Shiao Y. Chow

Novel Helix-Constrained Nociceptin Derivatives Are Potent Agonists and Antagonists of ERK Phosphorylation and Thermal Analgesia in Mice

The nociceptin opioid peptide receptor (NOP, NOR, ORL-1) is a GPCR that recognizes nociceptin, a 17-residue peptide hormone. Nociceptin regulates pain transmission, learning, memory, anxiety, locomotion, cardiovascular and respiratory stress, food intake, and immunity. Nociceptin was constrained using an optimized helix-inducing cyclization strategy to produce the most potent NOP agonist (EC50 = 40 pM) and antagonist (IC50 = 7.5 nM) known. Alpha helical structures were measured in water by CD and 2D (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Agonist and antagonist potencies, evaluated by ERK phosphorylation in mouse neuroblastoma cells natively expressing NOR, increased 20-fold and 5-fold, respectively, over nociceptin. Helix-constrained peptides with key amino acid substitutions had much higher in vitro activity, serum stability, and thermal analgesic activity in mice, without cytotoxicity. The most potent agonist increased hot plate contact time from seconds up to 60 min; the antagonist prevented this effect. Such helix-constrained peptides may be valuable physiological probes and therapeutics for treating some forms of pain.

A structural and catalytic model for zinc phosphoesterases

A structural model for the active site of phosphoesterases, enzymes that degrade organophosphate neurotoxins, has been synthesised. The ligand [2-((2-hydroxy-3-(((2-hydroxyethyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl)-5-methylbenzyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)acetic acid] (H(3)L1) and two Zn(ii) complexes have been prepared and characterised as [Zn(2)(HL1)(CH(3)COO)](PF(6)).H(2)O and Li[Zn(2)(HL1)](4)(PO(4))(2)(PF(6))(3).(CH(3)OH). The ligand (H(3)L1) and complex [Zn(2)(HL1)(CH(3)COO)](PF(6)).H(2)O were characterised through (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, mass spectroscopy and microanalysis. The X-ray crystal structure of Li[Zn(2)(HL1)](4)(PO(4))(2)(PF(6))(3).(CH(3)OH) revealed a tetramer of dinuclear complexes, bridged by two phosphate molecules and bifurcating acetic acid arms. Functional studies of the zinc complex with the substrate bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (bNPP) determined the complex with HL1(2-) to be a competent catalyst with k(cat) = 1.26 +/- 0.06 x 10(-6) s(-1).

Sulfonyl Azides as Precursors in Ligand-Free Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of Sulfonyl Carbamates and Sulfonyl Ureas and Synthesis of Sulfonamides.

An efficient synthesis of sulfonyl carbamates and sulfonyl ureas from sulfonyl azides employing a palladium-catalyzed carbonylation protocol has been developed. Using a two-chamber system, sulfonyl azides, PdCl2, and CO gas, released ex situ from Mo(CO)6, were assembled to generate sulfonyl isocyanates in situ, and alcohols and aryl amines were exploited as nucleophiles to afford a broad range of sulfonyl carbamates and sulfonyl ureas. A protocol for the direct formation of substituted sulfonamides from sulfonyl azides and amines via nucleophilic substitution was also developed.

Mild and Low-Pressure fac-Ir(ppy)3 -Mediated Radical Aminocarbonylation of Unactivated Alkyl Iodides through Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis.

A novel, mild and facile preparation of alkyl amides from unactivated alkyl iodides employing a fac-Ir(ppy)3 -catalyzed radical aminocarbonylation protocol has been developed. Using a two-chambered system, alkyl iodides, fac-Ir(ppy)3 , amines, reductants, and CO gas (released ex situ from Mo(CO)6 ), were combined and subjected to an initial radical reductive dehalogenation generating alkyl radicals, and a subsequent aminocarbonylation with amines affording a wide range of alkyl amides in moderate to excellent yields.

Synthesis of N-Sulfonyl Amidines and Acyl Sulfonyl Ureas from Sulfonyl Azides, Carbon Monoxide, and Amides

A Pd-catalyzed and ligand-free carbonylation/cycloaddition/decarboxylation cascade synthesis of sulfonyl amidines from sulfonyl azides and substituted amides at low CO pressure is reported. The reaction proceeds via an initial Pd-catalyzed carbonylative generation of sulfonyl isocyanates from sulfonyl azides, followed by a [2 + 2] cycloaddition with amides and subsequent decarboxylation, which liberates the desired sulfonyl amidines, generating N2 and CO2 as the only reaction byproducts. Using this simple protocol, a diverse range of sulfonyl amidines was obtained in moderate to excellent yields. In addition, the reaction can also be directed through a more conventional amidocarbonylation pathway by employing N-monosubstituted amide nucleophiles to afford acyl sulfonyl ureas in good yields.

Synthesis of 11C-labeled Sulfonyl Carbamates through a Multicomponent Reaction Employing Sulfonyl Azides, Alcohols, and [11C]CO

Abstract We describe the development of a new methodology focusing on 11C‐labeling of sulfonyl carbamates in a multicomponent reaction comprised of a sulfonyl azide, an alkyl alcohol, and [11C]CO. A number of 11C‐labeled sulfonyl carbamates were synthesized and isolated, and the developed methodology was then applied in the preparation of a biologically active molecule. The target compound was obtained in 24±10 % isolated radiochemical yield and was evaluated for binding properties in a tumor cell assay; in vivo biodistribution and imaging studies were also performed. This represents the first successful radiolabeling of a non‐peptide angiotensin II receptor subtype 2 agonist, C21, currently in clinical trials for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Embarking on a Chemical Space Odyssey

The chemical space explored in drug discovery programs is restricted by a narrow reaction toolkit and the frequent failure of even these reactions with polar and functionalized substrates. Recently, high-throughput reaction optimization has been integrated into discovery workflows, thereby increasing the value of specific reaction classes in the toolkit. It is likely that high-throughput experimentation will enable expansion of the synthetic chemistry that is widely exploited in discovery, thereby increasing innovation in medicinal chemistry.

Synthesis of 4H-Benzo[e][1,3]oxazin-4-ones by a Carbonylation–Cyclization Domino Reaction of ortho-Halophenols and Cyanamide

Abstract A mild and convenient one‐step preparation of 4H‐1,3‐benzoxazin‐4‐ones by a domino carbonylation–cyclization process is developed. Readily available ortho‐iodophenols are subjected to palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative coupling with Mo(CO)6 and cyanamide, followed by a spontaneous, intramolecular cyclization to afford 4H‐1,3‐benzoxazin‐4‐ones in moderate to excellent yields. Furthermore, the scope of the reaction is extended to include challenging ortho‐bromophenols. Finally, to highlight the versatility of the developed method, Mo(CO)6 is successfully replaced with a wide array of CO‐releasing reagents, such as oxalyl chloride, phenyl formate, 9‐methylfluorene‐9‐carbonyl chloride, and formic acid, making this an appealing strategy for the synthesis of 4H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones.