Aminotriazines with indole motif as novel, 5-HT7 receptor ligands with atypical binding mode.

Developing new and selective 5-HT7R ligands may have a key impact on the treatment of central nervous system diseases including depression. We have found that indoleaminotriazine core fused with alkyl aryl moiety exhibits high affinity and selectivity to 5-HT7R. SAR analysis demonstrated that the ethyl or ethoxy group (5c 5-HT7R Ki = 8 nM; 5d 5-HT7R Ki = 55 nM) is the optimal carbon linker between triazine and aryl moiety. The results of the molecular dynamics simulations show stable interaction with E7.34 upon binding to a 5-HT7R. Compounds 5c and 5d were tested for early ADMET parameters. Compounds are not hepatotoxic and exhibit moderate potential interaction with other drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2D6.

Privileged scaffold-based design to identify a novel drug-like 5-HT7 receptor-preferring agonist to target Fragile X syndrome.

Recent preclinical studies have shown that activation of the serotonin 5-HT7 receptor has the potential to treat neurodevelopmental disorders such as Fragile X syndrome, a rare disease characterized by autistic features. With the aim to provide the scientific community with diversified drug-like 5-HT7 receptor-preferring agonists, we designed a set of new long-chain arylpiperazines by exploiting structural fragments present in clinically approved drugs or in preclinical candidates (privileged scaffolds). The new compounds were synthesized, tested for their affinity at 5-HT7 and 5-HT1A receptors, and screened for their in vitro stability to microsomal degradation and toxicity. Selected compounds were characterized as 5-HT7 receptor-preferring ligands, endowed with high metabolic stability and low toxicity. Compound 7g emerged as a drug-like 5-HT7 receptor-preferring agonist capable to rescue synaptic plasticity and attenuate stereotyped behavior in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome.

[1]Benzothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as ligands for the serotonergic 5-HT7 receptor.

The present paper describes the synthesis and the binding properties for the serotonergic 5-HT7 and 5-HT1A receptors of three new series (A-C) of (benzo)thienopyrimidinone derivatives. All series exhibit a basic moiety at the 2-position of the heterocyclic scaffold such as N,N-dialkylaminoalkylthio chain in series A and phenylpiperazine, benzylpiperazine, or benzylpiperidine alkyl chain in series B and C. Compounds endowed with the best binding properties at 5-HT7R belong to the B and C types. In particular, derivatives B2 and C1 (RSC4) exhibit notable affinity for 5-HT7R (Ki = 9.08 and 0.85 nM, respectively) and selectivity over the 5-HT1AR (254- and 48-fold, respectively). The structure-affinity relationships for these three new classes of 5-HT7R ligands are discussed and, in order to rationalize and deeply investigate the observed results, molecular modeling studies were performed. In particular, the binding poses of the synthesized compounds were studied by docking them in the two receptor proteins suitably built by homology modeling. The calculated binding energies resulted in an excellent agreement with the experimental measured Ki, further validating the quality of the models.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1,3-dioxolane-based 5-HT1A receptor agonists for CNS disorders and neuropathic pain.

AIM: Targeting 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) as a strategy for CNS disorders and pain control. METHODOLOGY: A series of 1,3-dioxolane-based 2-heteroaryl-phenoxyethylamines was synthesized by a convergent approach and evaluated at α1-adrenoceptors and 5-HT1AR by binding and functional experiments. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity prediction studies were performed to explore the drug-likeness of the compounds. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: The most promising compound, the pyridin-4-yl derivative, emerged as a potent and selective 5-HT1AR agonist (pKi = 9.2; pD2 = 8.83; 5-HT1A/α1 = 135). In vitro it was able to permeate by passive diffusion MDCKII-MDR1 monolayer mimicking the blood-brain barrier and showed promising neuroprotective activity.

New 5-HT1A, 5HT2A and 5HT2C receptor ligands containing a picolinic nucleus: Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo pharmacological evaluation.

