Development of potent and effective SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors based on maleimide analogs for the potential treatment of COVID-19

In the present work, we report a new series of potent SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) inhibitors based on maleimide derivatives. The inhibitory activities were tested in an enzymatic assay using recombinant Mpro (3CL Protease from coronavirus SARS-CoV-2). Within the set of new Mpro inhibitors, 6e demonstrated the highest activity in the enzymatic assay with an IC50 value of 8.52 ± 0.44 µM. The IC50 value for Nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332, used as a reference) was 0.84 ± 0.37 µM. The cytotoxic properties were determined in the MTT assay using MRC-5 and HEK-293 cell lines. In the course of the investigation, we found that the newly obtained maleimide derivatives are not substantially cytotoxic (IC50 values for most compounds were above 200 µM).

Development of Sulfamoylated 4-(1-Phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenol Derivatives as Potent Steroid Sulfatase Inhibitors for Efficient Treatment of Breast Cancer

We present here the advances achieved in the development of new sulfamoylated 4-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)phenol derivatives as potent steroid sulfatase (STS) inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer. Prompted by promising biological results and in silico analysis, the initial series of similar compounds were extended, appending a variety of m-substituents at the outer phenyl ring. The inhibition profiles of the newly synthesized compounds were evaluated using a radioisotope enzymatic assay and, together with the preceding reported derivatives, using a radioisotope assay in MCF-7 cells. The most active compound, 5l, demonstrated an extraordinary STS inhibitory potency in MCF-7 cells with an IC₅₀ value improved 5-fold compared to that of the reference Irosustat (0.21 vs 1.06 nM). The five most potent compounds were assessed in vivo in a 67NR mouse mammary gland cancer model, with 4b measured to induce up to 51% tumor growth inhibition at 50 mg/kg with no evidence of side effects and toxicity.

New potent steroid sulphatase inhibitors based on 6-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)naphthalen-2-yl sulphamate derivatives

In the present work, we report a new class of potent steroid sulphatase (STS) inhibitors based on 6-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)naphthalen-2-yl sulphamate derivatives. Within the set of new STS inhibitors, 6-(1-(1,2,3-trifluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)naphthalen-2-yl sulphamate 3L demonstrated the highest activity in the enzymatic assay inhibiting the STS activity to 7.98% at 0.5 µM concentration. Furthermore, to verify whether the obtained STS inhibitors are able to pass through the cellular membrane effectively, cell line experiments have been carried out. We found that the lowest STS activities were measured in the presence of compound 3L (remaining STS activity of 5.22%, 27.48% and 99.0% at 100, 10 and 1 nM concentrations, respectively). The measured STS activities for Irosustat (used as a reference) were 5.72%, 12.93% and 16.83% in the same concentration range. Moreover, a determined IC₅₀ value of 15.97 nM for 3L showed that this compound is a very promising candidate for further preclinical investigations.

Anticancer Properties of Amino Acid and Peptide Derivatives of Mycophenolic Acid

BACKGROUND

Although Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) is applied as prodrugs in clinic as an immunosuppressant, it also possesses anticancer activity. MPA acts as Inosine-5'-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor, where the carboxylic group at the end of the side chain interacts with Ser 276 of the enzyme via hydrogen bonds. Therefore, MPA derivatives with other polar groups indicated high inhibition too. On the other hand, potent anticancer agents like dacarbazine and cisplatin give numerous side-effects.

OBJECTIVE

Based on the literature data, MPA derivatives should be explored towards anticancer properties. Conversion of the carboxylic group of MPA to amide could maintain antiproliferative activity. Therefore, we decided to investigate several amino acid and peptide derivatives of MPA against chosen cancer cell lines in vitro.

METHODS

Amides of MPA hold threonine and arginine amino acid unit. These amino acid derivatives were tested as L and D enantiomers and both in free acid and methyl esters forms. Additionally, MPA was modified with tuftsin or retro-tuftsin as biologically active peptides, which could act as a drug carrier.

RESULTS

Amino acid and peptide derivatives of MPA were investigated in vitro as potential anticancer agents on cell lines: Ab melanoma, A375 melanoma and SHSY5Y neuroblastoma. The activity of the tested compounds was compared to parent MPA and known chemotherapeutics: dacarbazine and cisplatin.

CONCLUSION

Amino acid moiety and the sequence of amino acids in the peptide part influenced observed activity. The most active amino acid MPA analogues occurred to be D and L-threonine derivatives as methyl esters, probably due to better cell membrane penetration.

