Pyrazine Core Research Articles

Optimisation of a novel series of ENaC inhibitors, leading to the selection of the long-acting inhaled clinical candidate ETD001, a potential new treatment for cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) results from the loss of function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), an ion channel of key importance in the airway epithelia. CFTR helps control optimal hydration of the airways, a crucial requirement for healthy lungs. CFTR modulators have recently been approved as an effective treatment option for many genetic variants of CF. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), unlike CFTR which is secretory, is an absorptive pathway, and therefore its inhibition is an alternative and potentially complementary approach to aid hydration of the airways. Due to the adverse effect of ENaC inhibition in the kidney we, as have several others, focused on the design and synthesis of novel ENaC inhibitors for direct delivery to the airways via inhalation. A new series of ENaC inhibitors is described, wherein the well-established pyrazine core of first-generation inhibitors was replaced with a pyrrolopyrazine. Aiming for high retention at the surface of the lung following inhalation, optimisation of this template focused on significantly increasing polarity to minimize passive cellular permeability. The resulting optimized clinical candidate ETD001 demonstrates potent inhibition of ENaC (59 nM) prolonged retention in the airways of rats (13 % of the delivered dose retained after 6h) following intratracheal administration and a potent and long-acting effect in a sheep model of mucociliary clearance following inhalation (ED100 (4–6h) = 9 μg/kg). ETD001 entered a phase II study in CF patients in July 2024.

Ligand Field Sensitive Spin Acceleration in the Iron-Catalyzed [2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Unactivated Alkenes and Dienes.

Redox-active pyridine(diimine) (PDI) iron catalysts promote the reversible [2 + 2] cycloaddition of alkenes and dienes to cyclobutane derivatives that have applications ranging from fuels to chemically recyclable polymers. Metallacycles were identified as key intermediates, and spin crossover from the singlet to the triplet surface was calculated to facilitate the reductive coupling step responsible for the formation of the four-membered ring. In this work, a series of sterically and electronically differentiated PDI ligands was studied for the [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ethylene and butadiene to vinylcyclobutane. Kinetic studies revealed that the fastest and slowest turnover were observed with equally electron-deficient supporting ligands that either feature phenyl-substituted imine carbon atoms (MeBPDI) or a pyrazine core (MePZDI). While the oxidative cyclization was comparatively slow for both catalysts, the rate of reductive coupling─determined by stoichiometric 13C2H4 labeling studies─correlated with the turnover frequencies. Two-state density functional theory studies and the distinct electronic structures of related (iPrBPDI) and (iPrPZDI) iron methyl complexes revealed significantly different ligand field strengths due to either diminished ligand σ-donation (MeBPDI) or promoted metal π-backbonding (MePZDI). Spin acceleration, leading to fast reductive coupling and catalytic turnover, was promoted in the case of the weaker ligand field and depends on both the nature and position of the electron-withdrawing group. This study provides strong evidence for the role of two-state reactivity in C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond formation and insights on how ligand design either promotes or inhibits spin acceleration in earth-abundant metal catalysis.

A serendipitous one-pot synthesis of the octahydro-2H-pyrazino[1,2-a]pyrazine core.

An unexpected nitro group displacement during a nitro-Mannich reaction led to the one-pot formation of the octahydro-2H-pyrazino[1,2-a]pyrazine core, representing the shortest access to date to this pharmacologically relevant heterobicyclic system. A mechanistic hypothesis is suggested and supported by specific experiments and HRMS analysis of reaction mixtures.

Fused Imidazopyrazine-Based Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors Inhibit Neuroblastoma Cell Function.

Targeting the colchicine binding site on tubulin is a promising approach for cancer treatment to overcome the limitations of current tubulin polymerization inhibitors. New classes of colchicine binding site inhibitors (CBSIs) are continually being uncovered; however, balancing metabolic stability and cellular potency remains an issue that needs to be resolved. Therefore, we designed and synthesized a series of novel fused imidazopyridine and -pyrazine CBSIs and evaluated their cellular activity, metabolic stability, and tubulin-binding properties. Evidence shows that the imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine series are effective against neuroblastoma cell lines marked by MYCN amplification. Further assessment shows that a combination of an imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine core with a trimethoxyphenyl ring D results in the highest cellular activity and binding characteristics compared with a dichloromethoxyphenyl or difluoromethoxyphenyl ring D. However, the metabolic stability of compounds with a dichloromethoxyphenyl or difluoromethoxyphenyl ring D is significantly higher than that of those containing a trimethoxyphenyl ring D, suggesting that improved metabolic stability is achieved with a moderate impact on potency.

