Discovery of High-Affinity Small-Molecule Binders of the Epigenetic Reader YEATS4.

A series of small-molecule YEATS4 binders have been discovered as part of an ongoing research effort to generate high-quality probe molecules for emerging and/or challenging epigenetic targets. Analogues such as 4d and 4e demonstrate excellent potency and selectivity for YEATS4 binding versus YEATS1,2,3 and exhibit good physical properties and in vitro safety profiles. A new X-ray crystal structure confirms direct binding of this chemical series to YEATS4 at the lysine acetylation recognition site of the YEATS domain. Multiple analogues engage YEATS4 with nanomolar potency in a whole-cell nanoluciferase bioluminescent resonance energy transfer assay. Rodent pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate the competency of several analogues as in vivo-capable binders.

PF-07059013: A Noncovalent Modulator of Hemoglobin for Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder caused by a single point mutation (ß6 Glu → Val) on the ß-chain of adult hemoglobin (HbA) that results in sickled hemoglobin (HbS). In the deoxygenated state, polymerization of HbS leads to sickling of red blood cells (RBC). Several downstream consequences of polymerization and RBC sickling include vaso-occlusion, hemolytic anemia, and stroke. We report the design of a noncovalent modulator of HbS, clinical candidate PF-07059013 (23). The seminal hit molecule was discovered by virtual screening and confirmed through a series of biochemical and biophysical studies. After a significant optimization effort, we arrived at 23, a compound that specifically binds to Hb with nanomolar affinity and displays strong partitioning into RBCs. In a 2-week multiple dose study using Townes SCD mice, 23 showed a 37.8% (±9.0%) reduction in sickling compared to vehicle treated mice. 23 (PF-07059013) has advanced to phase 1 clinical trials.

Synthesis of 2-Arylpiperidines via Pd-Catalyzed Arylation of Aza-Achmatowicz Rearrangement Products with Arylboronic Acids.

The first Pd-catalyzed arylation of aza-Achmatowicz rearrangement products with arylboronic acids is achieved, providing versatile 2-aryldihydropyridinones for facile synthesis of highly functionalized 2-arylpiperidines. Key to this arylation is the use of non-phosphine-ligand palladium precatalyst. The substrate scope is demonstrated with >26 examples, and the utility of 2-aryldihydropyridinones is illustrated by the synthesis of a small collection of 2-arylpiperidines with substituents or functional groups at any carbon (C2-C6) as well as two NK1 receptor antagonists (+)-CP-999,94 and (+)-L-733,060.

Asymmetric Synthesis of a Potent CXCR7 Modulator Featuring a Hindered Tertiary ß-Amino Amide Stereocenter.

A practical and asymmetric synthesis of a small-molecule CXCR7 modulator featuring a highly functionalized and hindered tertiary ß-amino amide framework is reported. The cornerstone of this strategy relied on the intermediacy of a reactive aziridinium species, which, following regioselective ring opening with cyanide, furnished the desired chiral ß-tertiary amino nitrile for further elaboration. As a means of further highlighting this synthetic strategy, an expanded scope of hindered ß-amino amide synthesis is also presented.

Discovery of a Novel Small-Molecule Modulator of C-X-C Chemokine Receptor Type 7 as a Treatment for Cardiac Fibrosis.

C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7) is involved in cardiac and immune pathophysiology. We report the discovery of a novel 1,4-diazepine CXCR7 modulator, demonstrating for the first time the role of pharmacological CXCR7 intervention in cardiac repair. Structure-activity-relationship (SAR) studies demonstrated that a net reduction in lipophilicity (log D) and an incorporation of saturated ring systems yielded compounds with good CXCR7 potencies and improvements in oxidative metabolic stability in human-liver microsomes (HLM). Tethering an ethylene amide further improved the selectivity profile (e.g., for compound 18, CXCR7 Ki = 13 nM, adrenergic α 1a Kb > 10 000 nM, and adrenergic ß 2 Kb > 10 000 nM). The subcutaneous administration of 18 in mice led to a statistically significant increase in circulating concentrations of plasma stromal-cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) of approximately 2-fold. Chronic dosing of compound 18 in a mouse model of isoproterenol-induced cardiac injury further resulted in a statistically significant reduction of cardiac fibrosis.

Liver-Targeted Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Synthesis.

Targeting of the human ribosome is an unprecedented therapeutic modality with a genome-wide selectivity challenge. A liver-targeted drug candidate is described that inhibits ribosomal synthesis of PCSK9, a lipid regulator considered undruggable by small molecules. Key to the concept was the identification of pharmacologically active zwitterions designed to be retained in the liver. Oral delivery of the poorly permeable zwitterions was achieved by prodrugs susceptible to cleavage by carboxylesterase 1. The synthesis of select tetrazole prodrugs was crucial. A cell-free in vitro translation assay containing human cell lysate and purified target mRNA fused to a reporter was used to identify active zwitterions. In vivo PCSK9 lowering by oral dosing of the candidate prodrug and quantification of the drug fraction delivered to the liver utilizing an oral positron emission tomography 18 F-isotopologue validated our liver-targeting approach.

