Synthesis and biological evaluation of carboxamide and quinoline derivatives as P2X7R antagonists.

P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) has a key role in different pathological conditions, importantly overexpressed and activated in cancers. We explored the structure activity relationship (SAR) of three novel pyrazines, quinoline-carboxamide and oxadiazole series. Their selective inhibitory potency in Ca2+ mobilization assay using h-P2X7R-MCF-7 cells improved with phenyl ring substitutions (-OCF3, -CF3, and -CH3) in carboxamide and oxadiazole derivatives, respectively. However, highly electronegative fluoro, chloro, and iodo substitutions enhanced affinity. 1e, 2f, 2e, 1d, 2 g and 3e were most potent and selective toward h-P2X7R (IC50 values 0.457, 0.566, 0.624, 0.682, 0.813 and 0.890 µM, respectively) and were inactive at h-P2X4R, h-P2X2R, r-P2Y6R, h-P2Y2R, t-P2Y1R expressed in MCF-7 and 1321N1 astrocytoma cells. Cell viability (MTT assay at 100 µM, cell line) for 3e was 62% (HEK-293T), 70% (1321N1 astrocytoma) and 85% (MCF-7). >75% cell viability was noted for 2 g and >80% for 2e and 1d in all non-transfected cell lines. Anti-proliferative effects, compared to control (Bz-ATP), of selective antagonists (10 µM) were 3e (11%) 1d, (19%) 1e, (70%, P = 0.005) and 2f, (24%), indicating involvement of P2X7R. Apoptotic cell death by flow cytometry showed 1e to be most promising, with 35% cell death (PI positive cells), followed by 2e (25%), 2f (20%), and 1d (19%), compared to control. Fluorescence microscopic analysis of apoptotic changes in P2X7R-transfected cell lines was established. 1e and 2f at 1X and 2X IC50 increased cellular shrinkage, nuclear condensation and PI/DAPI fluorescence. In-silico antagonist modeling predicted ligand receptor interactions, and all compounds obeyed Lipinski rules. These results suggest that pyrazine, quinoline-carboxamide and oxadiazole derivatives could be moderately potent P2X7R antagonists for in vivo studies and anti-cancer drug development.

Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Benzimidazole-4,7-dione-Based P2X3 Receptor Antagonists as Novel Anti-Nociceptive Agents.

P2X3 receptors (P2X3R) are ATP-gated ion channels predominantly expressed in C- and Aδ-fiber primary afferent neurons and have been introduced as a novel therapeutic target for neurological disorders, including neuropathic pain and chronic cough. Because of its localized distribution, antagonism of P2X3R has been thoroughly considered, and the avoidance of issues related to CNS side effects has been proven in clinical trials. In this article, benzimidazole-4,7-dione-based derivatives were introduced as a new chemical entity for the development of P2X3R antagonists. Starting from the discovery of a hit compound from the screening of 8364 random library compounds in the Korea Chemical Bank, which had an IC50 value of 1030 nM, studies of structure-activity and structure-property relationships enabled further optimization toward improving the antagonistic activities as well as the drug's physicochemical properties, including metabolic stability. As for the results, the final optimized compound 14h was developed with an IC50 value of 375 nM at P2X3R with more than 23-fold selectivity versus P2X2/3R, along with properties of metabolic stability and improved solubility. In neuropathic pain animal models evoked by either nerve ligation or chemotherapeutics in male Sprague-Dawley rats, compound 14h showed anti-nociceptive effects through an increase in the mechanical withdrawal threshold as measured by von Frey filament following intravenous administration.

Discovery of bilirubin as novel P2X7R antagonist with anti-tumor activity.