Multifunctional properties of D–A luminophores based on acenaphtopyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine core: photophysics, photochemistry, and efficient solution-processed OLEDs

We present multifunctional donor–acceptor luminophores displaying TADF, RTP or AIE suitable for use as sensitisers for singlet oxygen generation as well as OLED emitters.

Straightforward Synthesis of Functionalized 4,5,6,7‐Tetrahydro‐pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrazines – Important Building Blocks for Medicinal Chemistry

AbstractA set of building blocks based on the 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrazine scaffold is synthesized in a multigram scale in a cost‐efficient manner. The possibility of the introduction of different substituents, neutral or functionalized in different positions of pyrazole and/or piperazine rings, is shown. The efficacy of using NH‐pyrazole carbonic acids as a key intermediate of the process is demonstrated. The regioselectivity for direct insertion of the substituent to the 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrazine core is discussed. The synthetic perspectives for using the functionalized 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrazine as a bifunctional scaffold is discussed. The utilizing of building blocks obtained for the different region‐ and/or stereoselective synthesis, including sole transformations or modifications of functional groups, is demonstrated. The advantages of the proposed approach are proven compared with the other known methodologies.

Facile synthesis of phenothiazine-pyrazine-based donor-acceptor-donor regioisomers: Influence of molecular geometry on aggregation-induced emission

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent molecules are in great demand due to the wide range of applications. In this article, three regioisomers namely, o-PyPTZ, m-PyPTZ and p-PyPTZ, with pyrazine (Py) as acceptor and phenothiazine (PTZ) as donor, were rationally designed and synthesized. Phenothiazine moieties are attached to pyrazine core as peripheral groups at 2,3- 2,5- and 2,6-positions. The attachment of bulky PTZ pendants at different position of pyrazine core could influence the molecular packing modes, resulting in discrete photophysical and electronic properties. The resulting regioisomers are weakly fluorescent in dilute solutions but highly emissive upon aggregate formation, verifying their AIE activities. They are thermally and morphologically stable with degradation temperature of 372–407 °C. Single-crystal structures of three isomers indicate their twisted conformation. A detailed comparison of the photophysical, electronic and structural properties of these isomers has been made with a view to studying the outcome of the positional change.

The Antifungal Activity of HMA, an Amiloride Analog and Inhibitor of Na+/H+ Exchangers.

One path toward identifying effective and easily accessible antifungals is to repurpose commonly used drugs. Amiloride, a widely used diuretic, inhibits different isoforms of Na+/H+ exchangers, Na+ channels, and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers. Here, we found that amiloride had poor antifungal activity against isolates of Cryptococcus prompting the examination of the amiloride analog, HMA [5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride]. HMA possesses strong activity against Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) and little K+-associated toxicity since HMA has only minimal inhibitory effects toward epithelial sodium channels (ENaC), the diuretic and antikaliuretic target of amiloride. Although HMA produced a robust dose-dependent growth inhibition of several fungal isolates, susceptibility assays revealed modest MICs against isolates of Cryptococcus. A checkerboard dilution strategy resulted in fractional inhibitory concentrations (FIC) < 0.5, suggesting that HMA displays synergy with several antifungal azole drugs including posaconazole, voriconazole, and ketoconazole. Itraconazole and ravuconazole showed moderate synergy with HMA across all tested fungal isolates. In combination with HMA, ravuconazole had MICs of 0.004–0.008 μg/ml, a ∼16-fold reduction compared to MICs of ravuconazole when used alone and significantly more effective than the overall MIC90 (0.25 μg/ml) reported for ravuconazole against 541 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans. In combination with azole drugs, MICs of HMA ranged from 3.2 μM (1 μg/ml) to 26 μM (16 μg/ml), HMA was not cytotoxic at concentrations ≤ 8 μg/ml, but MICs were above the reported HMA Ki of 0.013–2.4 μM for various Na+/H+ exchangers. Our results suggest that HMA has limited potential as a monotherapy and may have additional targets in fungal/yeast cells since strains lacking NHEs remained sensitive to HMA. We determined that the hydrophobic substituent at the 5-amino group of HMA is likely responsible for the observed antifungal activity and synergy with several azoles since derivatives with bulky polar substitutions showed no activity against Cryptococcus, indicating that other 5-substituted HMA derivatives could possess stronger antifungal activity. Moreover, substitution of other positions around the pyrazine core of HMA has not been investigated but could reveal new leads for antifungal drug development.

