Σ1 Affinity Research Articles

Thiazole-Based σ1 Receptor Ligands: Diversity by Late-Stage C-H Arylation of Thiazoles, Structure-Affinity and Selectivity Relationships, and Molecular Interactions.

Spirocyclic thiophene derivatives represent promising σ1 ligands with high σ1 affinity and selectivity over the σ2 subtype. To increase ligand efficiency, the thiophene ring was replaced bioisosterically by a thiazole ring, and the pyran ring was opened. Late-stage diversification by regioselective C-H arylation of thiazoles 9 a-c resulted in a set of 53 compounds with high diversity. This set of compounds was analyzed with respect to σ1 affinity, σ1 /σ2 selectivity, lipophilicity (logD7.4 ), lipophilicity-corrected ligand efficiency (LELP), and molecular target interactions. The most promising candidates were pyridyl-substituted thiazole derivatives 33 c (2-(1-benzyl-4-ethoxypiperidin-4-yl)-5-(pyridin-3-yl)thiazole) and 34 c (2-(1-benzyl-4-ethoxypiperidin-4-yl)-5-(pyridin-4-yl)thiazole), possessing low-nanomolar σ1 affinity (Ki =1.3 and 1.9 nm), high σ1 /σ2 selectivity (>1500-fold), low lipophilicity (logD7.4 =1.8) and very good ligand efficiency (LELP=5.5), indicating promising pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Molecular simulation studies, including docking and deconvolution of the free binding energy into its major components, led to decreased hydrophobic stabilization of pyridyl derivatives 33 c and 34 c, which was compensated by lower desolvation energy.

Lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution as key step in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure σ ligands with 2-benzopyran structure

In order to obtain enantiomerically pure σ1 receptor ligands with a 2-benzopyran scaffold an Oxa-Pictet-Spengler reaction with the enantiomerically pure 2-phenylethanol derivatives (R)-4 and (S)-4 was envisaged. The kinetic resolution of racemic alcohol (±)-4 using Amano Lipase PS-C II and isopropenyl acetate in tert-butyl methyl ether led to the (R)-configured alcohol (R)-4 in 42% yield with an enantiomeric excess of 99.6%. The (S)-configured alcohol (S)-4 was obtained by Amano Lipase PS-C II catalyzed hydrolysis of enantiomerically enriched acetate (S)-5 (76.9% ee) and provided (S)-4 in 26% yield and 99.7% ee. The absolute configuration of alcohol (R)-4 was determined by exciton coupled CD spectroscopy of the bis(bromobenzoate) (R)-7. The next important step for the synthesis of 2-benzopyrans 2 and 3 was the Oxa-Pictet-Spengler reaction of the enantiomerically pure alcohols (R)-4 and (S)-4 with piperidone ketal 8 and chloropropionaldehyde acetal 12. The conformationally restricted spirocyclic 2-benzopyrans 2 revealed higher σ1 affinity than the more flexible aminoethyl derivatives 3. The (R)- and (R,R)-configured enantiomers (R)-2 and (R,R)-3 represent the eutomers of this class of compounds with eudismic ratios of 4.8 (2b) and 4.5 (2c). High σ1/σ2 selectivity (>49) was found for the most potent σ1 ligands (R)-2b, (R)-2c, (R)-2d, and (S)-2d (Ki(σ1) 9–15nM).

Synthesis of conformationally restricted 1,3-dioxanes to analyze the bioactive conformation of 1,3-dioxane-based σ1 and PCP receptor antagonists

The receptor binding profile of 2-phenyl-4-(aminoethyl)-1,3-dioxanes is dependent on the additional substituent in 2-position, the substituents at the amino moiety and the stereochemistry. Herein, conformationally restricted 1,3-dioxanes bearing an axially oriented phenyl moiety in 2-position were prepared and pharmacologically evaluated. Two subsequent intramolecular transacetalization reactions represent the key steps in the synthesis of the tricyclic system. The resulting alcohol 17 was transformed into amines 20–23 with axially (a-series) or equatorially oriented aminoethyl moiety (b-series). The primary amines 20a and 20b did not interact with the PCP binding site of the NMDA receptor, which is explained by the additional methylene moiety between the acetalic center and the phenyl moiety, the missing substituent at the acetalic position and/or a non-optimal three-dimensional arrangement of the pharmacophoric elements. The benzylamine 21b with an equatorially oriented aminoethyl moiety shows high σ1 affinity (Ki=5.9nM). Compared with the conformationally flexible 1,3-dioxane 5, the σ1 affinity of 21b is 3-fold and the σ1/σ2 selectivity is 5-fold increased.

