganisms--bacteria G+ (Staphylococcus aureus 29/58, Bacillus subtilis 18/66), G- (Escherichia coli 326/71, Pseudomonas aeruginosa); yeasts: Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae; moulds: Microsporum gypseum, Aspergillus niger, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis; and against typical and atypical mycobacteria: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv), Mycobacterium kansasii (PFG 8), Mycobacterium avium (My 80/72), Mycobacterium fortuitum (1021). The hereditary bleaching effect on the plastid system of Euglena gracilis, a unique phenomenon of the biological activity of chromone derivatives, is reported. The bleaching test on E. gracilis is used for detecting extranuclear mutations.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel 6-chloro-/fluorochromone derivatives as potential topoisomerase inhibitor anticancer agents

6-Chloro-2-pyrrolidino-/morpholino-/piperidino-/N-methylpiperazino-3-formyl-chromones (13-16) and 6-fluoro-2,7-di-morpholino-/piperidino-/N-methylpiperazino-3-formylchromones (17-19) have been synthesized as potential topoisomerase inhibitor anticancer agents, and evaluated, in vitro, against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells, and also in vivo on EAC bearing mice. The compounds displayed promising anticancer activity under these test systems and shall serve as useful 'leads' for further design.

Synthesis, structural characterization, fluorescence, antimicrobial, antioxidant and DNA cleavage studies of Cu(II) complexes of formyl chromone Schiff bases

Cu(II) complexes have been synthesized from different Schiff bases, such as 3-((2-hydroxy phenylimino)methyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (HL(1)), 2-((4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylneamino) benzoicacid (HL(2)), 3-((3-hydroxypyridin-2-ylimino)methyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (HL(3)) and 3-((2-mercaptophenylimino)methyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (HL(4)). The complexes were characterized by analytical, molar conductance, IR, electronic, magnetic, ESR, thermal, powder XRD and SEM studies. The analytical data reveal that metal to ligand molar ratio is 1:2 in all the complexes. Molar conductivity data indicates that all the Cu(II) complexes are neutral. On the basis of magnetic and electronic spectral data, distorted octahedral geometry is proposed for all the Cu(II) complexes. Thermal behaviour of the synthesized complexes illustrates the presence of lattice water molecules in the complexes. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that all the ligands and their Cu(II) complexes have triclinic system with different unit cell parameters. Antimicrobial, antioxidant and DNA cleavage activities indicate that metal complexes exhibited greater activity as compared with ligands.

Structural Studies on Bioactive Compounds. 40. Synthesis and Biological Properties of Fluoro-, Methoxyl-, and Amino-Substituted 3-Phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-ones and a Comparison of Their Antitumor Activities with the Activities of Related 2-Phenylbenzothiazoles

A new series of fluoro-, methoxyl-, and amino-substituted isoflavones have been synthesized as potential antitumor agents based on structural similarities to known flavones and isoflavones (quercetin and genistein respectively) and antitumor 2-phenylbenzothiazoles. Target compounds were synthesized using palladium-catalyzed coupling methodologies to construct the central aryl carbon-carbon single bond. The new isoflavone derivatives were tested for in vitro activity in human breast (MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7) and colon (HT29 and HCT-116) cancer cell lines. Low micromolar GI50 values were obtained in a number of cases, with the MDA-MB-468 cell line being the most sensitive overall. Notably, significant potentiation of growth inhibitory activity (GI50<1 microM for 12d, 12f, 12h, 12k, 12l, 12o but not the methylene-bridged derivative 12i) was observed when MDA-MB-468 cells were co-incubated with TBDD, a powerful inducer of cytochrome P450 (CYP)-1A1 activity, suggesting that isoflavone derivatives can act as substrates for CYP1A1 bioactivation.

