Selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonists

De Novo Molecule Design Using Molecular Generative Models Constrained by Ligand-Protein Interactions

In recent years, molecular deep generative models have attracted much attention for its application in de novo drug design. The data-driven molecular deep generative model approximates the high dimensional distribution of the chemical space through learning from a large number of molecular structural data. So far, most of the molecular generative models rely on purely 2D ligand information in structure generation. Here, we propose a novel molecular deep generative model which adopts a recurrent neural network architecture coupled with a ligand-protein interaction fingerprint as constraints. The fingerprint was constructed on ligand docking poses and represents the 3D binding mode of ligands in the protein pocket. In the current work, generative models constrained with interaction fingerprints were trained and compared with normal RNN models. It has been shown that models trained with constraints of ligand-protein interaction fingerprint have a clear tendency to generating compounds maintaining similar binding modes. Our results demonstrate the potential application of the interaction fingerprint-constrained generative model for the targeted molecule generation and guided exploration on the drug-like chemical space.

In silico investigation of the selectivity mechanism of A1AR and A2AAR antagonism

Adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR) and adenosine A2A receptor (A2AAR) are AR isoforms that share high homology but play many different roles in terms of regulating arteriolar pressure and urine flow as well as relieving neurodegenerative disorders.

Discovery of ( ±)-3-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4] thiadiazine derivatives with promising in vitro anticoronavirus and antitumoral activity

A new series of ( ±)-(3-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-phenyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazin-7-yl)(phenyl)methanones were efficiently synthesized starting from 4-amino-5-hydrazinyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol 1, acetyl acetone 2, various aromatic and heterocyclic aldehydes 3 and phenacyl bromides 4. All the newly synthesized compounds were tested for their antiviral and antitumoral activity. It was shown that subtle structural variations on the phenyl moiety allowed to tune biological properties toward antiviral or antitumoral activity. Mode-of-action studies revealed that the antitumoral activity was due to inhibition of tubulin polymerization.

Molecular Scaffold Hopping via Holistic Molecular Representation

Molecular descriptors encode a variety of molecular representations for computer-assisted drug discovery. Here, we focus on the Weighted Holistic Atom Localization and Entity Shape (WHALES) descriptors, which were originally designed for scaffold hopping from natural products to synthetic molecules. WHALES descriptors capture molecular shape and partial charges simultaneously. We introduce the key aspects of the WHALES concept and provide a step-by-step guide on how to use these descriptors for virtual compound screening and scaffold hopping. The results presented can be reproduced by using the code freely available from URL: github.com/ETHmodlab/scaffold_hopping_whales .

Caffeine has a dual influence on NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic transmission at the hippocampus

Caffeine, a stimulant largely consumed around the world, is a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, and therefore caffeine actions at synapses usually, but not always, mirror those of adenosine. Importantly, different adenosine receptors with opposing regulatory actions co-exist at synapses. Through both inhibitory and excitatory high-affinity receptors (A₁R and A₂R, respectively), adenosine affects NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function at the hippocampus, but surprisingly, there is a lack of knowledge on the effects of caffeine upon this ionotropic glutamatergic receptor deeply involved in both positive (plasticity) and negative (excitotoxicity) synaptic actions. We thus aimed to elucidate the effects of caffeine upon NMDAR-mediated excitatory post-synaptic currents (NMDAR-EPSCs), and its implications upon neuronal Ca²⁺ homeostasis. We found that caffeine (30-200 μM) facilitates NMDAR-EPSCs on pyramidal CA1 neurons from Balbc/ByJ male mice, an action mimicked, as well as occluded, by 1,3-dipropyl-cyclopentylxantine (DPCPX, 50 nM), thus likely mediated by blockade of inhibitory A₁Rs. This action of caffeine cannot be attributed to a pre-synaptic facilitation of transmission because caffeine even increased paired-pulse facilitation of NMDA-EPSCs, indicative of an inhibition of neurotransmitter release. Adenosine A_2ARs are involved in this likely pre-synaptic action since the effect of caffeine was mimicked by the A_2AR antagonist, SCH58261 (50 nM). Furthermore, caffeine increased the frequency of Ca²⁺ transients in neuronal cell culture, an action mimicked by the A₁R antagonist, DPCPX, and prevented by NMDAR blockade with AP5 (50 μM). Altogether, these results show for the first time an influence of caffeine on NMDA receptor activity at the hippocampus, with impact in neuronal Ca²⁺ homeostasis.

