A review on AI Safety in highly automated driving.

Remarkable progress in the fields of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) has led to an increased number of applications of (data-driven) AI systems for the partial or complete control of safety-critical systems. Recently, ML solutions have been particularly popular. Such approaches are often met with concerns regarding their correct and safe execution, which is often caused by missing knowledge or intransparency of their exact functionality. The investigation and derivation of methods for the safety assessment of AI systems are thus of great importance. Among others, these issues are addressed in the field of AI Safety. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of this field by means of a systematic literature review with special focus on the area of highly automated driving, as well as to present a selection of approaches and methods for the safety assessment of AI systems. Particularly, validation, verification, and testing are considered in light of this context. In the review process, two distinguished classes of approaches have been identified: On the one hand established methods, either referring to already published standards or well-established concepts from multiple research areas outside ML and AI. On the other hand newly developed approaches, including methods tailored to the scope of ML and AI which gained importance only in recent years.

Novel potent inhibitors of the histone demethylase KDM1A (LSD1), orally active in a murine promyelocitic leukemia model.

BACKGROUND: Histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) are well-recognized targets in oncology drug discovery. They function at the post-translation level controlling chromatin conformation and gene transcription. KDM1A is a flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent amine oxidase, overexpressed in several tumor types, including acute myeloid leukemia, neuroblastoma and non-small-cell lung cancer. Among the many known monoamine oxidase inhibitors screened for KDM1A inhibition, tranylcypromine emerged as a moderately active hit, which irreversibly binds to the flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor. MATERIAL & METHODS: The KDM1A inhibitors 5a-w were synthesized and tested in vitro and in vivo. The biochemical potency was determined, modulation of target in cells was demonstrated on KDM1A-dependent genes and the anti-clonogenic activity was performed in murine acute promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) blasts. An in vivo efficacy experiment was conducted using an established murine promyelocytic leukemia model. RESULTS: We report a new series of tranylcypromine derivatives substituted on the cyclopropyl moiety, endowed with high potency in both biochemical and cellular assays. CONCLUSION: The most interesting derivative (5a) significantly improved survival rate after oral administration in a murine model of promyelocitic leukemia.

Thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxamides as New Reversible Inhibitors of Histone Lysine Demethylase KDM1A/LSD1. Part 1: High-Throughput Screening and Preliminary Exploration.

Lysine specific demethylase 1 KDM1A (LSD1) regulates histone methylation and it is increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic target in oncology. We report on a high-throughput screening campaign performed on KDM1A/CoREST, using a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) technology, to identify reversible inhibitors. The screening led to 115 hits for which we determined biochemical IC50, thus identifying four chemical series. After data analysis, we have prioritized the chemical series of N-phenyl-4H-thieno[3, 2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxamide for which we obtained X-ray structures of the most potent hit (compound 19, IC50 = 2.9 µM) in complex with the enzyme. Initial expansion of this chemical class, both modifying core structure and decorating benzamide moiety, was directed toward the definition of the moieties responsible for the interaction with the enzyme. Preliminary optimization led to compound 90, which inhibited the enzyme with a submicromolar IC50 (0.162 µM), capable of inhibiting the target in cells.

Thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxamides as New Reversible Inhibitors of Histone Lysine Demethylase KDM1A/LSD1. Part 2: Structure-Based Drug Design and Structure-Activity Relationship.

The balance of methylation levels at histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) is regulated by KDM1A (LSD1). KDM1A is overexpressed in several tumor types, thus representing an emerging target for the development of novel cancer therapeutics. We have previously described ( Part 1, DOI 10.1021.acs.jmedchem.6b01018 ) the identification of thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxamides as novel reversible inhibitors of KDM1A, whose preliminary exploration resulted in compound 2 with biochemical IC50 = 160 nM. We now report the structure-guided optimization of this chemical series based on multiple ligand/KDM1A-CoRest cocrystal structures, which led to several extremely potent inhibitors. In particular, compounds 46, 49, and 50 showed single-digit nanomolar IC50 values for in vitro inhibition of KDM1A, with high selectivity in secondary assays. In THP-1 cells, these compounds transcriptionally affected the expression of genes regulated by KDM1A such as CD14, CD11b, and CD86. Moreover, 49 and 50 showed a remarkable anticlonogenic cell growth effect on MLL-AF9 human leukemia cells.

Compounds and methods for inhibiting histone demethylases: a patent evaluation of US20160102096A1.

The Jumonji C (JmjC) domain containing histone lysine demethylases have a clear role both in the development and in some diseases including inflammation and cancer. The histone lysine demethylases represent an attractive target for the identification of therapeutic agents and the pyridine derivatives are a scaffolds largely investigated for the identification and development of inhibitors of enzymes of the Jumonji family. This commentary is a scientific evaluation of a patent application US20160102096A1 that describes novel pyridine derivatives in which the introduction of specific substituents is used to modulate the selectivity profile of the inhibitors.

Discovery of a Novel Inhibitor of Histone Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1A (KDM1A/LSD1) as Orally Active Antitumor Agent.

We report the stereoselective synthesis and biological activity of a novel series of tranylcypromine (TCPA) derivatives (14a-k, 15, 16), potent inhibitors of KDM1A. The new compounds strongly inhibit the clonogenic potential of acute leukemia cell lines. In particular three molecules (14d, 14e, and 14g) showing selectivity versus MAO A and remarkably inhibiting colony formation in THP-1 human leukemia cells, were assessed in mouse for their preliminary pharmacokinetic. 14d and 14e were further tested in vivo in a murine acute promyelocytic leukemia model, resulting 14d the most effective. Its two enantiomers were synthesized: the (1S,2R) enantiomer 15 showed higher activity than its (1R,2S) analogue 16, in both biochemical and cellular assays. Compound 15 exhibited in vivo efficacy after oral administration, determining a 62% increased survival in mouse leukemia model with evidence of KDM1A inhibition. The biological profile of compound 15 supports its further investigation as a cancer therapeutic.

Synthesis, biological characterization and molecular modeling insights of spirochromanes as potent HDAC inhibitors.

In the last decades, inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDAC) have become an important class of anti-cancer agents. In a previous study we described the synthesis of spiro[chromane-2,4'-piperidine]hydroxamic acid derivatives able to inhibit histone deacetylase enzymes. Herein, we present our exploration for new derivatives by replacing the piperidine moiety with various cycloamines. The goal was to obtain highly potent compounds with a good in vitro ADME profile. In addition, molecular modeling studies unravelled the binding mode of these inhibitors.

Synthesis, biological activity and mechanistic insights of 1-substituted cyclopropylamine derivatives: a novel class of irreversible inhibitors of histone demethylase KDM1A.

Histone demethylase KDM1A (also known as LSD1) has become an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer as well as other disorders such as viral infections. We report on the synthesis of compounds derived from the expansion of tranylcypromine as a chemical scaffold for the design of novel demethylase inhibitors. These compounds, which are substituted on the cyclopropyl core moiety, were evaluated for their ability to inhibit KDM1A in vitro as well as to function in cells by modulating the expression of Gfi-1b, a well recognized KDM1A target gene. The molecules were all found to covalently inhibit KDM1A and to become increasingly selective against human monoamine oxidases MAO A and MAO B through the introduction of bulkier substituents on the cyclopropylamine ring. Structural and biochemical analysis of selected trans isomers showed that the two stereoisomers are endowed with similar inhibitory activities against KDM1A, but form different covalent adducts with the FAD co-enzyme.

Cinnamic anilides as new mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitors endowed with ischemia-reperfusion injury protective effect in vivo.

In this account, we report the development of a series of substituted cinnamic anilides that represents a novel class of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) inhibitors. Initial class expansion led to the establishment of the basic structural requirements for activity and to the identification of derivatives with inhibitory potency higher than that of the standard inhibitor cyclosporine-A (CsA). These compounds can inhibit mPTP opening in response to several stimuli including calcium overload, oxidative stress, and thiol cross-linkers. The activity of the cinnamic anilide mPTP inhibitors turned out to be additive with that of CsA, suggesting for these inhibitors a molecular target different from cyclophylin-D. In vitro and in vivo data are presented for (E)-3-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxy-phenyl)-N-naphthalen-1-yl-acrylamide 22, one of the most interesting compounds in this series, able to attenuate opening of the mPTP and limit reperfusion injury in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction.

Towards selective inhibition of histone deacetylase isoforms: what has been achieved, where we are and what will be next.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are widely studied targets for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Up to now, over twenty HDAC inhibitors have entered clinical studies and two of them have already reached the market, namely the hydroxamic acid derivative SAHA (vorinostat, Zolinza) and the cyclic depsipeptide FK228 (romidepsin, Istodax) that have been approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). A common aspect of the first HDAC inhibitors is the absence of any particular selectivity towards specific isozymes. Some of molecules resulted to be "pan"-HDAC inhibitors, while others are class I selective. In the meantime, the knowledge of HDAC biology has continuously progressed. Key advances in the structural biology of various isozymes, reliable molecular homology models as well as suitable biological assays have provided new tools for drug discovery activities. This Minireview aims at surveying these recent developments as well as the design, synthesis and biological characterization of isoform-selective derivatives.