Thio- and oxoflavopiridols, cyclin-dependent kinase 1-selective inhibitors: synthesis and biological effects

Flavopiridol analogues, thio- and oxoflavopiridols which contain a sulfur (16) or oxygen (18) atom linker between a chromone ring and the hydrophobic side chain, are selective cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) inhibitors with an IC(50) of 110 and 130 nM. These analogues were prepared from key intermediate 7 by substituting the ethyl sulfoxide. Enantio pure intermediate piperidone 10 was obtained from the racemic piperidone 8 via a very efficient "dynamic kinetic resolution" in 76% yield. Hydrophobic side chains such as chlorophenyl or tert-butyl produced potent CDK1 inhibitory activity, while hydrophilic side chains such as pyrimidine or aniline caused a severe reduction in CDK inhibitory activity. These analogues are competitive inhibitors with respect to ATP, and therefore activity was dependent upon the CDK subunit without being affected by the cyclin subunit or protein substrate. Thio- and oxoflavopiridols 16 and 18 are not only selective within the CDK family but also discriminated between unrelated serine/threonine and tyrosine protein kinases. CDK1 selective thio- and oxoflavopiridol analogues inhibit the colony-forming ability of multiple human tumor cell lines and possess a unique antiproliferative profile in comparison to flavopiridol.

Anti-AIDS agents. 60. Substituted 3'R,4'R-di-O-(-)-camphanoyl-2',2'-dimethyldihydropyrano[2,3-f]chromone (DCP) analogues as potent anti-HIV agents

Synthesis of positional isomers is a commonly used technique in drug design. Accordingly, based on prior SAR studies of 3'R,4'R-di-O-(S)-camphanoyl-(+)-cis-khellactone (DCK, 1) analogues, a series of mono- and disubstituted chromone derivatives of 3'R,4'R-di-O-(-)-camphanoyl-2',2'-dimethyldihydropyrano[2,3-f]chromone (DCP, 4) were designed and synthesized. Together with 1 and 4-methyl DCK (2), all newly synthesized DCP analogues (4-21) were screened for anti-HIV-1 activity against a non-drug-resistant strain in H9 lymphocytes and a multiple reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor-resistant strain in the MT4 cell line. Several DCP analogues (4, 5, 7, 8, 13, and 17) exhibited extremely high anti-HIV activity in the non-drug-resistant strain assay, with EC(50) values ranging from 0.00032 to 0.0057 microM and remarkable therapeutic indexes (TI) ranging from 5.6 x 10(3) to 1.16 x 10(5), which were similar to those of 2 (EC(50) 0.0059 microM, TI > 6.6 x 10(3)) and better than those of 1 (EC(50) 0.049 microM, TI > 328). Even more promisingly, some DCP analogues also showed activity against a multi-RT inhibitor-resistant strain, HIV-1 RTMDR1, whereas most DCK analogues did not. The most significant compound was 8, with an EC(50) value of 0.06 microM and TI of 718 against the multi-RT inhibitor-resistant HIV-1 strain. Compounds 9 and 10 also showed good activity with an EC(50) value of 0.14 microM, and TIs of 272 and >111, respectively. 2-Ethyl DCP (8) exhibited the best anti-HIV activity in both assays. Further development of 8-related compounds as clinical trial candidates is warranted.

Formylchromone derivatives as a novel class of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

Formylchromone inhibits a human protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B with a IC(50) value of 73 microM. The chemical reactivity of formylchromone was adjusted by substitution at various positions of the formylchromone skeleton. In an initial assessment of the structure-activity relationship, the most potent inhibitor showed an IC(50) of 4.3 microM against PTP1B and strong or medium selectivity against other human PTPases, LAR and TC-PTP. This compound, however, was not selective against microbial PTPases, YPTP1 and YOP. The potency and selectivity of the formylchromone derivatives expecting further improvements provides a novel pharmacophore for the design of drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Synthesis of antimicrobial 2,9,10-trisubstituted-6-oxo-7,12-dihydro-chromeno[3,4-b]quinoxalines

A new series of 2,9,10-trisubstituted-6-oxo-7,12-dihydro-chromeno[3,4-b]quinoxalines was synthesized and submitted to antibacterial and antifungal activities. Result of the antimicrobial screening showed the compound 4j being the most effective among the various treatments in antimicrobial screening. Compounds 4c, 4d, 4k, and 4l showed moderate activity against the microorganisms tested.