Fluorinated PET Tracers for Molecular Imaging of σ1 Receptors in the Central Nervous System.

At first the role of σ1 receptors in various neurological, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders is discussed. In the second part, the principle of positron emission tomography (PET ) is described and the known fluorinated PET tracers for labeling of σ1 receptors are presented. The third part focuses on fluoroalkyl substituted spirocyclic PET tracers, which represent the most promising class of fluorinated PET tracers reported so far. The homologous fluoroalkyl derivatives 12-15 show high σ1 affinity (K i = 0.59-1.4 nM) and high selectivity over the σ2 subtype (408-1331-fold). The enantiomers of the fluoroethyl derivative fluspidine 13 were prepared and pharmacologically characterized. Whereas the (S)-configured enantiomer (S)-13 (K i = 2.3 nM) is 4-fold less active than the (R)-enantiomer (R)-13 (K i = 0.57 nM), (S)-13 is metabolically more stable. The interactions of (S)-13 and (R)-13 with the σ1 receptor were analyzed at the molecular level using the 3D homology model. In an automated radiosynthesis [18F](S)-13 and [18F](R)-13 were prepared by nucleophilic substitution of the tosylates (S)-17 and (R)-17 with K[18F]F in high radiochemical yield, high radiochemical purity and short reaction time. Application of both enantiomers [18F](S)-13 and [18F](R)-13 to mice and piglets led to fast uptake into the brain, but [18F](R)-13 did not show washout from the brain indicating a quasi-irreversible binding. Both radiotracers [18F](S)-13 and [18F](R)-13 were able to label regions in the mouse and piglet brain with high σ1 receptor density. The specific binding of the enantiomeric tracers [18F](S)-13 and [18F](R)-13 could be replaced by the selective σ1 ligand SA4503.

Medicinal Chemistry of σ1 Receptor Ligands: Pharmacophore Models, Synthesis, Structure Affinity Relationships, and Pharmacological Applications.

In the first part of this chapter, we summarize the various pharmacophore models for σ1 receptor ligands. Common to all of them is a basic amine flanked by two hydrophobic regions, representing the pharmacophoric elements. The development of computer-based models like the 3D homology model is described as well as the first crystal structure of the σ1 receptor. The second part focuses on the synthesis and biological properties of different σ1 receptor ligands, identified as 1-9. Monocyclic piperazines 1 and bicyclic piperazines 2 and 3 were developed as cytotoxic compounds, thus the IC50 values of cell growth and survival inhibition studies are given for all derivatives. The mechanism of cell survival inhibition, induction of time-dependent apoptosis, of compound ent-2a is discussed. Experimentally determined σ1 affinity shows good correlation with the results from molecular dynamics simulations based on a 3D homology model. Spirocyclic compounds 4 and 5 represent well-established σ1 receptor ligands. The homologous fluoroalkyl derivatives 4 have favorable pharmacological properties for use as fluorinated PET tracers. The (S)-configured fluoroethyl substituted compound (S)-4b is under investigation as PET tracer for imaging of σ1 receptors in the brain of patients affected by major depression. 1,3-Dioxanes 6c and 6d display a very potent σ1 antagonist profile and the racemic 1,3-dioxane 6c has high anti-allodynic activity at low doses. The arylpropenylamines 7 are very potent σ1 receptor ligands with high σ1/σ2 selectivity. The top compound 7g acts as an agonist as defined by its ability to potentiate neurite outgrowth at low concentrations. Among the morpholinoethoxypyrazoles 8, 8c (known as S1RA) reveals the most promising pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties. Due to its good safety profile, 8c is currently being investigated in a phase II clinical trial for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The most potent ligand 9e of 3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolones 9 shows promising anti-nociceptive activity in the formalin test.

