Targeting p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) with pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivative SPA7012 attenuates hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion injury in mice

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel benzimidazole-derived p21-activited kinase 4 (PAK4) inhibitors bearing a 4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl scaffold as potential antitumor agents

A series of novel 6-(4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-based p21-activited kinase 4 (PAK4) inhibitors were designed and synthesized based on the structure of lead compound GNE-2861 and that of anticancer inhibitors reported in our previous studies. All target compounds so designed were preliminarily screened in vitro for anti-tumor potency through kinase inhibitory assays and MTT assays, which revealed that most compounds exhibited significant inhibitory effects on PAK4 enzyme as well as prominent antiproliferative activities against four cancer cell models (A549, NCI-H1975, MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3) and low damage to healthy cells. In particular, the hit compound 12i was identified as the most effective and rather selective compound both at the enzyme and cellular level. Meanwhile, molecular docking and dynamic studies disclosed that compound 12i could bind to PAK4 stably via multiple interactions applied between the compound and the enzyme. Further mechanism studies indicated that compound 12i could inhibit the proliferation and suppress the migratory potential of MDA-MB-231 cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of PAK4 and LIMK1, arresting cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, inducing apoptosis and promoting ROS production. Notably, compound 12i could effectively inhibit triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) growth with little toxicity in the MDA-MB-231 cell xenograft model. Taken together, in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that compound 12i possessed high drug potential as an inhibitor of PAK4 to inhibit the growth and metastasis of TNBC.

Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Heteroaromatics with Multiple N Atoms via Substrate Activation: An Entry to 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-3-carbonitrile Core of a Potent BTK Inhibitor

The chiral 4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine is the key core skeleton of potent Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor Zanubrutinib, and the catalyst-controlled asymmetric hydrogenation of planar multinuclear pyrimidine heteroarenes with multiple N atoms could provide an efficient route toward its synthesis. Owing to the strong aromaticity and poisoning effect toward chiral transition metal catalyst, asymmetric hydrogenation of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines with multiple nitrogen atoms is still a challenge for synthesizing the chiral 4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine. Herein, an efficient iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines has been developed using substrate activation strategy, with up to 99% ee. The decagram scale synthesis further demonstrated the potential and promise of this procedure in the synthesis of Zanubrutinib. In addition, a mechanistic study indicated that the hydrogenation starts with 1,2-hydrogenation.

NRF2 Activation by Nitrogen Heterocycles: A Review

Several nitrogen heterocyclic analogues have been applied to clinical practice, and about 75% of drugs approved by the FDA contain at least a heterocyclic moiety. Thus, nitrogen heterocycles are beneficial scaffolds that occupy a central position in the development of new drugs. The fact that certain nitrogen heterocyclic compounds significantly activate the NRF2/ARE signaling pathway and upregulate the expression of NRF2-dependent genes, especially HO-1 and NQO1, underscores the need to study the roles and pharmacological effects of N-based heterocyclic moieties in NRF2 activation. Furthermore, nitrogen heterocycles exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. NRF2-activating molecules have been of tremendous research interest in recent times due to their therapeutic roles in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress-mediated diseases. A comprehensive review of the NRF2-inducing activities of N-based heterocycles and their derivatives will broaden their therapeutic prospects in a wide range of diseases. Thus, the present review, as the first of its kind, provides an overview of the roles and effects of nitrogen heterocyclic moieties in the activation of the NRF2 signaling pathway underpinning their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in several diseases, their pharmacological properties and structural-activity relationship are also discussed with the aim of making new discoveries that will stimulate innovative research in this area.

P-21 Activated Kinases in Liver Disorders

The p21 Activated Kinases (PAKs) are serine threonine kinases and play important roles in many biological processes, including cell growth, survival, cytoskeletal organization, migration, and morphology. Recently, PAKs have emerged in the process of liver disorders, including liver cancer, hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, hepatitis, and liver fibrosis, owing to their effects in multiple signaling pathways in various cell types. Activation of PAKs promotes liver cancer growth and metastasis and contributes to the resistance of liver cancer to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, leading to poor survival of patients. PAKs also play important roles in the development and progression of hepatitis and other pathological processes of the liver such as fibrosis and ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this review, we have summarized the currently available studies about the role of PAKs in liver disorders and the mechanisms involved, and further explored the potential therapeutic application of PAK inhibitors in liver disorders, with the aim to provide a comprehensive overview on current progress and perspectives of PAKs in liver disorders.