Multifunctional behavior of bis-acylhydrazone: Real-time detection of moisture in organic solvents, halochromism and aggregation induced emission

A versatile novel indenopyrazine/indenoquinoxaline appended acylhydrazones (1 and 2) have been designed and synthesized successfully. Compounds 1 and 2 are designed such that, it comprises of acylhydrazone, which is responsible for moisture detection via deprotonation of the original molecule, pyrazine, pyridine and hydrazone unit which is responsible for halochromism via protonation and deprotonation, further the integrated twisted molecular structure results in the aggregation-induced emission features. Successive treatment of Fˉ and moisture to compound 1 and 2 produce reversible colorimetric responses that are easily visualized by the naked eye. Further, the corresponding mechanism was effectively confirmed by 1H NMR spectral analysis. The inherent halochromic features of appended unique pyrazine and pyridine core in compounds 1 and 2 were studied by the sequential addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and triethylamine (TEA) which is authenticated by reversible colorimetric changes as well as absorption spectral studies. Compound 1 adopts a twisted scissor-like structure and due to multiple weak interactions results in an interesting supramolecular network. Furthermore, both compound 1 and 2 exhibits the aggregation-induced emission features in DMF/water mixture, which was expansively confirmed through DLS particle analysis and TEM images. The integration of three distinct features into a single molecule are scarce.

Bis(imino)pyrazine-Supported Iron Complexes: Ligand-Based Redox Chemistry, Dearomatization, and Reversible C-C Bond Formation.

Iron complexes supported by novel π-acidic bis(imino)pyrazine (PPzDI) ligands can be functionalized at the nonligated nitrogen atom, and this has a marked effect on the redox properties of the resulting complexes. Dearomatization is observed in the presence of cobaltocene, which reversibly reduces the pyrazine core and not the imine functionality, as observed in the case of the pyridinediimine-ligated iron analogues. The resulting ligand-based radical is prone to dimerization through the formation of a long carbon-carbon bond, which can be subsequently cleaved under mild oxidative conditions.

Expansion of chemical space based on a pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine core: Synthesis and its anticancer activity in prostate cancer and breast cancer cells

In connection with our continued research to generate new aza-fused heteroaromatic chemical scaffolds, we developed a highly atom-economical three-component route to novel 3,4-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine ring skeleton multi-functionalized on the pyrazine unit. This [4+1+1] annulation approach led us to gain access to a new N-fused bicyclic chemical space having two distinctive functional groups (heteroaryl and aroyl) in a trans manner. Investigation of anticancer activity of the synthesized compounds and their derivatives revealed that (3R*,4S*)-3-(4-bromophenyl)-4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-2-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)-3,4-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-2-ium bromide (3h) has potent anticancer activity. 3h significantly inhibited cell viability in prostate cancer cells (PC-3) and breast cancer cells (MCF-7) with IC50 value of 1.18 ± 0.05 μM and 1.95 ± 0.04 μM, respectively. In addition, 3h strongly reduced cell migration in a dose dependent manner, and induced apoptosis via caspase-3 activation and cleavage of PARP in PC-3 and MCF-7 cells. Our results in this study imply that 3h can be a potential anticancer agent against prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of biological activities of some novel anti-TB agents with bio-reducible functional group.

Introduction: With regard to the anti-mycobacterial activity of 2-pyrazinoic acid esters (POEs), recent studies have shown that both pyrazine core and alkyl part of POE interact with the fatty acid synthase type (I) (FAS (I)) precluding a complex formation between NADPH and FAS (I). Methods: Considering this interaction at the reductase site of FAS (I) responsible for reduction of β-ketoacyl-CoA to β-hydroxyacyl-CoA, we hypothesized that POE containing a bioreducible center in its alkyl part might show an increased anti-tubercular activity due to the involvement of FAS (I) in extra bio-reduction reaction. Thus, we synthesized novel POEs, confirmed their structures by spectral data, and subsequently evaluated their anti-mycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) (H37Rv) strain at 10 μg/mL concentration. Results: Compounds 3c, 3j, and 3m showed higher activity with regard to the inhibition of Mtb growth by 45.4, 45.7, and 51.2% respectively. Unexpectedly, the maltol derived POE 3l having the lowest log p value among the POEs indicated the highest anti-mycobacterial growth activity with 56% prevention. Compounds 3c and 3l showed no remarkable cytotoxicity on human macrophages at 10 μg/mL concentration as analyzed by xCELLigence real-time cell analysis. In further experiments, some of the tested POEs, unlike pyrazinamide (PZA), exhibited significant antibacterial and also anti-fungal activities. POEs showed an enhanced bactericidal activity on gram-positive bacteria as shown for Staphylococcus aureus , e.g. compound 3b with a MIC value of 125 μg/mL but not E. coli as a gram-negative bacteria, except for maltol derived POE (3l) that showed an inverse activity in the susceptibility test. In the anticancer activity test against the human leukemia K562 cell lines using MTT assay, compounds 3e and 3j showed the highest cytotoxic effect with IC50 values of 25±8.0 μΜ and 25±5.0 μΜ, respectively. Conclusion: It was found that the majority of POEs containing a bioreducible center showed higher inhibitory activities on Mtb growth when compared to the similar compounds without a bio-reducible functional group.

Radiosynthesis and in vivo evaluation of a fluorine-18 labeled pyrazine based radioligand for PET imaging of the adenosine A2B receptor

On the basis of a pyrazine core structure, three new adenosine A2B receptor ligands (7a–c) were synthesized containing a 2-fluoropyridine moiety suitable for 18F-labeling. Compound 7a was docked into a homology model of the A2B receptor based on X-ray structures of the related A2A receptor, and its interactions with the adenosine binding site were rationalized. Binding affinity data were determined at the four human adenosine receptor subtypes. Despite a rather low selectivity regarding the A1 receptor, 7a was radiolabeled as the most suitable candidate (Ki(A2B) = 4.24 nM) in order to perform in vivo studies in mice with the aim to estimate fundamental pharmacokinetic characteristics of the compound class. Organ distribution studies and a single PET study demonstrated brain uptake of [18F]7a with a standardized uptake value (SUV) of ≈1 at 5 min post injection followed by a fast wash out. Metabolism studies of [18F]7a in mice revealed the formation of a blood–brain barrier penetrable radiometabolite, which could be structurally identified. The results of this study provide an important basis for the design of new derivatives with improved binding properties and metabolic stability in vivo.

Identification of 3-substituted-6-(1-(1H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyrazin-1-yl)ethyl)quinoline derivatives as highly potent and selective mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) inhibitors via metabolite profiling-based structural optimization

c-Met/HGF signaling pathway plays an important role in cancer progression, and it was considered to be related to poor prognosis and drug resistance. Based on metabolite profiling of (S)-7-fluoro-6-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyrazin-1-yl)ethyl)quinoline (1), a series of 2-substituted or 3-substituted-6-(1-(1H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyrazin-1-yl)ethyl)quinoline derivatives was rationally designed and evaluated. Most of the 3-substituted derivatives not only exhibited potent activities in both enzymatic and cellular assays, but also were stable in liver microsomes among different species (human, rat and monkey). SAR investigation revealed that introducing of N-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl group at the 3-position of quinoline moiety is beneficial to improve the inhibitory potency, especially in the cellular assays. The influence of fluorine atom at 7-position or 5, 7-position of quinoline moiety and substituents at the 6-position of triazolo[4,5-b]pyrazine core on overall activity is not very significant. Racemate 14, an extremely potent and exquisitely selective c-Met inhibitor, demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties in rats, no significant AO metabolism, and effective tumor growth inhibition in c-Met overexpressed NSCLC (H1993 cell line) and gastric cancer (SNU-5 cell line) xenograft models. Docking analysis indicated that besides the typical interactions of most selective c-Met inhibitors, the intramolecular halogen bond and additional hydrogen bond interactions with kinase are beneficial to the binding. These results may provide deep insight into potential structural modifications for developing potent c-Met inhibitors.

Synthesis of Novel Pyrazinamide Derivatives Based on 3-Chloropyrazine-2-carboxamide and Their Antimicrobial Evaluation.