Comparison of in Silico, Electrochemical, in Vitro and in Vivo Metabolism of a Homologous Series of (Radio)fluorinated σ1 Receptor Ligands Designed for Positron Emission Tomography.

The imaging of σ1 receptors in the brain by fluorinated radiotracers will be used for the validation of σ1 receptors as drug targets as well as for differential diagnosis of diseases in the central nervous system. The biotransformation of four homologous fluorinated PET tracers 1'-benzyl-3-(ω-fluoromethyl to ω-fluorobutyl)-3H-spiro[2]benzofuran-1,4'-piperidine] ([18 F]1-4) was investigated. In silico studies using fast metabolizer (FAME) software, electrochemical oxidations, in vitro studies with rat liver microsomes, and in vivo metabolism studies after application of the PET tracers [18 F]1-4 to mice were performed. Combined liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis allowed structural identification of non-radioactive metabolites. Radio-HPLC and radio-TLC provided information about the presence of unchanged parent radiotracers and their radiometabolites. Radiometabolites were not found in the brain after application of [18 F]2-4, but liver, plasma, and urine samples contained several radiometabolites. Less than 2 % of the injected dose of [18 F]4 reached the brain, rendering [18 F]4 less appropriate as a PET tracer than [18 F]2 and [18 F]3. Compounds [18 F]2 and [18 F]3 possess the most promising properties for imaging of σ1 receptors in the brain. High σ1 affinity (Ki =0.59 nm), low lipophilicity (logD7.4 =2.57), high brain penetration (4.6 % of injected dose after 30 min), and the absence of radiometabolites in the brain favor the fluoroethyl derivative [18 F]2 slightly over the fluoropropyl derivative [18 F]3 for human use.

(+)-and (−)-Phenazocine enantiomers: Evaluation of their dual opioid agonist/σ1 antagonist properties and antinociceptive effects

cis-N-Substituted N-normetazocine enantiomers possess peculiar pharmacological profiles. Indeed, dextro enantiomers bind with high affinity σ1 receptor while opposite enantiomers bind opioid receptors. In spite of their stereochemistry, cis-N-2-phenylethyl N-normetazocine (phenazocine) enantiomers showed mixed opioid/σ1 receptor profiles and a significant in vivo analgesia. To the best of our knowledge, there is no information available regarding the evaluation of σ1 pharmacological profile in the antinociceptive effects of (+)- and (−)-phenazocine. Therefore, the present study was designed to ascertain this component by in vitro and in vivo studies.In particular, we tested the σ1 affinity of both enantiomers by a predictive binding assay in absence or presence of phenytoin (DPH). Our results showed that DPH (1 mM) did not increase the σ1 receptor affinity of (+)-and (−)-phenazocine (Ki = 3.8 ± 0.4 nM, Ki = 85 ± 2.0 nM, respectively) suggesting a σ1 antagonist profile of both enantiomers. This σ1 antagonistic component of two phenazocine enantiomers was corroborated by in vivo studies in which the selective σ1 receptor agonist PRE-084, was able to unmask their σ1 antagonistic component associated with the opioid activity.The σ1 antagonistic component of (+)- and (−)-phenazocine may justify their analgesic activity and it suggests that they may constitute useful lead compounds to develop new ligands with this dual activity.

Oxa-Pictet–Spengler reaction as key step in the synthesis of novel σ receptor ligands with 2-benzopyran structure

The Oxa-Pictet–Spengler reaction of methyl 3-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanoate (8) was explored to obtain novel σ receptor ligands. 1-Acyl protected piperidone ketals 10 and 11 reacted with phenylethanol 8 to yield spirocyclic compounds. Aliphatic aldehyde acetals 19 provided 1,3-disubstituted 2-benzopyrans 20 with high cis-diastereoselectivity. The intramolecular Oxa-Pictet–Spengler reaction of 24 led to the tricyclic compound 25. The spirocyclic compounds 18 show high σ1 affinity (Ki 20–26nM) and σ1/σ2 selectivity (>9-fold), when a large substituent (n-octyl, benzyl, phenylpropyl) is attached to the piperidine N-atom. Opening of the piperidine ring to yield aminoethyl (22, 23) or aminomethyl derivatives (21) resulted in reduced σ1 affinity and σ1/σ2 selectivity.