As a unique ligand gated ion channel in the P2-receptor family, P2X7R is highly expressed in various tumors. The activated P2X7R facilitates tumor growth and metastasis. Hypoxia, inflammation and necrosis in the tumor microenvironment (TME) cause a large amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) accumulated in the TME. High concentration of ATP can abnormally activate P2X7R, which induces pore formation and further facilitates the Ca2+ ion influx and non-specific substance intake. Therefore, inhibition of P2X7R activation can be applied as a potential anti-tumor therapy strategy. However, there is currently no FDA approved drugs for this target for anti-tumor treatment. In this study, we identified bilirubin as novel P2X7R antagonist by using structure based virtual screening combined with cell based assays. Molecular docking studies indicated that bilirubin probably interacted with P2X7R by forming hydrogen-π interactions with residues V173, E174 and K311. The compound bilirubin inhibited the P2X7R gated EB intake by cancer cells. Meanwhile, bilirubin was capable to inhibit the cell proliferation and migration of P2X7R expressed HT29 cells. The phosphorylation of mTOR, STAT3 and GSK3ß were significantly decreased when bilirubin was present. Finally, in vivo experiment exhibited the anti-tumor effect of bilirubin in the MC38 bearing mice model, but did not show tissue damage in different organs. In conclusion, bilirubin was identified as a novel P2X7R antagonist and it may have potential for anti-cancer treatment, although various functions of the molecule should be considered.

Piperazine squaric acid diamides, a novel class of allosteric P2X7 receptor antagonists.

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) stands out among the purinergic receptors due to its strong involvement in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis formation as well as in innate immune responses and afferent signal transmission. Numerous studies have pointed out the beneficial effects of P2X7R antagonism for the treatment of a variety of cancer types, inflammatory diseases, and chronic pain. Herein we describe the development of novel P2X7R antagonists, incorporating piperazine squaric diamides as a central element. Besides improving the antagonists' potency from pIC50 values of 5.7-7.6, ADME properties (logD7.4 value, plasma protein binding, in vitro metabolic stability) of the generated compounds were investigated and optimized to provide novel P2X7R antagonists with drug-like properties. Furthermore, docking studies revealed the antagonists binding to the allosteric binding pocket in two distinct binding poses, depending on the substitution of the central piperazine moiety.

Synthesis and Characterization of the Novel Rodent-Active and CNS-Penetrant P2X7 Receptor Antagonist Lu AF27139.

There remains an insufficient number of P2X7 receptor antagonists with adequate rodent potency, CNS permeability, and pharmacokinetic properties from which to evaluate CNS disease hypotheses preclinically. Herein, we describe the molecular pharmacology, safety, pharmacokinetics, and functional CNS target engagement of Lu AF27139, a novel rodent-active and CNS-penetrant P2X7 receptor antagonist. Lu AF27139 is highly selective and potent against rat, mouse, and human forms of the receptors. The rat pharmacokinetic profile is favorable with high oral bioavailability, modest clearance (0.79 L/(h kg)), and good CNS permeability. In vivo mouse CNS microdialysis studies of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed and 2'(3')-O-(benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5'-triphosphate (BzATP)-induced IL-1ß release demonstrate functional CNS target engagement. Importantly, Lu AF27139 was without effect in standard in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies. Based on these properties, we believe Lu AF27139 will be a valuable tool for probing the role of the P2X7 receptor in rodent models of CNS diseases.

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Non-nucleotide Purine Derivatives as P2X7 Antagonists for the Treatment of Neuroinflammation.

The ATP-gated P2X7 purinergic receptor (P2X7) is involved in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Several P2X7 antagonists have been developed, though none of them reached clinical trials for this indication. In this work, we designed and synthesized novel blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeable derivatives as potential P2X7 antagonists. They comprise purine or xanthine cores linked to an aryl group through different short spacers. Compounds were tested in YO-PRO-1 uptake assays and intracellular calcium dynamics in a human P2X7-expressing HEK293 cell line, two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and in interleukin 1ß release assays in mouse peritoneal macrophages. BBB permeability was assessed by parallel artificial membrane permeability assays and P-glycoprotein ATPase activity. Dichloroarylpurinylethanones featured a certain P2X7 blockade, being compound 6 (2-(6-chloro-9H-purin-9-yl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)ethan-1-one), named ITH15004, the most potent, selective, and BBB-permeable antagonist. Compound 6 can be considered as a first non-nucleotide purine hit for future drug optimizations.

Synthetic 1,4-Naphthoquinones inhibit P2X7 receptors in murine neuroblastoma cells.