Recent progress in the development of steroid sulphatase inhibitors - examples of the novel and most promising compounds from the last decade

The purpose of this review article is to provide an overview of recent achievements in the synthesis of novel steroid sulphatase (STS) inhibitors. STS is a crucial enzyme in the biosynthesis of active hormones (including oestrogens and androgens) and, therefore, represents an extremely attractive molecular target for the development of hormone-dependent cancer therapies. The inhibition of STS may effectively reduce the availability of active hormones for cancer cells, causing a positive therapeutic effect. Herein, we report examples of novel STS inhibitors based on steroidal and nonsteroidal cores that contain various functional groups (e.g. sulphamate and phosphorus moieties) and halogen atoms, which may potentially be used in therapies for hormone-dependent cancers. The presented work also includes examples of multitargeting agents with STS inhibitory activities. Furthermore, the fundamental discoveries in the development of the most promising drug candidates exhibiting STS inhibitory activities are highlighted.

New potent STS inhibitors based on fluorinated 4-(1-phenyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-yl)-phenyl sulfamates

A series of fluorinated analogs based on the frameworks of 4-(1-phenyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-yl)-phenyl sulfamates have been synthesized as steroid sulfatase (STS) inhibitors. The design of chemical structures of new potential STS inhibitors was supported by molecular docking techniques to identify potential interactions between inhibitors and amino acid residues located in the STS active site. The STS inhibitory potency was evaluated on STS isolated from human placenta. We found that compounds substituted with fluorine atom at the meta position demonstrated the highest inhibitory effects in enzymatic STS assay. The most active analog 12e - inhibited STS enzyme with the IC₅₀ value of 36 nM.

Novel 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives in Drug Discovery

Five-membered 1,2,4-oxadiazole heterocyclic ring has received considerable attentionbecause of its unique bioisosteric properties and an unusually wide spectrum of biological activities.Thus, it is a perfect framework for the novel drug development. After a century since the1,2,4-oxadiazole have been discovered, the uncommon potential attracted medicinal chemists'attention, leading to the discovery of a few presently accessible drugs containing 1,2,4-oxadiazoleunit. It is worth noting that the interest in a 1,2,4-oxadiazoles' biological application has been doubledin the last fifteen years. Herein, after a concise historical introduction, we present a comprehensiveoverview of the recent achievements in the synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazole-based compounds and themajor advances in their biological applications in the period of the last five years as well as briefremarks on prospects for further development.

Modifications at the C(5) position of pyrimidine nucleosides

This review summarizes the state of knowledge on the chemical methods of C(5)-modifications of uridine and cytidine derivatives and may serve as a useful tool for synthetic chemists to choose an appropriate reaction protocol. The synthesis of 5-substituted uracil derivatives is gaining an increasing interest because of their possible applications in medicine and pharmacy. Modifications at the C(5) position of pyrimidine nucleosides can enhance their biostability, bioavailability or(and) biological activity. Among the C(5)-modified nucleosides, 5-halopyrimidines exhibit anticancer, antiviral, radio- and photosensitizing properties. Besides 5-halo-substituted derivatives, there are other examples of nucleosides with confirmed biological activity containing a C–C bond at the C(5) position in the pyrimidine ring. In recent decades, scientists have achieved great progress in the field of cross-coupling reactions. Among them, nickel-catalyzed processes provide a broad spectrum of synthetic methods that are based on less toxic and cheaper starting materials. This review summarizes the synthetic approaches based on the coupling or halogenation reactions, which enable 5-substituted pyrimidine nucleosides to be obtained. Moreover, the importance of the systems considered for medicine and pharmacy is briefly discussed.

The bibliography includes 197 references.

Convenient and efficient synthesis of functionalized unsymmetrical alkynyl sulfides

We developed a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of functionalized unsymmetrical alkynyl sulfides under mild conditions in good yields.

Synthesis and steroid sulfatase inhibitory activities of N-phosphorylated 3-(4-aminophenyl)-coumarin-7-O-sulfamates

In the present work, we report convenient methods for the synthesis and biological evaluation of N-phosphorylated derivatives of 3-(4-aminophenyl)-coumarin-7-O-sulfamate as potential steroid sulfatase (STS) inhibitors.

Selected organophosphorus compounds with biological activity. Applications in medicine

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the latest applications of organophosphorus compounds (OPs) that exhibit biological activity.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of thiophosphate tricyclic coumarin derivatives as steroid sulfatase inhibitors

Steroid sulfatase (STS) enzyme inhibition is an important approach to the management of hormone-dependent breast cancer. In this paper, we report convenient methods for the synthesis and biological evaluation of thiophosphate tricyclic coumarin analogs exhibiting STS activity. The described methods are based on the straightforward preparation of 7-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]chromen-2-one, 3-hydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-one, and 3-hydroxy-8,9,10,11-tetrahydro-7H-cyclohepta[c]chromen-6-one and their further modification by the introduction of various thiophosphate moieties. The inhibition properties of the synthesized compounds were tested toward STS isolated from human placenta. Most of the new STS inhibitors possessed good to moderate activity toward STS. During the course of our investigation, the largest inhibitory effects in the STS enzyme assays were observed for the two compounds 3f and 4r, with IC50 values of 13.3 and 30.3 μM, respectively (the IC50 value of 1 μM for the 665-COUMATE was used as a reference). The structure-activity relationships of the synthesized coumarin derivatives toward STS enzymes are discussed.