Rigidity versus Flexibility: Is This an Issue in σ1 Receptor Ligand Affinity and Activity?

Stereoisomeric 2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes 14 and 15 were prepared in a chiral-pool synthesis starting from (S)- or (R)-aspartate. The key step in the synthesis was a Dieckmann-analogous cyclization of (dioxopiperazinyl)acetates 8, which involved trapping of the intermediate hemiketal anion with Me3SiCl. The σ1 affinity was tested using membrane preparations from animal (guinea pig) and human origin. The binding of bicyclic compounds was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations based on a 3D homology model of the σ1 receptor. The good correlation between Ki values observed in the σ1 assays and calculated free binding energy, coupled with the identification of four crucial ligand/receptor interactions, allowed the formulation of structure-affinity relationships. In an in vitro antitumor assay with seven human tumor cell lines, the bicyclic compounds inhibited selectively the growth of the cell line A427, which is due to induction of apoptosis. In this assay, the compounds behave like the known σ1 receptor antagonist haloperidol.

New bifunctional antioxidant/σ1 agonist ligands: Preliminary chemico-physical and biological evaluation

We previously reported bifunctional sigma-1 (σ1) ligands endowed with antioxidant activity (1 and 2). In the present paper, pure enantiomers (R)-1 and (R)-2 along with the corresponding p-methoxy (6, 11), p-fluoro derivatives (7, 12) were synthesized. σ1 and σ2 affinities, antioxidant properties, and chemico-physical profiles were evaluated. Para derivatives, while maintaining strong σ1 affinity, displayed improved σ1 selectivity compared to the parent compounds 1 and 2. In vivo evaluation of compounds 1, 2, (R)-1, 7, and 12 showed σ1 agonist pharmacological profile. Chemico-physical studies revealed that amides 2, 11 and 12 were more stable than corresponding esters 1, 6 and 7 under our experimental conditions. Antioxidant properties were exhibited by fluoro derivatives 7 and 12 being able to increase total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Our results underline that p-substituents have an important role on σ1 selectivity, TAC, chemical and enzymatic stabilities. In particular, our data suggest that new very selective compounds 7 and 12 could be promising tools to investigate the disorders in which σ1 receptor dysfunction and oxidative stress are contemporarily involved.

One-pot synthesis and sigma receptor binding studies of novel spirocyclic-2,6-diketopiperazine derivatives

New spirocyclic-2,6-diketopiperazine derivatives containing benzylpiperidine and cycloalkane moieties were synthesized by a one-pot two-step sequential Ugi/intramolecular N-amidation process in moderate to good yields. The in vitro ligand-binding profile studies performed on the sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors revealed that the σ1 affinities and subtype selectivities of three spirocyclic piperidine derivatives are generally comparable to those of spirocycloalkane analogues. Compared to the low σ1 affinities obtained for cycloalkyl-substituted spirocyclic-2,6-diketopiperazines with n=2, those with n=1 proved to have optimal fitting with σ2 subtype by exhibiting higher affinities. Moreover, the best binding affinity and subtype selectivity was identified for compound 3c with Kiσ1=5.9±0.5nM and Kiσ2=563±21nM as well as 95-fold σ1/σ2 selectivity ratio, respectively.

Microwave-assisted regioselective direct C–H arylation of thiazole derivatives leading to increased σ1 receptor affinity

Regioselective direct CH arylation of 2a led to thiazoles 2b and 2c with a 4-tolyl moiety in C5- and C4-position displaying 5- to 9-fold increased σ1 affinity.

Improving selectivity preserving affinity: new piperidine-4-carboxamide derivatives as effective sigma-1-ligands.

We report the design, synthesis and binding evaluation against σ1 and σ2 receptors of a series of new piperidine-4-carboxamide derivatives variously substituted on the amide nitrogen atom. Specifically, we assessed the effects exerted on σ receptor affinity by substituting the N-benzylcarboxamide group present on a series of compounds previously synthesized in our laboratory with different cyclic or linear moieties. The synthesized compounds 2a-o were tested to estimate their affinity and selectivity toward σ1 and σ2 receptors. Very high σ1 affinity (Ki = 3.7 nM) and Kiσ2/Kiσ1 selectivity ratio (351) were found for the tetrahydroquinoline derivative 2k, featuring a 4-chlorobenzyl moiety linked to the piperidine nitrogen atom.

Ether modifications to 1-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (SA4503): Effects on binding affinity and selectivity for sigma receptors and monoamine transporters

Two series of novel ether analogs of the sigma (σ) receptor ligand 1-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (SA4503) have been prepared. In one series, the alkyl portion of the 4-methoxy group was replaced with allyl, propyl, bromoethyl, benzyl, phenethyl, and phenylpropyl moieties. In the second series, the 3,4-dimethoxy was replaced with cyclic methylenedioxy, ethylenedioxy and propylenedioxy groups. These ligands, along with 4-O-des-methyl SA4503, were evaluated for σ1 and σ2 receptor affinity, and compared to SA4503 and several known ether analogs. SA4503 and a subset of ether analogs were also evaluated for dopamine transporter (DAT) and serotonin transporter (SERT) affinity. The highest σ1 receptor affinities, Ki values of 1.75–4.63nM, were observed for 4-O-des-methyl SA4503, SA4503 and the methylenedioxy analog. As steric bulk increased, σ1 receptor affinity decreased, but only to a point. Allyl, propyl and bromoethyl substitutions gave σ1 receptor Ki values in the 20–30nM range, while bulkier analogs having phenylalkyl, and Z- and E-iodoallyl, ether substitutions showed higher σ1 affinities, with Ki values in the 13–21nM range. Most ligands studied exhibited comparable σ1 and σ2 affinities, resulting in little to no subtype selectivity. SA4503, the fluoroethyl analog and the methylenedioxy congener showed modest six- to fourteen-fold selectivity for σ1 sites. DAT and SERT interactions proved much more sensitive than σ receptor interactions to these structural modifications. For example, the benzyl congener (σ1Ki=20.8nM; σ2Ki=16.4nM) showed over 100-fold higher DAT affinity (Ki=121nM) and 6-fold higher SERT affinity (Ki=128nM) than the parent SA4503 (DAT Ki=12650nM; SERT Ki=760nM). Thus, ether modifications to the SA4503 scaffold can provide polyfunctional ligands having a broader spectrum of possible pharmacological actions.

ChemInform Abstract: Sharpless Asymmetric Dihydroxylation as the Key Step in the Enantioselective Synthesis of Spirocyclic σ1 Receptor Ligands.

AbstractCompound (III) shows a high σ1 affinity, a high eudismic ratio, and also exhibits high selectivity over the σ2 subtype.

Synthesis and σ receptor affinity of regioisomeric spirocyclic furopyridines

In order to investigate systematically the effect of the position of the pyridine N-atom on the σ1 receptor affinity four regioisomeric furopyridines 2a–d were synthesized and pharmacologically evaluated. The key steps of the synthesis comprise bromine/lithium exchange at regioisomeric bromopyridinecarbaldehyde acetals 7a–d, subsequent addition to 1-benzylpiperidin-4-one and cyclization. The regioisomeric acetals 7a–d were obtained either by o-metalation of bromopyridines 5b and 5c or by oxidation of bromopicolines 3a and 3d. In radioligand binding studies the regioisomeric furopyridines 2a–d showed 7- to 12-fold lower σ1 affinity than the benzofuran analog 1. The reduced σ1 affinity of the furopyridines 2a–d is explained with the reduced electron density of the pyridine ring. Since the four regioisomeric furopyridines show almost the same σ1 affinity (Ki = 4.9–10 nM), a directed interaction of the pyridine N-atom with the receptor protein can be excluded.

