Discovery of Mer kinase inhibitors by virtual screening using Structural Protein-Ligand Interaction Fingerprints.

Mer is a receptor tyrosine kinase implicated in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common malignancy in children. The currently available data provide a rationale for development of Mer kinase inhibitors as cancer therapeutics that can target both cell autologous and immune-modulatory anti-tumor effects. We have previously reported several series of potent Mer inhibitors and the objective of the current report is to identify a chemically dissimilar back-up series that might circumvent potential, but currently unknown, flaws inherent to the lead series. To this end, we virtually screened a database of ∼3.8million commercially available compounds using high-throughput docking followed by a filter involving Structural Protein-Ligand Interaction Fingerprints (SPLIF). SPLIF permits a quantitative assessment of whether a docking pose interacts with the protein target similarly to an endogenous or known synthetic ligand, and therefore helps to improve both sensitivity and specificity with respect to the docking score alone. Of the total of 62 experimentally tested compounds, 15 demonstrated reliable dose-dependent responses in the Mer in vitro kinase activity assay with inhibitory potencies ranging from 0.46µM to 9.9µM.

Minor structural differences in Boc-CCK-4 derivatives dictate affinity and selectivity for CCK-A and CCK-B receptors.

We previously reported novel Boc-CCK-4 (Boc-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) derivatives possessing the general structure Boc-Trp-Lys[N epsilon-CO-NH-(R-Ph)]-Asp-Phe-NH2 (Shiosaki et al. J. Med. Chem. 1991, 34, 2837-2842). In contrast to Boc-CCK-4, which is 70-fold selective for the CCK-B receptor, the modified lysine-bearing tetrapeptides were highly potent and selective full agonists at the CCK-A receptor. Further investigation of the structure-activity profile following modification of the substituted phenylurea moiety appended off the lysine revealed that moving certain substituents, e.g. nitro or acetyl, from the 2- or 3-position on the phenyl ring to the 4-position, a relatively minor and subtle structural modification within the tetrapeptide, resulted in loss of CCK-A receptor selectivity and development of a trend toward CCK-B selectivity. These tetrapeptides, e.g. Boc-Trp-Lys[N epsilon-CO-NH-(4-NO2-Ph)]-Asp-Phe-NH2 and Boc-Trp-Lys[N epsilon-CO-NH-(4-Ac-Ph)]-Asp-Phe-NH2, were full agonists relative to CCK-8 in stimulating intracellular calcium mobilization in a cell line that expresses the CCK-B receptor.

Cholecystokinin antagonists: (R)-tryptophan-based hybrid antagonists of high affinity and selectivity for CCK-A receptors.

The intriguing structural similarities of glutamic acid based cholecystokinin (CCK) antagonists (A-64718 and A-65186) and the benzodiazepine CCK antagonist MK-329 (L-364,718) have been reported. Efforts to include the weak CCK antagonist benzotript into this construct utilizing a similar approach have resulted in a novel series of benzotript-based hybrid antagonists N alpha-(3'-quinolylcarbonyl)-(R)-tryptophan di-n-pentylamide (9, A-67396), N alpha-(4',8'-dihydroxy-2'-quinolylcarbonyl)-(R)-tryptophan di-n-pentylamide (23, A-70276), and N alpha-(3'-quinolylcarbonyl)-(R)-5'-hydroxytryptophan di-n-pentylamide (36, A-71134) which possess respectively binding affinities of 23, 21, and 11 nM for the pancreatic CCK-A receptor and which inhibit CCK8-induced amylase secretion. Compound 9 possesses a selectivity of greater than 500-fold for the pancreatic CCK-A receptor over the CCK-B receptor.

Development of potent and selective CCK-A receptor agonists from Boc-CCK-4: tetrapeptides containing Lys(N epsilon)-amide residues.

A series of Boc-CCK-4 derivatives represented by the general structure Boc-Trp-Lys(N epsilon-COR)-Asp-Phe-NH2, where R is an aromatic, heterocyclic, or aliphatic group, are potent and selective CCK-A receptor agonists. These amide-bearing compounds complement the previously described urea-based tetrapeptides (Shiosaki et al. J. Med. Chem. 1991, 34, 2837-2842); structure-activity studies revealed parallel as well as divergent trends between these two series. A significant correlation was observed between pancreatic binding affinity and the resonance constant R of the phenyl substituent in one particular series of derivatives. Sulfation of phenolic amides appended onto the epsilon-amino group of the lysine did not affect affinity for the CCK-A receptor in contrast to the 500-fold increase in binding potency observed upon sulfation of CCK-8, suggesting that the lysine appendage and the sulfated tyrosine in CCK-8, both key structural elements that impart high affinity for the CCK-A receptor, are interacting differently with the receptor. The amide-bearing tetrapeptides are full agonists relative to CCK-8 in stimulating pancreatic amylase release while being partial agonists in eliciting phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis. Both effects were blocked by selective CCK-A receptor antagonists.

