Synthesis and evaluation of fluorine-18 labelled tetrazines as pre-targeting imaging agents for PET.

BACKGROUND: The brain is a challenging target for antibody-based positron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging due to the restricted access of antibody-based ligands through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To overcome this physiological obstacle, we have previously developed bispecific antibody ligands that pass through the BBB via receptor-mediated transcytosis. While these radiolabelled ligands have high affinity and specificity, their long residence time in the blood and brain, typical for large molecules, poses another challenge for PET imaging. A viable solution could be a two-step pre-targeting approach which involves the administration of a tagged antibody that accumulates at the target site in the brain and then clears from the blood, followed by administration of a small radiolabelled molecule with fast kinetics. This radiolabelled molecule can couple to the tagged antibody and thereby make the antibody localisation visible by PET imaging. The in vivo linkage can be achieved by using the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction (IEDDA), with trans-cyclooctene (TCO) and tetrazine groups participating as reactants. In this study, two novel 18F-labelled tetrazines were synthesized and evaluated for their potential use as pre-targeting imaging agents, i.e., for their ability to rapidly enter the brain and, if unbound, to be efficiently cleared with minimal background retention. RESULTS: The two compounds, a methyl tetrazine [18F]MeTz and an H-tetrazine [18F]HTz were radiolabelled using a two-step procedure via [18F]F-Py-TFP synthesized on solid support followed by amidation with amine-bearing tetrazines, resulting in radiochemical yields of 24% and 22%, respectively, and a radiochemical purity of > 96%. In vivo PET imaging was performed to assess their suitability for in vivo pre-targeting. Time-activity curves from PET-scans showed [18F]MeTz to be the more pharmacokinetically suitable agent, given its fast and homogenous distribution in the brain and rapid clearance. However, in terms of rection kinetics, H-tetrazines are advantageous, exhibiting faster reaction rates in IEDDA reactions with dienophiles like trans-cyclooctenes, making [18F]HTz potentially more beneficial for pre-targeting applications. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant potential of [18F]MeTz and [18F]HTz as agents for pre-targeted PET brain imaging due to their efficient brain uptake, swift clearance and appropriate chemical stability.

The sulfonadyns: a class of aryl sulfonamides inhibiting dynamin I GTPase and clathrin mediated endocytosis are anti-seizure in animal models.

We show that dansylcadaverine (1) a known in-cell inhibitor of clathrin mediated endocytosis (CME), moderately inhibits dynamin I (dynI) GTPase activity (IC50 45 µM) and transferrin (Tfn) endocytosis in U2OS cells (IC50 205 µM). Synthesis gave a new class of GTP-competitive dynamin inhibitors, the Sulfonadyns™. The introduction of a terminal cinnamyl moiety greatly enhanced dynI inhibition. Rigid diamine or amide links between the dansyl and cinnamyl moieties were detrimental to dynI inhibition. Compounds with in vitro inhibition of dynI activity <10 µM were tested in-cell for inhibition of CME. These data unveiled a number of compounds, e.g. analogues 33 ((E)-N-(6-{[(3-(4-bromophenyl)-2-propen-1-yl]amino}hexyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide)) and 47 ((E)-N-(3-{[3-(4-bromophenyl)-2-propen-1-yl]amino}propyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide)isomers that showed dyn IC50 <4 µM, IC50(CME) <30 µM and IC50(SVE) from 12-265 µM. Both analogues (33 and 47) are at least 10 times more potent that the initial lead, dansylcadaverine (1). Enzyme kinetics revealed these sulfonamide analogues as being GTP competitive inhibitors of dynI. Sulfonadyn-47, the most potent SVE inhibitor observed (IC50(SVE) = 12.3 µM), significantly increased seizure threshold in a 6 Hz mouse psychomotor seizure test at 30 (p = 0.003) and 100 mg kg-1 ip (p < 0.0001), with similar anti-seizure efficacy to the established anti-seizure medication, sodium valproate (400 mg kg-1). The Sulfonadyn™ class of drugs target dynamin and show promise as novel leads for future anti-seizure medications.

