New structure-activity relationship studies in a series of N,N-bis(cyclohexanol)amine aryl esters as potent reversers of P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR).

As a continuation of previous research on a new series of potent and efficacious P-gp-dependent multidrug resistant (MDR) reversers with a N,N-bis(cyclohexanol)amine scaffold, we have designed and synthesized several analogs by modulation of the two aromatic moieties linked through ester functions to the N,N-bis(cyclohexanol)amine, aiming to optimize activity and to extend structure-activity relationships (SAR) within the series. This scaffold, when esterified with two different aromatic carboxylic acids, gives origin to four geometric isomers (cis/trans, trans/trans, cis/cis and trans/cis). The new compounds were tested on doxorubicin-resistant erythroleukemia K562 cells (K562/DOX) in the pirarubicin uptake assay. Most of them resulted in being potent modulators of the extrusion pump P-gp, showing potency values ([I](0.5)) in the submicromolar and nanomolar range. Of these, compounds 2b, 2c, 3d, 5a-d and 6d, showed excellent efficacy with a α(max) close to 1. Selected compounds (2d, 3a, 3b, 5a-d) were further studied to evaluate their doxorubicin cytotoxicity potentiation (RF) on doxorubicin-resistant erythroleukemia K562 cells and were found able to enhance significantly doxorubicin cytotoxicity on K562/DOX cells. The results of both pirarubicin uptake and the cytotoxicity assay, indicate that the new compounds of the series are potent P-gp-mediated MDR reversers. They present a structure with a mix of flexible and rigid moieties, a property that seems critical to allow the molecules to choose the most productive of the several binding modes possible in the transporter recognition site. In particular, compounds 5c and 5d, similar to the already reported analogous isomers 1c and 1d,(29) are potent and efficacious modulators of P-gp-dependent MDR and may be promising leads for the development of MDR-reversal drugs.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3,7-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-ones as potential nootropic and analgesic drugs.

A series of cis and trans 3,7-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-ones has been synthesized and tested for their ability to revert scopolamine-induced amnesia in the mouse passive-avoidance test. The racemates of the most potent compounds 4 and 7 were separated and tested, but no enantioselectivity was found for the nootropic activity. Compounds 4 and 7 and their enantiomers displayed interesting antihyperalgesic activity in two models of neuropathic pain (streptozotocin-induced and oxalilplatin-induced neuropathy) in comparison with pregabalin.

Inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated Multidrug Resistance (MDR) by N,N-bis(cyclohexanol)amine aryl esters: further restriction of molecular flexibility maintains high potency and efficacy.

Conformational modulation of the aryl portion of a set of N,N-bis(cyclohexanol)amine aryl esters (1a-d) that are potent Pgp-dependent MDR inhibitors has been performed. Toward this end the trans-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acrylic acid present in set 1 was substituted with 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propanoic and 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propiolic moieties to give sets 2 and 3, respectively. While the introduction of 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propanoic moiety resulted in a definite drop in potency and efficacy, esterification with 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propiolic acid gave four isomers (3a-d) that maintain high potency and possess optimal efficacy. These results are discussed in terms of conformational flexibility of the different sets of compounds.

Design, synthesis, and preliminary biological evaluation of new isoform-selective f-current blockers.

New I(f) blockers have been designed and tested on HEK293 cells stably expressing the HCN1, HCN2, and HCN4 channels to find compounds able to discriminate among the channel isoforms. Among the synthesized compounds, the cis-butene derivative (R)-5 shows some preference for HCN2 while the pseudodimeric product (R)-6 shows selectivity for HCN1. These compounds can be important pharmacological tools to study the channels in native tissues and may be useful to design safe drugs.

Structure-activity relationships studies in a series of N,N-bis(alkanol)amine aryl esters as P-glycoprotein (Pgp) dependent multidrug resistance (MDR) inhibitors.

As a continuation of a previous research, a series of N,N-bis(alkanol)amine aryl esters, as Pgp-dependent MDR inhibitors, was designed and synthesized. The aromatic ester portions are suitably modulated, and new aryl rings (Ar(1) and Ar(2)) were combined with trans-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)vinyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl and anthracene moieties that were present in the most potent previously studied compounds. The new compounds showed a wide range of potencies and efficacies on doxorubicin-resistant erythroleukemia K562 cells (K562/DOX) in the pirarubicin uptake assay. Selected compounds (5, 6, 8, 9, and 21) were further studied, evaluating their action on doxorubicin cytotoxicity potentiation on K562 cells; they significantly enhanced doxorubicin cytotoxicity on K562/DOX cells, confirming the results obtained with pirarubicin. Compound 9 shows the most promising properties as it was able to nearly completely reverse Pgp-dependent pirarubicin extrusion at nanomolar doses and increased the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin with a reversal fold (RF) of 19.1 at 3 microM dose.

Synthesis, affinity profile and functional activity of potent chiral muscarinic antagonists with a pyrrolidinylfuran structure.

Starting from the structure of previously studied muscarinic agonists, characterized by a pyrrolidinylfuran scaffold, a new series of muscarinic antagonists was synthesized by substituting the 5-position of the furane cycle with bulky hydrophobic groups. Both tertiary amines and the corresponding iodomethyl derivatives were obtained and studied. All the new compounds show high affinity toward cloned human muscarinic M(1)-M(5) receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and behave as competitive antagonists on classical models of muscarinic receptors. The diastereoisomeric mixture of the highest affinity compound of the series was resolved into the four optical isomers by chiral HPLC. The relative and absolute configuration of the obtained compounds was established by means of a combined strategy based on X-ray crystallography and chiroptical techniques. Although generally fairly potent, the compounds showed only modest subtype selectivity, with the exception of 2a and 6a, which in functional assays presented clear-cut selectivity for the muscarinic receptors present in rabbit vas deferens.

Design, synthesis and nootropic activity of new analogues of sunifiram and sapunifiram, two potent cognition-enhancers.

A series of amides and sulfonamides, structurally related to DM235 (sunifiram) and MN19 (sapunifiram), derived by ring expansion or contraction, or by inversion of the exocyclic amide function, have been synthesized and tested for cognition-enhancing activity in the mouse passive-avoidance test. Some of the compounds display good antiamnesic and procognitive activity, with higher potency than piracetam, and with a potency similar to the parent compounds.

N,N-bis(cyclohexanol)amine aryl esters: a new class of highly potent transporter-dependent multidrug resistance inhibitors.

A new series of Pgp-dependent MDR inhibitors having a N,N-bis(cyclohexanol)amine scaffold was designed on the basis of the frozen analogue approach. The scaffold chosen gives origin to different geometrical isomers. The new compounds showed a wide range of potencies and efficacies on doxorubicin-resistant erythroleukemia K562 cells in the pirarubicin uptake assay. The most interesting compounds (isomers of 3) were studied further evaluating their action on the ATPase activity present in rat small intestine membrane vesicles and doxorubicin cytotoxicity potentiation on K562 cells. The latter assay was performed also on the isomers of 4. The four isomers of each set present different behavior in each of these tests. Compound 3d shows the most promising properties as it was able to completely reverse Pgp-dependent pirarubicin extrusion at low nanomolar concentration, inhibited ATPase activity at 5 x 10(-9) and increased the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin with a reversal fold (RF) of 36.4 at 3 microM concentration.

Design, synthesis and preliminary pharmacological evaluation of new analogues of DM232 (unifiram) and DM235 (sunifiram) as cognition modulators.

A series of amides, structurally related to DM232 (unifiram) and DM235 (sunifiram), characterized by a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-a]isoindol-6(2H)-one, 1,4-diamino-cyclohexane or 1,4-diaminobenzene ring, have been synthesized and tested for cognition-enhancing activity in the mouse passive-avoidance test. Some of the compounds display good antiamnesic and procognitive activity, with higher potency than piracetam, while some cyclohexane derivatives are endowed with amnesia inducing properties.

Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of chiral pyrrolidinylfuran derivatives: the discovery of new functionally selective muscarinic agonists.

Building on the previously and successfully applied hypothesis that stereochemical complication in the proximity of the critical cationic head of a cholinergic agonist would result in subtype selective compounds, we synthesized a series of chiral derivatives of furmethide and 5-methylfurmethide, with the aim of obtaining compounds that are useful for treating diseases derived from cholinergic receptor dysfunctions and/or useful for further characterizing subtypes of cholinergic receptors. Unlike their parent compounds, the new molecules lack nicotinic activity, being pure muscarinic ligands. While binding studies on the five cloned human muscarinic receptors showed no subtype selectivity, functional assays revealed that some of the molecules of the series are potent M 2 selective partial agonists with interesting pharmacological profiles.

Muscarinic antagonists with multiple stereocenters: Synthesis, affinity profile and functional activity of isomeric 1-methyl-2-(2,2-alkylaryl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)pyrrolidine sulfoxide derivatives.

Completing a long-lasting research on 1,3-oxathiolane muscarinic ligands, we have synthesized a set of isomeric 1-methyl-2-(2,2-alkylaryl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)pyrrolidine 3-sulfoxide derivatives, containing three or four stereogenic centers. In general the compounds are very potent antagonists even if, unlike the corresponding agonists, they show modest subtype selectivity.

Docking analyses on human muscarinic receptors: unveiling the subtypes peculiarities in agonists binding.