Synthesis and characterization of non-steroidal ligands for the glucocorticoid receptor: selective quinoline derivatives with prednisolone-equivalent functional activity.

A novel class of functional ligands for the human glucocorticoid receptor is described. Substituents in the C-10 position of the tetracyclic core are essential for glucocorticoid receptor (GR) selectivity versus other steroid receptors. The C-5 position is derivatized with meta-substituted aromatic groups, resulting in analogues with a high affinity for GR (K(i) = 2.4-9.3 nM) and functional activity comparable to prednisolone in reporter gene assays of glucocorticoid-mediated gene transcription. The biological activity of these novel quinolines was also prednisolone-equivalent in whole cell assays of glucocorticoid function, and compound 13 was similar to prednisolone (po ED(50) = 2.8 mpk for 13 vs ED(50) = 1.2 mpk for prednisolone) in a rodent model of asthma (sephadex-induced eosinophil influx).

Novel Asp32-replacement tetrapeptide analogues as potent and selective CCK-A agonists.

A series of novel CCK tetrapeptide analogues of the general formula Boc-Trp-Lys(Tac)-N(R)-(CH2)nCON(R')Phe-NH2 (Tac = o-tolylaminocarbonyl), where R,R' = H or Me and n = 1-5, have been synthesized and tested. These analogues, which lack an acidic residue at the penultimate position, demonstrated surprisingly high CCK-A receptor affinity and selectivity. The effect of N-methylation pattern on CCK-A receptor affinity showed consistent trends for analogues in which n = 1, 2, or 3, with the di-N-methylated analogues having the highest affinity in each case. However, none of these analogues had full agonist activity, as measured by percent maximal PI hydrolysis. Two conformationally constrained analogues also demonstrated high CCK-A receptor affinity and selectivity, as well as nearly maximal agonist activity. In addition, one of these conformationally-constrained analogues demonstrated anorectic activity in rats.

CCK-A-selective tetrapeptides containing lys(N epsilon)-amide residues: favorable in vivo and in vitro effects of N-methylation at the aspartyl residue.

Previous structure-activity studies on a series of CCK-A selective tetrapeptide agonists, typified by A-71623 (Boc-Trp-Lys(CONH-Ph-o-Me)-Asp-(N-Me)Phe-NH2), have shown that replacement of the Lys(N epsilon-carbamoyl) substituent with N epsilon-acyl substituents resulted in partial agonists with moderate to high affinities for the CCK-A receptor and that replacement of the C-terminal dipeptide with either (N-Me)Asp-Phe or (N-Me)Asp-(N-Me)Phe was highly favorable to in vitro and in vivo CCK activity. The present study demonstrates that although analogues in the epsilon-amide series that are N-methylated at the Phe position are weakly active or inactive in an in vivo rat appetite suppression assay, incorporation of (N-Me)Asp or (N-Me)Asp-(N-Me)Phe modifications in this series results in analogues with markedly improved in vivo activity. In in vitro assays, there is minimal effect of N-methylation pattern on binding affinity, whereas there is a trend toward improved functional activity in the phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis assay in analogues containing (N-Me)Asp.

Tetrapeptide CCK agonists: structure-activity studies on modifications at the N-terminus.

We had reported earlier on a novel series of potent and selective tetrapeptide cholecystokinin-A (CCK-A) agonists of the general structure Boc-Trp-Lys[epsilon-Y]-Asp-N(R)PheNH2 [Y = amides, ureas; R = H, Me] that were potent anorectic agents in rats. In an effort to optimize the potency, selectivity, stability, and efficacy of our lead candidate A-71623 [R = Me, Y = o-tolylaminocarbonyl; Tac] toward development of a clinical candidate, we have explored a series of analogues in which the N-terminal Boc functionality was systematically replaced with various amides, ureas, carbamates, and sulfonamides of differing size, hydrophobicity, and stereoelectronic properties. In general, these analogues maintained good potency and selectivity for the CCK-A receptor (guinea pig pancreas), as well as potent anorectic activity in rats. Those analogues exhibiting equal or superior activity compared to A-71623 but differing physicochemical properties may represent superior drug candidates.

Nonsteroidal selective glucocorticoid modulators: the effect of C-5 alkyl substitution on the transcriptional activation/repression profile of 2,5-dihydro-10-methoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1H-[1]benzopyrano[3,4-f]quinolines.

The preparation and characterization of a series of selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators are described. The preliminary structure-activity relationship of nonaromatic C-5 substitution on the tetracyclic quinoline core showed a preference for small lipophilic side chains. Proper substitution at this position maintained the transcriptional repression of proinflammatory transcription factors while diminishing the transcriptional activation activity of the ligand/glucocorticoid receptor complex. The optimal compounds described in this study were the allyl analogue 18 and cyclopentyl analogue 32. These candidates showed slightly less potent, highly efficacious E-selectin repression with significantly reduced levels of glucocorticoid response element activation in reporter gene assays vs prednisolone. Allyl analogue 18 was evaluated in vivo. An oral dose of 18 showed an ED(50) = 1.7 mg/kg as compared to 1.2 mg/kg for prednisolone in the Sephadex-induced pulmonary eosinophilia model and an ED(50) = 15 mg/kg vs 4 mg/kg for prednisolone in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model.

In vitro enzymatic assays of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B.

Many hormone or growth factor receptors signal via the activation of protein-tyrosine kinases and phosphatases. Alteration of the phosphorylation state of tyrosine residues in certain proteins can directly regulate enzyme activity or cause formation of protein complexes necessary for transducing intracellular signals. Genetic and biochemical evidence also implicates protein-tyrosine phosphatases in several disease processes, including negative regulation of insulin receptor signaling at the level of the insulin receptor and perhaps in signaling at the IRS-1 level. The expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) is elevated in muscle and adipose tissue in insulin-resistant states both in man and rodents suggesting that PTP1B may play a role in the insulin-resistant state associated with diabetes and obesity. As described in this unit, PTP1B activity can be determined with the small molecule substrate, p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP), in which the cleavage of the phosphate results in production of p-nitrophenol (pNP) and an increase in absorbance at 405 nm. Alternatively, PTP1B activity can be measured as described using model phosphotyrosyl-containing peptide substrates in which the release of free phosphate from the peptide is determined using a malachite green colorimetric assay.

Characterization of cloned human dopamine D1 receptor-mediated calcium release in 293 cells.

Dopamine (DA) D1 receptors are generally known to couple only to Gs and cAMP production. Recently, D1 receptors expressed in mouse Ltk- cells have been shown to induce cAMP production, phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis, and calcium mobilization [Mol. Endocrinol. 6: 1815-1824 (1992)]. To further evaluate second messenger systems that could be activated by the D1 receptor, we examined the effects of DA, (R)-(+)-SKF-38393, and DA antagonists on cAMP production and calcium release in human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably expressing three different levels (Bmax = 0.12, 1.4, and 23 pmol/mg of protein) of the human D1 receptor. DA and (R)-(+)-SKF-38393 activated cAMP production and calcium release in all three D1-293 clones, and their potency was proportional to receptor density. The efficacy of SKF-38393 was also increased with receptor density in both cAMP and calcium studies. The effect of DA on calcium release consisted of a transient peak response (< 20 sec) that declined to an ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-sensitive plateau level above the base-line (>5 min). The effect of DA on cAMP and calcium release was selectively inhibited by SCH23390, a selective D1 antagonist, and not by spiperone, a selective D2 antagonist. DA did not induce PI hydrolysis in any of the three receptor-expressing clones. A 24-hr pretreatment with cholera toxin (2 micrograms/ml) greatly attenuated the effect of DA on cAMP formation and calcium release. To address how DA could activate calcium release without enhancing PI hydrolysis, the effects of forskolin, thapsigargin, and isoproterenol (Iso) were studied. Similarly to the effects of DA, forskolin and Iso stimulated cAMP production and calcium release from D1-293 cells. Cells that were stimulated with Iso or forskolin showed a reduced response to subsequent addition of DA. Pretreatment of D1-293 cells with thapsigargin, a selective Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor, elicited calcium release from the inositol-1, 4, 5-trisphosphate-sensitive calcium store and attenuated the response to subsequent addition of DA. Carbachol stimulated PI hydrolysis and calcium release but had little effect on cAMP production. Prestimulation with carbachol abolished the calcium response to DA, Iso, or forskolin. These studies indicate that D1 receptor-mediated calcium mobilization in 293 cells is dependent on cAMP production and the cAMP-dependent calcium store is part of the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive calcium pool.

Persistent activation of the dopamine D1 receptor contributes to prolonged receptor desensitization: studies with A-77636.