Picolinamide derivatives, linked to an arylpiperazine moiety, were prepared and their affinity to 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors was evaluated. The combination of structural elements (heterocyclic nucleus, alkyl chain and 4-substituted piperazine), known to play critical roles in affinity for serotoninergic receptors, and the proper selection of substituents led to compounds with high specificity and affinity towards serotoninergic receptors. In binding studies, several molecules showed high affinity in nanomolar and subnanomolar range at 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors and moderate or no affinity for other relevant receptors (D1, D2, α1 and α2). N-(2-(4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)picolinamide (3o) with Ki=0.046nM, was the most affine and selective derivative for the 5-HT1A receptor compared to other serotoninergic dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors. N-(2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)picolinamide (3b), instead, showed a subnanomolar affinity towards 5-HT2A with Ki=0.0224nM, whereas N-(2-(4-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)picolinamide (3s) presented an attractive 5-HT2C affinity with Ki=0.8nM. Moreover, the compounds having better affinity and selectivity binding profiles towards 5-HT2A were selected and tested on rat ileum, to determine their effect on 5HT induced contractions. Those more selective towards 5-HT1A receptors were studied in vivo on several behavioral tests.

Low-basicity 5-HT7 Receptor Agonists Synthesized Using the van Leusen Multicomponent Protocol.

A series of 5-aryl-1-alkylimidazole derivatives was synthesized using the van Leusen multicomponent reaction. The chemotype is the first example of low-basicity scaffolds exhibiting high affinity for 5-HT7 receptor together with agonist function. The chosen lead compounds 3-(1-ethyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-5-iodo-1H-indole (AGH-107, 1o, K i 5-HT7 = 6 nM, EC50 = 19 nM, 176-fold selectivity over 5-HT1AR) and 1e (5-methoxy analogue, K i 5-HT7 = 30 nM, EC50 = 60 nM) exhibited high selectivity over related CNS targets, high metabolic stability and low toxicity in HEK-293 and HepG2 cell cultures. A rapid absorption to the blood, high blood-brain barrier permeation and a very high peak concentration in the brain (Cmax = 2723 ng/g) were found for 1o after i.p. (5 mg/kg) administration in mice. The compound was found active in novel object recognition test in mice, at 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/kg. Docking to 5-HT7R homology models indicated a plausible binding mode which explain the unusually high selectivity over the related CNS targets. Halogen bond formation between the most potent derivatives and the receptor is consistent with both the docking results and SAR. 5-Chlorine, bromine and iodine substitution resulted in a 13, 27 and 89-fold increase in binding affinities, respectively, and in enhanced 5-HT1AR selectivity.

Aminoalkyl Derivatives of 8-Alkoxypurine-2,6-diones: Multifunctional 5-HT1A /5-HT7 Receptor Ligands and PDE Inhibitors with Antidepressant Activity.

In the search for potential psychotropic agents, a new series of 3,7-dimethyl- and 1,3-dimethyl-8-alkoxypurine-2,6-dione derivatives of arylpiperazines, perhydroisoquinolines, or tetrahydroisoquinolines with flexible alkylene spacers (5-16 and 21-32) were synthesized and evaluated for 5-HT1A /5-HT7 receptor affinities as well as PDE4B1 and PDE10A inhibitory properties. The 1-(4-(4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-3,7-dimethyl-8-propoxypurine-2,6-dione (16) and 7-(2-hydroxyphenyl)piperazinylalkyl-1,3-dimethyl-8-ethoxypurine-2,6-diones (31 and 32) as potent dual 5-HT1A /5-HT7 receptor ligands with antagonistic activity produced an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swim test in mice. This effect was similar to that produced by citalopram. All the tested compounds were stronger phosphodiesterase isoenzyme inhibitors than theophylline and theobromine. The most potent compounds, 15 and 16, were characterized by 51 and 52% inhibition, respectively, of PDE4B1 activity at a concentration of 10-5 M. Concerning the above findings, it may be assumed that the inhibition of PDE4B1 may impact on the signal strength and specificity resulting from antagonism toward the 5-HT1 and 5-HT7 receptors, especially in the case of compounds 15 and 16. This dual receptor and enzyme binding mode was analyzed and explained via molecular modeling studies.