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP-gated ion channel and potential therapeutic target for new drug development. In this study, we synthesized a series of new 1,4-naphthoquinone (1,4-NQ) derivatives and investigated their antagonistic effects against mouse P2X7R. We explored the ability of the tested substances to block ATP-induced Ca2+ influx into mouse Neuro-2a cells and selected the four most effective substances: the 1,4-naphthoquinone thioglucosides U-548 and U-557 and their tetracyclic conjugates U-286 and U-556. Biological analysis of these compounds revealed significant in vitro inhibition of murine P2X7R. This inhibition resulted in marked blockade of ethidium bromide (EtBr) and YO-PRO-1 fluorescent dye uptake, pronounced decreases in ROS and NO production and protection of neuronal cell viability against the toxic action of high ATP concentrations. In silico analysis indicated favorable molecular docking results of these 1,4-NQs, pointing to their potential to bind in an allosteric site located in the extracellular region of P2X7R. These findings suggest compounds U-286, U-548, U-556 and U-557 as potential scaffolds for the design of new P2X7R blockers and drugs effective against neuropathic pain and neurodegenerative diseases.

P2X7 receptor inhibition by 2-amino-3-aryl-1,4-naphthoquinones.

Extracellular ATP activates purinergic receptors such as P2X7, cationic channels for Ca2+, K+, and Na+. There is robust evidence of the involvement of these receptors in the immune response, so P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) are considered a potential therapeutic target for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. Although there are many studies of the anti-inflammatory properties of naphthoquinones, these molecules have not yet been explored as P2X7 antagonists. In previous work, our group prepared 3-substituted (halogen or aryl) 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones and studied their action on P2X7R. In this paper, eight 2-amino-3-aryl-1,4-naphthoquinones were evaluated to identify the inhibitory activity on P2X7R and the toxicological profile. Three analogues (AD-4CN, AD-4Me, and AD-4F) exhibited reduced toxicity for mammalian cells with CC50 values higher than 500 µM. These three 3-substituted 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinones inhibited murine P2X7R (mP2X7R) in vitro. However, the analogues AD-4CN and AD-4Me showed low selectivity index values. AD-4F inhibited both mP2X7R and human P2X7R (hP2X7R) with IC50 values of 0.123 and 0.93 µM, respectively. Additionally, this analogue exhibited higher potency than BBG at inhibiting the ATP-induced release of IL-1ß in vitro. Carrageenan-induced paw edema in vivo was reversed for AD-4F with an ID50 value of 11.51 ng/kg. Although AD-4F was less potent than previous 3-substituted (halogen or aryl) 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones such as AN-04in vitro, this 3-substituted 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone revealed higher potency in vivo to reduce the edematogenic response. In silico analysis suggests that the binding site of the novel 2-amino-3-aryl-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives, including all the tautomeric forms, is located in the pore area of the hP2X7R model. Based on these results, we considered AD-4F to be a satisfactory P2X7R inhibitor. AD-4F might be used as a scaffold structure to design a novel series of inhibitors with potential inhibitory activity on murine (mP2X7R) and human (hP2X7R) P2X7 receptors.

Pyrrolinone derivatives as a new class of P2X3 receptor antagonists. Part 1: Initial structure-activity relationship studies of a hit from a high throughput screening.

The P2X3 receptor is primarily expressed in the peripheral sensory nerves, and therefore, antagonists of this receptor may be useful for the treatment of chronic pain. Pyrrolinone derivatives have been identified as a novel class of P2X3 receptor antagonists. A lead structure with moderate activity was discovered through a high-throughput screening assay. A structure-activity study led to the discovery of several P2X3 receptor antagonists. Compound 34 showed potent and specific antagonistic activity and analgesic efficacy.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of quinolinone and quinoline-based P2X7 receptor antagonists and their anti-sphere formation activities in glioblastoma cells.