On-Tissue Chemical Derivatization for Comprehensive Mapping of Brain Carboxyl and Aldehyde Metabolites by MALDI-MS Imaging.

The visualization of small metabolites by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging in brain tissue sections is challenging due to low detection sensitivity and high background interference. We present an on-tissue chemical derivatization MALDI mass spectrometry imaging approach for the comprehensive mapping of carboxyls and aldehydes in brain tissue sections. In this approach, the AMPP (1-(4-(aminomethyl)phenyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride) derivatization reagent is used for the covalent charge-tagging of molecules containing carboxylic acid (in the presence of peptide coupling reagents) and aldehydes. This includes free fatty acids and the associated metabolites, fatty aldehydes, dipeptides, neurotoxic reactive aldehydes, amino acids, neurotransmitters and associated metabolites, as well as tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites. We performed sensitive ultrahigh mass resolution MALDI-MS detection and imaging of various carboxyl- and aldehyde-containing endogenous metabolites simultaneously in rodent brain tissue sections. We verified the AMPP-derivatized metabolites by tandem MS for structural elucidation. This approach allowed us to image numerous aldehydes and carboxyls, including certain metabolites which had been undetectable in brain tissue sections. We also demonstrated the application of on-tissue derivatization to carboxyls and aldehydes in coronal brain tissue sections of a nonhuman primate Parkinson's disease model. Our methodology provides a powerful tool for the sensitive, simultaneous spatial molecular imaging of numerous aldehydes and carboxylic acids during pathological states, including neurodegeneration, in brain tissue.

[18F]MK-7246 for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of the Beta-Cell Surface Marker GPR44.

The progressive loss of beta-cell mass is a hallmark of diabetes and has been suggested as a complementary approach to studying the progression of diabetes in contrast to the beta-cell function. Non-invasive nuclear medicinal imaging techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography using radiation emitting tracers have thus been suggested as more viable methodologies to visualize and quantify the beta-cell mass with sufficient sensitivity. The transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor GPR44 has been identified as a biomarker for monitoring beta-cell mass. MK-7246 is a GPR44 antagonist that selectively binds to GPR44 with high affinity and good pharmacokinetic properties. Here, we present the synthesis of MK-7246, radiolabeled with the positron emitter fluorine-18 for preclinical evaluation using cell lines, mice, rats and human pancreatic cells. Here, we have described a synthesis and radiolabeling method for producing [18F]MK-7246 and its precursor compound. Preclinical assessments demonstrated the strong affinity and selectivity of [18F]MK-7246 towards GPR44. Additionally, [18F]MK-7246 exhibited excellent metabolic stability, a fast clearance profile from blood and tissues, qualifying it as a promising radioactive probe for GPR44-directed PET imaging.

Thioacetalation and Multi-Component Thiomethylative Friedel-Crafts Arylation Using BF3SMe2.

Herein, a method for thioacetalation using BF3SMe2 is presented. The method allows for convenient and odor-free transformation of aldehydes to methyl-dithioacetals, a simple but sparsely reported structural moiety, in good yields with a diverse set of aromatic aldehydes. In addition, a thiomethylative Friedel-Crafts reaction was discovered, affording thiomethylated diarylmethanes in good to excellent yields. The resulting diarylmethane core is of interest as it is found in many biologically active compounds, and its utility is further demonstrated as a novel precursor to unsymmetrical triarylmethanes. This work also highlights the usefulness and the synthetic capabilities of the readily available reagent BF3SMe2 beyond its reactivity profile as a dealkylation reagent.

Acyl Amidines by Pd-Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation: One-Pot Cyclizations and 11C Labeling.

A protocol for the carbonylative synthesis of acyl amidines from aryl halides, amidines, and carbon monoxide catalyzed by Pd(0) is reported herein. Notably, carbon monoxide is generated ex situ from a solid CO source, and several productive palladium ligands were identified with complementary benefits and substrate scope. Furthermore, sequential one-pot, two-step protocols for the synthesis of 1,2,4-triazoles and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles via acyl amidine intermediates are reported. In addition, this approach was extended to isotopic labeling using [11C]carbon monoxide to allow, for the first time, synthesis of 11C-labeled acyl amidines as well as a 11C-labeled 1,2,4-oxadiazole.

Prodrugs of the Archetypal Dynamin Inhibitor Bis-T-22.

The Bis-T series of compounds comprise some of the most potent inhibitors of dynamin GTPase activity yet reported, e. g., (2E,2'E)-N,N'-(propane-1,3-diyl)bis(2-cyano-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acrylamide) (2), Bis-T-22. The catechol moieties are believed to limit cell permeability, rendering these compounds largely inactive in cells. To solve this problem, a prodrug strategy was envisaged and eight ester analogues were synthesised. The shortest and bulkiest esters (acetate and butyl/tert-butyl) were found to be insoluble under physiological conditions, whilst the remaining five were soluble and stable under these conditions. These five were analysed for plasma stability and half-lives ranged from ∼2.3 min (propionic ester 4), increasing with size and bulk, to greater than 24 hr (dimethyl carbamate 10). Similar profiles where observed with the rate of formation of Bis-T-22 with half-lives ranging from ∼25 mins (propionic ester 4). Propionic ester 4 was chosen to undergo further testing and was found to inhibit endocytosis in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 ∼8 µM, suggesting this compound is able to effectively cross the cell membrane where it is rapidly hydrolysed to the desired Bis-T-22 parent compound.

Pyrimidyn-Based Dynamin Inhibitors as Novel Cytotoxic Agents.

Five focused libraries of pyrimidine-based dynamin GTPase inhibitors, in total 69 compounds were synthesised, and their dynamin inhibition and broad-spectrum cytotoxicity examined. Dynamin plays a crucial role in mitosis, and as such inhibition of dynamin was expected to broadly correlate with the observed cytotoxicity. The pyrimidines synthesised ranged from mono-substituted to trisubstituted. The highest levels of dynamin inhibition were noted with di- and tri- substituted pyrimidines, especially those with pendent amino alkyl chains. Short chains and simple heterocyclic rings reduced dynamin activity. There were three levels of dynamin activity noted: 1-10, 10-25 and 25-60 µM. Screening of these compounds in a panel of cancer cell lines: SW480 (colon), HT29 (colon), SMA (spontaneous murine astrocytoma), MCF-7 (breast), BE2-C (glioblastoma), SJ-G2 (neuroblastoma), MIA (pancreas), A2780 (ovarian), A431 (skin), H460 (lung), U87 (glioblastoma) and DU145 (prostate) cell lines reveal a good correlation between the observed dynamin inhibition and the observed cytotoxicity. The most active analogues (31 a,b) developed returned average GI50 values of 1.0 and 0.78 µM across the twelve cell lines examined. These active analogues were: N2 -(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N4 -dodecyl-6-methylpyrimidine-2,4-diamine (31 a) and N4 -(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N2 -dodecyl-6-methylpyrimidine-2,4-diamine (31 b).

Region-Specific and Age-Dependent Multitarget Effects of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Tacrine on Comprehensive Neurotransmitter Systems.

