Rational design, synthesis, and biological activity of novel conformationally restricted vitamin D analogues, (22R)- and (22S)-22-ethyl-1,25-dihydroxy-23,24-didehydro-24a,24b-dihomo-20-epivitamin D(3)

Synthesis and Biological Activity of 2,22-Dimethylene Analogues of 19-Norcalcitriol and Related Compounds

Continuing our search for vitamin D analogues, we explored the modification of the steroidal side chain and inserted a methylene moiety in position C-22 together with either lengthening the side chain or introducing a ring at the terminal end. Our conformational studies confirmed that the presence of a methylene group attached to C-22 restricts the conformational flexibility of the side chain, which can result in changes in biological characteristics of a molecule. All synthesized 1α,25-dihydroxy-2,22-dimethylene-19-norvitamin D₃ analogues proved equal to calcitriol in their ability to bind to the vitamin D receptor, and most of them exert significantly higher differentiation and transcriptional activity than calcitriol. The most active compounds were characterized by the presence of an elongated side chain or 26,27-dimethylene bridge. The synthetic strategy was based on the Wittig-Horner coupling of the known A-ring phosphine oxide with the corresponding Grundmann ketones prepared from a 20-epi-Inhoffen-Lythgoe diol derived from vitamin D₂.

A 20S combined with a 22R configuration markedly increases both in vivo and in vitro biological activity of 1α,25-dihydroxy-22-methyl-2-methylene-19-norvitamin D3

Six new analogues of 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D(3) (3a-4b, 5, and 6) were prepared by a convergent synthesis applying the Wittig-Horner reaction as a key step. The influence of methyl groups at C-22 on their biological activity was examined. It was established that both in vitro and in vivo activity is strongly dependent on the configuration of the stereogenic centers at C-20 and C-22. Introduction of the second methyl group at C-22 (analogues 5 and 6) generates the compounds that are slightly more potent than 1α,25-(OH)(2)D(3) in the in vitro tests but much less potent in vivo. The greatest in vitro and in vivo biological activity was achieved when the C-20 is in the S configuration and the C-22 is in the R configuration. The building blocks for the synthesis, the respective (20R,22R)-, (20R,22S)-, (20S,22R)-, and (20S,22S)-diols, were obtained by fractional crystallization of mixtures of the corresponding diastereomers. Structures and absolute configurations of the diols 21a, 21b, and 22a as well as analogues 3a, 5, and 6 were confirmed by the X-ray crystallography.

2-Methylene 19-nor-25-dehydro-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 26,23-lactones: Synthesis, biological activities and molecular basis of passive antagonism

To investigate the molecular mechanism of vitamin D receptor (VDR) antagonists having no structurally bulky group interfering with helix 12 of the ligand-binding domain of the VDR, we have synthesized four diastereomers at C(20) and C(23) of 19-nor-1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D(3) 25-methylene-26,23-lactone bearing a 2MD-type A-ring. All four analogs showed significant VDR affinity. Transactivation was tested by using Cos7 cells and HEK293 cells. In both types of cells, LAC67a showed little transactivation potency and inhibited the activation induced by the natural hormone concentration-dependently, indicating that LAC67a works as an antagonist for the VDR in these cells. LAC67b, LAC82a and LAC82b similarly acted as VDR antagonists in Cos7 cells, but in HEK293 cells they behaved as potent VDR agonists. Docking of four lactones into the VDR-LBD, followed by structural analysis, demonstrated that each lactone lacks the hydrophobic interaction with helix12 necessary for maintaining the active conformation of the VDR, indicating that these lactones are passive-type antagonists. Furthermore, each docking structure explained the characteristic transactivation profiles of the four lactones. On the basis of our present findings, we suggest that the ligand acts as an agonist if there are appropriate coactivators in the cells to bind to the looser VDR-ligand complex, and as an antagonist if there are no such appropriate coactivators. The molecular basis of the passive antagonism is discussed in detail.

