Dynamics of small molecule-enzyme interactions: Novel benzenesulfonamides as multi-target agents endowed with inhibitory effects against some metabolic enzymes.

In contemporary medicinal chemistry, employing a singular small molecule to concurrently multi-target disparate molecular entities is emerging as a potent strategy in the ongoing battle against metabolic disease. In this study, we present the meticulous design, synthesis, and comprehensive biological evaluation of a novel series of 1,2,3-triazolylmethylthio-1,3,4-oxadiazolylbenzenesulfonamide derivatives (8a-m) as potential multi-target inhibitors against human carbonic anhydrase (EC.4.2.1.1, hCA I/II), α-glycosidase (EC.3.2.1.20, α-GLY), and α-amylase (EC.3.2.1.1, α-AMY). Each synthesized sulfonamide underwent rigorous assessment for inhibitory effects against four distinct enzymes, revealing varying degrees of hCA I/II, a-GLY, and a-AMY inhibition across the tested compounds. hCA I was notably susceptible to inhibition by all compounds, demonstrating remarkably low inhibition constants (KI) ranging from 42.20 ± 3.90 nM to 217.90 ± 11.81 nM compared to the reference standard AAZ (KI of 439.17 ± 9.30 nM). The evaluation against hCA II showed that most of the synthesized compounds exhibited potent inhibition effects with KI values spanning the nanomolar range 16.44 ± 1.53-70.82 ± 4.51 nM, while three specific compounds, namely 8a-b and 8d, showcased lower inhibitory potency than other derivatives that did not exceed that of the reference drug AAZ (with a KI of 98.28 ± 1.69 nM). Moreover, across the spectrum of synthesized compounds, potent inhibition profiles were observed against diabetes mellitus-associated α-GLY (KI values spanning from 0.54 ± 0.06 µM to 5.48 ± 0.50 µM), while significant inhibition effects were noted against α-AMY, with IC50 values ranging between 0.16 ± 0.04 µM and 7.81 ± 0.51 µM) compared to reference standard ACR (KI of 23.53 ± 2.72 µM and IC50 of 48.17 ± 2.34 µM, respectively). Subsequently, these inhibitors were evaluated for their DPPH· and ABTS+· radical scavenging activity. Moreover, molecular docking investigations were meticulously conducted within the active sites of hCA I/II, α-GLY, and α-AMY to provide comprehensive elucidation and rationale for the observed inhibitory outcomes.

Development of carbonic anhydrase IX-targeting molecular-targeted photodynamic therapy.

The efficacy of molecular-targeted photodynamic therapy (MT-PDT) targeting carbonic anhydrase (CA) IX, a cancer-specific molecule, was demonstrated. CA ligand-directed photosensitizers 1-3 were evaluated for their ability to deactivate CAIX protein in cells. Compounds 2 and 3 selectively deactivated CAIX protein under 540 nm light without affecting internal standard proteins. Mechanistic studies revealed that compound 3 not only induced CAIX-selective light inactivation via singlet oxygen but also induced cell membrane damage, resulting in an anti-tumor effect. In vivo studies of CAIX-targeting MT-PDT revealed that treatment with compound 3 followed by light irradiation exhibited remarkable anti-tumor activity, leading to tumor degeneration and necrosis.

Iodine/Oxone® oxidative system for the synthesis of selenylindoles bearing a benzenesulfonamide moiety as carbonic anhydrase I, II, IX, and XII inhibitors.

A wide range of 3-selenylindoles were synthesized via an eco-friendly approach that uses Oxone® as the oxidant in the presence of a catalytic amount of iodine. This mild and economical protocol showed broad functional group tolerance and operational simplicity. A series of novel selenylindoles bearing a benzenesulfonamide moiety were also synthesized and evaluated as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors of the human (h) isoforms hCa I, II, IX, and XII, which are involved in pathologies such as glaucoma and cancer. Several derivatives showed excellent inhibitory activity towards these isoforms in the nanomolar range, lower than that shown by acetazolamide.