Synthesis and steroid sulfatase inhibitory activities of N-alkanoyl tyramine phosphates and thiophosphates

A series of phosphate and thiophosphate analogs based on the frameworks of N-alkanoyl tyramines have been synthesized and biologically evaluated.

DDQ-mediated synthesis of functionalized unsymmetrical disulfanes

We developed a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of functionalized unsymmetrical disulfanes under mild conditions in good yields.

Phosphate tricyclic coumarin analogs as steroid sulfatase inhibitors: synthesis and biological activity

In the present work, we report convenient methods for the synthesis and biological evaluation of phosphate tricyclic coumarin derivatives as potential steroid sulfatase inhibitors.

5,5-Dimethyl-2-methyl-seleno-1,3,2-dioxaphospho-rinan-2-one

The title compound, C₆H₁₃O₃PSe, was obtained in the reaction of 5,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-2-seleno-1,3,2-dioxaphospho­r­inane potassium salt with methyl iodide. The seleno­methyl group is in the axial position in relation to the six-membered dioxaphospho­rinane ring.

Synthesis and structural investigation of N-acyl selenophosphoramides

2-Amino-2-seleno-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane reacts with acyl chlorides (4-chlorobenzoyl chloride or pivaloyl chloride) yielding the respective N-acyl selenophosphoramides. These derivatives do not isomerise to the related selenocarbonyl imides. X-ray study of N-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-2-amino-2-seleno-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane indicates that the selenium atom is placed in the equatorial position. The next compound studied, N-pivaloyl-2-amino-2-seleno-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane, crystallises with both axial/equatorial conformers present in the asymmetric unit. Finally, 2-amino-2-seleno-5,5-dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane is present in the solid state in the form with the selenium atom in the axial position. The results are presented together with X-ray structures of previously synthesised and described cyclic O-acyl monoselenophosphates.

O-Pivaloyl diphenyl-seleno-phosphinate

The title compound, C(17)H(19)O(2)PSe, was obtained in the reaction of the diphenyl-monoseleno-phosphinic acid ammonium salt with pivaloyl chloride. The P-Se bond length of 2.0769 (11) Å is normal, while the P-O bond length of 1.650 (3) Å is longer than in related O-alkyl and O-aryl derivatives. One phenyl ring is periplanar to the Se-P-C plane, while the dihedral angle between the two phenyl rings is ca 73°. The carbonyl group is in a synperiplanar position [torsion angle = 8.9 (6)°] to one of the methyl groups of the pivaloyl group. This is the first O-acyl derivative of diphenyl-monoseleno-phosphinic acid characterized by X-ray structural analysis.

O-4-Chloro-benzoyl diphenyl-seleno-phosphinate

The title compound, C(19)H(14)ClO(2)PSe, was obtained in the reaction of the diphenyl-monoseleno-phosphinic acid ammonium salt with 4-chloro-benzoyl chloride. The dihedral angle between the P-bonded aromatic rings is 72.64 (14)°. Packing of the mol-ecules in the crystal is reinforced by π-π stacking inter-actions between two inversion-related 4-chloro-benzene rings [centroid-centroid separation = 4.189 (2) Å] and a C-H⋯O interaction also occurs.

Synthesis and reactivity of O-acyl selenophosphates

The synthesis of several new O-acyl selenophosphates were investigated. The stability and reactivity of the products were studied and related to their structure.

Substituent effects on 15N NMR chemical shifts in selected N-alkylthiohydroxamic acids. A comparative study

The 15N NMR spectra of three N-alkyl-delta-carbomethoxyvalerothiohydroxamic acids (2) and six synthesized N-isopropylbenzothiohydroxamic acids (3) were measured and compared with appropriate spectra of structurally similar hydroxylamines (1), benzohydroxamic acids (4), benzamides (5) and thiobenzamides (6). The analysis of the chemical shifts of the thiohydroxamic acids under investigation indicates that the inductive effect of the hydroxyl group rather than steric hindrance is responsible for non-additivity of the effect of substituents. Additionally, N-hydroxyl diminishes the effect of aromatic ring substituents on the 15N chemical shifts in the thiohydroxamic acids 3 which is approximately half that in the respective thiobenzamides 6. The chemical shift values correlate best with Brown's sigma+ parameter.