Development of a New Class of Inhibitors for the Malarial Aspartic Protease Plasmepsin II Based on a Central 7‐Azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane Scaffold

Plasmepsin II (PMII), a malarial aspartic protease involved in the catabolism of hemoglobin in parasites of the genus Plasmodium, and renin, a human aspartic protease, share 35% sequence identity in their mature chains. Structures of 4‐arylpiperidine inhibitors complexed to human renin were reported by Roche recently. The major conformational changes, compared to a structure of renin, with a peptidomimetic inhibitor were identified and subsequently modeled in a structure of PMII (Fig. 1). This distorted structure of PMII served as active‐site model for a novel class of PMII inhibitors, according to a structure‐based de novo design approach (Fig. 2). These newly designed inhibitors feature a rigid 7‐azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane scaffold, which, in its protonated form, is assumed to undergo ionic H‐bonding with the two catalytic Asp residues at the active site of PMII. Two substituents depart from the scaffold for occupancy of either the S1/S3 or S2′‐pocket and the hydrophobic flap pocket, newly created by the conformational changes in PMII. The inhibitors synthesized starting from N‐Boc‐protected 7‐azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene ( 6 ; Schemes 1–5) displayed up to single‐digit micromolar activity (IC₅₀ values) toward PMII and good selectivity towards renin. The clear structure? activity relationship (SAR; Table) provides strong validation of the proposed conformational changes in PMII and the occupancy of the resulting hydrophobic flap pocket by our new inhibitors.     

A New Class of Inhibitors for the Malarial Aspartic Protease Plasmepsin II Based on a Central 11‐Azatricyclo[6.2.1.02,7]undeca‐2,4,6‐triene Scaffold

A new class of nonpeptidic inhibitors of the malarial aspartic protease plasmepsin II (PMII) with up to single‐digit micromolar activities (IC₅₀ values) was developed by structure‐based de novo design. The active‐site matrix used in the design was based on an X‐ray crystal structure of PMII, onto which the major conformational changes seen in the structure of renin upon complexation of 4‐arylpiperidines – including the unlocking of a new hydrophobic (flap) pocket – were modeled. The sequence identity of 35% between mature renin and PMII had prompted us to hypothesize that an induced‐fit adaptation around the active site as observed in renin might also be effective in PMII. The new inhibitors contain a central 11‐azatricyclo[6.2.1.0^2,7]undeca‐2(7),3,5‐triene core, which, in protonated form, undergoes ionic H‐bonding with the two catalytic Asp residues at the active site of PMII (Figs. 1 and 2). This tricyclic scaffold is readily prepared by a Diels? Alder reaction between an activated pyrrole and a benzyne species generated in situ (Scheme 1). Two substituents with naphthyl or 1,3‐benzothiazole moieties are attached to the central core (Schemes 1–4) for accommodation in the hydrophobic flap and S1/S3 (or S2′, depending on the optical antipode of the inhibitor) pockets at the active site of the enzyme. The most‐potent inhibitors (±)‐ 19a – 19c (IC₅₀ 3–5 μM ) and (±)‐ 23b (2 μM ) (Table) bear an additional Cl‐atom on the 1,3‐benzothiazole moiety to fully fill the rear of the flap pocket. Optimization of the linker between the tricyclic scaffold and the 1,3‐benzothiazole moiety, based on detailed conformational analysis (Figs. 3 and 4), led to a further small increase in inhibitory strength. The new compounds were also tested against other aspartic proteases. They were found to be quite selective against renin, while the selectivity against cathepsin D and E, two other human aspartic proteases, is rather poor (Table). The detailed SARs established in this investigation provide a valuable basis for the design of the next generations of more‐potent and ‐selective PMII inhibitors with potential application in a new antimalarial therapy.     

Second‐Generation Inhibitors for the Metalloprotease Neprilysin Based on Bicyclic Heteroaromatic Scaffolds: Synthesis,Biological Activity,and X‐Ray Crystal‐Structure Analysis