Screening a compound library of quinolinone derivatives identified compound 11a as a new P2X7 receptor antagonist. To optimize its activity, we assessed structure-activity relationships (SAR) at three different positions, R1, R2 and R3, of the quinolinone scaffold. SAR analysis suggested that a carboxylic acid ethyl ester group at the R1 position, an adamantyl carboxamide group at R2 and a 4-methoxy substitution at the R3 position are the best substituents for the antagonism of P2X7R activity. However, because most of the quinolinone derivatives showed low inhibitory effects in an IL-1ß ELISA assay, the core structure was further modified to a quinoline skeleton with chloride or substituted phenyl groups. The optimized antagonists with the quinoline scaffold included 2-chloro-5-adamantyl-quinoline derivative (16c) and 2-(4-hydroxymethylphenyl)-5-adamantyl-quinoline derivative (17k), with IC50 values of 4 and 3 nM, respectively. In contrast to the quinolinone derivatives, the antagonistic effects of the quinoline compounds (16c and 17k) were paralleled by their ability to inhibit the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1ß, from LPS/IFN-γ/BzATP-stimulated THP-1 cells (IC50 of 7 and 12 nM, respectively). In addition, potent P2X7R antagonists significantly inhibited the sphere size of TS15-88 glioblastoma cells.

Identification of second-generation P2X3 antagonists for treatment of pain.

A second-generation small molecule P2X3 receptor antagonist has been developed. The lead optimization strategy to address shortcomings of the first-generation preclinical lead compound is described herein. These studies were directed towards the identification and amelioration of preclinical hepatobiliary findings, reducing potential for drug-drug interactions, and decreasing the projected human dose of the first-generation lead.

Towards a Novel Class of Multitarget-Directed Ligands: Dual P2X7-NMDA Receptor Antagonists.

Multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) offer new hope for the treatment of multifactorial complex diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Herein, we present compounds aimed at targeting the NMDA and the P2X7 receptors, which embody a different approach to AD therapy. On one hand, we are seeking to delay neurodegeneration targeting the glutamatergic NMDA receptors; on the other hand, we also aim to reduce neuroinflammation, targeting P2X7 receptors. Although the NMDA receptor is a widely recognized therapeutic target in treating AD, the P2X7 receptor remains largely unexplored for this purpose; therefore, the dual inhibitor presented herein-which is open to further optimization-represents the first member of a new class of MTDLs.

Discovery of Potent Antiallodynic Agents for Neuropathic Pain Targeting P2X3 Receptors.

Antagonism of the P2X3 receptor is one of the potential therapeutic strategies for the management of neuropathic pain because P2X3 receptors are predominantly localized on small to medium diameter C- and Aδ-fiber primary afferent neurons, which are related to the pain-sensing system. In this study, 5-hydroxy pyridine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro biological activities by two-electrode voltage clamp assay at hP2X3 receptors. Among the novel hP2X3 receptor antagonists, intrathecal treatment of compound 29 showed parallel efficacy with pregabalin (calcium channel modulator) and higher efficacy than AF353 (P2X3 receptor antagonist) in the evaluation of its antiallodynic effects in spinal nerve ligation rats. However, because compound 29 was inactive by intraperitoneal administration in neuropathic pain animal models due to low cell permeability, the corresponding methyl ester analogue, 28, which could be converted to compound 29 in vivo, was investigated as a prodrug concept. Intravenous injection of compound 28 resulted in potent antiallodynic effects, with ED50 values of 2.62 and 2.93 mg/kg in spinal nerve ligation and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy rats, respectively, indicating that new drug development targeting the P2X3 receptor could be promising for neuropathic pain, a disease with high unmet medical needs.

Escape from adamantane: Scaffold optimization of novel P2X7 antagonists featuring complex polycycles.

The adamantane scaffold, despite being widely used in medicinal chemistry, is not devoid of problems. In recent years we have developed new polycyclic scaffolds as surrogates of the adamantane group with encouraging results in multiple targets. As an adamantane scaffold is a common structural feature in several P2X7 receptor antagonists, herein we report the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of multiple replacement options of adamantane that maintain a good activity profile. Molecular modeling studies support the binding of the compounds to a site close to the central pore, rather than to the ATP-binding site and shed light on the structural requirements for novel P2X7 antagonists.

New P2X3 receptor antagonists. Part 1: Discovery and optimization of tricyclic compounds.