Discovery of novel 1,8-naphthalimide piperazinamide based benzenesulfonamides derivatives as potent carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors and ferroptosis inducers for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

A novel series of 1,8-naphthalimide piperazinamide based benzenesulfonamides derivatives were designed and synthesized as carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) inhibitors and ferroptosis inducers for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The representative compound 9o exhibited more potent inhibitory activity and selective against CA IX over off-target CA II, compared with positive control SLC-0111. Molecular docking study was also performed to gain insights into the binding interactions of 9o in the binding pocket of CAIX. Moreover, compound 9o exhibited superior antitumor activities against breast cancer cells under hypoxia than that of normoxia conditions. Mechanism studies revealed that compound 9o could act as DNA intercalator and effectively suppressed cell migration, arrested the cell cycle at G1/S phase and induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells, while inducing ferroptosis accompanied by the dissipation of MMP and the elevation intracellular levels of ROS. Notably, in vivo studies demonstrated that 9o effectively inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in a highly metastatic murine breast cancer 4 T1 xenograft model. Taken together, this study suggests that compound 9o represents a potent and selective CA IX inhibitor and ferroptosis inducer for the treatment of TNBC.

Cloning, expression, and purification of an α-carbonic anhydrase from Toxoplasma gondii to unveil its kinetic parameters and anion inhibition profile.

Toxoplasmosis, induced by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, holds considerable implications for global health. While treatment options primarily focusing on folate pathway enzymes have notable limitations, current research endeavours concentrate on pinpointing specific metabolic pathways vital for parasite survival. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) have emerged as potential drug targets due to their role in fundamental reactions critical for various protozoan metabolic processes. Within T. gondii, the Carbonic Anhydrase-Related Protein (TgCA_RP) plays a pivotal role in rhoptry biogenesis. Notably, α-CA (TcCA) from another protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi, exhibited considerable susceptibility to classical CA inhibitors (CAIs) such as anions, sulphonamides, thiols, and hydroxamates. Here, the recombinant DNA technology was employed to synthesise and clone the identified gene in the T. gondii genome, which encodes an α-CA protein (Tg_CA), with the purpose of heterologously overexpressing its corresponding protein. Tg_CA kinetic constants were determined, and its inhibition patterns explored with inorganic metal-complexing compounds, which are relevant for rational compound design. The significance of this study lies in the potential development of innovative therapeutic strategies that disrupt the vital metabolic pathways crucial for T. gondii survival and virulence. This research may lead to the development of targeted treatments, offering new approaches to manage toxoplasmosis.

A comprehensive investigation of the anion inhibition profile of a ß-carbonic anhydrase from Acinetobacter baumannii for crafting innovative antimicrobial treatments.

This study refers to the intricate world of Acinetobacter baumannii, a resilient pathogenic bacterium notorious for its propensity at antibiotic resistance in nosocomial infections. Expanding upon previous findings that emphasised the bifunctional enzyme PaaY, revealing unexpected γ-carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity, our research focuses on a different class of CA identified within the A. baumannii genome, the ß-CA, designated as 𝛽-AbauCA (also indicated as CanB), which plays a crucial role in the resistance mechanism mediated by AmpC beta-lactamase. Here, we cloned, expressed, and purified the recombinant 𝛽-AbauCA, unveiling its distinctive kinetic properties and inhibition profile with inorganic anions (classical CA inhibitors). The exploration of 𝛽-AbauCA not only enhances our understanding of the CA repertoire of A. baumannii but also establishes a foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions against this resilient pathogen, promising advancements in combating its adaptability and antibiotic resistance.

Development of a multi-targeted chemotherapeutic approach based on G-quadruplex stabilisation and carbonic anhydrase inhibition.

A novel class of compounds designed to hit two anti-tumour targets, G-quadruplex structures and human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs) IX and XII is proposed. The induction/stabilisation of G-quadruplex structures by small molecules has emerged as an anticancer strategy, disrupting telomere maintenance and reducing oncogene expression. hCAs IX and XII are well-established anti-tumour targets, upregulated in many hypoxic tumours and contributing to metastasis. The ligands reported feature a berberine G-quadruplex stabiliser scaffold connected to a moiety inhibiting hCAs IX and XII. In vitro experiments showed that our compounds selectively stabilise G-quadruplex structures and inhibit hCAs IX and XII. The crystal structure of a telomeric G-quadruplex in complex with one of these ligands was obtained, shedding light on the ligand/target interaction mode. The most promising ligands showed significant cytotoxicity against CA IX-positive HeLa cancer cells in hypoxia, and the ability to stabilise G-quadruplexes within tumour cells.

Synthesis and Inhibitor Effect Novel Alkoxymethyl Derivatives of Dihetero Cycloalkanes on Carbonic Anhydrase and Acetylcholinesterase.