A new class of nonpeptidic inhibitors of the Zn^II‐dependent metalloprotease neprilysin with IC₅₀ values in the nanomolar activity range (0.034–0.30 μM ) were developed based on structure‐based de novo design (Figs. 1 and 2). The inhibitors feature benzimidazole and imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine moieties as central scaffolds to undergo H‐bonding to Asn542 and Arg717 and to engage in favorable π‐π stacking interactions with the imidazole ring of His711. The platform is decorated with a thiol vector to coordinate to the Zn^II ion and an aryl residue to occupy the hydrophobic S1′ pocket, but lack a substituent for binding in the S2′ pocket, which remains closed by the side chains of Phe106 and Arg110 when not occupied. The enantioselective syntheses of the active compounds (+)‐ 1 , (+)‐ 2 , (+)‐ 25 , and (+)‐ 26 were accomplished using Evans auxiliaries (Schemes 2, 4, and 5). The inhibitors (+)‐ 2 and (+)‐ 26 with an imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine core are ca. 8 times more active than those with a benzimidazole core ((+)‐ 1 and (+)‐ 25 ) (Table 1). The predicted binding mode was established by X‐ray analysis of the complex of neprilysin with (+)‐ 2 at 2.25‐Å resolution (Fig. 4 and Table 2). The ligand coordinates with its sulfanyl residue to the Zn^II ion, and the benzyl residue occupies the S1′ pocket. The 1H‐imidazole moiety of the central scaffold forms the required H‐bonds to the side chains of Asn542 and Arg717. The heterobicyclic platform additionally undergoes π‐π stacking with the side chain of His711 as well as edge‐to‐face‐type interactions with the side chain of Trp693. According to the X‐ray analysis, the substantial advantage in biological activity of the imidazo‐pyridine inhibitors over the benzimidazole ligands arises from favorable interactions of the pyridine N‐atom in the former with the side chain of Arg102. Unexpectedly, replacement of the phenyl group pointing into the deep S1′ pocket by a biphenyl group does not enhance the binding affinity for this class of inhibitors.     

Silanediols: A New Class of Potent Protease Inhibitors

Transition state analogues of the peptide hydrolysis intermediate can take the form of complex silanediols such as 1 , which inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) at nanomolar concentrations. In contrast, earlier investigation of enzyme inhibition with simple silanediols and silanetriols showed them to be inactive.     

Arylbenzylphosphonates - A New Class of Irreversible Penicillin Acylase Inhibitors

Abstract

Anionic phosphonates are shown to inactivate penicillin acylase via phosphonilation of active site with simultaneous release of appropriate phenol.     

Synthesis,Biological Evaluation,and In Silico Studies of New Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Based on Quinoxaline Scaffold

A quinoxaline scaffold exhibits various bioactivities in pharmacotherapeutic interests. In this research, twelve quinoxaline derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as new acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. We found all compounds showed potent inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with IC₅₀ values of 0.077 to 50.080 µM, along with promising predicted drug-likeness and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeation. In addition, potent butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 14.91 to 60.95 µM was observed in some compounds. Enzyme kinetic study revealed the most potent compound (6c) as a mixed-type AChE inhibitor. No cytotoxicity from the quinoxaline derivatives was noticed in the human neuroblastoma cell line (SHSY5Y). In silico study suggested the compounds preferred the peripheral anionic site (PAS) to the catalytic anionic site (CAS), which was different from AChE inhibitors (tacrine and galanthamine). We had proposed the molecular design guided for quinoxaline derivatives targeting the PAS site. Therefore, the quinoxaline derivatives could offer the lead for the newly developed candidate as potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.     

Zika Virus Inhibitors Based on a 1,3-Disubstituted 1H-Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-amine Scaffold

To search for Zika virus (ZIKV) antivirals, we have further explored previously reported 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines by examining an alternative substitution pattern of their central scaffold, leading to compound 5 with low micromolar antiviral activity. To circumvent the synthetic difficulties associated with compound 5, we have exploited a 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine scaffold and performed structure-activity relationship studies on its peripheral rings A and B. While ring B is less sensitive to structural modifications, an electron-withdrawing group at the para position of ring A is preferred for enhanced antiviral activity. Overall, we have not only discovered an alternative substitution pattern centered on a 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine scaffold but also generated anti-ZIKV compounds including 6 and 13, which possess low micromolar antiviral activity and relatively low cytotoxicity. These compounds represent new chemotypes that will be further optimized in our continued efforts to discover anti-ZIKV agents.     

Two New Hybrid Architectures Based on Polyoxometaloborates and Imidazole Fragments

Two new hybrid compounds based on polyoxometaloborates, (HIm)₁₂[MnBW₁₁O₃₉H]₂ · 13H₂O ( 1 ) and (HIm)(Im)[(Im)₄Zn]₂[BW₁₂O₄₀] · 2H₂O ( 2 ) (Im = imidazole), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV, TG, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 is made up of [MnBW₁₁O₃₉H]^6– polyoxoanions, which are coordinatively linked together by terminal oxygen atoms to yield an unprecedented one‐dimensional chain that represents the first example of one‐dimensional assemblies based on polyoxotungstoborates and transition metal cations. Adjacent inorganic chains are further in close contact by imidazole molecules to form a three‐dimensional supramolecular channel framework by strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Compound 2 exhibits a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture constructed from Keggin‐type polyoxoanions [BW₁₂O₄₀]^5– and zinc‐imidazole coordination units by strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Furthermore, both compounds exhibit interesting photoluminescence properties at room temperature.     

