Similarities and differences in affinity and binding modes of tricyclic pyrimido- and pyrazinoxanthines at human and rat adenosine receptors

Hydrophobicity modulation via the substituents at positions 2 and 4 of 1,3,5-triazine to enhance therapeutic ability against Alzheimer's disease for potent serotonin 5-HT6R agents

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder with a complex aetiology, is the most common memory dysfunction particularly affecting the elderly. Various protein targets have been classified to be involved in the AD treatment, including 5-HT6 receptor (5-HT6R). So far, the 5-HT6R ligands obtained by our research group have become a good basis for hydrophobicity modulation to give a chance for more effective action toward AD by additional influence on target enzymes, e.g. cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). In the search for 5-HT6R agents with additional inhibitory action on the enzyme, a series of 25 new 1,3,5-triazines (7-31) as modifications of lead, 4-[1-(2,5-dichlorophenoxy)propyl]-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2-amine (6), was rationally designed. Molecular modelling, synthesis, crystallographic studies, in vitro biological assays and behavioral studies in vivo were performed. The new triazines showed high affinity (Ki < 100 nM) and selectivity for 5-HT6R. The most effective one, 4-[1-(2,5-difluorophenoxy)propyl]-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2-amine (8), exhibited the strong antagonistic action towards 5-HT6R (Ki = 5 nM, pKb = 8.16), had an impact on the memory processes in the Novel Object Recognition test and displayed anxiolytic-like activity in the Elevated Plus Maze test in rats. Moreover, it had the antiplatelet effect as well as very good permeability (PAMPA model), high metabolic stability (RLMs) and satisfactory safety in vitro. Although the CDK5 inhibitory effects in vitro for the tested compounds (8, 10, 14, 18, 26-31) missed the potency expected from in silico simulations, the novel antagonist (8) with a very satisfying pharmacological and ADMET profile can serve as a new lead structure in further searches for innovative therapy against AD with accompanying symptoms.

Structure-Activity Relationship and Solubility Studies of N1-Substituted Quinoxaline-2,3-diones as Kainate Receptor Antagonists

Kainate receptors are a class of ionotropic glutamate receptors that respond to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in the central nervous system and play an important role in the development of neurodegenerative disorders and the regulation of synaptic function. In the current study, we investigated the structure- activity relationship of the series of quinoxaline-2,3-diones substituted at N1, 6, and 7 positions, as ligands of kainate homomeric receptors GluK1-3 and GluK5. Pharmacological characterization showed that all derivatives obtained exhibited micromolar affinity at GluK3 receptors with Ki values in the range 0.1-4.4 μM range. The antagonistic properties of the selected analogues: N-(7-fluoro-6-iodo-2,3-dioxo-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-1(2H)-yl)-3-sulfamoylbenzamide, N-(7-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-6-iodo-2,3-dioxo-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-1(2H)-yl)-3-sulfamoylbenzamide and N-(7-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-2,3-dioxo-6-(phenylethynyl)-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-1(2H)-yl)-3-sulfamoylbenzamide at GluK3 receptors, were confirmed by an intracellular calcium imaging assay. To correlate in vitro affinity data with structural features of the synthesized compounds and to understand the impact of the substituent in N1 position on ability to form additional protein-ligand interactions, molecular modeling and docking studies were carried out. Experimental solubility studies using UV spectroscopy detection have shown that 7-imidazolyl-6-iodo analogues with a sulfamoylbenzamide moiety at the N1 position are the best soluble compounds in the series, with molar solubility in TRISS buffer at pH 9 more than 3-fold higher compared to NBQX, a known AMPA/kainate antagonist.

Xanthine-Dopamine Hybrid Molecules as Multitarget Drugs with Potential for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Multitarget drugs based on a hybrid dopamine-xanthine core were designed as potential drug candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors with significant ancillary A_2A adenosine receptor (A_2AAR) antagonistic properties were further developed to exhibit additional phosphodiesterase-4 and -10 (PDE4/10) inhibition and/or dopamine D₂ receptor (D₂R) agonistic activity. While all of the designed compounds showed MAO-B inhibition in the nanomolar range mostly combined with submicromolar A_2AAR affinity, significant enhancement of PDE-inhibitory and D₂R-agonistic activity was additionally reached for some compounds through various structural modifications. The final multitarget drugs also showed promising antioxidant properties in vitro. In order to evaluate their potential neuroprotective effect, representative ligands were tested in a cellular model of toxin-induced neurotoxicity. As a result, protective effects against oxidative stress in neuroblastoma cells were observed, confirming the utility of the applied strategy. Further evaluation of the newly developed multitarget ligands in preclinical models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases is warranted.

New Triazine Derivatives as Serotonin 5-HT6 Receptor Ligands

Since the number of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to rise, new and effective drugs are urgently needed to not only slow down the progression of the disease, but to stop or even prevent its development. Serotonin 5-HT₆ receptor (5-HT₆R) ligands are still a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of AD. 1,3,5-Triazine derivatives, as novel structures lacking an indole or a sulfone moiety, have proven to be potent ligands for this receptor. In present work, new derivatives of the compound MST4 (4-((2-isopropyl-5-methylphenoxy)methyl)-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine), the potent 5-HT₆R antagonist (K_i = 11 nM) with promising ADMET and in vivo properties, were designed. The synthesized compounds were tested for their affinity towards 5-HT₆R and other receptor (off)targets (serotonin 5-HT_2A, 5-HT₇ and dopamine D₂). Based on the new results, 4-(2-tert-butylphenoxy)-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (3) was selected for extended in vitro studies as a potent and selective 5-HT₆R ligand (K_i = 13 nM). Its ability to permeate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its hepatotoxicity were evaluated. In addition, X-ray crystallography and solubility studies were also performed. The results obtained confirm that 6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine derivatives, especially compound 3, are promising structures for further pharmacological studies as 5-HT₆R ligands.

Involvement of β-adrenoceptors in the cardiovascular responses induced by selective adenosine A2A and A2B receptor agonists

A_2A and A_2B adenosine receptors produce regionally selective regulation of vascular tone and elicit differing effects on mean arterial pressure (MAP), whilst inducing tachycardia. The tachycardia induced by the stimulation of A_2A or A_2B receptors has been suggested to be mediated by a reflex increase in sympathetic activity. Here, we have investigated the role of β₁ - and β₂ -adrenoceptors in mediating the different cardiovascular responses to selective A_2A and A_2B receptor stimulation. Hemodynamic variables were measured in conscious male Sprague-Dawley rats (350-450 g) via pulsed Doppler flowmetry. The effect of intravenous infusion (3 min per dose) of the A_2A -selective agonist CGS 21680 (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 µg.kg^-1 .min^-1 ) or the A_2B -selective agonist BAY 60-6583 (4.0, 13.3, 40.0 µg.kg^-1 .min^-1 ) in the absence or following pre-treatment with the non-selective β-antagonist propranolol (1.0 mg.kg^-1 ), the selective β₁ -antagonist CGP 20712A (200 µg.kg^-1 ), or the selective β₂ -antagonist ICI 118,551 (2.0 mg.kg^-1 ) was investigated (maintenance doses also administered). CGP 20712A and propranolol significantly reduced the tachycardic response to CGS 21680, with no change in the effect on MAP. ICI 118,551 increased BAY 60-6583-mediated renal and mesenteric flows, but did not affect the heart rate response. CGP 20712A attenuated the BAY 60-6583-induced tachycardia. These data imply a direct stimulation of the sympathetic activity via cardiac β₁ -adrenoceptors as a mechanism for the A_2A - and A_2B -induced tachycardia. However, the regionally selective effects of A_2B agonists on vascular conductance were independent of sympathetic activity and may be exploitable for the treatment of acute kidney injury and mesenteric ischemia.

Molecular Insights into an Antibiotic Enhancer Action of New Morpholine-Containing 5-Arylideneimidazolones in the Fight against MDR Bacteria

In the search for an effective strategy to overcome antimicrobial resistance, a series of new morpholine-containing 5-arylideneimidazolones differing within either the amine moiety or at position five of imidazolones was explored as potential antibiotic adjuvants against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Compounds (7–23) were tested for oxacillin adjuvant properties in the Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strain ATCC 25923 and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus MRSA 19449. Compounds 14–16 were tested additionally in combination with various antibiotics. Molecular modelling was performed to assess potential mechanism of action. Microdilution and real-time efflux (RTE) assays were carried out in strains of K. aerogenes to determine the potential of compounds 7–23 to block the multidrug efflux pump AcrAB-TolC. Drug-like properties were determined experimentally. Two compounds (10, 15) containing non-condensed aromatic rings, significantly reduced oxacillin MICs in MRSA 19449, while 15 additionally enhanced the effectiveness of ampicillin. Results of molecular modelling confirmed the interaction with the allosteric site of PBP2a as a probable MDR-reversing mechanism. In RTE, the compounds inhibited AcrAB-TolC even to 90% (19). The 4-phenylbenzylidene derivative (15) demonstrated significant MDR-reversal “dual action” for β-lactam antibiotics in MRSA and inhibited AcrAB-TolC in K. aerogenes. 15 displayed also satisfied solubility and safety towards CYP3A4 in vitro.

An insight into the structure of 5-spiro aromatic derivatives of imidazolidine-2,4-dione, a new group of very potent inhibitors of tumor multidrug resistance in T-lymphoma cells

A series of 17 arylpiperazine derivatives of the 5-spiroimidazolidine-2,4-diones (6-22) has been explored, including variations in (i) the number of aromatic rings at position 5, (ii) the length of the linker, as well as (iii) the kind and position of the linked arylpiperazine terminal fragment. Synthesis (6-16) and X-ray crystallographic studies for representative compounds (8, 10, 14 and 18) have been performed. The ability to inhibit the tumor multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) overexpressed in mouse T-lymphoma cells was investigated. The cytotoxic and antiproliferative actions of the compounds on both the reference and the ABCB1-overproducing cells were also examined. The pharmacophore-based molecular modeling studies have been performed. ADMET properties in vitro of selected most active derivatives (6, 11 and 12) have been determined. All compounds, excluding 18, inhibited the cancer P-gp efflux pump with higher potency than that of reference verapamil. The spirofluorene derivatives with amine alkyl substituents at position 1, and the methyl group at position 3 (6-16), occurred the most potent P-gp inhibitors in the MDR T-lymphoma cell line. In particular, compounds 7 and 12 were 100-fold more potent than verapamil. Crystallography-supported pharmacophore-based SAR analysis has postulated specific structural properties that could explain this excellent cancer MDR-inhibitory action.

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of enantiomerically enriched diprophylline and xanthinol nicotinate

A concise chemoenzymatic route toward enantiomerically enriched active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) - diprophylline and xanthinol nicotinate - is reported for the first time. The decisive step is an enantioselective lipase-mediated methanolysis of racemic chlorohydrin-synthon acetate, namely 1-chloro-3-(1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-7H-purin-7-yl)propan-2-yl acetate, performed under kinetically-controlled conditions on a preparative 500 mg-scale. The best results in terms of reaction enantioselectivity (E = 14) were obtained for the enantiomers resolution performed with lipase type B from Candida antarctica immobilized on acrylic resin (CAL-B, Novozym 435) suspended in homophasic acetonitrile-methanol mixture. The elaborated biocatalytic system furnished the key chlorohydrin intermediate (in 71% ee and 38% yield), which was then smoothly converted into enantioenriched active agents: (R)-(-)-diprophylline (57% ee) and (S)-(+)-xanthinol nicotinate (65% ee). To support the assignment of absolute configurations of EKR-products as well as to confirm the stereochemical outcome of the remaining reaction steps, docking studies toward the prediction of enantiomers binding selectivity in CAL-B active site as well as the respective chemical correlations with enantiomerically enriched analytical standards obtained from commercially available (R)-(-)-epichlorohydrin, were applied. In addition, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed for the synthesized optically active APIs furnishing by this manner a first crystal structures of nicotinic acid salt of xanthinol.

8-Benzylaminoxanthine scaffold variations for selective ligands acting on adenosine A2A receptors. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation

A library of 34 novel compounds based on a xanthine scaffold was explored in biological studies for interaction with adenosine receptors (ARs). Structural modifications of the xanthine core were introduced in the 8-position (benzylamino and benzyloxy substitution) as well as at N1, N3, and N7 (small alkyl residues), thereby improving affinity and selectivity for the A_2A AR. The compounds were characterized by radioligand binding assays, and our study resulted in the development of the potent A_2A AR ligands including 8-((6-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxybenzyl)amino)-1-ethyl-3,7-dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione (12d; K_i human A_2AAR: 68.5 nM) and 8-((2-chlorobenzyl)amino)-1-ethyl-3,7-dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione (12h; K_i human A_2AAR: 71.1 nM). Moreover, dual A₁/A_2AAR ligands were identified in the group of 1,3-diethyl-7-methylxanthine derivatives. Compound 14b displayed K_i values of 52.2 nM for the A₁AR and 167 nM for the A_2AAR. Selected A_2AAR ligands were further evaluated as inactive for inhibition of monoamine oxidase A, B and isoforms of phosphodiesterase-4B1, -10A, which represent classical targets for xanthine derivatives. Therefore, the developed 8-benzylaminoxanthine scaffold seems to be highly selective for AR activity and relevant for potent and selective A_2A ligands. Compound 12d with high selectivity for ARs, especially for the A_2AAR subtype, evaluated in animal models of inflammation has shown anti-inflammatory activity. Investigated compounds were found to display high selectivity and may therefore be of high interest for further development as drugs for treating cancer or neurodegenerative diseases.

Probe dependence of allosteric enhancers on the binding affinity of adenosine A1 -receptor agonists at rat and human A1 -receptors measured using NanoBRET

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Adenosine is a local mediator that regulates a number of physiological and pathological processes via activation of adenosine A₁ -receptors. The activity of adenosine can be regulated at the level of its target receptor via drugs that bind to an allosteric site on the A₁ -receptor. Here, we have investigated the species and probe dependence of two allosteric modulators on the binding characteristics of fluorescent and nonfluorescent A₁ -receptor agonists.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

A Nano-luciferase (Nluc) BRET (NanoBRET) methodology was used. This used N-terminal Nluc-tagged A₁ -receptors expressed in HEK293T cells in conjunction with both fluorescent A₁ -receptor agonists (adenosine and NECA analogues) and a fluorescent antagonist CA200645.

KEY RESULTS

PD 81,723 and VCP171 elicited positive allosteric effects on the binding affinity of orthosteric agonists at both the rat and human A₁ -receptors that showed clear probe dependence. Thus, the allosteric effect on the highly selective partial agonist capadenoson was much less marked than for the full agonists NECA, adenosine, and CCPA in both species. VCP171 and, to a lesser extent, PD 81,723, also increased the specific binding of three fluorescent A₁ -receptor agonists in a species-dependent manner that involved increases in B_max and pK_D .

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results demonstrate the power of the NanoBRET ligand-binding approach to study the effect of allosteric ligands on the binding of fluorescent agonists to the adenosine A₁ -receptor in intact living cells. Furthermore, our studies suggest that VCP171 and PD 81,723 may switch a proportion of A₁ -receptors to an active agonist conformation (R*).

Development of Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonists for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease: A Recent Update and Challenge

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with significant unmet medical needs. The current dopamine-centered treatments aim to restore motor functions of patients without slowing the disease progression. Long-term usage of these drugs is associated with diminished efficacy, motor fluctuation, and dyskinesia. Furthermore, the nonmotor features associated with PD such as sleep disorder, pain, and psychiatric symptoms are poorly addressed by the dopaminergic treatments. Adenosine receptor A_2A antagonists have emerged as potential treatment for PD in the past decade. Here we summarize the recent work (2015-2018) on adenosine receptor A_2A antagonists and discuss the challenge and opportunity for the treatment of PD.

Novel multi-target directed ligands based on annelated xanthine scaffold with aromatic substituents acting on adenosine receptor and monoamine oxidase B. Synthesis, in vitro and in silico studies

N9-Benzyl-substituted imidazo-, pyrimido- and 1,3-diazepino[2,1-f]purinediones were designed as dual-target-directed ligands combining A_2A adenosine receptor (AR) antagonistic activity with blockade of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). A library of 37 novel compounds was synthesized and biologically evaluated in radioligand binding studies at AR subtypes and for their ability to inhibit MAO-B. A systematic modification of the tricyclic structures based on a xanthine core by enlargement of the third heterocyclic ring or attachment of various substituted benzyl moieties resulted in the development of 9-(2-chloro-6-fluorobenzyl)-1,3-dimethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrimido[2,1-f]purine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (9u; K_i human A_2AAR: 189 nM and IC₅₀ human MAO-B: 570 nM) as the most potent dual acting ligand of the series displaying high selectivity versus related targets. Moreover, some potent, selective MAO-B inhibitors were identified in the group of pyrimido- and 1,3-diazepino[2,1-f]purinediones. Compound 10d (10-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1,3-dimethyl-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-1H-[1,3]diazepino[2,1-f]purine-2,4(3H,6H)-dione) displayed an IC₅₀ value at human MAO-B of 83 nM. Analysis of structure-activity relationships was complemented by molecular docking studies based on previously published X-ray structures of the protein targets. An extended biological profile was determined for selected compounds including in vitro evaluation of potential hepatotoxicity calculated in silico and antioxidant properties as an additional desirable activity. The new molecules acting as dual target drugs may provide symptomatic relief as well as disease-modifying effects for neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Parkinson's disease.

Probing Substituents in the 1- and 3-Position: Tetrahydropyrazino-Annelated Water-Soluble Xanthine Derivatives as Multi-Target Drugs With Potent Adenosine Receptor Antagonistic Activity

Tetrahydropyrazino-annelated theophylline (1,3-dimethylxanthine) derivatives have previously been shown to display increased water-solubility as compared to the parent xanthines due to their basic character. In the present study, we modified this promising scaffold by replacing the 1,3-dimethyl residues by a variety of alkyl groups including combinations of different substituents in both positions. Substituted benzyl or phenethyl residues were attached to the N8 of the resulting 1,3-dialkyl-tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-f ]purinediones with the aim to obtain multi-target drugs that block human A₁ and A_2A adenosine receptors (ARs) and monoaminoxidase B (MAO-B). 1,3-Diethyl-substituted derivatives showed high affinity for A₁ ARs, e.g., 15d (PSB-18339, 8-m-bromobenzyl-substituted) displayed a K_i value of 13.6 nM combined with high selectivity. 1-Ethyl-3-propargyl-substituted derivatives exhibited increased A_2A AR affinity. The 8-phenethyl derivative 20h was selective for the A_2A AR (K_i 149 nM), while the corresponding 8-benzyl-substituted compound 20e (PSB-1869) blocked A₁ and A_2A ARs with equal potency (K_i A₁, 180 nM; A_2A, 282 nM). The 1-ethyl-3-methyl-substituted derivative 16a (PSB-18405) bearing a m,p-dichlorobenzyl residue at N8 blocked all three targets, A₁ ARs (K_i 396 nM), A_2A ARs (K_i 1,620 nM), and MAO-B (IC₅₀ 106 nM) with high selectivity vs. the other subtypes (A_2B and A₃ ARs, MAO-A), and can thus be considered as a multi-target drug. Our findings were rationalized by molecular docking studies based on previously published X-ray structures of the protein targets. The new drugs have potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Parkinson's disease.

Tricyclic xanthine derivatives containing a basic substituent: adenosine receptor affinity and drug-related properties

A library of 27 novel amide derivatives of annelated xanthines was designed and synthesized. The new compounds represent 1,3-dipropyl- and 1,3-dibutyl-pyrimido[2,1-f]purinedione-9-ethylphenoxy derivatives including a CH2CONH linker between the (CH2)2-amino group and the phenoxy moiety. A synthetic strategy to obtain the final products was developed involving solvent-free microwave irradiation. The new compounds were evaluated for their adenosine receptor (AR) affinities. The most potent derivatives contained a terminal tertiary amino function. Compounds with nanomolar AR affinities and at the same time high water-solubility were obtained (A1 (Ki = 24-605 nM), A2A (Ki = 242-1250 nM), A2B (Ki = 66-911 nM) and A3 (Ki = 155-1000 nM)). 2-(4-(2-(1,3-Dibutyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4,7,8-hexahydropyrimido[2,1-f]purin-9(6H)-yl)ethyl)phenoxy)-N-(3-(diethylamino)propyl)acetamide (27) and the corresponding N-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)acetamide (36) were found to be the most potent antagonists of the present series. While 27 showed CYP inhibition and moderate metabolic stability, 36 was found to possess suitable properties for in vivo applications. In an attempt to explain the affinity data for the synthesized compounds, molecular modeling and docking studies were performed using homology models of A1 and A2A adenosine receptors. The potent compound 36 was used as an example for discussion of the possible ligand-protein interactions. Moreover, the compounds showed high water-solubility indicating that the approach of introducing a basic side chain was successful for the class of generally poorly soluble AR antagonists.