Neuronal adenosine A2A receptors signal ergogenic effects of caffeine

Caffeine is one of the most used ergogenic aid for physical exercise and sports. However, its mechanism of action is still controversial. The adenosinergic hypothesis is promising due to the pharmacology of caffeine, a nonselective antagonist of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors. We now investigated A2AR as a possible ergogenic mechanism through pharmacological and genetic inactivation. Forty-two adult females (20.0 ± 0.2 g) and 40 male mice (23.9 ± 0.4 g) from a global and forebrain A2AR knockout (KO) colony ran an incremental exercise test with indirect calorimetry (V̇O2 and RER). We administered caffeine (15 mg/kg, i.p., nonselective) and SCH 58261 (1 mg/kg, i.p., selective A2AR antagonist) 15 min before the open field and exercise tests. We also evaluated the estrous cycle and infrared temperature immediately at the end of the exercise test. Caffeine and SCH 58621 were psychostimulant. Moreover, Caffeine and SCH 58621 were ergogenic, that is, they increased V̇O2max, running power, and critical power, showing that A2AR antagonism is ergogenic. Furthermore, the ergogenic effects of caffeine were abrogated in global and forebrain A2AR KO mice, showing that the antagonism of A2AR in forebrain neurons is responsible for the ergogenic action of caffeine. Furthermore, caffeine modified the exercising metabolism in an A2AR-dependent manner, and A2AR was paramount for exercise thermoregulation.

Synthesis of indeno and acenaphtho cores containing dihydroxy indolone, pyrrole, coumarin and uracil fused heterocyclic motifs under sustainable conditions exploring the catalytic role of the SnO2 quantum dot

A tin oxide (SnO₂) quantum dot (QD) catalyzed approach for the synthesis of indeno and acenaphtho cores containing dihydroxy indolone, pyrrole, coumarin and uracil fused derivatives was achieved via multicomponent one-pot approach in aqueous medium.

Antimicrobial activity of newly synthesized methylsulfanyl-triazoloquinazoline derivatives

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research was to study and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a novel 2-methylsulfanyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]quinazoline and its derivatives. Antibacterial activity of the target compounds was tested against a variety of species of Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633, and Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27953 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. In addition some yeast and fungi, Candida albicans NRRL Y-477 and Aspergillus niger, respectively, were screened.

METHODS

Antimicrobial tests were carried out by the agar well diffusion method, using 100 μl of suspension containing 1 × 10(8)  CFU/ml of pathological tested bacteria, 1 × 10(6)  CFU/ml of yeast, and 1 × 10(4)  spore/ml of fungi spread on nutrient agar (NA), Sabourand dextrose agar (SDA), and potato dextrose agar (PDA), respectively.

KEY FINDINGS

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested compounds was determined using the broth double dilution method (serially diluted technique) in proper nutrient. For comparison, ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole were used as antibacterial and antifungal reference drugs, respectively. Compounds 6, 9, 13, 14, and 11 were found to have the highest broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 29213, B. subtilis ATCC6633 and Gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa ATCC27953 and E. coli ATCC 25922 with MIC values of 6.25 and 12.50 μg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

It was clear that many of the synthesized compounds exhibited good antimicrobial activity. This study has revealed that compounds 6, 9, 13, 14, and 11 have been disclosed as moderate antimicrobial agents. These compounds could be useful as templates for further development through modification or derivatization to design more potent antimicrobial agents.

Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of methylsulfanyl-triazoloquinazolines

A series of twenty five 2-methylsulfanyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]quinazoline derivatives 1-25 was previously synthesized. We have now investigated their cytotoxic effects against hepatocellular Hep-G2 and colon HCT-116 carcinoma cells and effect on the macrophage growth, in addition to their influence of the inflammatory mediators [nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) and in bacterial lipopolysachharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages]. The findings revealed that compounds 13 and 17 showed the highest cytotoxicity and that 3, 6-8 and 25 are promising multi-potent anti-inflammatory agents.