Purinergic P2X3 receptors are trimeric ligand-gated ion channels whose antagonism is an appealing yet challenging and not fully validated drug development idea. With the aim of identification of an orally active, potent human P2X3 receptor antagonist compound that can penetrate the central nervous system, the compound collection of Gedeon Richter was screened. A hit series of tricyclic compounds was subjected to a rapid, two-step optimization process focusing on increasing potency, improving metabolic stability and CNS penetrability. Attempts resulted in compound 65, a potential tool compound for testing P2X3 inhibitory effects in vivo.

New P2X3 receptor antagonists. Part 2: Identification and SAR of quinazolinones.

Numerous potent P2X3 antagonists have been discovered and the therapeutic potential of P2X3 antagonism already comprises proof-of-concept data obtained in clinical trials with the most advanced compound. We have lately reported the discovery and optimization of thia-triaza-tricycle compounds with potent P2X3 antagonistic properties. This Letter describes the SAR of a back-up series containing a 4-oxo-quinazoline central ring. The discovery of the highly potent compounds 51 is presented.

P2X7 receptor-mediated analgesia in cancer-induced bone pain.

Pain is a common and debilitating complication for cancer patients significantly compromising their quality of life. Cancer-induced bone pain involves a complex interplay of molecular events, including mechanisms observed in inflammatory and neuropathic pain states, but also changes unique for cancer-induced bone pain. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is involved in a variety of cellular functions and has been linked to both inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here we study the analgesic potential of P2X7R antagonism in a rat model of cancer-induced bone pain. In cancer-bearing animals, the P2X7R antagonist A839977 attenuated dorsal horn neuronal responses in a modality and intensity-specific way. Spinal application of 0.4-mg/kg and 1.2-mg/kg A839977 significantly reduced the evoked responses to high-intensity mechanical and thermal stimulation, whereas no effect was seen in response to low-intensity or electrical stimulation. In contrast, A839977 had no effect on the tested parameters in naïve or sham animals. In awake animals, 40-mg/kg A839977 (i.p.) significantly reduced both early- and late-stage pain behavior. In contrast, no effect was observed in sham or vehicle-treated animals. The results suggest that the P2X7R is involved in the mechanisms of cancer-induced bone pain, and that P2X7R antagonism might be a useful analgesic target. No effect was observed in sham or naïve animals, indicating that the P2X7R-mediated effect is state-dependent, and might therefore be an advantageous target compared to traditional analgesics.

Understanding the roles of the P2X7 receptor in solid tumour progression and therapeutic perspectives.

P2X7 is an intriguing ionotropic receptor for which the activation by extracellular ATP induces rapid inward cationic currents and intracellular signalling pathways associated with numerous physiological processes such as the induction of the inflammatory cascade, the survival and proliferation of cells. In contrast, long-term stimulation of P2X7 is generally associated with membrane permeabilisation and cell death. Recently, P2X7 has attracted great attention in the cancer field, and particularly in the neoplastic transformation and the progression of solid tumours. A growing number of studies were published; however they often appeared contradictory in their results and conclusions. As such, the involvement of P2X7 in the oncogenic process remains unclear so far. The present review aims to discuss the current knowledge and hypotheses on the involvement of the P2X7 receptor in the development and progression of solid tumours, and highlight the different aspects that require further clarification in order to decipher whether P2X7 could be considered as a cancer biomarker or as a target for pharmacological intervention. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane channels and transporters in cancers.

Carbamazepine derivatives with P2X4 receptor-blocking activity.

Antagonists for the P2 receptor subtype P2X4, an ATP-activated cation channel receptor, have potential as novel drugs for the treatment of neuropathic pain and other inflammatory diseases. In the present study, a series of 47 carbamazepine derivatives including 32 novel compounds were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as P2X4 receptor antagonists. Their potency to inhibit ATP-induced calcium influx in 1321N1 astrocytoma cells stably transfected with the human P2X4 receptor was determined. Additionally, species selectivity (human, rat, mouse) and receptor subtype selectivity (P2X4 vs P2X1, 2, 3, 7) were investigated for selected derivatives. The most potent compound of the present series, which exhibited an allosteric mechanism of P2X4 inhibition, was N,N-diisopropyl-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide (34, IC50 of 3.44µM). The present study extends the so far very limited knowledge on structure-activity relationships of P2X4 receptor antagonists.