[Creation of highly potent vitamin D receptor antagonists]

Vitamin D receptor antagonist has attracted significant level of interests because of its potential utility in the treatment of Paget's disease, which is known as the most flagrant example of disordered bone remodeling and the second most common bone disease after osteoporosis in Anglo-Saxons. Recent studies on Paget's disease suggested a specific increase in osteoclasts sensitivity to the differentiation activity of active vitamin D(3) as the principal mechanism for abnormal bone formation. We set out to conduct a structure-activity relationship study on the first VDR antagonists of TEI-9647 and TEI-9648 (25-dehydro-1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D(3)-26,23-lactone) toward improved VDR antagonistic activity. Given that both potent agonists and antagonists must have high affinity for the VDR, we hoped that our accumulated knowledge in VDR agonists would help us identify potent antagonists. First, 2alpha-modified TEI-9647 analogs were synthesized, and then, 24-substitution was next investigated to stabilize its lactone structure under the physiological conditions. Finally, 2alpha-modified 24-methyl-, 24,24-dimethyl-25-dehydro-1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D(3)-26,23-lactone analogs were synthesized. It was found that 2alpha,24,24-trimethyl-TEI-9647 was found to possess approximately 90-fold improved antagonistic activity (IC(50) 0.093 nM) over the original TEI-9647 (IC(50) 8.3 nM).

22-Alkyl-20-epi-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 Compounds of Superagonistic Activity: Syntheses, Biological Activities and Interaction with the Receptor

We previously reported that 22R-methyl-20-epi-1,25-(OH)2D3 (3) possesses strong binding affinity for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and shows superagonistic biological activities. To examine the effect of the length of an alkyl substituent at C(22) and to extend our compound library, we successfully synthesized 22R-ethyl-20-epi-1,25-(OH)2D3 (4) and 22R-butyl-20-epi-1,25-(OH)2D3 (5). Surprisingly, 22-ethyl analogue 4 showed stronger VDR binding affinity and transactivation potency than the superagonist of methyl analogue 3, but its calcemic activity in vivo was weaker than that of both the methyl analogue 3 and the natural hormone (1), while 22-butyl analogue 5 showed activities comparable to those of the hormone (1). A study of the docking of these new analogues to the VDR-LBD and alanine scanning mutational analysis demonstrated that 22-methyl and 22-ethyl substituents enhance the favorable hydrophobic interactions with residues lining the ligand binding pocket of the VDR, and that 22-butyl analogue 5 binds to the VDR by an induced fit mechanism.

Highly Potent Vitamin D Receptor Antagonists: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) antagonists have attracted significant levels of interest because of their potential utility in the treatment of Paget's disease, which is known as the most flagrant example of disordered bone remodeling and the second most common bone disease after osteoporosis in Anglo-Saxons. Recent studies on Paget's disease suggested a specific increase in osteoclasts' sensitivity to the differentiation activity of active vitamin D(3) as the principal mechanism for abnormal bone formation. We set out to conduct a structure-activity relationship study on the first VDR antagonists, TEI-9647 and TEI-9648 (25-dehydro-1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D(3)-26,23-lactone), with the goal of improved VDR antagonistic activity. Given that both potent agonists and antagonists must have high affinity for the VDR, we hoped that our accumulated knowledge in the field of VDR agonists would help us identify potent antagonists. First 2alpha-modified TEI-9647 analogues were synthesized, and then 24-substitution to stabilize the lactone structure under physiological conditions was investigated. Finally, 2alpha-modified 24-methyl-, 24,24-dimethyl-, and 24,24-ethano-25-dehydro-1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D(3)-26,23-lactone analogues were synthesized. The synthesis of the 24,24-ethano-TEI lactone was accomplished through Ru-catalyzed intermolecular enyne metathesis of the alkynone CD-ring side chain with ethylene to give a dienone, followed by regioselective cyclopropanation. It was found that 2alpha,24,24-trimethyl-TEI-9647 (39) possessed an antagonistic activity (IC(50)=0.093 nM) approximately 90 times that of the original TEI-9647 (IC(50)=8.3 nM).