Synthesis and biological characterization of spiro[2H-(1,3)-benzoxazine-2,4'-piperidine] based histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Histone Deacetylases (HDACs) have become important targets for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. In previous studies we described the development of novel spirocyclic HDAC inhibitors based on the combination of privileged structures with hydroxamic acid moieties as zinc binding group. Herein, we report further explorations, which resulted in the discovery of a new class of spiro[2H-(1,3)-benzoxazine-2,4'-piperidine] derivatives. Several compounds showed good potency of around 100 nM and less in the HDAC inhibition assays, submicromolar IC50 values when tested against tumour cell lines and a remarkable stability in human and mouse microsomes. Two representative examples exhibited a good pharmacokinetic profile with an oral bioavailability equal or higher than 35% and one of them studied in an HCT116 murine xenograft model showing a robust tumour growth inhibition. In addition, the two benzoxazines were found to have a minor affinity for the hERG potassium channel compared to their corresponding ketone analogues.

Spiro[chromane-2,4'-piperidine]-based histone deacetylase inhibitors with improved in vivo activity.

A series of spiro[chromane-2,4'-piperidine] derivatives based on a previously published lead benzyl spirocycle 1 and bearing various N-aryl and N-alkylaryl substituents on the piperidine ring were prepared as novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. The compounds were evaluated for their abilities to inhibit nuclear HDACs, their in vitro antiproliferative activities, and in vitro ADME profiles. Based on these activities, 4-fluorobenzyl and 2-phenylethyl spirocycles were selected for further characterization. In vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) studies showed that both compounds exhibit an overall lower clearance rate, an increased half-life, and higher AUCs after intravenous and oral administration than spiropiperidine 1 under the conditions used. The improved PK behavior of these two compounds also correlated with superior in vivo antitumor activity in an HCT-116 xenograft model.

Current trends in the development of histone deacetylase inhibitors: a review of recent patent applications.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have become an important target for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Currently, more than ten HDAC inhibitors have entered clinical studies and two of them have already reached the market. The hydroxamic acid derivative SAHA (also known as vorinostat or Zolinza®) and the cyclic depsipeptide FK228 (romidepsin or Istodax®) have gained approval from the US FDA for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Nevertheless, there has been a continuous effort aimed at discovering a new generation of clinical candidates with improved pharmaceutical properties. This review provides a summary of the most recent patents published from mid-2009 to mid-2011.

Discovery, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of spiropiperidine hydroxamic acid based derivatives as structurally novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors.

New spiro[chromane-2,4'-piperidine] and spiro[benzofuran-2,4'-piperidine] hydroxamic acid derivatives as HDAC inhibitors have been identified by combining privileged structures with a hydroxamic acid moiety as zinc binding group. The compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit nuclear extract HDACs and for their in vitro antiproliferative activity on different tumor cell lines. This work resulted in the discovery of spirocycle 30d that shows good oral bioavailability and tumor growth inhibition in an HCT-116 murine xenograft model.

Next generation histone deacetylase inhibitors: the answer to the search for optimized epigenetic therapies?

INTRODUCTION: HDAC inhibitors have demonstrated potent anticancer activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Currently, two drugs (SAHA and romidepsin) have gained the FDA approval for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Clinical efficacy of HDAC inhibitors has been observed in advanced hematological malignancies, while response in other cancers has been in most cases unpredictable and often rather limited. The search for new molecules with the potential to overcome the limitations of the first HDAC inhibitors has become a primary goal in the field of epigenetic drug discovery as well as drugs acting on other chromatin modifying enzymes. AREAS COVERED: The article shortlists seven new HDAC inhibitors that have recently entered clinical studies as representative examples of next generation drugs. The most recently published preclinical profile is reviewed, together with the first clinical data for these compounds. The article then focuses on challenges faced during the progress of first generation HDAC inhibitors and analyzes whether these new compounds are likely to provide a solution to the existing issues and needs. EXPERT OPINION: Next generation HDAC inhibitors have the 'best-in-class' potential, particularly regarding potency and in vivo exposure. However, several issues remain unresolved. For example, none of the presented compounds appears to have a significantly different selectivity profile towards various HDAC isoforms and, thus, none of them may provide a further elucidation between the toxicity seen in more advanced HDAC inhibitors and isoform selectivity. Additionally, a need for a continuous effort on target validation is seen as a necessary requirement for further progress in the field.