1,3-Diheterocycloalkanes derivatives are important starting materials in fine organic synthesis. These compounds can be widely used in various fields such as industry, medicine, biotechnology and chemical technology. The paper is focused on synthesis and study of alkoxymethyl derivatives of diheterocycloalkanes (M1-M15) and inhibition effect on carbonic anhydrase and acetylcholinesterase. The structures of compounds were confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Also, in this study alkoxymethyl derivatives of diheterocycloalkanes were assessed for their influence on various metabolic enzymes, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and human carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes (hCA I and hCA II). The results demonstrated that all these compounds exhibited potent inhibitory effects on all the target enzymes, surpassing the standard inhibitors, as evidenced by their IC50 and Ki values. The Ki values for the compounds concerning AChE, hCA I, and hCA II enzymes were in the ranges of 1.02±0.17-8.38±1.02, 15.30±3.15-58.14±5.17 and 24.05±3.70-312.94±27.24 nM, respectively.

Chemistry of heterocycles as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: A pathway to novel research in medicinal chemistry review.

Nowadays, the scientific community has focused on dealing with different kinds of diseases by exploring the chemistry of various heterocycles as novel drugs. In this connection, medicinal chemists identified carbonic anhydrases (CA) as one of the biologically active targets for curing various diseases. The widespread distribution of these enzymes and the high degree of homology shared by the different isoforms offer substantial challenges to discovering potential drugs. Medicinal and synthetic organic chemists have been continuously involved in developing CA inhibitors. This review explored the chemistry of different heterocycles as CA inhibitors using the last 11 years of published research work. It provides a pathway for young researchers to further explore the chemistry of a variety of synthetic as well as natural heterocycles as CA inhibitors.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 3-benzenesulfonamide-linked 3-hydrazinoisatin derivatives as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

A new series of isatin-linked benzenesulfonamide derivatives (9a-w) were synthesized using the tail approach and assayed for their inhibitory potency against four different human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) isoforms, hCA I, II, IX, and XII. Most of these synthesized compounds exhibited interesting inhibition potency against isoforms hCA I, IX, and XII in the nanomolar range and by taking the standard drug acetazolamide. The most potent compounds in the case of hCA I were 9c (435.8 nM) and 9s (956.4 nM), for hCA IX, 9a (60.5 nM), 9d (95.6 nM), 9g (92.1 nM), and 9k (75.4 nM), and for hCA XII, 9p (84.5 nM). However, these compounds showed more selectivity toward hCA IX over hCA I, II, and XII. Thus, these compounds can be further developed as potential lead molecules for the development of isoform-selective hCA IX inhibitors with further structural modifications.

Sulfonamide-incorporated bis(α-aminophosphonates) as promising carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and X-ray crystallographic studies.

A novel series of sulfonamide-incorporated bis(α-aminophosphonates) acting as effective carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitors is reported. The synthesized bivalent ligands were tested against five human (h) isoforms, hCA I, hCA II, hCA VII, hCA IX, and hCA XIII. Such derivatives showed high activity and selectivity against the cancer-related, membrane-bound isoform hCA IX, and among them, compound 5h, tetraisopropyl (1,3-phenylenebis{[(4-sulfamoylphenyl)amino]methylene})bis(phosphonate) showed a KI of 15.1 nM, being highly selective against this isoform over all other investigated ones (hCA I/IX = 42; hCA II/IX = 6, hCA VII/IX = 3, hCA XIII/IX = 5). Therefore, compound 5h could be a potential lead for the development of selective anticancer agents. The newly developed sulfonamides were also found effective inhibitors against the cytosolic hCA XIII isoform. Compound 5i displayed the best inhibition against this isoform with a KI of 17.2 nM, equal to that of the well-known inhibitor acetazolamide (AAZ), but significantly more selective over all other tested isoforms (hCA I/XIII = 239; hCA II/XIII = 23, hCA VII/XIII = 2, hCA IX/XIII = 3) compared to AAZ.

Efficient, rapid, and high-yield synthesis of aryl Schiff base derivatives and their in vitro and in silico inhibition studies of hCA I, hCA II, AChE, and BuChE.

This study reports a rapid and efficient synthesis of four novel aryl Schiff base derivatives. Biological activity and molecular modeling studies were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of these compounds on human carbonic anhydrases (hCA) and cholinesterases. The results indicate that the triazole-ring-containing compounds have strong inhibitory effects on hCA I, hCA II, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) targets. Besides comparing the Schiff bases synthesized in our study to reference molecules, we conducted in silico investigations to examine how these compounds interact with their targets. Our studies revealed that these compounds can occupy binding sites and establish interactions with crucial residues, thus inhibiting the functions of the targets. These findings have significant implications as they can be utilized to develop more potent compounds for treating the diseases that these target proteins play crucial roles in or to obtain drug precursors with enhanced efficacy.