A New Anion Receptor with a Glycoluril Molecular Scaffold

The rational design and synthesis of a new anion receptor containing a glycoluril molecular scaffold are reported. This new receptor utilizes four amide hydrogen bonds arranged at the corner of the glycoluril unit. This new anion receptor binds spherically shaped halide ions in a 1:1 stoichiometry and has a high affinity for fluoride.     

Full Functionalization of the Imidazole Scaffold by Selective Metalation and Sulfoxide/Magnesium Exchange

A simple, flexible, and straightforward method for the functionalization of all the positions of the imidazole heterocycle through regioselective arylations, allylations, acylations, and additions to aldehydes is disclosed. Starting from the readily available key imidazole 1 , highly functionalized imidazole derivatives have been synthesized in a regioselective manner from directed metalations and a sulfoxide/magnesium exchange. Moreover, the selective N3‐alkylation followed by deprotection of N1 (trans‐N‐alkylation) allows the regioselective N‐alkylation of complex imidazoles.     

Straightforward Access to a New Class of Dual DYRK1A/CLK1 Inhibitors Possessing a Simple Dihydroquinoline Core

The DYRK (Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase) family of protein kinases is involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Among them, the DYRK1A protein kinase is thought to be implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Down syndrome, and as such, has emerged as an appealing therapeutic target. DYRKs are a subset of the CMGC (CDK, MAPKK, GSK3 and CLK) group of kinases. Within this group of kinases, the CDC2-like kinases (CLKs), such as CLK1, are closely related to DYRKs and have also sparked great interest as potential therapeutic targets for AD. Based on inhibitors previously described in the literature (namely TG003 and INDY), we report in this work a new class of dihydroquinolines exhibiting inhibitory activities in the nanomolar range on hDYRK1A and hCLK1. Moreover, there is overwhelming evidence that oxidative stress plays an important role in AD. Pleasingly, the most potent dual kinase inhibitor 1p exhibited antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. Finally, drug-likeness and molecular docking studies of this new class of DYRK1A/CLK1 inhibitors are also discussed in this article.     

基于固定化酶的乙酰胆碱酯酶抑制剂体外筛选模型的建立

以可重复使用的固定化酶代替游离态酶, 建立一种基于比色分析的乙酰胆碱酯酶(AChE)抑制剂体外筛选新模型. 采用以氨基化硅胶为载体固定的AChE优化了实验条件, 用AChE抑制剂阳性对照物他克林和毒扁豆碱对该模型进行验证, 还对模型技术参数进行评价, 并将新模型用于单体化合物及天然产物粗提物AChE抑制活性评价. 结果表明, 最佳实验条件为: 固定化酶用量55 μL, 底物浓度5 mmol/L, 甲醇、 乙醇及体积分数不高于6%的二甲基亚砜水溶液均可作为样品溶剂; 模型验证及模型技术参数评价结果良好, 该模型对AChE抑制剂筛选有较好的特异性和灵敏度, 可用于筛选AChE抑制剂. 该模型具有适用性强、 固定化酶可重复使用及结果可靠等优点, 是单体化合物及天然产物粗提物AChE抑制剂活性评价的有效方法.     

Development of Ubiquitin‐Based Probe for Metalloprotease Deubiquitinases

Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are a family of enzymes that regulate the ubiquitin signaling cascade by removing ubiquitin from specific proteins in response to distinct signals. DUBs that belong to the metalloprotease family (metalloDUBs) contain Zn²⁺ in their active sites and are an integral part of distinct cellular protein complexes. Little is known about these enzymes because of the lack of specific probes. Described here is a Ub‐based probe that contains a ubiquitin moiety modified at its C‐terminus with a Zn²⁺ chelating group based on 8‐mercaptoquinoline, and a modification at the N‐terminus with either a fluorescent tag or a pull‐down tag. The probe is validated using Rpn11, a metalloDUB found in the 26S proteasome complex. This probe binds to metalloDUBs and efficiently pulled down overexpressed metalloDUBs from a HeLa cell lysate. Such probes may be used to study the mechanism of metalloDUBs in detail and allow better understanding of their biochemical processes.     