NEW SPIROHYDANTOIN DERIVATIVES - SYNTHESIS, PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION, AND MOLECULAR MODELING STUDY.

A series of new arylpiperazinylpropyl derivatives of 8/6-phenyl-1,3-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-2,4-dione and spiro[imidazolidine-4,1'-indene/naphthalene]-2,5-dione was synthesized and their affinity was evaluated toward serotonin 5-HTIA, 5-HT2A, 5-HT7 receptors, dopaminergic D2, D3 receptors, adrenergic ox, receptors, and serotonin transporter (SERT). The highest affinity for serotonin 5-HT1A/2A/7 receptors was found for compounds containing a tetralin or indane moiety in the imide part. Among these, two compounds (19, 20) were selected for further pharmacological in vivo studies. A binding mode of representative molecule 19, which behaved as a 5-HT1A agonist and weak 5-HT7 antagonist in the site of 5-HT 1A/7, was also analyzed in computational stud- ies. Moreover, two highly selective (9 and HI) 5-HT2A receptor antagonists were obtained.

Labeling and preliminary in vivo evaluation of the 5-HT(7) receptor selective agonist [(11)C]E-55888.

E-55888 has been identified as a selective serotonin 7 (5-HT7) receptor agonist. In this study, we describe the synthesis, radiolabeling and in vivo evaluation of [(11)C]E-55888 as a radioligand for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. [(11)C]E-55888 was obtained by N-methylation of an appropriate precursor using [(11)C]MeOTf in acetone at 60 °C giving isolated quantities in the range of 1.7-2.4 GBq. Studies in Danish Landrace pigs demonstrated that [(11)C]E-55888 has good brain uptake, however, the distribution in the brain tissue was dominated by non-specific binding, as binding could neither be displaced by the structurally different 5-HT7 receptor ligand SB-269970 nor by self-block with unlabeled E-55888. Based on these data, [(11)C]E-55888 does not show promise as a PET radioligand for imaging the 5-HT7 receptor in vivo.

Current status of positron emission tomography radiotracers for serotonin receptors in humans.

Serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission plays a key modulatory role in the brain. This system is critical for pathophysiological processes and many drug treatments for brain disorders interact with its 14 subtypes of receptors. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a unique tool for the study of the living brain in translational studies from animal models to patients in neurology or psychiatry. This short review is intended to cover the current status of PET radioligands used for imaging human brain 5-HT receptors. Here, we describe the available PET radioligands for the 5-HT1A , 5-HT1B , 5-HT2A , 5-HT4 and 5-HT6 receptors. Finally, we highlight the future challenges for a functional PET imaging of serotonin receptors, including the research towards specific PET radiotracers for yet unexplored serotonin receptors, the need of radiotracers for endogenous serotonin level measurement and the contribution of agonist radiotracers for functional imaging of 5-HT neurotransmission.

Structure-activity relationship of 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole analogues as 5-HT(6) receptor agonists.

To further investigate the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the 5-hydroxytryptamine type 6 (5-HT6) receptor agonist 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole (EMD386088, 6), a series of 2-methyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indoles were synthesized, and in vitro affinity to, and functional activity at 5-HT6 receptors was tested. We focused on substituents made at the indole N(1)-, 2- and 5-positions and these were found to not only influence the affinity at 5-HT6 receptors but also the intrinsic activity leading to antagonists, partial agonists and full agonists. In order for a compound to demonstrate potent 5-HT6 receptor agonist properties, the indole N(1) should be unsubstituted, an alkyl group such as 2-methyl is needed and finally halogen substituents in the indole 5-position (fluoro, chloro or, bromo) were essential requirements. However, the introduction of a benzenesulfonyl group at N(1)-position switched the full agonist 6 to be a 5-HT6 receptor antagonist (30). A few compounds within the 2-methyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indoles were also screened for off-targets and generally they displayed low affinity for other 5-HT subtypes and serotonin transporter protein (SERT).