Novel benzene sulfonamides with acetylcholinesterase and carbonic anhydrase inhibitory actions.

A series of benzene sulfonamides 15-26 were synthesized and determined for their in vitro and in silico inhibitory profiles toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carbonic anhydrases (CAs). Commercially available 3,4-dimethoxytoluene was reacted with chlorosulfonic acid to furnish benzene sulfonyl chloride derivatives. The reaction of substituted benzene sulfonyl chloride with some amines also including (±)-α-amino acid methyl esters afforded a series of novel benzene sulfonamides. In this study, the enzyme inhibition abilities of these compounds were evaluated against AChE and CAs. They exhibited a highly potent inhibition ability on AChE and -CAs (Ki values are in the range of 28.11 ± 4.55 nM and 145.52 ± 28.68 nM for AChE, 39.20 ± 2.10 nM to 131.54 ± 12.82 nM for CA I, and 50.96 ± 9.83 nM and 147.94 ± 18.75 nM for CA II). The present newly synthesized novel benzene sulfonamides displayed efficient inhibitory profiles against AChE and CAs, and it is anticipated that they may emerge as lead molecules for some diseases including glaucoma, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.

In-vitro and in-silico investigations of SLC-0111 hydrazinyl analogs as human carbonic anhydrase I, II, IX, and XII inhibitors.

Two novel series of hydrazinyl-based benzenesulfonamides 9a-j and 10a-j were designed and synthesized using SLC-0111 as the lead molecule. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against four different human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) isoforms I, II, IX, and XII. Both the series reported here were practically inactive against the off-target isozyme hCA I. Notably, derivative 10a exhibited superior potency (Ki of 10.2 nM) than acetazolamide (AAZ) against the cytosolic isoform hCA II. The hCA IX and XII isoforms implicated in tumor progression were effectively inhibited with Kis in the low nanomolar range of 20.5-176.6 nM and 6.0-127.5 nM, respectively. Compound 9g emerged as the most potent and selective hCA IX and XII inhibitor with Ki of 20.5 nM and SI of 200.1, and Ki of 6.0 nM and SI of 683.7, respectively, over hCA I. Furthermore, six compounds (9a, 9h, 10a, 10g, 10i, and 10j) exhibited significant inhibition toward hCA IX (Kis = 27.0, 41.1, 27.4, 25.9, 40.7, and 30.8 nM) relative to AAZ and SLC-0111 (Kis = 25.0 and 45.0 nM, respectively). These findings underscore the potential of these derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors of hCA IX and XII over the off-target hCA I and II.

Synthesis and biological studies of pyrimidine derivatives targeting metabolic enzymes.

Novel synthesized pyrimidine derivatives were investigated against carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes I and II (hCA I and II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-glycosidase, and aldose reductase (AR) enzymes associated with some common diseases such as epilepsy, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and neuropathy. When the results were examined, novel synthesized pyrimidine derivatives were found to have effective inhibition abilities toward the metabolic enzymes. IC50 values and Ki values were calculated for each pyrimidine derivative and compared to positive controls. The synthesized novel pyrimidine derivatives exhibited Ki values in the range of 39.16 ± 7.70-144.62 ± 26.98 nM against hCA I, 18.21 ± 3.66-136.35 ± 21.48 nM toward hCA II, which is associated with different pathological and physiological processes, 33.15 ± 4.85-52.98 ± 19.86 nM on AChE, and 31.96 ± 8.24-69.57 ± 21.27 nM on BChE. Also, Ki values were determined in the range of 17.37 ± 1.11-253.88 ± 39.91 nM against α-glycosidase and 648.82 ± 53.74-1902.58 ± 98.90 nM toward AR enzymes. Within the scope of the study, the inhibition types of the novel synthesized pyrimidine derivatives were evaluated.

Exploring rhodanine linked enamine-carbohydrazide derivatives as mycobacterial carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies.

With the rise of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, the imperative for an alternative and superior treatment regimen, incorporating novel mechanisms of action, has become crucial. In pursuit of this goal, we have developed and synthesized a new series of rhodanine-linked enamine-carbohydrazide derivatives, exploring their potential as inhibitors of mycobacterial carbonic anhydrase. The findings reveal their efficacy, displaying notable selectivity toward the mycobacterial carbonic anhydrase 2 (mtCA 2) enzyme. While exhibiting moderate activity against human carbonic anhydrase isoforms, this series demonstrates promising selectivity, positioning these compounds as potential antitubercular agents. Compound 6d was the best one from the series with a Ki value of 9.5 µM toward mtCA 2. Most of the compounds displayed moderate to good inhibition against the Mtb H37Rv strain; compound 11k showed a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1 µg/mL. Molecular docking studies revealed that compounds 6d and 11k show metal coordination with the zinc ion, like classical CA inhibitors.

