Novel 1, 2, 4-oxadiazoles as potent and selective histamine H3 receptor antagonists

Design, synthesis and docking studies of novel 4-aminophenol-1,2,4-oxadiazole hybrids as apoptosis inducers against triple negative breast cancer cells targeting MAP kinase

In our study, a series of novel 4-aminophenol benzamide-1,2,4-oxadiazole hybrid analogues have been designed and synthesized by condensing 4-hydroxyphenyl arylamides (3a-c) and 5-chloromethyl-3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles (6a-d). The structure of the synthesised compounds was verified by various spectroscopic techniques (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and LC-MS). All the prepared compounds were subjected to in silico and in vitro antiproliferative study against TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231. The investigations revealed that compound 7k significantly promoted apoptosis against MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values of 22.31 µM and 26.27 µM, respectively. Compound 7k interacted with crucial active sites of MAPK and exhibited the highest docking score of -7.06 kcal/mol. Docking was validated with molecular dynamic studies with simulation for 100 ns, depicting various stable interactions with MAPK. Consequently, 7k forms stable H-Bonds and π-π stacking with amino acid residues along with π-cation. Our investigations reveal that the in vitro antiproliferative study of 7k was in good correlation with the in silico studies. Hence, 7k serves as a potential novel lead for the inhibition of TNBCs by downregulating MAPK P38.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Bioisosterism: 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Rings

Although studies in drug discovery have gained momentum in recent years, the conversion of drugs in use today into less toxic derivatives with pharmacologically superior properties is still of great importance in drug research. Bioisosterism facilitates the conversion of drugs into derivatives that present more positive pharmacological and toxicological profiles by changing existing groups in the drug structure within the framework of certain criteria that have been expanded today. The 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring is used as a bioisostere for ester and amide groups due to its resistance to hydrolysis. However, this ring is not limited to esters and amides, but can also be used as a bioisostere for other functional groups. In this review, cases in which the 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring is used as a bioisostere for various functional groups are discussed. Herein we shed light on 1,2,4-oxadiazole bioisosterism in the development of new drug candidates and in enhancing the pharmacological profiles of currently available drugs.

In vitro anti-TB properties, in silico target validation, molecular docking and dynamics studies of substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole analogues against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The alarming increase in multi- and extensively drug-resistant (MDR and XDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) has triggered the scientific community to search for novel, effective, and safer therapeutics. To this end, a series of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives (3a-3i) were tested against H37Rv, MDR and XDR strains of MTB. Of which, compound 3a with para-trifluorophenyl substituted oxadiazole showed excellent activity against the susceptible H37Rv and MDR-MTB strain with a MIC values of 8 and 16 µg/ml, respectively.To understand the mechanism of action of these compounds (3a-3i) and identify their putative drug target, molecular docking and dynamics studies were employed against a panel of 20 mycobacterial enzymes reported to be essential for mycobacterial growth and survival. These computational studies revealed polyketide synthase (Pks13) enzyme as the putative target. Moreover, in silico ADMET predictions showed satisfactory properties for these compounds, collectively, making them, particularly compound 3a, promising leads worthy of further optimisation.

Convenient one-pot synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles and 2,4,6-triarylpyridines using graphene oxide (GO) as a metal-free catalyst: importance of dual catalytic activity

A convenient and efficient process for the synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-oxadiazoles and 2,4,6-triarylpyridines has been described using an inexpensive, environmentally benign, metal-free heterogeneous carbocatalyst, graphene oxide (GO). GO plays a dual role of an oxidizing agent and solid acid catalyst for synthesizing 1,2,4-oxadiazoles and triarylpyridines. This dual catalytic activity of GO is due to the presence of oxygenated functional groups which are distributed on the nanosheets of graphene oxide. A broad scope of substrate applicability and good sustainability is offered in this developed protocol. The results of a few control experiments reveal a plausible mechanism and the role of GO as a catalyst was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and HR-TEM analysis.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking studies of 1,2,4-oxadiazole linked 5-fluorouracil derivatives as anticancer agents

BACKGROUND

1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives exhibited significant anti-cancer activity when they were evaluated, against human cancer cell lines. They also showed anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diabetic, immunosuppressive, α,β3-receptor antagonist, antimicrobial, anti-helminthic, histamine-H3 and antiparasitic properties. A pyrimidine analog, 5 fluoro-uracil is a chemotherapeutic drug used for treating multiple solid malignant tumors. But its application is limited, as it has side effects like low bioavailability and high toxicity. Molecular docking is an exemplary tool, helps in identifying target and designing a drug containing high bio-availability and minimum toxicity.