Pregnane‐Type Steroidal Alkaloids of Sarcococca saligna: a New Class of Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Phytochemical investigation of Sarcococca saligna by extensive bioassay‐guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of the pregnane‐type steroidal alkaloids 1 – 15 , i.e. of the five new compounds 1 – 5 and the ten known alkaloids 6 – 15 . The structures of the new alkaloids salignenamide C ( 1 ), salignenamide D ( 2 ), 2β‐hydroxyepipachysamine D ( 3 ), salignenamide E ( 4 ), and salignenamide F ( 5 ) were elucidated with the help of modern spectroscopic techniques, while the known alkaloids axillarine C ( 6 ), axillarine F ( 7 ), sarcorine ( 8 ), N³‐demethylsaracodine ( 9 ), saligcinnamide ( 10 ), salignenamide A ( 11 ), vaganine A ( 12 ), axillaridine A ( 13 ), sarsalignone ( 14 ), and sarsalignenone ( 15 ) were identified by comparing their spectral data with those reported earlier. Inhibition of electric‐eel acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) and horse‐serum butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) by alkaloids 1 – 15 were investigated. These new cholinesterase inhibitors may act as potential leads in the discovery of clinically useful inhibitors for nervous‐system disorders, particularly by reducing memory deficiency in Alzheimer's disease patients by potentiating and effecting the cholinergic transmission process. These compounds were found to inhibit both enzymes in a concentration‐dependent fashion with the IC₅₀ values ranging from 5.21–227.92 μM against acetylcholinesterase and 2.18–38.36 μM against butyrylcholinesterase.     

Design and Synthesis of Imidazole and Triazole Pyrazoles as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis CYP121A1 Inhibitors

The emergence of untreatable drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major public health problem worldwide, and the identification of new efficient treatments is urgently needed. Mycobacterium tuberculosis cytochrome P450 CYP121A1 is a promising drug target for the treatment of tuberculosis owing to its essential role in mycobacterial growth. Using a rational approach, which includes molecular modelling studies, three series of azole pyrazole derivatives were designed through two synthetic pathways. The synthesized compounds were biologically evaluated for their inhibitory activity towards M. tuberculosis and their protein binding affinity (K_D). Series 3 biarylpyrazole imidazole derivatives were the most effective with the isobutyl ( 10 f ) and tert-butyl ( 10 g ) compounds displaying optimal activity (MIC 1.562 μg/mL, K_D 0.22 μM ( 10 f ) and 4.81 μM ( 10 g )). The spectroscopic data showed that all the synthesised compounds produced a type II red shift of the heme Soret band indicating either direct binding to heme iron or (where less extensive Soret shifts are observed) putative indirect binding via an interstitial water molecule. Evaluation of biological and physicochemical properties identified the following as requirements for activity: LogP >4, H-bond acceptors/H-bond donors 4/0, number of rotatable bonds 5–6, molecular volume >340 ų, topological polar surface area <40 Ų.     

HMG-CoA还原酶抑制剂中间体合成新工艺

(3R,5S)-6-羟基-3,5-O,O-亚异丙基-二羟基己酸叔丁酯是制备HMG-CoA还原酶抑制剂的重要结构单元, 提出了通过两次不对称催化氢化在温和的条件下方便高效高立体选择性合成(3R,5S)-6-羟基-3,5-O,O-亚异丙基-二羟基己酸叔丁酯的新工艺. 该工艺8步总产率38%, de值99%.     

邻位噻吩基取代咪唑类氮氧自由基的合成

合成了未见报道的邻位噻吩基取代咪唑类氮氧自由基———NITS[2-(2′-噻吩基)-4,4,5,5-四甲基咪唑啉-3-氧化-1-氧基自由基]。NITS的晶体属单斜晶系,C2/c空间群,a=23.78(3),b=8.435(10),c=12.297(14),β=103.680(19)°,Z=8。NITS的电学性质经电子顺磁谱表征,并首次利用电化学分析探讨了其反应机理。     

A New Class of Uracil–DNA Glycosylase Inhibitors Active against Human and Vaccinia Virus Enzyme

Uracil–DNA glycosylases are enzymes that excise uracil bases appearing in DNA as a result of cytosine deamination or accidental dUMP incorporation from the dUTP pool. The activity of Family 1 uracil–DNA glycosylase (UNG) activity limits the efficiency of antimetabolite drugs and is essential for virulence in some bacterial and viral infections. Thus, UNG is regarded as a promising target for antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal drugs. Most UNG inhibitors presently developed are based on the uracil base linked to various substituents, yet new pharmacophores are wanted to target a wide range of UNGs. We have conducted virtual screening of a 1,027,767-ligand library and biochemically screened the best hits for the inhibitory activity against human and vaccinia virus UNG enzymes. Although even the best inhibitors had IC₅₀ ≥ 100 μM, they were highly enriched in a common fragment, tetrahydro-2,4,6-trioxopyrimidinylidene (PyO3). In silico, PyO3 preferably docked into the enzyme’s active site, and in kinetic experiments, the inhibition was better consistent with the competitive mechanism. The toxicity of two best inhibitors for human cells was independent of the presence of methotrexate, which is consistent with the hypothesis that dUMP in genomic DNA is less toxic for the cell than strand breaks arising from the massive removal of uracil. We conclude that PyO3 may be a novel pharmacophore with the potential for development into UNG-targeting agents.