Palladium-catalyzed ß-(hetero)arylation of α,ß-unsaturated valerolactams.

A method for the palladium-catalyzed arylation of α,ß-unsaturated valerolactams is reported. This new protocol provides arylation products in yields up to 95% and is applicable to a wide array of aryl and heteroaryl bromides. The optimization, scope and limitations are described.

Optimization of a Dicarboxylic Series for in Vivo Inhibition of Citrate Transport by the Solute Carrier 13 (SLC13) Family.

Inhibition of the sodium-coupled citrate transporter (NaCT or SLC13A5) has been proposed as a new therapeutic approach for prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. In a previous report, we discovered dicarboxylate 1a (PF-06649298) which inhibits the transport of citrate in in vitro and in vivo settings via a specific interaction with NaCT. Herein, we report the optimization of this series leading to 4a (PF-06761281), a more potent inhibitor with suitable in vivo pharmacokinetic profile for assessment of in vivo pharmacodynamics. Compound 4a was used to demonstrate dose-dependent inhibition of radioactive [(14)C]citrate uptake in liver and kidney in vivo, resulting in modest reductions in plasma glucose concentrations.

Synthesis of C11-Desmethoxy Soraphen A1α: A natural product analog that inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase.

A synthesis of C11-desmethoxy soraphen A1α is described that proceeds in just 14 steps from readily available starting materials. This natural product analog was identified as a target of interest in a program aimed at identifying novel natural product-inspired inhibitors of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) as potential anticancer therapeutics. While describing the most efficient synthesis of a soraphen A1α analog (total syntheses of the natural product have been reported that proceed in 25 to ≥40 linear steps), we also present data supporting the conclusion that C11-heteroatom functionality is a beneficial but unnecessary structural characteristic of soraphen A1α analogs for inhibiting ACC.

Synthesis of the C1-C26 hexacyclic subunit of pectenotoxin 2.

Synthesis of the C1-C26 hexacyclic subunit of pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2) is described that features a stereoselective annulation to generate the C-ring by triple asymmetric Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi coupling followed by oxidative cyclization. Preparation of the C1-C14 AB spriroketal-containing subunit employs a recently developed metallacycle-mediated reductive cross-coupling between a TMS-alkyne and a terminal alkene.

A convergent route to the CDEF-tetracycle of pectenotoxin-2.

A convergent synthesis of the CDEF-tetracyclic region of pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2) is described. The synthetic pathway derives from a head-to-tail union of 2 equiv of linalool to establish a stereodefined DEF-tricyclic aldehyde. Subsequent coupling with a "northern" fragment enolate, followed by a tandem Sharpless epoxidation/cyclization, delivers the C10-C26 polycyclic region of the natural product.

Organosoluble polypyrrole nanotubes from core-shell bottlebrush copolymers.

Well-defined, organosoluble polypyrrole nanotubes were synthesized by single-molecule templating of multicomponent bottlebrush copolymers with triblock terpolymer side chains.

Polyketide assembly by alkene-alkyne reductive cross-coupling: spiroketals through the union of homoallylic alcohols.

A reaction sequence composed of regioselective formal hydroalkynylation, reductive ene-yne cross-coupling, and oxidative cyclization has been developed to prepare stereochemically dense spiroketals. Overall, the chemistry defines a three-component coupling process for the union of two homoallylic alcohol-based substrates with trimethylsilylacetylene.

Beta-iodoallenolates as springboards for annulation reactions.

Beta-iodoallenolates II, generated from alkynones I with tetra-n-butylammonium iodide and a Lewis acid, underwent selective single or double annulation, depending on the Lewis acid promoter. Treatment with TiCl(4) gave cyclohexenyl alcohols III, whereas BF(3) x OEt(2) gave oxadecalins IV. The scope and limitations of the two annulation reactions are described.

A Torquoselective Extrusion of Isoxazoline N-Oxides. Application to the Synthesis of Aryl Vinyl and Divinyl Ketones for Nazarov Cyclization.

A mild, convenient reaction sequence for the synthesis of Nazarov cyclization substrates is described. The [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition of a nitrone and an electron-deficient alkyne gives an isolable isoxazoline intermediate, which upon oxidation undergoes stereoselective extrusion of nitrosomethane to give aryl vinyl or divinyl ketones.

Origins of stereoselectivity in the oxido-alkylidenation of alkynes.

A mild, convenient oxido-alkylidenation of alkynes is described. The three-step sequence involves the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of a nitrone and an alkynoate, oxidation of the resulting isoxazoline, and stereoselective extrusion of nitrosomethane. Quantum mechanical calculations identified the interactions of R3 with the oxidant and the preferred conformation of a diradical intermediate as major factors controlling the stereoselectivity of the oxidation and torquoselectivity of the extrusion.