Aminodehalogenation of 3-chloropyrazine-2-carboxamide with variously substituted benzylamines yielded a series of fifteen 3-benzylaminopyrazine-2-carboxamides. Four compounds possessed in vitro whole cell activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv that was at least equivalent to that of the standard pyrazinamide. MIC values ranged from 6 to 42 µM. The best MIC (6 µM) was displayed by 3-[(4-methylbenzyl)amino]pyrazine-2-carboxamide (8) that also showed low cytotoxicity in the HepG2 cell line (IC50 ≥ 250 µM). Only moderate activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus was observed. No activity was detected against any of tested fungal strains. Molecular docking with mycobacterial enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) was performed to investigate the possible target of the prepared compounds. Active compounds shared common binding interactions of known InhA inhibitors. Antimycobacterial activity of the title compounds was compared to the previously published benzylamino-substituted pyrazines with differing substitution on the pyrazine core (carbonitrile moiety). The title series possessed comparable activity and lower cytotoxicity than molecules containing a carbonitrile group on the pyrazine ring.

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of a Series of Pyrazine‐Based Push–Pull Chromophores

Eighteen push–pull pyrazine fluorophores are described. Methoxy, dimethylamino, and diphenylamino groups were used as electron‐donating groups (EDGs), and six π‐conjugated systems consisting of multiple bonds and 1,4‐phenylene moieties were used to connect the EDGs to the pyrazine core. The chromophores were obtained by Knoevenagel condensation and palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions starting from commercially available 2‐methyl‐ or 2‐chloropyrazine. The optical absorption and emission properties of these chromophores were studied in different solvents. Some proved to be highly emissive and exhibit strong emission solvatochromism, which suggests a highly polar emitting state, characteristic of compounds that undergo intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The influences of the various electron‐donating groups and π‐conjugated systems on the emission and ICT have been carefully studied.

Solid-Phase Parallel Synthesis of N-Substituted-2-aminothiazolo[4,5-b]pyrazine Derivatives via Tandem Reaction of Isothiocyanate Terminated Resin with o-Bromo-2-Aminopyrazines.

A novel solid-phase synthesis methodology of N-substituted-2-aminothiazolo[4,5-b]pyrazine derivatives was developed. The key step in this synthesis strategy is the tandem reaction of isothiocyanate terminated resin 2 with o-bromo-2-aminopyrazine, affording cyclized 2-aminothiazolo[4,5-b]pyrazine resin 4. To increase the diversity of our library, Suzuki coupling reaction was performed at the position C6. Further functionalization of 2-aminothiazolo[4,5-b]pyrazine core skeleton with various electrophiles such as alkyl halides, acyl chlorides, and sulfonyl chlorides and cleavage from the resin with TFA in DCM generated N-alkyl-, N-acyl-, and N-sulfonyl-2-aminothiazolo[4,5-b]pyrazine derivatives. The physicochemical properties and the polar surface areas of synthesized compounds were evaluated.

ChemInform Abstract: Diversity‐Oriented Decoration of Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrazines.

AbstractA chemical library based on a pyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrazine core is synthesized by direct C6‐arylation of pyrrolo[1,2‐a]pyrazines with various aryl bromides (II).

Crystal structure of 5-(4,5-di-hydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo-[3,4-b]pyrazin-6-amine.

In the title compound, C15H15N7, the phenyl ring is inclined by 19.86 (5)° to the mean plane of the pyrazolo­[3,4-b]pyrazine core. In the crystal, N—H⋯N and C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds form [010] chains, which stack via π–π inter­actions [centroid–centroid distance between the pyrazole rings = 3.4322 (7) Å].

Preparation of Pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine Ring System via Regioselective Condensation Reaction

The pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine core structure can be found in several molecules that express biological activity. We have previously published a series of these compounds that showed erlotinib-resistant tumor inhibitor potential. The common way of their synthesis is the condensation of pyridinediamines and α-oxocarbonyl compounds. If the starting dioxo compound is unsymmetrical, two regioisomers can be formed, which can display significantly different biological activity. To study the regioselectivity of this reaction we chose a model reaction and examined the impact of the reaction temperature, the acidic or basic catalysis, the amount of starting materials or the usage of dehydrating agent on the outcome of the reaction. In summary, increased regioselectivity could be observed at low temperature in acidic solvents (e.g. acetic or trifluoroacetic acid). As a result, we were able to optimize the reaction conditions to increase the amount of the biologically more active isomer. The isomers were separated, characterized by their NMR spectra and HPLC retention values, and identified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography. Keywords: Acidic catalysis, inhibitor, pyrido[2, 3-b]pyrazine, regioselectivity, thermal effect, X-ray crystal structure.