Agnieszka Kowalczyk

DNA Compatible Multistep Synthesis and Applications to DNA Encoded Libraries

Complex mixtures of DNA encoded small molecules may be readily interrogated via high-throughput sequencing. These DNA encoded libraries (DELs) are commonly used to discover molecules that interact with pharmaceutically relevant proteins. The chemical diversity displayed by the library is key to successful discovery of potent, novel, and drug-like chemical matter. The small molecule moieties of DELs are generally synthesized though a multistep process, and each chemical step is accomplished while it is simultaneously attached to an encoding DNA oligomer. Hence, library chemical diversity is often limited to DNA compatible synthetic reactions. Herein, protocols for 24 reactions are provided that have been optimized for high-throughput production of DELs. These protocols detail the multistep synthesis of benzimidazoles, imidazolidinones, quinazolinones, isoindolinones, thiazoles, and imidazopyridines. Additionally, protocols are provided for a diverse range of useful chemical reactions including BOC deprotection (under pH neutral conditions), carbamylation, and Sonogashira coupling. Last, step-by-step protocols for synthesizing functionalized DELs from trichloronitropyrimidine and trichloropyrimidine scaffolds are detailed.

Effects of LTB4 receptor antagonism on pulmonary inflammation in rodents and non-human primates

Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) are characterized by neutrophilic inflammation and elevated levels of leukotriene B4 (LTB4). However, the exact role of LTB4 pathways in mediating pulmonary neutrophilia and the potential therapeutic application of LTB4 receptor antagonists in these diseases remains controversial. Here we show that a novel dual BLT1 and BLT2 receptor antagonist, RO5101576, potently inhibited LTB4-evoked calcium mobilization in HL-60 cells and chemotaxis of human neutrophils. RO5101576 significantly attenuated LTB4-evoked pulmonary eosinophilia in guinea pigs. In non-human primates, RO5101576 inhibited allergen and ozone-evoked pulmonary neutrophilia, with comparable efficacy to budesonide (allergic responses). RO5101576 had no effects on LPS-evoked neutrophilia in guinea pigs and cigarette smoke-evoked neutrophilia in mice and rats. In toxicology studies RO5101576 was well-tolerated. Theses studies show differential effects of LTB4 receptor antagonism on neutrophil responses in vivo and suggest RO5101576 may represent a potential new treatment for pulmonary neutrophilia in asthma.

Practical synthesis of 5-aryl-3-alkylsulfonyl-phenol and 5-aryl-3-arylsulfonyl-phenol libraries.

A straightforward and cost-effective synthesis of 5-aryl-3-alkylsulfonyl-phenols by a sequential scaffold derivatization strategy has been developed. The procedure is suitable for parallel synthesis of small libraries around the biphenyl privileged core having an unusual 1,3,5-substitution pattern. The synthesis is exemplified by a pilot library of 30 compounds.