Piperazine Scaffold Research Articles

An entry to non-racemic β-tertiary-β-amino alcohols, building blocks for the synthesis of aziridine, piperazine, and morpholine scaffolds.

A method for the preparation of enantiopure β-tert-amino alcohols bearing a tetrasubstituted C-stereocenter, as well as their conversion into selected medicinally privileged heterocyclic systems (morpholines, aziridines, piperazines) is reported. These compounds were obtained through enantiospecific sigmatropic rearrangement of allyl carbamates as a key step. The latter were prepared from the corresponding β,β'-dialkyl-substituted non-racemic allyl alcohols. In addition, an asymmetric synthesis of such highly substituted allylic alcohols via either enantioselective 1,2-reduction of enones, enzymatic kinetic resolution, or a functionalization of chiral propargyl alcohols, with discussion of scope and limitations of each method is reported.

A dearomative ipso-iodocyclization/desymmetrization sequence leading to optically active tricyclic piperazine scaffolds.

Dearomative ipso-iodocyclization of 4-(1-ethoxyethoxy)-N-propargylanilines leading to 1-azaspiro[4.5]deca-3,6,9-trien-8-ones has been developed. This reaction is characterized by the yield of fewer toxic byproducts and is conducted by a more user-friendly protocol compared to other reported methods. The synthetic application of these spiro products was demonstrated by transformation of the iodo component into other functionalities. The desymmetrization of the resulting cyclohexadienones was also achieved by the diastereoselective aza-Michael addition of internal amino acid moieties to yield tricyclic piperazine scaffolds with two newly formed contiguous chiral centers.

Synthesis of Combretastatin-A4 Carboxamidest that Mimic Sulfonyl Piperazines by a Molecular Hybridization Approach: in vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation and Inhibition of Tubulin Polymerization.

Molecular hybridization approach is a promising structural modification tool to design new chemical entities (NCEs) by mimicking two different pharmacophoric units into one scaffold to enhance the biological properties. With this aim, combretastatin-A4 acids were integrated with sulfonyl piperazine scaffolds as a one molecular platform and evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against a panel of human cancer lines cell lines namely, lung (A549), mouse melanoma (B16F10), breast (MDA MB-231and MCF-7) and colon (HCT-15) by MTT assay. Amongst which the compound (E)-3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-(4-((4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (5 ab) displayed significant IC50 values in the range of 0.36 to 7.08 μm against the selected cancer cell lines. Moreover, 5 ab was found to be the most potent member of this series with IC50 0.36±0.02 μm. Further investigations revealed that the compound 5 ab displayed significant inhibition of tubulin assembly with IC50 5.24±0.06 μm and molecular docking studies also disclosed the binding of 5 ab effectively in CA4 binding space at the colchicine binding site. The flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the compound 5 ab caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in A549 cells. Compound 5 ab induced apoptosis in A549 cells which was further evaluated by different staining assays such as DAPI and AO which undoubtedly speculated, the induction of apoptosis. To study the anti-migration with 5 ab, cell migration/scratch wound assay was performed and the extent of apoptosis was studied by Annexin-V, including mitochondrial potential by JC-1 staining.

Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking study of arylcarboxamido piperidine and piperazine-based hydroxamates as potential HDAC8 inhibitors with promising anticancer activity

HDAC8 has been established as one of the vital targets as far as the cancer is concerned. Different compounds having potential HDAC inhibitory activity have been approved by USFDA. However, none of these compounds are selective towards specific HDAC isoform. In this current study, some new hydroxamate derivatives with alkylpiperidine and alkylpiperazine linker moieties have been designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated. All these compounds are effective HDAC8 inhibitors comprising more or less similar cytotoxic potential against different cancer cell lines. It is observed that the piperazine scaffold containing compound is more active than the compound with piperidine scaffold for exerting HDAC8 inhibitory activity. Moreover, the 4-quinolyl cap group is better than the biphenyl group which is better than the benzyl group for producing higher HDAC8 inhibition as well as cytotoxicity. These compounds displayed selective HDAC8 inhibition over HDAC3. Moreover, these compounds showed an increased caspase3/7 activity suggesting their anticancer potential through modulation of apoptotic pathways. Molecular docking study with three potent compounds was performed with both HDAC3 and HDAC8 enzymes to understand the selectivity profile of these compounds. Compound containing 4-quinolyl cap group with alkyl piperazinyl urea linker moiety has been emerged out as the lead molecule that may be further modified to design more effective and selective HDAC8 inhibitors in future.

