Matthew D. Vera

(1-(4-(Naphthalen-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)piperidin-4-yl)methanamine: A Wingless β-Catenin Agonist That Increases Bone Formation Rate

A high-throughput screening campaign to discover small molecule leads for the treatment of bone disorders concluded with the discovery of a compound with a 2-aminopyrimidine template that targeted the Wnt beta-catenin cellular messaging system. Hit-to-lead in vitro optimization for target activity and molecular properties led to the discovery of (1-(4-(naphthalen-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)piperidin-4-yl)methanamine (5, WAY-262611). Compound 5 has excellent pharmacokinetic properties and showed a dose dependent increase in the trabecular bone formation rate in ovariectomized rats following oral administration.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of ((4-keto)-phenoxy)methyl biphenyl-4-sulfonamides: a class of potent aggrecanase-1 inhibitors.

The prevention of aggrecan (a key component of cartilage) cleavage via the inhibition of aggrecanase-1 may provide a unique opportunity to stop the progression of cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. The evaluation of a series of biphenylsulfonamides resulted in the identification of the ((4-keto)-phenoxy)methyl biphenyl-4-sulfonamides analogs (19-21 and 24) with improved Agg-1 inhibition and MMP-2, MMP-13 activity.

Structure–activity relationships of side-chain modified didemnins

The synthesis and antitumor activity of a novel didemnin B analogue containing a psi[CH2NH] amide bond surrogate between N-Me-D-Leu7 and Pro8 are reported. The analogue shows activity (GI50 = 4 nM) comparable to that of didemnin B (GI50 = 13 nM) in the NCI-60 tumor cell screen. This result, along with new data from previously reported synthetic didemnin analogues, is discussed within the context of the side-chain SAR for didemnins.

Synthesis and biological activity of [Tic5] didemnin B

A didemnin B analog containing a Tic (1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid) as a conformationally restrained replacement for tyrosine has been synthesized and shown to have comparable potency as a protein biosynthesis inhibitor. Synthetic highlights include an oxidation of an alcohol to an acid in the presence of the sensitive Tic heterocycle and a modified Schmidt-type one-pot macrocyclization.

Mild, selective cleavage of amino acid and peptide β-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl (SEM) esters by magnesium bromide

Magnesium bromide etherate has been previously shown to cleave β-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl (SEM) esters of aliphatic acids. This methodology has now been extended to amino acid and peptide derivatives in the presence of protecting groups typically encountered in peptide chemistry, including the Boc, Cbz, Fmoc and Troc carbamates as well as benzyl-, tert-butyl- and tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers. The stability of fluoride sensitive protecting groups to magnesium bromide allows for added selectivity in the removal of SEM esters in organic synthesis.

Synthesis and biological activities of [N-MeLeu5]- and [N-MePhe5]-didemnin B

Abstract Based on information from X-ray, NMR, and SAR data, the N , O -diMeTyr 5 unit of didemnin B was believed to be important for biological activity. To determine the importance of aromaticity and the role of the methoxy group in this unit, two analogs were synthesized in which the N , O -diMeTyr 5 moiety was replaced with N -MeLeu and N -MePhe. Preliminary testing showed that the analogs retained antitumor activity and the ability to inhibit protein biosynthesis in vitro .

[Lys3]Didemnins as potential affinity ligands.

The synthesis and biological activity of N(epsilon)-Z-[Lys3]didemnin B are reported. This novel analogue retains antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and protein biosynthesis inhibition activities, but at reduced levels. This result suggests the use of [Lys3]didemnin derivatives as potential affinity probes for studying the molecular target(s) of the didemnin class of natural products.

Synthesis and biological activities of [N-MeLeu5] didemnin B

Abstract Based on information from X-ray, NMR, and SAR data, the N,O-diMeTyr5 unit of didemnim B was believed to interact with receptors. To ascertain the importance of this unit, an analog was synthesized in which the N,O-diMeTyr5 moiety was replaced with N-McLeu. Preliminary biological testing showed that the analog retained antitumor activity and the ability to inhibit protein biosynthesis.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of didemnin photoaffinity analogues

The synthesis of four benzophenone-containing analogues of the antiproliferative natural product didemnin B is presented. In vitro protein biosynthesis inhibition potency and antitumor activity were evaluated. The results indicate that all four analogues are biologically active and could serve as photoaffinity reagents for the study of receptor-binding interactions of didemnins. These analogues could also be useful in studying antitumor effects of didemnins.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of piperazinyl heterocyclic antagonists of the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor

Antagonism of the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor has resulted in positive clinical results in reproductive tissue disorders such as endometriosis and prostate cancer. Following the recent discovery of orally active GnRH antagonists based on a 4-piperazinylbenzimidazole template, we sought to investigate the properties of heterocyclic isosteres of the benzimidazole template. We report here the synthesis and biological activity of eight novel scaffolds, including imidazopyridines, benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles. The 2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-8-(piperazin-1-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ring system was shown to have nanomolar binding potency at the human and rat GnRH receptors as well as functional antagonism in vitro. Additional structure-activity relationships within this series are reported along with a pharmacokinetic comparison to the benzimidazole-based lead molecule.