Synthesis and hypoglycemic activity of 7,8-dihydro-6H-thiopyrano[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives and related compounds

Verubulin (Azixa) Analogues with Increased Saturation: Synthesis, SAR and Encapsulation in Biocompatible Nanocontainers Based on Ca2+ or Mg2+ Cross-Linked Alginate

Tubulin-targeting agents attract undiminished attention as promising compounds for the design of anti-cancer drugs. Verubulin is a potent tubulin polymerization inhibitor, binding to colchicine-binding sites. In the present work, a series of verubulin analogues containing a cyclohexane or cycloheptane ring 1,2-annulated with pyrimidine moiety and various substituents in positions 2 and 4 of pyrimidine were obtained and their cytotoxicity towards cancer and non-cancerous cell lines was estimated. The investigated compounds revealed activity against various cancer cell lines with IC50 down to 1-4 nM. According to fluorescent microscopy data, compounds that showed cytotoxicity in the MTT test disrupt the normal cytoskeleton of the cell in a pattern similar to that for combretastatin A-4. The hit compound (N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N,2-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolin-4-amine) was encapsulated in biocompatible nanocontainers based on Ca2+ or Mg2+ cross-linked alginate and it was demonstrated that its cytotoxic activity was preserved after encapsulation.

One-pot etherification of purine nucleosides and pyrimidines

A one-pot synthesis of ethers derived from inosine, guanosine, 2'-deoxyguanosine, and pyrimidinones is described. Exposure of the heterocycle to 1H-benzotriazol-1-yloxy-tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP) and Cs(2)CO(3) produces a reactive intermediate, which is converted to the desired ether by subsequent addition of an appropriate alcohol or phenol and Cs(2)CO(3). Although rapid formation of HMPA from BOP can occur in the presence of an alcohol and base, as demonstrated by the reaction with methanol, under appropriate conditions these heteroaryl ethers can be efficiently synthesized.

Synthesis and discovery of water-soluble microtubule targeting agents that bind to the colchicine site on tubulin and circumvent Pgp mediated resistance

Two classes of molecules were designed and synthesized based on a 6-CH(3) cyclopenta[d]pyrimidine scaffold and a pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffold. The pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines were synthesized by reacting ethyl 2-cyano-4,4-diethoxybutanoate and acetamidine, which in turn was chlorinated and reacted with the appropriate anilines to afford 1 and 2. The cyclopenta[d]pyrimidines were obtained from 3-methyladapic acid, followed by reaction with acetamidine to afford the cyclopenta[d]pyrimidine scaffold. Chlorination and reaction with appropriate anilines afforded (±)-3·HCl-(±)-7·HCl. Compounds 1 and (±)-3·HCl had potent antiproliferative activities in the nanomolar range. Compound (±)-3·HCl is significantly more potent than 1. Mechanistic studies showed that 1 and (±)-3·HCl cause loss of cellular microtubules, inhibit the polymerization of purified tubulin, and inhibit colchicine binding. Modeling studies show interactions of these compounds within the colchicine site. The identification of these new inhibitors that can also overcome clinically relevant mechanisms of drug resistance provides new scaffolds for colchicine site agents.

Hypoglycemic activities of MTP-3631, a novel thiopyranopyrimidine derivative

MTP-3631 is a novel thiopyranopyrimidine derivative structurally different from any existent hypoglycemic agents. MTP-3631 markedly decreased basal blood glucose and improved glucose intolerance in genetically diabetic C57BL/6J ob/ob mice, which was not affected by tolbutamide. MTP-3631 also caused hypoglycemic effects in normal rats, but no change was observed in plasma insulin level. Unlike buformin, MTP-3631 did not change plasma lactate level in ob/ob mice. These results suggest that the hypoglycemic mechanism of MTP-3631 may be essentially different from those of sulfonylureas and biguanides.