Design and synthesis of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) antagonist: pharmacophore-based screening and structure-based optimization

This study describes screening of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) antagonist by pharmacophore modeling and optimization by molecular docking. A series of molecules was synthesized and evaluated for preliminary pharmacological activity on rat ileum. A molecule based on benzonitrile piperazine scaffold showed good tissue relaxation and blocking of neurotransmitter ACh in the ex vivo experiment.

Synthesis, biological activities and docking studies of piperazine incorporated 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole derivatives

New series of 1, 3, 4-oxadiazoles incorporating piperazine scaffolds in a single molecular framework has been reported. The structures of the synthesized derivatives were assigned by IR, NMR and mass spectral techniques. The hybrid compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial, antitubercular and antioxidant activities. The observed MIC values of anti-tubular activities for the molecule 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e were 6.25, 3.12, 3.12, 1.60 and 50.0 μg/ml respectively. As compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 62.91 μg/ml), molecule 3a exhibited better antioxidant activities (IC50 = 36.72 μg/ml). Also, all molecules have shown significant antimicrobial activities. In addition, docking simulations were performed to study ligand-protein interactions and to determine the probable binding conformations. In drug likeness model study compound 3b possessed maximum drug likeness model score (0.75) similar to the standard drug streptomycin. The compound 3a, 3b and 3c were emerged as potential derivatives in the series and could serve as lead compound for the development of potential therapeutic agents.

Development of Non‐Polyamine based Polyamine Transport Inhibitors for the Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

The native polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) are low molecular weight, biogenic amines, which play key roles in transcription, translation, immunity and chromatin remodeling. Polyamine depletion results in inhibited cell growth and has been used to treat human cancers with mixed results. While inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis, like difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), result in intracellular polyamine depletion and decreased cell growth, the effect is mostly cytostatic. Indeed, cancer cells when treated with DFMO often rescue themselves by upregulating polyamine import to replenish their depleted polyamine stores. In this regard, a combination therapy comprised of a polyamine synthesis inhibitor (e.g., DFMO) and a polyamine transport inhibitor (PTI) are required to provide sustained polyamine depletion and limit tumor growth.Our group has previously developed polyamine‐based PTIs and this report describes our efforts to develop non‐polyamine based PTI agents in hopes of improving drug efficacy. These agents are predicated upon piperazine scaffolds and provide an opportunity to develop orally active PTIs to be given in combination with DFMO. The remarkable thing about this technology is that the DFMO+PTI therapy not only inhibits cancer cell growth, but also unleashes the immune system to attack the tumor. In this regard, this approach provides a novel ‘chemoimmunotherapy’ to help patients with cancer. Since pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer‐related death with few treatment options available, we have developed these new medicines in hopes of providing new approaches to attack these seemingly ‘immunologically‐quiet’ tumors. This report will describe the development of our synthetic efforts to optimize these PTI designs.Support or Funding Information2016 Florida Translational Research Program Award and the 2018 Bankhead Coley Cancer Research Program Award # 8BC05.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Design, synthesis, and in vitro and in vivo characterization of 1-{4-[4-(substituted)piperazin-1-yl]butyl}guanidines and their piperidine analogues as histamine H3 receptor antagonists.

Previously, we have shown that 1-substituted-[4-(7-phenoxyheptylpiperazin-1-yl)butyl]guanidine with electron withdrawing substituents at position 4 in the benzyl moiety exhibits high in vitro affinities toward the guinea pig jejunal histamine H3 receptor with pA 2 ranging from 8.49 to 8.43. Here, we present data on the impact of replacement of the piperazine scaffold by the piperidine ring (compounds 2a and 2b), moving benzyl- and 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl substituents from position 1 to 3 of the guanidine moiety (compounds 2c and 2d), which decreases the guanidine basicity (compound 2e), and the influence of individual synthons (compounds 2f-h), present in the lead compounds 1b and 1c, on the antagonistic activity against the histamine H3 receptor. Additionally, the most active compounds 1a, 1c, and 1d were evaluated for their affinity to the rat histamine H3 receptor and the human histamine H3 and H4 receptors. It was also shown that compounds 1a, 1c and 1d, given parenterally for five days, reduced the food intake of rats and did not influence the brain histamine or noradrenaline concentrations; however, significantly reduced serotonin and dopamine concentrations were found in rats administered with compounds 1a and 1c, respectively.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Molecular Docking Study of Some Novel Imidazole Derivatives as Potential Antifungal Agents