Synthesis and biological characterization of amidopropenyl hydroxamates as HDAC inhibitors.

A series of amidopropenyl hydroxamic acid derivatives were prepared as novel inhibitors of human histone deacetylases (HDACs). Several compounds showed potency at <100 nM in the HDAC inhibition assays, sub-micromolar IC(50) values in tests against three tumor cell lines, and remarkable stability in human and mouse microsomes was observed. Three representative compounds were selected for further characterization and submitted to a selectivity profile against a series of class I and class II HDACs as well as to preliminary in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) experiments. Despite their high microsomal stability, the compounds showed medium-to-high clearance rates in in vivo PK studies as well as in rat and human hepatocytes, indicating that a major metabolic pathway is catalyzed by non-microsomal enzymes.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-hydroxyphenylacrylamides and N-hydroxypyridin-2-ylacrylamides as novel histone deacetylase inhibitors.

The histone deacetylases (HDACs) are able to regulate gene expression, and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) emerged as a new class of agents in the treatment of cancer as well as other human disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases. In the present investigation, we report on the synthesis and biological evaluation of compounds derived from the expansion of a HDAC inhibitor scaffold having N-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2-propenamide and N-hydroxy-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-2-propenamide as core structures and containing a phenyloxopropenyl moiety, either unsubstituted or substituted by a 4-methylpiperazin-1-yl or 4-methylpiperazin-1-ylmethyl group. The compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit nuclear HDACs, as well as for their in vitro antiproliferative activity. Moreover, their metabolic stability in microsomes and aqueous solubility were studied and selected compounds were further characterized by in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments. These compounds showed a remarkable stability in vivo, compared to hydroxamic acid HDAC inhibitors that have already entered clinical trials. The representative compound 30b showed in vivo antitumor activity in a human colon carcinoma xenograft model.

Reaction behaviour of dinuclear copper(I) complexes with m-xylyl-based ligands towards dioxygen.

Intramolecular ligand hydroxylation was observed during the reactions of dioxygen with the dicopper(I) complexes of the ligands L(1)(L(1)=alpha,alpha'-bis[(2-pyridylethyl)amino]-m-xylene) and L(3)(L(3)=alpha, alpha'-bis[N-(2-pyridylethyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-m-xylene). The dinuclear copper(I) complex [Cu(2)L(3)](ClO(4))(2) and the dicopper(II) complex [Cu(2)(L(1)-O)(OH)(ClO(4))]ClO(4) were characterized by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis. Furthermore, phenolate-bridged complexes were synthesized with the ligand L(2)-OH (structurally characterized [Cu(2)(L(2)-O)Cl(3)] with L(2)=alpha, alpha'-bis[N-methyl-N-(2-pyridylethyl)amino]-m-xylene; synthesized from the reaction between [Cu(2)(L(2)-O)(OH)](ClO(4))(2) and Cl(-)) and Me-L(3)-OH: [Cu(2)(Me-L(3)-O)(mu-X)](ClO(4))(2)xnH(2)O (Me-L(3)-OH = 2,6-bis[N-(2-pyridylethyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-4-methylphenol and X = C(3)H(3)N(2)(-)(prz), MeCO(2)(-) and N(3)(-)). The magnetochemical characteristics of compounds were determined by temperature-dependent magnetic studies, revealing their antiferromagnetic behaviour [-2J(in cm(-1)) values: -92, -86 and -88; -374].

Structural properties of Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease amyloid protein.

Prion protein (PrP) amyloid formation is a central feature of genetic and acquired forms of prion disease such as Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The major component of GSS amyloid is a PrP fragment spanning residues approximately 82-146. To investigate the determinants of the physicochemical properties of this fragment, we synthesized PrP-(82-146) and variants thereof, including entirely and partially scrambled peptides. PrP-(82-146) readily formed aggregates that were partially resistant to protease digestion. Peptide assemblies consisted of 9.8-nm-diameter fibrils having a parallel cross-beta-structure. Second derivative of infrared spectra indicated that PrP-(82-146) aggregates are primarily composed of beta-sheet (54%) and turn (24%) which is consistent with their amyloid-like properties. The peptide induced a remarkable increase in plasma membrane microviscosity of primary neurons. Modification of the amino acid sequence 106-126 caused a striking increase in aggregation rate, with formation of large amount of protease-resistant amorphous material and relatively few amyloid fibrils. Alteration of the 127-146 region had even more profound effects, with the inability to generate amyloid fibrils. These data indicate that the intrinsic properties of PrP-(82-146) are dependent upon the integrity of the C-terminal region and account for the massive deposition of PrP amyloid in GSS.