An analysis of the synthetic tryptamines AMT and 5-MeO-DALT: emerging 'Novel Psychoactive Drugs'.

Novel Psychoactive Drugs (NPD) can be sold without restriction and are often synthetic analogues of controlled drugs. The tryptamines are an important class of NPD as they bind to the various serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes and cause psychosis and hallucinations that can lead to injury or death through misadventure. Here we report on the structure elucidation and receptor binding profiles of two widely marketed tryptamine-derived NPDs, namely alpha-methyl-tryptamine and 5-methoxy-N,N-diallyl-tryptamine.

Investigations on the 1-(2-biphenyl)piperazine motif: identification of new potent and selective ligands for the serotonin(7) (5-HT(7)) receptor with agonist or antagonist action in vitro or ex vivo.

Here we report the design, synthesis, and 5-HT(7) receptor affinity of a set of 1-(3-biphenyl)- and 1-(2-biphenyl)piperazines. The effect on 5-HT(7) affinity of various substituents on the second (distal) phenyl ring was analyzed. Several compounds showed 5-HT(7) affinities in the nanomolar range and >100-fold selectivity over 5-HT(1A) and adrenergic α(1) receptors. 1-[2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)phenyl]piperazine (9a) showed 5-HT(7) agonist properties in a guinea pig ileum assay but blocked 5-HT-mediated cAMP accumulation in 5-HT(7)-expressing HeLa cells.

[The secondary structure of peptides derived from the third intracellular loop of the serpentine type receptors and its interrelation with their biological activity].

We and other authors have shown that synthetic peptides corresponding to regions of the third intracellular loop (ICL-3) of receptors of the serpentine type are capable of activating G-protein signaling cascades and trigger them in the absence of hormone. To create on the basis of these peptides the selective regulators of hormonal signaling systems the relationship between their biological activity and secondary structure are studied. It is assumed that most suitable is a helical conformation, which allows the peptide effectively interact with signaling proteins. The aim of this study was to test the biological activity and secondary structure of synthesized by us linear peptides and their dimeric and palmitoylated analogs, corresponding to C-terminal region of the ICL-3 of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor of the type 6 (5-HT6R). It is shown that LHR-peptides at the micromolar concentrations stimulate the basal activity of adenylyl cyclase (AC) and the GTP-binding of G-proteins in the plasma membranes of rat testes, while 5-HT6R-peptides activate AC and G-proteins in the synaptosomal membranes of rat brain. The action of peptides is tissue-specific and observed in the tissues where there are homologous receptors. The most effective were palmitoylated peptides. LHR-peptide reduced the AC stimulatory effect of human chorionic gonadotropin, while 5-HT6R-peptides the effect of 5-HT6R-agonist, EMD-386088, and the action of the peptides was not found in the case of non-homologous receptors. Using circular dichroism spectroscopy it is shown that in neutral (pH 7) and acidic (pH 2) medium all the peptides are exist predominantly in the antiparallel beta-sheet (37-42%) and disordered conformations (33-35%). In alkaline medium (pH 10) in the case palmitoylated peptides the increase of the contribution of the helical conformation to 12-27% was observed. In the presence of trifluoroethanol (10-80%), a helix-forming solvent, the contribution of helical conformation for the majority of peptides was slightly increased (for palmitoylated analogs to 14%), however, in this case the antiparallel beta-sheet and disordered conformation prevailed. The conclusion was made that the lack of clearly expressed ability to form helices in peptides derived the ICLs of receptors did not significantly affect their activity. This is consistent with proposed mechanism of peptides action, whereby peptide interacts with the complementary regions of homologous receptor that does not require the helix formation.