The azole pharmacophore is still regarded as a viable lead structure for the synthesis of more effective antifungal agents. In this study, two novel series of imidazole derivatives containing dithiocarbamate (5a–5g) and (benz)azolethiol (6a–6n) side chains that are structurally related to the famous antifungal azole pharmacophore were synthesized, and the structures of them were characterized by spectral (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS spectra) analyses. The synthesized compounds were screened in vitro antifungal activity against pathogenic strains fungi. Theoretical ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) predictions were calculated for final compounds. A molecular docking study of the most active compound with target “lanosterol 14α‐demethylase” (CYP51) was performed to unravel the mode of antifungal action. Compound 5e, which features imidazole and 4‐methoxybenzyl piperazine scaffolds, showed the most promising antifungal activity with an MIC50 value of 0.78 μg/mL against C. krusei. Effect of the compound 5e against ergosterol biosynthesis was observed by LC–MS–MS method, which is based on quantification of ergosterol level in C. krusei.

Small molecules bind human mTOR protein and inhibit mTORC1 specifically

Inhibition of mTOR activity (mechanistic target of rapamycin) is an anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. mTOR participates in two functional complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. Since mTORC1 is specifically activated in multiple tumors, novel molecules that inhibit mTORC1 could be therapeutically important. To identify potentially novel modulators of mTOR pathways, we screened 1600 small molecule human drugs for mTOR protein binding, using novel biolayer interferometry technology. We identified several small molecules that bound to mTOR protein in a dose-dependent manner, on multiple chemical scaffolds. As mTOR participates in two major complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, the functional specificities of the binders were measured by S6Kinase and Akt phosphorylation assays. Three novel ‘mTOR general’ binders were identified, carvedilol, testosterone propionate, and hydroxyprogesterone, which inhibited both mTORC1 and mTORC2. By contrast, the piperazine drug cinnarizine dose-dependently inhibited mTORC1 but not mTORC2, suggesting it as a novel mTORC1-specific inhibitor. Some of cinnarizine’s chemical analogs also inhibited mTORC1 specifically, whereas others did not. Thus we report the existence of a novel target for some related piperazines including cinnarizine and hydroxyzine, i.e. specific inhibition of mTORC1 activity. Since mTOR inhibition is a general anti-cancer strategy, and mTORC1 is specifically activated in some tumors, we suggest the piperazine scaffold, including cinnarizine and hydroxyzine, could be proposed for rational therapy in tumors in which mTORC1 is specifically activated. Related piperazines have shown toxicity to cancer cells in vitro as single agents and in combination chemotherapy. Thus piperazine-based mTOR inhibitors could become a novel chemotherapeutic strategy.

Histamine H3 Receptor Ligands in the Group of (Homo)piperazine Derivatives.

Since its discovery in 1983, followed by gene cloning in 1999, the histamine H3 receptor served as an outstanding target for drug discovery. The wide spectrum of possible therapeutic implications makes H3R's one of the most researched areas in the vast GPCR ligands field - started from imidazole containing ligands, through various successful imidazole replacements, with recent introduction of Wakix® to pharmaceutical market. One such replacement is piperazine moiety, a significant versatile scaffold in rational drug design for most of the GPCR ligands. Therefore, herein, we review ligands built on piperazine, as well as its seven membered analogue azepine, that target H3R's and their potential therapeutical applications, in order to elucidate the current state of the art in this vast field. Due to a high level of structural divergence among compounds described herein, we decided to divide them into groups, where the key division element was the position of nitrogen basicity decreasing moieties in (homo)piperazine ring. Paying attention to a number of published structures and their overall high biological activity, one can realize that the (homo)piperazine scaffold bids a versatile template also for histamine H3 receptor ligands. With two possible substitution sites and therefore a number of possible structural combinations, piperazine derivatives stand as one of the largest group of high importance among H3R ligands.