Regional brain distribution and metabolism of neurotransmitters and their response to drug treatment are fundamentally important for understanding the central effects of neuroactive substances. We used matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging in combination with multivariate analysis to visualize in anatomical detail metabolic effects of aging and tacrine-mediated acetylcholinesterase inhibition on comprehensive neurotransmitter systems in multiple mouse brain regions of 12-week-old and 14-month-old mice. We detected age-related increases in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde and histamine, indicating oxidative stress and aging deficits in astrocytes. Tacrine had a significant impact on the metabolism of neurotransmitters in both age groups; predominantly, there was an increased norepinephrine turnover throughout the brain and decreased 3-methoxy tyramine, a marker for dopamine release, in the striatum. The striatal levels of histamine were only elevated after tacrine administration in the older animals. Our results demonstrated that tacrine is a multitarget and region-specific neuroactive agent, inducing age-specific responses. Although well-studied, the complete mechanisms of the action of tacrine are not fully understood, and the current findings reveal features that may help explain its treatment-related effectiveness and central side effects.

The Wittig bioconjugation of maleimide derived, water soluble phosphonium ylides to aldehyde-tagged proteins.

Herein we disclose the transformation of maleimides into water-soluble tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphonium ylides and their subsequent application in the bioconjugation of protein- and peptide-linked aldehydes. The new entry into Wittig bioconjugate chemistry proceeds under mild conditions and relies on highly water soluble reagents, which are likely already part of most biochemists' inventory.

Spatial visualization of comprehensive brain neurotransmitter systems and neuroactive substances by selective in situ chemical derivatization mass spectrometry imaging.

Molecule-specific techniques such as MALDI and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging enable direct and simultaneous mapping of biomolecules in tissue sections in a single experiment. However, neurotransmitter imaging in the complex environment of biological samples remains challenging. Our covalent charge-tagging approach using on-tissue chemical derivatization of primary and secondary amines and phenolic hydroxyls enables comprehensive mapping of neurotransmitter networks. Here, we present robust and easy-to-use chemical derivatization protocols that facilitate quantitative and simultaneous molecular imaging of complete neurotransmitter systems and drugs in diverse biological tissue sections with high lateral resolution. This is currently not possible with any other imaging technique. The protocol, using fluoromethylpyridinium and pyrylium reagents, describes all steps from tissue preparation (~1 h), chemical derivatization (1-2 h), data collection (timing depends on the number of samples and lateral resolution) and data analysis and interpretation. The specificity of the chemical reaction can also help users identify unknown chemical identities. Our protocol can reveal the cellular locations in which signaling molecules act and thus shed light on the complex responses that occur after the administration of drugs or during the course of a disease.

PET Imaging of GPR44 by Antagonist [11C]MK-7246 in Pigs.

A validated imaging marker for beta-cell mass would improve understanding of diabetes etiology and enable new strategies in therapy development. We previously identified the membrane-spanning protein GPR44 as highly expressed and specific to the beta cells of the pancreas. The selective GPR44 antagonist MK-7246 was radiolabeled with carbon-11 and the resulting positron-emission tomography (PET) tracer [11C]MK-7246 was evaluated in a pig model and in vitro cell lines. The [11C]MK-7246 compound demonstrated mainly hepatobiliary excretion with a clearly defined pancreas, no spillover from adjacent tissues, and pancreatic binding similar in magnitude to the previously evaluated GPR44 radioligand [11C]AZ12204657. The binding could be blocked by preadministration of nonradioactive MK-7246, indicating a receptor-binding mechanism. [11C]MK-7246 showed strong potential as a PET ligand candidate for visualization of beta-cell mass (BCM) and clinical translation of this methodology is ongoing.

Mass spectrometry imaging identifies abnormally elevated brain l-DOPA levels and extrastriatal monoaminergic dysregulation in l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia.

l-DOPA treatment for Parkinson's disease frequently leads to dyskinesias, the pathophysiology of which is poorly understood. We used MALDI-MSI to map the distribution of l-DOPA and monoaminergic pathways in brains of dyskinetic and nondyskinetic primates. We report elevated levels of l-DOPA, and its metabolite 3-O-methyldopa, in all measured brain regions of dyskinetic animals and increases in dopamine and metabolites in all regions analyzed except the striatum. In dyskinesia, dopamine levels correlated well with l-DOPA levels in extrastriatal regions, such as hippocampus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and cortical areas, but not in the striatum. Our results demonstrate that l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia is linked to a dysregulation of l-DOPA metabolism throughout the brain. The inability of extrastriatal brain areas to regulate the formation of dopamine during l-DOPA treatment introduces the potential of dopamine or even l-DOPA itself to modulate neuronal signaling widely across the brain, resulting in unwanted side effects.