Pinacidil pretreatment improves vascular reactivity after shock through PKCα and PKCε in rats

We investigated the beneficial effect of pinacidil pretreatment on vascular reactivity, calcium sensitivity, and animal survival after hemorrhagic shock, its relationship to protein kinase Cα (PKCα), protein kinase Cε (PKCε), and adenosine. Using hemorrhagic shock rats, the protective effects of different extents of pinacidil pretreatment on vascular reactivity and in which the roles of PKCα, PKCε, and adenosine were observed. Pinacidil pretreatment significantly improved shock-induced decrease of vascular reactivity of superior mesenteric artery, which was antagonized by the PKCα antagonist Gö-6976 (5 × 10 mole/L) and PKCε pseudosubstrate inhibitory peptide (1 × 10 mole/L). Pinacidil pretreatment induced the translocation of PKCα and PKCε from the cytoplasm to the membrane. This translocation of PKCα and PKCε was eliminated by adenosine A1 receptor antagonist DPCPX (1 × 10 mole/L). As compared with simple fluid resuscitation, combination with pinacidil pretreatment significantly improved the vascular reactivity and survival rate of hemorrhagic-shocked rats. These results suggested that pinacidil pretreatment could induce good protective effects on vascular reactivity and calcium sensitivity after hemorrhagic shock mainly through the activation of PKCα and PKCε via adenosine A1 receptor, and this protective effect made an important contribution to the overall outcome of shock therapy.

2-Benz-yloxy-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]quinazolin-5(4H)-one

The title compound, C₁₆H₁₂N₄O₂, is a functionalized triazoloquinazoline with a substituted benz­yloxy group attached at the 2-position of a triazole spacer. The triazoloquinazoline fused-ring system is approximately planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.016 Å) while the benzyl substituent is perpendicular to the ring system, making a dihedral angle of 65.29 (6)°. The phenyl ring of the benz­yloxy moiety is equally disordered over two sets of sites. A centrosymmetric N—H⋯N hydrogen bond connects mol­ecules into dimers.

Pharmacological significance of triazole scaffold

The triazole nucleus is one of the most important and well known heterocycles which is a common and integral feature of a variety of natural products and medicinal agents. Triazole nucleus is present as a core structural component in an array of drug categories such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiepileptic, antiviral, antineoplastic, antihypertensive, antimalarial, local anaesthetic, antianxiety, antidepressant, antihistaminic, antioxidant, antitubercular, anti-Parkinson's, antidiabetic, antiobesity and immunomodulatory agents, etc. The broad and potent activity of triazole and their derivatives has established them as pharmacologically significant scaffolds. The basic heterocyclic rings present in the various medicinal agents are 1,2,3-triazole and 1,2,4-triazole. A large volume of research has been carried out on triazole and their derivatives, which has proved the pharmacological importance of this heterocyclic nucleus. The present paper is an attempt to review the pharmacological activities reported for triazole derivatives in the current literature with an update of recent research findings on this nuclei.

Dual-target-directed drugs that block monoamine oxidase B and adenosine A(2A) receptors for Parkinson's disease

Inadequacies of the current pharmacotherapies to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) have prompted efforts to identify novel drug targets. The adenosine A(2A) receptor is one such target. Antagonists of this receptor (A(2A) antagonists) are considered promising agents for the symptomatic treatment of PD. Evidence suggests that A(2A) antagonists may also have neuroprotective properties that may prevent the development of the dyskinesia that often complicates levodopa treatment. Because the therapeutic benefits of A(2A) antagonists are additive to that of dopamine replacement therapy, it may be possible to reduce the dose of the dopaminergic drugs and therefore the occurrence of side effects. Inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B also are considered useful tools for the treatment of PD. When used in combination with levodopa, inhibitors of MAO-B may enhance the elevation of dopamine levels after levodopa treatment, particularly when used in early stages of the disease when dopamine production may not be so severely compromised. Furthermore, MAO-B inhibitors may also possess neuroprotective properties in part by reducing the damaging effect of dopamine turnover in the brain. These effects of MAO-B inhibitors are especially relevant when considering that the brain shows an age-related increase in MAO-B activity. Based on these observations, dual-target-directed drugs, compounds that inhibit MAO-B and antagonize A(2A) receptors, may have value in the management of PD. This review summarizes recent efforts to develop such dual-acting drugs using caffeine as the lead compound.

Characterization of the potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profile for six adenosine A2A receptor antagonists

Antagonists of adenosine A2A receptors (A2A -antagonists) with different chemical structures have been developed by several pharmaceutical companies for the potential treatment of Parkinson's disease. Pharmacological characterization of these antagonists was incomplete, and different assay conditions were used in different labs. Therefore, we characterized the potencies, selectivities, and pharmacokinetic profiles of six prototypical A2A -antagonists. Displacements of [3H]MSX-2 and of [3H]CGS21680 binding to the human cloned and rat A2A receptors were performed. The rank order of potency of antagonists to displace [(3)H]MSX-2 binding to the human A2A was SCH58261 > or = Biogen-34 > or = Ver-6623 > or = MSX-2 > KW-6002 > > DMPX. For the rat striatal A2A, the order of potency was Biogen-34 > or = SCH58261 > or = Ver-6623 > or = MSX-2 > or = KW-6002 > > DMPX. SCH58261 was the most potent antagonist of the human A2A with a K(i) value of 4 nM, whereas Biogen-34 was the most potent antagonist of the rat A2A with a K(i) value of 1.2 nM. Similar results were obtained from cAMP assays. Selectivities of A2A-antagonists were determined using radioligands [3H]DPCPX, [3H]ZM241385, and [125I]-AB-MECA for A1, A2B, and A3 receptors, respectively. KW-6002 and Biogen-34 exhibited the highest selectivity for A2A vs A1 (human and rat), respectively. The pharmacokinetic profiles of antagonists were evaluated in vivo in rats. DMPX and KW-6002 had the greatest oral bioavailability. In contrast, SCH58261, MSX-2, and Ver-6623 had low or poor oral bioavailability. In summary, SCH58261, Biogen-34, MSX-2, and Ver-6623 had high affinities for both human and rat A2A receptors, with reasonable selectivity for A2A over A1 and A2B receptors. They are suitable as A2A -antagonists for in vitro pharmacological studies. Among the six A2A-antagonists, KW-6002 is the best for use in in vivo animal studies, particularly for a CNS target, based on its bioavailability, half life, and brain penetration.

Istradefylline, a novel adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Dopamine replacement therapy effectively treats the early motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, its association with the development of motor complications limits its usefulness in late stages of the disease. Adenosine A(2A) receptors are localised to the indirect striatal output function and control motor behaviour. They are active in predictive experimental models of PD and appear to be promising as the first major non-dopaminergic therapy for PD. Istradefylline is a novel adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist currently in Phase III clinical trials for efficacy in patients with PD; results from Phase II clinical trials demonstrated that it provides a clinically meaningful reduction in 'off' time and an increased 'on' time with non-troublesome dyskinesia in levodopa-treated patients with established motor complications, and is safe and well tolerated.

Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of 1-,3-,8-, and 9-substituted-9-deazaxanthines at the human A2B adenosine receptor

Over two hundred 1-, 3-, 8-, and 9-substituted-9-deazaxanthines were prepared and evaluated for their binding affinity at the recombinant human adenosine receptors, in particular at the hA(2B) and hA(2A) subtypes. Several ligands endowed with sub-micromolar to low nanomolar binding affinity at hA(2B) receptors, good selectivity over hA(2A) and hA(3), but a relatively poor selectivity over hA(1) were obtained. Good antagonistic potencies and efficacies, with pA(2) values close to the corresponding pK(i)s, were observed in functional assays in vitro performed on a selected series of compounds. 1,3-Dimethyl-8-phenoxy-(N-p-halogenophenyl)-acetamido-9-deazaxanthine derivatives appeared as the most interesting leads, some of them showing outstanding hA(2B) affinities, high selectivity over hA(2A) and hA(3), but low selectivity over hA(1). Structure-affinity relationships suggested that the binding potency at the hA(2B) receptor was mainly modulated by the steric (lipophilic) properties of the substituents at positions 1 and 3 and by the electronic and lipophilic characteristics of the substituents at position 8. A comparison among affinity and selectivity profiles of 9-deazaxanthines with the corresponding xanthines suggested some possible differences in their binding mode.

1,8-Naphthyridin-4-one derivatives as new ligands of A2A adenosine receptors

A series of 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives bearing various substituents in position 3, 4, and 7 of the heterocyclic nucleus have been synthesized and evaluated for their affinity at the bovine and human adenosine receptors. The new compounds were found to lack the affinity toward A(1)AR, whereas many of them are able to acquire an interesting affinity and selectivity for the A(2A)AR.

Scaffold hopping

The aim of scaffold hopping is to discover structurally novel compounds starting from known active compounds by modifying the central core structure of the molecule. Scaffold hopping is a central task of modern medicinal chemistry requiring a multitude of techniques, which are discussed in this article. Their application has led to several molecules with chemically completely different core structures, and yet binding to the same receptor. Computational approaches for scaffold hopping highlight the challenges of the field that are still unsolved.:

8-Substituted-9-deazaxanthines as adenosine receptor ligands: design, synthesis and structure-affinity relationships at A2B

A number of 8-substituted-9-deazaxanthine derivatives (1,3-dialkyl-6-substituted-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-2,4(3H,5H)-diones) were prepared and tested for their antagonistic activity at the recombinant human adenosine receptors, in particular at the A(2B) and A(2A) receptor subtypes. Compounds endowed with micromolar to nanomolar binding affinities, but with poor A(2B)/A(2A) selectivity, were obtained. Preliminary quantitative structure-affinity relationships suggested that the binding potency at the A(2B) receptor is mainly modulated by the electronic and lipophilic properties of the ligands.

Building a Better Fluid for Emergency Resuscitation of Traumatic Brain Injury

Hextend (HEX) is a colloid solution that is FDA-approved for volume expansion during surgery. ATL-146e is a novel adenosine A2A receptor agonist that has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and coronary vasodilator properties. Three series of experiments were designed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of HEX+/-ATL-146e for emergency resuscitation from traumatic brain injury (TBI) + hemorrhagic hypotension.

METHODS

In the first two studies in vivo, anesthetized, ventilated pigs (30-45 kg) received a fluid percussion TBI, 45% arterial hemorrhage, and 30 minutes shock period. In Series 1, resuscitation consisted of unlimited crystalloid (n = 8) or HEX (n = 8) to correct systolic arterial pressure >100 mm Hg and heart rate <100 bpm for the first 60 minutes ("emergency phase"), and then maintain cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) > 70 mm Hg for 60-240 minutes. In Series 2 (n = 31), resuscitation consisted of a 1 L bolus of HEX + ATL-146e (10 ng/kg/min, n = 10) or HEX +placebo (n = 10) followed by crystalloid to the same endpoints. In Series 3 in vivo, the hemodynamic response evoked by 0, 10, 50, or 100 ng/kg/min ATL-146e was measured before or 60 minutes after HEX resuscitation from 45% hemorrhage.

RESULTS

Following TBI+hemorrhage, there were 4/22 deaths in series 1 and 11/31 deaths in series 2. In those alive at 30 minutes, mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, mixed venous O2 saturation, and cerebral venous O2 saturation were all reduced by 40-60%, while heart rate and lactate were increased 2-5 fold. With no resuscitation (n = 2), there was minimal hemodynamic compensation and progressive acidosis. Upon resuscitation, these values corrected but intracranial pressure progressively rose from <5 mm Hg to 15-20 mm Hg. Series 1: With HEX (n = 8) versus crystalloid (n = 8), CPP was less labile, acid/base was maintained, and the fluid requirement was reduced by 60% (all p < 0.05) Series 2: With ATL-146e (n = 10) versus placebo (n = 10), stroke volume and cardiac output were improved by 40-60%, and the fluid requirement was reduced by 30% (all p < 0.05). Series 3: ATL-146e caused a dose-related increase (p < 0.05) in stroke volume after, but not before, hemorrhage. The effects on pre-load, afterload, and heart rate were similar before and after hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

HEX alone is a safe and efficacious low volume alternative to initial crystalloid resuscitation after TBI. An adenosine A2A agonist combined with 1 L of HEX safely and effectively counteracted a decrease in cardiac performance noted after TBI+hemorrhage without causing hypotension or bradycardia.