RESULTS

A set of 1,2,4-oxadiazole linked 5-fluoruracil derivatives (7a-j) were synthesized and their structures were confirmed by 1HNMR, 13CNMR and Mass spectral analysis. Further, these compounds were investigated for their anticancer activity towards a panel of four human cancer cell lines such as (MCF-7, MDA MB-231), lung cancer (A549) and prostate cancer (DU-145) by using MTT method. Among them, compounds 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and 7i demonstrated more promising anticancer activity than standard.

CONCLUSION

Synthesized derivatives (7a-j) of 1,2,4-oxadiazole linked 5-fluorouracil and investigated for their anticancer activity towards a panel of four human cancer cell lines.

Recent Developments in the Synthesis, Chemistry and Applications of the Fully Unsaturated 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles

Recent major developments in the synthesis (including solid phase methodologies), chemistry and applications of the fully unsaturated 1,2,4-oxadiazole nucleus are reviewed. The review covers the years 1995–2000.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel oxadiazole- and thiazole-based histamine H3R ligands

Histamine H₃ receptor (H₃R) is largely expressed in the CNS and modulation of the H₃R function can affect histamine synthesis and liberation, and modulate the release of many other neurotransmitters. Targeting H₃R with antagonists/inverse agonists may have therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative disorders, gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases. This prompted us to design and synthesize azole-based H₃R ligands, i.e. having oxadiazole- or thiazole-based core structures. While ligands of oxadiazole scaffold were almost inactive, thiazole-based ligands were very potent and several exhibited binding affinities in a nanomolar concentration range. Ligands combining 4-cyanophenyl moiety as arbitrary region, para-xylene or piperidine carbamoyl linkers, and/or pyrrolidine or piperidine basic heads were found to be the most active within this series of thiazole-based H₃R ligands. The most active ligands were in silico screened for ADMET properties and drug-likeness. They fulfilled Lipinski's and Veber's rules and exhibited potential activities for oral administration, blood-brain barrier penetration, low hepatotoxicity, combined with an overall good toxicity profile.

Design, synthesis and pharmacological studies of some new quinoline Schiff bases and 2,5-(disubstituted-[1,3,4])-oxadiazoles

G6P-Ligand (4f) and (5b) interactions as visualized using Chimera (Version 1.8).

Design, semisynthesis and cytotoxic activity of novel ester derivatives of betulinic acid-1,2,4 oxadiazoles

Taking into consideration of the biological activity of betulinic acid derivatives containing a oxadiazole ring, the semisynthetic betulinic acid-1,2,4-oxadiazole esters (14-25) were synthesized starting from betulinic acid (1) and 5-(bromomethyl)-3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles (2-13) and final compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity on three human cancer cell lines in vitro. All tested compounds showed good cytotoxic activity. The structures of synthesized compounds are established based on infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry.

An Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of 3-Aryl-5-(Dialkoxymethyl)-1,2,4-Oxadiazoles under Solvent-Free Conditions

An efficient and simple synthesis of 3-aryl-5-(dialkoxymethyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazoles is described. The in situ prepared amidoximes from the reaction between nitriles and hydroxylamine are condensed with alkyl 2,2-dialkoxyacetates under solvent-free conditions to produce the title compounds in excellent yields.

Novel benzimidazole–oxadiazole hybrid molecules as promising antimicrobial agents

In the present study, we describe the design and expeditious synthesis of novel 2-aryl-5-(3-aryl-[1,2,4]-oxadiazol-5-yl)-1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole hybrid molecules as promising antimicrobial agents.

An efficient mEthod for the One-Pot Tandem Synthesis of 3,5-Disubstituted-1,2,4-Oxadiazoles from Benzyl Halides

The first example of a one-pot tandem approach for the synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives from benzyl halides and amidoxime is reported. Derivatives of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole were obtained in excellent yields under mild conditions using DMSO in the absence of an additional oxidant. Benzyl bromides bearing a range of substituents proved to be suitable substrates for this method which provides a very efficient and convenient application of the Kornblum oxidation.