Synthesis and Enzymatic Evaluation of a Small Library of Substituted Phenylsulfonamido-Alkyl Sulfamates towards Carbonic Anhydrase II.

A small library of 79 substituted phenylsulfonamidoalkyl sulfamates, 1b-79b, was synthesized starting from arylsulfonyl chlorides and amino alcohols with different numbers of methylene groups between the hydroxyl and amino moieties yielding intermediates 1a-79a, followed by the reaction of the latter with sulfamoyl chloride. All compounds were screened for their inhibitory activity on bovine carbonic anhydrase II. Compounds 1a-79a showed no inhibition of the enzyme, in contrast to sulfamates 1b-79b. Thus, the inhibitory potential of compounds 1b-79b towards this enzyme depends on the substituent and the substitution pattern of the phenyl group as well as the length of the spacer. Bulkier substituents in the para position proved to be better for inhibiting CAII than compounds with the same substituent in the meta or ortho position. For many substitution patterns, compounds with shorter spacer lengths were superior to those with long chain spacers. Compounds with shorter spacer lengths performed better than those with longer chain spacers for a variety of substitution patterns. The most active compound held inhibition constant as low as Ki = 0.67 µM (for 49b) and a tert-butyl substituent in para position and acted as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme.

Dual Inhibitors of P-gp and Carbonic Anhydrase XII (hCA XII) against Tumor Multidrug Resistance with Piperazine Scaffold.

A new series of piperazine derivatives were synthesized and studied with the aim of obtaining dual inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and carbonic anhydrase XII (hCA XII) to synergistically overcome the P-gp-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells expressing the two proteins, P-gp and hCA XII. Indeed, these hybrid compounds contain both P-gp and hCA XII binding groups on the two nitrogen atoms of the heterocyclic ring. All compounds showed good inhibitory activity on each protein (P-gp and hCA XII) studied individually, and many of them showed a synergistic effect in the resistant HT29/DOX and A549/DOX cell lines which overexpress both the target proteins. In particular, compound 33 displayed the best activity by enhancing the cytotoxicity and intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin in HT29/DOX and A549/DOX cells, thus resulting as promising P-gp-mediated MDR reverser with a synergistic mechanism. Furthermore, compounds 13, 27 and 32 induced collateral sensitivity (CS) in MDR cells, as they were more cytotoxic in resistant cells than in the sensitive ones; their CS mechanisms were extensively investigated.

Novel 1,2,4-triazoles as selective carbonic anhydrase inhibitors showing ancillary anticathepsin B activity.

Background: Exploration of the multi-target approach considering both human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) IX and XII and cathepsin B is a promising strategy to target cancer. Methodology & Results: 22 novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibition efficacy against hCA I, II, IX, XII isoforms and cathepsin B. The compounds demonstrated effective inhibition against hCA IX and/or XII isoforms with considerable selectivity over off-target hCA I/II. All compounds presented significant anticathepsin B activities at a low concentration of 10-7 M and in vitro results were also supported by the molecular modeling studies. Conclusion: Insights of present study can be utilized in the rational design of effective and selective hCA IX and XII inhibitors capable of inhibiting cathepsin B.

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Bovine carbonic anhydrase (bCA) inhibitors: Synthesis, molecular docking and theoretical studies of bisoxadiazole-substituted sulfonamide derivatives.

This paper describes the in vitro inhibition potential of bisoxadiazole-substituted sulfonamide derivatives (6a-t) against bovine carbonic anhydrase (bCA) after they were designed through computational analyses and evaluated the predicted interaction via molecular docking. First, in silico ADMET predictions and physicochemical property analysis of the compounds provided insights into solubility and permeability, then density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to analyse their ionization energies, nucleophilicity, in vitro electron affinity, dipole moments and molecular interactions under vacuum and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) conditions. After calculating the theoretical inhibition constants, IC50 values determined from enzymatic inhibition were found between 12.93 and 45.77 µM. Molecular docking evaluation revealed favorable hydrogen bonding and π-interactions of the compounds within the bCA active site. The experimentally most active compound, 6p, exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity with a theoretical inhibition constant value of 9.41 nM and H-bonds with Gln91, Thr198, and Trp4 residues and His63 Pi-cation interactions with His63 residues. Overall, the study reveals promising bCA blocking potential for the synthesized derivatives, similar to acetazolamide.