In silico studies using Radial Distribution Function approach for predicting affinity of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) analogues for Vitamin D receptor

The Radial Distribution Function (RDF) approach has been applied to the study of the chick intestinal VDR affinity of 49 Vitamin D analogues. A model able to describe more than 77.5% of the variance in the experimental activity was developed with the use of the mentioned approach. In contrast, none of four different approaches, including the use of Topological, BCUT, Randić molecular profiles and Geometrical descriptors were able to explain more than 55% of the variance in the mentioned property, with the same number of variables in the equation.

Quantitative structure-activity relationship studies of vitamin D receptor affinity for analogues of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. 1: WHIM descriptors

The weighted holistic invariant molecular (WHIM) approach has been applied to the study of the VDR affinity of 86 vitamin D analogues. A model able to describe more than 71% of the variance in the experimental activity was developed with the use of the mentioned approach. In contrast, none of three different approaches, including the use of BCUT, Galvez topological charge indices, and 2D autocorrelations descriptors, was able to explain more than 38% of the variance in the mentioned property, even with more variables in the equation.

Effect of 25-hydroxyl group orientation on biological activity and binding to the 1alpha,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 receptor

The hormonal form of vitamin D, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D), generates many biological actions by interactions with its nuclear receptor (VDR). The presence of a carbon-25 hydroxyl group is necessary for optimizing binding to the VDR. To examine the effect of spatial orientation of the 25-hydroxyl, two pairs of 22,23-allene sidechain analogs were studied. The 22R orientation in analogs HR (52+/-2%) and LA (154+/-19%) resulted in higher affinity binding than the 22S orientation of analogs HQ (21+/-3%) and LB (3.5+/-1.3%; 1,25D=100%). Limited trypsin proteolysis showed that 22R analogs induced VDR conformational changes better able to protect VDR from digestion than 22S analogs. 22R analogs were also able to induce gene transcription at 10-100-fold lower concentrations than 1,25D; 22S analogs were less effective. Analog LA was at least 10-fold more potent than 1,25D at inducing differentiation, while the other analogs were less potent. None of the analogs were as potent as 1,25D in promoting in vivo intestinal calcium absorption or bone calcium mobilization. LA was the most potent of the analogs but required 20-30-fold higher doses than 1,25D. The 25-hydroxyl orientation combined with the 16,17-ene functionality of analog LA enhances its ability to interact with VDR and induce biological actions.

Design and Efficient Synthesis of 2α-(ω-Hydroxyalkoxy)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 Analogues, Including 2-epi-ED-71 and Their 20-Epimers with HL-60 Cell Differentiation Activity

A concise and efficient synthetic approach to 2 alpha-(omega-hydroxyalkoxy)-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (4a-c), including 2-epi-ED-71, was developed starting from D-glucose as a chiral template for the construction of the 2 alpha-modified A-ring precursors (11a-c). It was found that the best ligand for the bovine thymus vitamin D receptor (VDR) in this series is 4b, which has 1.8 times greater binding affinity for the bovine thymus VDR than that of the natural hormone 1. Interestingly, potency in the induction of HL-60 cell differentiation for 4a-c was almost the same or weaker than that of 1 despite the strong binding affinity for the VDR. Next, we were interested in the "double modification"of 1 based on 4a-c with C20-epimerization, affording 2 alpha-(omega-hydroxyalkoxy)-20-epi-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (20-epi-4a-c). All three 2 alpha-substituted 20-epi analogues of 1 (20-epi-4a-c) exhibited stronger binding affinities for the VDR, and their conformations in the ligand binding domain of VDR were analyzed by molecular modeling. Double-modified analogues of 20-epi-4a-c showed marked HL-60 cell differentiation activity, and 20-epi-4a possesses an activity 58-fold higher than that of the natural hormone 1.

Synthesis of Novel Analogues of 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 with Side Chains at C-18

Novel analogues of the hormone 1alpha,25-(OH)(2)-D(3) with side chains attached to C-18 were synthesized by a versatile route in which key steps were the remote radical-induced functionalization of the 18-methyl by the C-8beta-hydroxyl group and the introduction of the side chains by Wittig reactions on a C-18-aldehyde. The triene system of the novel analogues was constructed by the convergent Lythgoe-Hoffmann la Roche approach, which involves reaction of a phosphine oxide (the ring A fragment) with a ketone (the upper fragment).

Concise synthesis and biological activities of 2α-Alkyl- and 2α-(ω-Hydroxyalkyl)-20- epi -1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3

We found a concise route to the Trost A-ring precursor enyne for synthesizing 2alpha-alkylated 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1) from D-glucose. The enynes were coupled with the 20-epi-CD ring part to study the effect of the double modification of 2alpha-substitution and 20-epimerization upon biological activities of 1. The novel three analogues of 2alpha-alkyl- and four analogues of 2alpha-(omega-hydroxyalkyl)-20-epi-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (5b-d and 6a-d) showed higher binding affinity for vitamin D receptor (VDR) and more potent activity in induction of HL-60 cell differentiation than those of the natural hormone 1.

Efficient synthesis of 2-modified 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3 with Julia olefination: high potency in induction of differentiation on HL-60 cells

Six novel 2-substituted analogues of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D(3), 6a,b-8a,b, were efficiently synthesized utilizing (-)-quinic acid as the A-ring precursor. The C2-modified A-rings were prepared as 4-alkylated (3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxycyclohexanones 12-15 from (-)-quinic acid based on radical allylation at the C4 position of methyl (-)-quinicate. The new type of the CD-ring coupling partner 23 was synthesized from 25-hydroxy Grundmann's ketone 19 to apply to the modified Julia olefination to construct a diene unit between the A-ring and the CD-ring. The coupling yields, including a deprotection step, were 47-62%. After the separation of the diastereomers based on C2 stereochemistry, the structure (2alpha or 2beta) was determined by (1)H NMR experiments and compared to DeLuca's 2-methyl- and 2-ethyl-1alpha,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D(3). Thus, the synthesized 2alpha-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1alpha,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D(3) (8a) showed almost the same potency in binding to the bovine thymus vitamin D receptor (VDR) as the natural hormone 1, while its beta-isomer 8b had only a 3% affinity. Both 2alpha-allyl- and 2alpha-propyl-1alpha,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D(3) (6a and 7a) and their 2beta-analogues (6b and 7b) possessed a weak affinity for the VDR. The strong VDR ligand 8a was ca. 36-fold more potent in induction of HL-60 cell differentiation than 1, and interestingly, even the weaker ligand 8b showed a 6.7-fold higher potency in the cell differentiation activity than that of 1.

Structure-function relationships of vitamin D including ligand recognition by the vitamin D receptor

First, the general structure and function of nuclear receptors (NRs) are described briefly to help our understanding of the mechanism of action of vitamin D mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a member of the NRs. Then we discuss the structure-function relationship (SFR) of vitamin D on the basis of ligand structures and the interaction of the ligand with the VDR. The SFR of vitamin D side chain analogs is discussed extensively in terms of our active space group concept, which was derived from conformational analyses of the side chains of vitamin D analogs and from studies with conformationally restricted 22-methyl-1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) isomers. The mobile area of the side chain of vitamin D can be grouped into five regions (E, G, EA, EG, and F), and the SFR has been analyzed in terms of these spatial regions. The SFR of ligand/VDR interaction is discussed on the basis of the crystal structure of VDR-LBD(delta 165-215), docking of various vitamin D ligands into the ligand binding pocket (LBP) of the VDR, and functional analysis of amino acids lining the LBP. Finally, we discuss total SFR, combining the results of the two approaches, and future aspects of structure-based design of vitamin D analogs.