Synthesis and crystal structure of new heterocyles derived from saccharin and uracil carrying 1,2,4-oxadiazolylmethyl group

Saccharin, uracil, and 1,2,4-oxadiazole heterocyles are important in terms of exhibiting various biological acitivities. In this work, four series of 1,2,4-oxadiazolylmethyl-substituted saccharin, and uracil derivatives are synthesized and their structures are identified by means of spectral/physical characteristics. The first series are oxadiazolylmethyl-substituted saccharins. The second one is oxadiazole-substituted uracils which are obtained as a separable mixture of both mono- and bis-substituted end products. Third series is obtained from 5-amino uracil and chloromethyl oxadiazoles. The fourth group is oxadiazolyl methyl-substituted imino uracils. The structures of some title compounds are also confirmed by X-ray diffraction data.

Synthesis and crystal structure of new heterocycles containing 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-oxadiazolone (thione), hydantoin, and mercaptobenzimidazole units

A number of 1,2,4-oxadiazolone and mercapto nitro benzimidazole derivatives containing 1,2,4-oxadiazole and hydantoin moieties have been prepared, and their structures were identified by means of spectral/physical characteristics including X-ray diffraction data.

Oxadiazoles as privileged motifs for promising anticancer leads: recent advances and future prospects

Taking into account the rising trend of the incidence of cancers of various organs, effective therapies are urgently needed to control human malignancies. The rapid emergence of hundreds of new agents that modulate an ever-growing list of cancer-specific molecular targets offers tremendous hope for cancer patients. However, almost all of the chemotherapy drugs currently on the market cause serious side effects. Based on these facts, the design of new chemical entities as anticancer agents requires the simulation of a suitable bioactive pharmacophore. The pharmacophore not only should have the required potency but must also be safer on normal cell lines than on tumor cells. In this perspective, oxadiazole scaffolds with well-defined anticancer activity profile have fueled intense academic and industrial research in recent years. This paper is intended to highlight the recent advances along with current developments as well as future outlooks for the design of novel and efficacious anticancer agents based on oxadiazole motifs.

Design and synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles as potent inhibitors of phosphodiesterase4b2

A series of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles has been prepared and evaluated for phosphodiesterase inhibition (PDE4B2). Among the prepared 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles, compound 9a is the most potent inhibitor (PDE4B2 IC(50)  = 5.28 μm). Structure-activity relationship studies of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles revealed that substituents 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl group at 3-position and cyclic ring bearing heteroatoms at 5-position are important for activity. Molecular modeling study of the 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles with PDE4B has shown similar interactions of 3-cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl group; however, heteroatom ring is slightly deviating when compared to Piclamilast. 3-(3-Cyclopentyloxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(piperidin-4-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (9a) exhibited good analgesic and antiinflammatory activities in formalin-induced pain in mice and carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rat.

Synthesis of novel 1,2,4-oxadiazoles and analogues as potential anticancer agents

A library of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles 7-9 and their bioisosters, 1,3,4-oxadiazole 14 and 1,3,4-thiadiazole 16, were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their anticancer potential against a panel of six human cancer cell lines. The key step in the synthesis of oxadiazoles 7-9 involve coupling of amidoxime 6 with an appropriate carboxylic acid followed by thermal cyclization. The bioisosteres, 1,3,4-oxadiazole 14 and 1,3,4-thiadiazole 16 were prepared from the reaction of a common precursor diacylhydrazine 13 with thionyl chloride and Lawesson's reagent, respectively. The anticancer studies on the synthesized compounds revealed that presence of a cyclopentyloxy or n-butyloxy on the C-3 aryl ring and piperdin-4-yl or trichloromethyl at the C-5 position of 1,2,4-oxadiazole is essential for good activity. In particular, 1,2,4-oxadiazole 7i and analogue 1,3,4-thiadiazole 16 exhibited significant activity against DU145 (IC(50): 9.3 μM) and MDA-MB-231 (IC(50): 9.2 μM) cell lines, respectively.

Synthesis of substituted 5-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-thiones

We have developed a liquid-phase route for combinatorial synthesis of novel substituted 5-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-thiones. Biginelli-type three-component condensation of 1-(3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)acetones, thiourea, and benzaldehydes is shown to result in new 5-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-thione heterocyclic system. If salicylaldehydes are used in this reaction, a mixture of 5-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-thiones and 11-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-4H-2,6-methano-1,3,5-benzoxadiazocine-4-thiones is formed.