The study presents a docking analysis for the interaction capabilities of some muscarinic receptors (i.e., M(1), M(2), and M(5)) whose full-length models were previously generated by us. In detail, the docking simulations involved a dataset of 30 agonists, taken from the literature, including a first series of oxathiolane/dioxolane congeners and a second subset of more heterogeneous ligands. The obtained results unveil that it is possible to discriminate among the binding modes of considered muscarinic receptors, developing specific interaction patterns which are significantly different for the arrangement of both polar and hydrophobic interactions. Thus, the M(1) subtype possesses the widest binding site, while the M(2) receptor is characterized by a large but asymmetric region that accommodates the ligand's ammonium head and finally the M(5) binding site is quite similar to that of M(2) subtype being univocally characterized by a second aspartate residue which interacts with the ammonium head. The significant correlations between docking scores and affinity values afford an encouraging validation for the reported binding modes and confirm the key role of molecular flexibility in the ligand recognition of muscarinic receptors.

Design, synthesis and preliminary pharmacological evaluation of new piperidine and piperazine derivatives as cognition-enhancers.

A series of 2-oxopiperazine, 4-aminomethyl-, 3-amino- and 3-aminomethylpiperidine analogues of DM235 (sunifiram) and MN19 (sapunifiram), two previously reported potent cognition-enhancers, have been synthesized and tested in the mouse passive-avoidance test. The compounds display minimal effective doses in the range 0.3-10mg/kg. Although the new substances do not show improved activity when compared to the parent compounds, some useful information has been obtained to understand structure-activity relationships. In addition, the 3-aminopiperidine moiety appears to be a promising scaffold to synthesize new drugs endowed with cognition-enhancing activity.

Design, synthesis, and preliminary pharmacological evaluation of new quinoline derivatives as nicotinic ligands.

A series of nicotinic ligands, carrying a quinoline nucleus, and characterized by a pharmacophoric distance between the quinoline nitrogen (H-bond acceptor) and the cationic nitrogen atoms higher than that proposed in the classical pharmacophoric models, have been synthesized and tested for their affinity for the central nicotinic receptor. The enantiomers of the nicotine analogue 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl-6-quinoline and of its methiodide display enantioselectivity in binding studies, but not when tested in vivo; on alpha7* nicotinic receptor enantioselectivity is inverted with respect to the alpha4beta2* subtype. N,N,N-Trimethyl-4-(quinolin-6-yl)but-3-yn-1-ammonium iodide (3c) and trans-N,N,N-trimethyl-4-(quinolin-6-yl)but-3-en-1-ammonium iodide (4c), showing pharmacophoric distances in the range 8.5-10.4 A, interact with the alpha4beta2* nicotinic receptor with Ki in the microM range; compound 3c shows preference for the alpha7* subtype.

Synthesis, affinity profile, and functional activity of muscarinic antagonists with a 1-methyl-2-(2,2-alkylaryl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)pyrrolidine structure.

Starting from a previously studied muscarinic ligand, characterized by a 1,3-oxathiolane nucleus, a new series of muscarinic antagonists were designed by increasing the stereochemical complexity of the molecules. A small library of enantiomeric and diastereomeric 2,2-diphenyl- and 2-cyclohexyl-2-phenyl substituted compounds was thus obtained. All the tested compounds show a high affinity toward cloned human muscarinic hm1-hm5 receptors expressed in CHO cells and a good antagonistic activity on functional assays, with a modest selectivity on rabbit vas deferens.

Isomeric N,N-bis(cyclohexanol)amine aryl esters: the discovery of a new class of highly potent P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-dependent multidrug resistance (MDR) inhibitors.

A new series of P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-dependent multidrug resistance (MDR) inhibitors having a N,N-bis(cyclohexanol)amine scaffold have been designed, following the frozen analog approach. With respect to the parent flexible molecules, the new compounds show improved potency and efficacy. Among them, compound 1d, on anthracycline-resistant erythroleukemia K562 cells, is able to completely reverse Pgp-dependent MDR at low nanomolar concentration.

Highly chiral muscarinic ligands: the discovery of (2S,2'R,3'S,5'R)-1-methyl-2-(2-methyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)pyrrolidine 3-sulfoxide methyl iodide, a potent, functionally selective, M2 partial agonist.

By further steric complication of previously studied highly chiral muscarinic agonists, we have obtained a small chiral library of enantiomeric and diasteromeric 1-methyl-2-(2-methyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)pyrrolidine 3-sulfoxides. Binding studies on cloned human muscarinic receptors expressed in CHO cells show that the introduction of a fourth stereogenic center gives undetectable affinity for hm1, hm3, hm4 and hm5 subtypes while leaving a quite modest affinity only for hm2 subtypes. However, functional studies on model M1-M4 muscarinic tissues have shown that three compounds of the series [(-)-5, (-)-7, (+)-8] are endowed with functional activity and behave as M2 selective partial agonists. Among them, compound (2S,2'R,3'S,5'R)-1-methyl-2-(2-methyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)pyrrolidine 3-sulfoxide methyl iodide [(+)-8] is particularly interesting, as it is a potent partial agonist on guinea pig atrium (force) (M2; pD2=7.65, alpha=0.41) while being a poor antagonist on M1, M3, and M4 model tissues (pKb<5).

Exploratory chemistry toward the identification of a new class of multidrug resistance reverters inspired by pervilleine and verapamil models.

On the basis of the present knowledge of the substrate recognition site of ABC transporter proteins and inspired by the structures of verapamil and pervilleine A, a new class of Pgp-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) reverters has been designed and synthesized. The new compounds are flexible molecules carrying one or two basic nitrogen atoms flanked, at properly modulated distance, by two aromatic moieties. Most of the molecules studied possess MDR inhibitory activity on anthracycline-resistant erythroleukemia K 562 cells, showing a potency that is higher than that of the reference compound verapamil and, in a few cases (7, 12, 13,17, 20, 22, 28), is in the high nanomolar range. These compounds may be useful leads to develop new MDR reverting agents. In fact, the chemical structure of the class is fairly simple and can be implemented in a variety of ways that will allow the synthesis of new compounds that might be useful leads for the development of drugs to control Pgp-dependent MDR.

Design, synthesis, and preliminary pharmacological evaluation of a set of small molecules that directly activate gi proteins.

Heterotrimeric G proteins play a pivotal role in the communication of cells with the environment. G proteins are stimulated by cell surface receptors (GPCR) that catalyze the exchange of GDP, bound to Galpha subunit, with GTP and can per se be the target of drugs. Based on the structure of two nonpeptidic modulators of Gi proteins, a series of new molecules characterized by a long hydrophobic chain and at least two nitrogen atoms protonated at physiological pH was designed. The compounds were tested for their ability to stimulate binding of GTPgammaS to recombinant Gi proteins. Gi activation properties were also evaluated by inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity in intact lymphocytes. Most compounds were able to stimulate GTPgammaS binding and to inhibit cAMP production at micromolar doses. Among the active compounds, 34 showed good efficacy and was the most potent compound studied, particularly on alpha(o) subtype; its regioisomer, 36, was the most efficacious one. Compound 7 showed also an interesting profile as it showed selectivity toward the alpha(o) subtype, in both efficacy and potency. Some of the compounds synthesized and found to be active may be useful leads to develop more potent and selective Gi protein modulators.

Muscarinic subtype affinity and functional activity profile of 1-methyl-2-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)pyrrolidine and 1-methyl-2-(2-methyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)pyrrolidine derivatives.

Starting from two previously studied muscarinic full agonists, characterized by a 1,3-dioxolane ((+)-1) and a 1,3-oxathiolane ((+)-2) cycle, two new series of muscarinic ligands were designed, obtained by the steric complication of the parent compounds produced by freezing the aminoalkyl chain into a pyrrolidine ring. Both tertiary amines and the corresponding iodomethyl derivatives were synthesised and studied, and several compounds of the series which behaved as muscarinic agonists have been selected, on the basis of preliminary binding experiments on rat cortex homogenates, for the present work. Results are presented obtained from testing the affinity of the selected compounds against cloned human muscarinic receptors expressed in CHO cells, in order to evaluate subtype selectivity. Their functional activity on classical models of M1-M4 receptors, in guinea pig and rabbit tissues is also reported. With respect to parent compounds, the new molecules present some selectivity toward hm2 receptors; fair M2 selectivity is also evident in functional studies, where these compounds behave as partial agonists. Among the other compounds of the series (2S, 4'R, 2'S)-1,1-dimethyl-2-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)pyrrolidinium iodide (-)-3 and (2R, 5'S, 2'S)-1-methyl-2-(2-methyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)pyrrolidine (+)-5 present a promising pharmacological profile. Compound (-)-3 shows modest hm2 selectivity in binding experiments but a clearcut M2 selectivity in functional tests, where it behaves as a weak antagonist on M1 and M4 subtypes, as a weak full agonist on the M3 subtype and as a potent partial agonist on M2 subtype. Tertiary amine (+)-5 presents a quite similar profile but appears more interesting since, lacking a permanent charge on the nitrogen atom, it may represent an interesting tool to study CNS muscarinic receptors. Our results confirm that sterical complication of parent compounds (+)-1 and (+)-2 produces more selective muscarinic agonists.