Studies on the mechanism of caffeine action in alveolar macrophages: caffeine elevates cyclic adenosine monophosphate level and prostaglandin synthesis

We have previously reported that the effects of caffeine on alveolar macrophages are dose-dependent; thus, at low concentrations caffeine prevents apoptosis and at moderate concentrations, the cells proceed into apoptosis. In the current study, the mechanism of caffeine action via prostaglandin synthesis and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was investigated using moderate concentrations of caffeine. The results show that the combination of caffeine with indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, mediated caffeine's effect by increasing cellular viability and lowering superoxide anion production and DNA fragmentation. However, addition of exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to the culture in the presence of caffeine had the opposite effect, in which the viability was decreased and anion superoxide production was increased. Incubation of macrophages with exogenous dibutyryl cAMP showed nearly similar effects to caffeine. At low concentrations (<50 micromol/L), higher viability and lower superoxide production pattern were evident and at higher concentrations (>50 micromol/L) the cells proceeded into apoptosis. Therefore, it is suggested that caffeine exerts its effects on macrophages by altering cAMP level and prostaglandin synthesis.

Selective A2A, but not A1 adenosine antagonists enhance the anticataleptic action of trihexyphenidyl in rats

In rats made cataleptic with haloperidol (5.32 micromol/kg), the bar test was used to assess the possible synergism between the muscarinic antagonist trihexyphenidyl (THP) and selective adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptor antagonists. Neither catalepsy intensity nor latency were affected by a subthreshold dose of THP (0.33 micromol/kg). The selective adenosine A(1) antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropyl-xanthine (DPCPX) (5.15 micromol/kg) caused a small, but significant reduction of catalepsy intensity that remained unchanged when combined with THP. DPCPX had no effect on catalepsy latency, either alone or combined with THP. In contrast, an equimolar dose of the selective adenosine A(2A) antagonist 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)1,2,4-triazolo[2,3-a]-[1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM 241385) (5.15 micromol/kg) produced a significant reduction of catalepsy intensity and increased catalepsy latency. Both effects were potentiated when ZM 241385 was combined with THP. The synergism was more evident when rats were pretreated with a subthreshold dose of ZM 241385 (1.55 micromol/kg) that was unable to modify catalepsy parameters when applied alone, but produced a significant reduction in catalepsy intensity and an increase in catalepsy latency when administered with THP. Catalepsy was unaffected by a combination of equimolar, subthreshold doses of DPCPX (1.55 micromol/kg) and ZM 241385 (1.55 micromol/kg). These findings indicate that the anticataleptic effect of anticholinergics is enhanced only by the selective blockade of adenosine A(2A) receptors.

Ligand-based combinatorial design of selective purinergic receptor (A2A) antagonists using self-organizing maps

A virtual screening procedure based on a topological pharmacophore similarity metric and self-organizing maps (SOM) was developed and applied to optimizing combinatorial products functioning as P(1) purinergic receptor antagonists. The target was the human A(2A) receptor. A SOM was developed using a set of biologically tested molecules to establish a preliminary structure-activity relationship. A combinatorial library design was performed by projecting virtually assembled new molecules onto the SOM. A small focused library of 17 selected combinatorial products was synthesized and tested. On average, the designed structures yielded a 3-fold smaller binding constant ( approximately 33 vs approximately 100 nM) and 3.5-fold higher selectivity (50 vs 14) than the initial library. The most selective compound obtained revealed a 121-fold relative selectivity for A(2A) with K(i) (A(2A)) = 2.4 nM, and K(i) (A(1)) = 292 nM. This result demonstrates that it was possible to design a small, activity-enriched focused library with an improved property profile using the SOM virtual screening approach. The strategy might be particularly useful in projects in which structure-based design cannot be applied because of a lack of receptor structure information, for example, in the many projects aiming at finding new GPCR modulators.

Impact of the aryl substituent kind and distance from pyrimido[2,1-f]purindiones on the adenosine receptor selectivity and antagonistic properties

Adenosine receptor (AR) antagonists belong to two major groups of compounds: xanthines and non-xanthines. Recently several annelated xanthine derivatives have been described as selective A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3) ARs antagonists. Contrary to dipropyl derivatives, in the group of dimethyl (un)substituted arylalkyl pyrimido[2,1-f]purindiones selective mainly adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists were identified. Their activity depended on aryl substitution and its distance from pyrimido[2,1-f]purindione.

Synthesis of series of 1- and 3-differently substituted xanthines from imidazoles

A new and general method is described for the synthesis, in three steps and in good overall yields, of tetrasubstituted xanthines from an easily prepared imidazole precursor. The method is especially useful for the preparation in standardized conditions of series of xanthines combining a broad variety of primary or secondary alkyl, benzyl or aryl groups at N1 and of alkyl or arylmethyl groups at N3, that are not readily available by other methods.