5-(2,4-Dichloro-phen-yl)-3-(4-nitro-phen-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole

In the title compound, C₁₄H₇Cl₂N₃O₃, the dichloro­phenyl and nitro­phenyl rings form dihedral angles of 5.4 (2) and 4.0 (2)°, respectively, with the oxadiazole ring. The nitro group is twisted out of the attached benzene ring by a dihedral angle of 10.4 (3)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked into a chain along the a axis by C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds.

3-(2,4-Dichloro-phen-yl)-5-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole

In the title compound, C₁₄H₈Cl₂N₂O, the dihedral angles between the plane of the oxadiazole ring and those of the benzene rings are 2.3 (1) and 9.5 (1)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked into chains along the c axis by C—H⋯Cl inter­actions. These chains are stacked along the a axis.

3-(2,4-Dichloro-phen-yl)-5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole

In the title compound, C₉H₆Cl₂N₂O, the dihedral angle between the oxadiazole and benzene rings is 1.7 (2)°. In the crystal, the mol­ecules are linked into chains along the b axis by short inter­molecular Cl⋯O contacts [3.019 (3) Å].

4-benzyl-1H-imidazoles with oxazoline termini as histamine H3 receptor agonists

Research on the therapeutic applications of the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) has traditionally focused on antagonists/inverse agonists. In contrast, H3R agonists have received less attention despite their potential use in several disease areas. The lower availability of H3R agonists not only hampers their full therapeutic exploration, it also prevents an unequivocal understanding of the structural requirements for H3R activation. In the light of these important issues, we present our findings on 4-benzyl-1H-imidazole-based H3R agonists. Starting from two high throughput screen hits (10 and 11), the benzyl side chain was altered with lipophilic groups using combinatorial and classical chemical approaches (compounds 12-31). Alkyne- or oxazolino-substituents gave excellent affinities and agonist activities up to the single digit nM range. Our findings further substantiate the growing notion that basic ligand sidechains are not necessary for H 3R activation and reveal the oxazolino group as a hitherto unexplored functional group in H3R research.

An Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of 5-(substituted amino)-1,2,4-thia- and -oxa-diazoles

A general protocol for the synthesis of 5-(substituted amino)-1,2,4-thiadiazoles by the cyclocondensation reaction of amidoximes with N-substituted thioureas in the presence of KF/Al2O3, and of 5-(cyclohexylamino)-1,2,4-oxadiazoles with DCC in the presence of KF/Al2O3 and thiourea, is described. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and physical data, and the crystal structure determination by X-ray diffraction of three examples.

Correlation of apparent affinity values from H3-receptor binding assays with apparent affinity (pKapp) and intrinsic activity (alpha) from functional bioassays

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Agonist apparent affinities (pK(I)') in histamine H(3)-receptor binding assays were higher than expected from apparent affinity values (pK(app)) estimated in bioassay. Here, we investigate whether the degree of pK(I)' overestimation is related to agonist intrinsic efficacy, by studying the effect of buffer composition on the pK(I)' of ligands with varying intrinsic activity.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

In the guinea-pig ileum bioassay, intrinsic activity (alpha) was determined from the maximal inhibition of the contraction produced by increasing agonist concentration. pK(app) values were estimated using the method of Furchgott. The pK(L) of [(3)H]clobenpropit in guinea-pig cerebral cortex was estimated by saturation analysis in 20 mM HEPES-NaOH buffer (buffer B(0,0,0)), or buffer B(0,0,0) containing 70 mM CaCl(2), 100 mM NaCl and 100 mM KCl (buffer B(0.07,0.1,0.1)). PK(I) values were determined in competition studies in both buffers.

KEY RESULTS

[(3)H]clobenpropit saturation isotherms had n (H) values of unity in both buffers. In buffer B(0.07,0.1,0.1), agonist pK(I)' values were closer to pK(app) values than in buffer B(0,0,0) but were associated with n (H) values <1. A two-site analysis of agonist data in buffer B(0.07, 0.1, 0.1) provided a better fit than a one-site fit and low affinity values (pK(IL)) were comparable to pK(app). Differences between the pK(I)' in buffer B(0,0,0) and pK(IL) values in buffer B(0.07,0.1,0.1) (DeltapK) were correlated with alpha.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

H(3)-receptor binding assays conducted in buffer B(0,0,0) and buffer B(0.07,0.1,0.1) can provide a measure of ligand affinity (pK(app)) and intrinsic efficacy. The assay predicts that some ligands previously classified as H(3)-receptor antagonists may possess residual intrinsic efficacy.