Design and synthesis of new potent N,N-bis(arylalkyl)piperazine derivatives as multidrug resistance (MDR) reversing agents

A series of 1,4-substituted arylalkyl piperazine derivatives were synthesized and studied with the aim to obtain potent P-gp-dependent multidrug-resistant (MDR) reversers. The new compounds were designed on the basis of the structures of our previous arylamine ester derivatives endowed with high P-gp-dependent multidrug resistance reversing activity. All new compounds were active in the pirarubicin uptake assay on the doxorubicin–resistant erythroleukemia K562 cells (K562/DOX). In particular, compounds bearing methoxy aromatic moieties showed fairly high reversal activities. The most potent compounds, 8, 9, 10 and 13, were further studied by evaluating their doxorubicin cytotoxicity enhancement (reversal fold, RF) and the inhibition of P-gp-mediated rhodamine-123 (Rhd 123) efflux on the K562/DOX cell line. The results of all pharmacological assays indicated that the combination of a basic piperazine scaffold with arylalkyl residues allowed us to obtain very interesting P-gp modulating compounds. Two long-lasting P-gp pump modulators (9 and 10) were identified; they were able to inhibit remarkably the P-gp substrate rhodamine-123 efflux on the resistant K562/DOX cell line after 60 min. Overall compound 9 appeared the most promising compound being a potent and long-lasting P-gp–dependent MDR modulator.

Piperazine clubbed with 2-azetidinone derivatives suppresses proliferation, migration and induces apoptosis in human cervical cancer HeLa cells through oxidative stress mediated intrinsic mitochondrial pathway

Piperazine scaffolds or 2-azetidinone pharmacophores have been reported to show anti-cancer activities and apoptosis induction in different types of cancer cells. However, the mechanistic studies involve in induction of apoptosis addressing these two moieties for human cervical cancer cells remain uncertain. The present study emphasizes on the anti-proliferating properties and mechanism involved in induction of apoptosis for these structurally related azoles derivatives in HeLa cancer cells. 1-Phenylpiperazine clubbed with 2-azetidione derivatives (5a-5h) were synthesized, characterized using various spectroscopic techniques and evaluated for their in-vitro anti-proliferative activities and induction of apoptosis. Further, we also evaluated oxidative stress generated by these synthetic derivatives (5a-5h). Cell viability studies revealed that among all, the compound N-(3-chloro-2-(3-nitrophenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-1-yl)-2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl) acetamide 5e remarkably inhibited the growth of HeLa cells in a concentration dependent manner having IC50 value of 29.44 ± 1.46µg/ml. Morphological changes, colonies suppression and inhibition of migration clearly showed the antineoplasicity in HeLa cells treated with 5e. Simultaneously, phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA fragmentation and cell-cycle arrest showed ongoing apoptosis in the HeLa cancer cells induced by compound 5e in concentration dependent manner. Additionally, generation of intracellular ROS along with the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential supported that compound 5e caused oxidative stress resulting in apoptosis through mitochondria mediated pathway. Elevation in the level of cytochrome c and upregulation in expression of caspase-3 clearly indicated the involvement of the intrinsic pathway of programmed cell death. In brief; compound 5e could serve as a promising lead for the development of an effective antitumor agent.

Copper mediated coupling of 2-(piperazine)-pyrimidine iodides with aryl thiols using Cu(I)thiophene-2-carboxylate

A copper-mediated synthesis of diaryl sulfides utilizing Cu(I)-thiophene-2-carboxylate (CuTC) is described. We demonstrate the use of CuTC as a soluble, non-basic catalyst in the coupling of aryl iodides and aryl thiols in the synthesis of synthetically advanced diaryl sulfides. This method allows for the successful coupling of challenging substrates including ortho-substituted and heteroaryl iodides and thiols. Additionally, most of the aryl iodide substrates used here contain the privileged piperazine scaffold bound to a pyrimidine, pyridine, or phenyl ring and thus this method allows for the elaboration of complex piperazine scaffolds into molecules of biological interest. The method described here enables the incorporation of late-stage structural diversity into diaryl sulfides containing the piperazine ring, thus enhancing the number and nature of derivatives available for SAR investigation.