A-77636 is a dopamine (DA) D1 receptor-selective agonist that was previously shown to elicit beneficial responses in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) (Kebabian et al.: Eur. J. Pharmacol. 229: 203, 1992). However, A-77636 is of limited potential for PD therapy because it induces rapid tolerance in vivo. To understand the basis of rapid onset of tolerance to the compound, we conducted studies to compare the in vitro properties of A-77636 and A-81686; the latter is a structurally related D1 agonist that did not induce significant tolerance in vivo under similar experimental conditions. With SK-N-MC, a neuroblastoma cell line, as an in vitro model for the D1 receptor, significant differences in D1 receptor function were noted after pretreatment with the two compounds. Specifically, 1-hr pretreatment with A-77636 resulted in significant residual cAMP production, even after the drug solution was removed and the cells were washed. The residual cAMP activity was selectively inhibited by SCH 23390, a selective D1 antagonist. The residual cAMP activity declined with pretreatment time, and after 4-hr pretreatment, little residual cAMP production was observed. Cotreatment of SK-N-MC cells with SCH 23390 and A-77636 did not prevent residual cAMP production by A-77636. In contrast, A-81686 did not elicit residual cAMP production is SK-N-MC cells. Although A-77636 treated cells were devoid of agonist response 4 hr after drug removal, A-81686-treated cells exhibited significant cAMP response after drug removal. Preincubation of rat striatal membranes with A-77636 resulted in a large decrease in D1 receptor binding, despite repeated washings, whereas A-81686 pretreatment caused only a small reduction in D1 receptor binding. On the basis of the present data, we conclude that A-77636 dissociates slowly from the D1 receptor. The continued activation of the D1 receptor by A-77636 leads to inability of the receptor to recover its responsivity, which may explain its long duration of action and its ability to induce rapid behavioral tolerance in vivo.

Double bond isosteres of the peptide bond: synthesis and biological activity of cholecystokinin (CCK) C-terminal hexapeptide analogs.

New and existing methodologies were used to prepare a series of modified CCK analogs in which each amide bond was replaced by a trans-alkene unit. The data indicate that every amide linkage at C-terminal tetrapeptide (CCK-4) region is crucial for biological activity. While the amide bond beyond the Trp residue in the N-terminal direction can be replaced by a trans-alkene and still retain most of the binding potency and functional activity.

ABT-431: the diacetyl prodrug of A-86929, a potent and selective dopamine D1 receptor agonist: in vitro characterization and effects in animal models of Parkinson's disease.

(-)-Trans 9,10-hydroxy-2-propyl-4,5,5a,6,7,11b-hexahydro-3-thia-5- azacyclopent-1-ena[c]phenanthrene hydrochloride (A-86929) is a potent and selective full agonist at the dopamine (DA) D1-like receptor. Judging by its binding affinities to the D1 and D2 classes of receptors, the compound is approximately 20-fold D1 receptor-selective, whereas relative potencies based on functional in vitro assays indicate that A-86929 is greater than 400-fold D1-selective. A-86929 has moderate to weak (Ki > 1 microM) affinity at other monoaminergic and peptidergic receptors, at ion channels and at monoamine uptake sites. The catechol of A-86929 was bis-acetylated to produce the prodrug, (-)-trans 9,10-acetoxy-2-propyl-4,5,5a,6,7,11-b-hexahydro-3-thia- 5-azacyclopent-1-ena[c]phenanthrene hydrochloride (ABT-431), which is more chemically stable yet is rapidly converted to the parent compound with a half-life of less than 1 min in plasma. Both A-86929 and ABT-431 produced contralateral rotation in rats bearing unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions, with ED50 values of 0.24 mumol/kg s.c. and 0.54 mumol/kg s.c., respectively. A-86929 and ABT-431 improved behavioral disability scores and increased locomotor activity in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned marmoset model of Parkinson's disease in a dose-dependent manner (the minimum effective dose was 0.10 mumol/kg s.c.). When administered three times daily for 30 consecutive days to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned marmosets, A-86929 significantly improved disability scores throughout the duration of the study. Current Parkinson's disease therapy includes L-dopa, which stimulates both classes of DA receptors by virtue of its conversion to DA in vivo, and direct-acting D2-selective agonists. Stimulation of the D2 receptor, which is associated with all current DA agonist-based therapies, may contribute to their dose-limiting side effects. An agent such as A-86929 (or its prodrug ABT-431), which selectively stimulates the D1 receptor, may represent a novel mechanism for Parkinson's disease therapy with the potential for an improved side-effect profile and, consequently, improved patient compliance.