Rational Design of Azastatin as a Potential ADC Payload with Reduced Bystander Killing.

Auristatins are a class of ultrapotent microtubule inhibitors, whose growing clinical popularity in oncology is based upon their use as payloads in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The most widely utilized auristatin, MMAE, has however been shown to cause apoptosis in non-pathological cells proximal to the tumour ("bystander killing"). Herein, we introduce azastatins, a new class of auristatin derivatives encompassing a side chain amine for antibody conjugation. The synthesis of Cbz-azastatin methyl ester, which included the C2-elongation and diastereoselective reduction of two proteinogenic amino acids as key transformations, was accomplished in 22 steps and 0.76 % overall yield. While Cbz-protected azastatin methyl ester (0.13-3.0 nM) inhibited proliferation more potently than MMAE (0.47-6.5 nM), removal of the Cbz-group yielded dramatically increased IC50 -values (9.8-170 nM). We attribute the reduced apparent cytotoxicity of the deprotected azastatin methyl esters to a lack of membrane permeability. These results clearly establish the azastatins as a novel class of cytotoxic payloads ideally suited for use in next-generation ADC development.

Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Allylic Spiroethers (Spirobenzofuranes) via an Intramolecular Mizoroki-Heck Reaction.

The palladium(0)-catalyzed intramolecular annulation of 12 1,3-disubstituted cyclopentenes, derived from (+)-vince lactam, resulted in 5-exo cyclizations which furnished a series of 2,5-dimethyl-1-((3R,4'S)-2H-spiro[benzofuran-3,1'-cyclopentan]-2'-en-4'-yl)-1H-pyrroles in excellent diastereoselectivities and useful isolated yields. The double bond migration process that followed the arylpalladium insertion was controlled by a fine-tuning of the reaction system, which provided regioselectivities of up to 98:2. The selective Mizoroki-Heck reaction was used as the key transformation for preparing two new spirocyclic monoprotected amino acids as single stereoisomers.

Synthesis of substituted 3,4-dihydroquinazolinones via a metal free Leuckart-Wallach type reaction.

The 3,4-dihydroquinazolinone (DHQ) moiety is a highly valued scaffold in medicinal chemistry due to the vast number of biologically-active compounds based on this core structure. Current synthetic methods to access these compounds are limited in terms of diversity and flexibility and often require the use of toxic reagents or expensive transition-metal catalysts. Herein, we describe the discovery and development of a novel cascade cyclization/Leuckart-Wallach type strategy to prepare substituted DHQs in a modular and efficient process using readily-available starting materials. Notably, the reaction requires only the addition of formic acid or acetic acid/formic acid and produces H2O, CO2 and methanol as the sole reaction byproducts. Overall, the reaction provides an attractive entry point into this important class of compounds and could even be extended to isotopic labelling via the site-selective incorporation of a deuterium atom.

Comprehensive mapping of neurotransmitter networks by MALDI-MS imaging.

We present a mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) approach for the comprehensive mapping of neurotransmitter networks in specific brain regions. Our fluoromethylpyridinium-based reactive matrices facilitate the covalent charge-tagging of molecules containing phenolic hydroxyl and/or primary or secondary amine groups, including dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmitters and their associated metabolites. These matrices improved the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI detection limit toward low-abundance neurotransmitters and facilitated the simultaneous imaging of neurotransmitters in fine structures of the brain at a lateral resolution of 10 µm. We demonstrate strategies for the identification of unknown molecular species using the innate chemoselectivity of the reactive matrices and the unique isotopic pattern of a brominated reactive matrix. We illustrate the capabilities of the developed method on Parkinsonian brain samples from human post-mortem tissue and animal models. The direct imaging of neurotransmitter systems provides a method for exploring how various neurological diseases affect specific brain regions through neurotransmitter modulation.

Palladium(0)-Catalyzed Carbonylative Synthesis of N-Acylsulfonamides via Regioselective Acylation.

N-Acylsulfonamides represent an important bioisostere of carboxylic acids that allow for greater molecular elaboration and enhanced hydrogen bonding capabilities. Herein, we present a mild and convenient palladium(0)-catalyzed synthesis of N-acylsulfonamides via the carbonylative coupling of sulfonyl azides and electron-rich heterocycles. The reaction proceeds via in situ generation of a sulfonyl isocyanate followed by regioselective acylation of an indole or pyrrole nucleophile. This approach has been used to synthesize 34 indole- and pyrrole-substituted N-acylsulfonamides in yields of up to 95%. Importantly, this process is ligand-free and compatible with an ex situ solid CO source and requires only slightly elevated temperatures, making it a highly attractive method for the preparation of this important class of compounds. This study further investigated the possibility of labeling N-acylsulfonamides with carbon-11 to facilitate biological evaluation and in vivo studies with positron emission tomography.

Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of the CRTH2 antagonist [11C]MK-7246 as a novel PET tracer and potential surrogate marker for pancreatic beta-cell mass.

INTRODUCTION: MK-7246 is a potent and selective antagonist for chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2). Within the pancreas CRTH2 is selectively expressed in pancreatic ß-cells where it is believed to play a role in insulin release. Reduction in ß-cell mass and insufficient insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels is a hallmark for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Reported here is the synthesis of [11C]MK-7246 and initial preclinical evaluation towards CRTH2 imaging. The aim is to develop a method to quantify ß-cell mass with PET and facilitate non-invasive studies of disease progression in individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The precursor N-desmethyl-O-methyl MK-7246 was synthesized in seven steps and subjected to methylation with [11C]methyl iodide followed by hydrolysis to obtain [11C]MK-7246 labelled in the N-methyl position. Preclinical evaluation included in vitro radiography and immune-staining performed in human pancreatic biopsies. Biodistribution studies were performed in rat by PET-MRI and in pig by PET-CT imaging. Saturable tracer binding was examined in pig by scanning before and after administration of MK-7246 (1 mg/kg). Predicted dosimetry of [11C]MK-7246 in human males was estimated based on the biodistribution in rat. RESULTS: [11C]MK-7246 was obtained with activities sufficient for the current investigations (270 ±â€¯120 MBq) and a radiochemical purity of 93 ±â€¯2%. The tracer displayed focal binding in areas with insulin positive islet of Langerhans in human pancreas sections. Baseline uptake in pig was reduced in tissues with known expression of CRTH2 after administration of MK-7246; pancreas (66% reduction) and spleen (88% reduction). [11C]MK-7246 exhibited a safe human predicted dosimetry profile as extrapolated from the rat biodistribution data. CONCLUSIONS: Initial preclinical in vitro and in vivo evaluations of [11C]MK-7246 show binding and biodistribution properties suitable for PET imaging of CRTH2. Further studies are warranted to assess its potential in ß-cell mass imaging and CRTH2 drug development.

Microwave-Assisted aza-Friedel-Crafts Arylation of N-Acyliminium Ions: Expedient Access to 4-Aryl 3,4-Dihydroquinazolinones.

A one-pot microwave-assisted aza-Friedel-Crafts arylation of N-acyliminium ions, generated in situ from o-formyl carbamates and different amines, is reported. This metal-free protocol provides rapid access to diverse 4-aryl 3,4-dihydroquinazolinones in excellent yield without any aqueous workup. A solvent-directed process for the selective aza-Friedel-Crafts arylation of electron-rich aryl/heteroaryl/butenyl-tethered N-acyliminium ions is also described.