β-Arrestin biased dopamine D2 receptor partial agonists: Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation

β-Arrestin biased G protein-coupled receptor ligands represent important molecular probes and may increase favorable drug action and safety as novel therapeutics. Starting from recently discovered hydroxy-substituted heterocyclic piperazine scaffolds, we have developed a series of dopamine D2 receptor ligands with a pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine as secondary pharmacophore that is functionalized in position 3 by a formyl or hydroxyiminomethyl substituent. The ligands, especially the benzoxazinone 9d, were found to stimulate substantial β-arrestin-2 recruitment, while being nearly devoid of activity in a GTPγS binding assay. Investigating a new series of truncated analogs lacking a secondary pharmacophore, considerable β-arrestin-2 recruitment in the absence of G protein activation was found, when a 5-hydroxy-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3(4H)-one was combined with an N-propyl-substituted 1,4-diazepane (15c). Although 15c displayed reduced potency compared to 9d, the dose-response curves indicate that a hydroxy-substituted heterocyclic primary pharmacophore is sufficient for the functionally selective activation of D2R.

Design, synthesis and in vitro activity of 1,4-disubstituted piperazines and piperidines as triple reuptake inhibitors

Monoamine transporters regulate the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters, which are essential for vital physiological processes, and their dysfunction can cause several central nervous system diseases. Monoamine transporters currently appear to be the potential target in the management of these disorders. In this study, homologation and bioisosterism techniques have been used in the designing of new 1,4-disubstituted piperazines and piperidines. These derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as potential triple reuptake inhibitors for studying the structure-activity relationships. The most advanced compound, 1-(4-(5-benzhydryl-1H-tetrazol-1-yl)butyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (2i), was able to inhibit monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake in an in vitro test (IC50=158.7nM for 5-HT, 99nM for NE and 97.5nM for DA). These novel potent triple reuptake inhibitor-based 1,4-disubstituted piperazine and piperidine scaffolds deserve further systematic optimization and pharmacological evaluation.

Blockade of the malignant phenotype by β-subunit selective noncovalent inhibition of immuno- and constitutive proteasomes.

A structure-based virtual screening of over 400,000 small molecules against the constitutive proteasome activity followed by in vitro assays led to the discovery of a family of proteasome inhibitors with a sulfonyl piperazine scaffold. Some members of this family of small non-peptidic inhibitors were found to act selectively on the β2 trypsin-like catalytic site with a preference for the immunoproteasome β2i over the constitutive proteasome β2c, while some act on the β5 site and post-acid site β1 of both, the immunoproteasome and the constitutive proteasome. Anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects on tumor cells were investigated and observed for two compounds. We report novel chemical inhibitors able to interfere with the three types of active centers of both, the immuno- and constitutive proteasomes. Identifying and analyzing a novel scaffold with decorations able to shift the binders’ active site selectivity is essential to design a future generation of proteasome inhibitors able to distinguish the immunoproteasome from the constitutive proteasome.

Pd-Catalyzed Synthesis of Piperazine Scaffolds Under Aerobic and Solvent-Free Conditions.

A facile Pd-catalyzed methodology providing an efficient synthetic route to biologically relevant arylpiperazines under aerobic conditions is reported. Electron donating and sterically hindered aryl chlorides were aminated to afford yields up to 97%, with examples using piperazine as solvent, illustrating an ecofriendly, cost-effective synthesis of these privileged structures.

Piperazine scaffold: A remarkable tool in generation of diverse pharmacological agents

Piperazine is one of the most sought heterocyclics for the development of new drug candidates. This ring can be traced in a number of well established, commercially available drugs. Wide array of pharmacological activities exhibited by piperazine derivatives have made them indispensable anchors for the development of novel therapeutic agents. The review herein highlights the therapeutic significance of piperazine derivatives. Various therapeutically active piperazine derivatives developed by several chemists are reported here.

Small Molecule Disruptors of the Glucokinase-Glucokinase Regulatory Protein Interaction: 5. A Novel Aryl Sulfone Series, Optimization Through Conformational Analysis.

The glucokinase-glucokinase regulatory protein (GK-GKRP) complex plays an important role in controlling glucose homeostasis in the liver. We have recently disclosed a series of arylpiperazines as in vitro and in vivo disruptors of the GK-GKRP complex with efficacy in rodent models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Herein, we describe a new class of aryl sulfones as disruptors of the GK-GKRP complex, where the central piperazine scaffold has been replaced by an aromatic group. Conformational analysis and exploration of the structure-activity relationships of this new class of compounds led to the identification of potent GK-GKRP disruptors. Further optimization of this novel series delivered thiazole sulfone 93, which was able to disrupt the GK-GKRP interaction in vitro and in vivo and, by doing so, increases cytoplasmic levels of unbound GK.