GC-MS and GC-IRD studies on brominated dimethoxyamphetamines: regioisomers related to 4-Br-2,5-DMA (DOB).

A series of regioisomeric bromodimethoxyamphetamines have mass spectra essentially equivalent to the controlled drug substance 4-Br-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (4-Br-2,5-DMA; DOB); all have molecular weight of 274 and major fragment ions in their electron ionization mass spectra at m/z 44 and m/z 230/232. The trifluoroacetyl, pentafluoropropionyl and heptafluorobutryl derivatives of the primary regioisomeric amines were prepared and evaluated in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) studies. The mass spectra for these derivatives did not show unique fragment ions for specific identification of individual isomers. However, the mass spectra do serve to divide the compounds into three groups, depending on their base peak. Gas chromatography with infrared detection (GC-IRD) provides direct confirmatory data for the identification of the designer drug 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine from the other regioisomers involved in the study. The perfluoroacylated derivatives of the six regioisomeric bromodimethoxyamphetamines were successfully resolved on non-polar stationary phases such as a 100% dimethylpolysiloxane stationary phase (Rtx-1) and 50% phenyl - 50% methyl polysiloxane (Rxi-50).

Synthesis and biological study of 3-(phenylsulfonyl)thieno[2,3-e][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as potent and selective serotonin 5-HT6 receptor antagonists.

A number of 3-(phenylsulfonyl)thieno[2,3-e][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines were prepared and their 5-HT6 receptor binding affinity and ability to inhibit the functional cellular responses to serotonin were evaluated. 3-[(3-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-N-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)thieno[2,3-e][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-amine 2{5,26} appeared to be the most active in a functional assay (IC50=29.0 nM) and 3-(phenylsulfonyl)-N-(2-thienylmethyl) thieno[2,3-e][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-amine 2{1,28} demonstrated the greatest affinity in a 5-HT6 receptor radioligand binding assay (Ki=1.7 nM). A screening of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptor affinity revealed that 3-(phenylsulfonyl)thieno[2,3-e][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines are highly selective 5-HT6 receptor ligands.

The discovery and SAR of indoline-3-carboxamides--a new series of 5-HT6 antagonists.

Antagonists of the 5-HT(6) receptor have been shown to improve cognitive function in a wide range of animal models and as such may prove to be attractive agents for the symptomatic treatment of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and schizophrenia. We report herein the identification and SAR around N-(2-aminoalkyl)-1-(arylsulfonyl)indoline-3-carboxamides-a novel chemotype of 5-HT(6) antagonists.

3-(Arylsulfonyl)-1-(azacyclyl)-1H-indoles are 5-HT(6) receptor modulators.

Novel 3-(arylsulfonyl)-1-(azacyclyl)-1H-indoles 6 were synthesized as potential 5-HT(6) receptor ligands, based on constraining a basic side chain as either a piperidine or a pyrrolidine. Many of these compounds had good 5-HT(6) binding affinity with K(i) values <10nM. Depending on substitution, both agonists (e.g., 6o: EC(50)=60nM, E(max)=70%) and antagonists (6y: IC(50)=17 nM, I(max)=86%) were identified in a 5-HT(6) adenylyl cyclase assay.

Recent advances in the discovery of selective and non-selective 5-HT(1D) receptor ligands.

This article highlights recent advances in the discovery of new agonists, antagonists and partial agonists of the 5-HT(1D) receptor. The field of 5-HT(1D) agonists continues to deliver a number of new potential therapeutic agents, although advances in this field are now more focussed on the clinical evaluation phase. The identification of novel compounds is greater for the 5-HT(1D) receptor antagonists, and whilst few truly selective ligands have been identified, a number of approaches are discussed towards defined mixed-pharmacology profiles. An overview is also given of recent advances in biological and clinical understanding of the receptor.