Identification, pharmacological evaluation and binding mode analysis of novel chromene and chromane based σ1 receptor ligands

A set of aminoethyl substituted chromenes 3 and chromanes 4, originally developed as antiprotozoal drugs was evaluated as novel types of σ1 receptor ligands. Analysis of SAR showed that chromenes 3 have a higher σ1 affinity than chromanes 4. A distance of four bond lengths between the basic amino moiety and the phenyl ring (3c), an alicyclic N-substituent such as the cyclohexylmethyl moiety (3l), and methylation of the secondary amine to afford a tertiary amine (3n) result in very high σ1 affinity and selectivity over the σ2 subtype. Compounds 3a–n and 4a–e were docked into the putative binding site of the σ1 receptor model and the relevant binding mode was analyzed and scored. Specifically, for the best σ1 ligand 3n, a salt bridge between Asp126 and the protonated amino group, an H-bond between the receptor backbone NH group (Ala122–Glu123) and the methoxy moiety of 3n, a lipophilic protein cavity encasing the chromene ring, and a T-shaped π–π stacking between the indole ring of Trp121 and the phenyl ring of 3n represent the most important ligand/protein stabilizing interactions. The binding pose of 3n was compared with the binding poses of the non-methylated chromene 3c, the saturated chromane 4c, and the N-cyclohexylmethyl derivative 3l. The contribution of the single amino acids to the overall free binding enthalpy was analyzed.

Synthesis, σ receptor affinity, and pharmacological evaluation of 5-phenylsulfanyl- and 5-benzyl-substituted tetrahydro-2-benzazepines.

In accordance with a novel strategy for generating the 2-benzazepine scaffold by connecting C6-C1 and C3-N building blocks, a set of 5-phenylsulfanyl- and 5-benzyl-substituted tetrahydro-2-benzazepines was synthesized and pharmacologically evaluated. Key steps of the synthesis were the Heck reaction, the Stetter reaction, a reductive cyclization, and the introduction of diverse N substituents at the end of the synthesis. High σ1 affinity was achieved for 2-benzazepines with linear or branched alk(en)yl residues containing at least an n-butyl substructure. The butyl- and 4-fluorobenzyl-substituted derivatives, (±)-5-benzyl-2-butyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-2-benzazepine (19 b) and (±)-5-benzyl-2-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-2-benzazepine (19 m), show high selectivity over more than 50 other relevant targets, including the σ2 subtype and various binding sites of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. In the Irwin screen, 19 b and 19 m showed clean profiles without inducing considerable side effects. Compounds 19 b and 19 m did not reveal significant analgesic and cognition-enhancing activity. Compound 19 m did not have any antidepressant-like effects in mice.

Pyridine analogues of spirocyclic σ1 receptor ligands

Spirocyclic benzopyrans 2 interact with high affinity and selectivity with σ1 receptors. Bioisosteric replacement of the benzene ring of the benzopyran substructure with the electron rich thiophene ring (3) led to increased σ1 affinity. Herein the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of electron deficient pyridine bioisosteres 4 are reported. Homologation of the aldehyde 6 to afford the pyridylacetaldehyde derivative 8 was performed by a Wittig reaction. Bromine lithium exchange of the bromopyridine 8, addition to 1-benzylpiperidin-4-one and cyclization led to the spirocyclic pyrranopyridine 10. Hydrogenolytic removal of the N-benzyl moiety of 10 provided the secondary amine 11, which allowed the introduction of various N-substituents (12a–d). Cyclization of the hydroxy acetal 9 with HCl led to various modifications of the substituent in 3′-position. Generally the σ1 affinity of the pyridine derivatives is reduced compared with those of the benzene and thiophene derivatives 2 and 3. However, the relationships between the structure and the σ1 affinity follow the same rules as for the benzene and thiophene derivatives. The most promising σ1 ligand within this class of compounds is the pyranopyridine 15 with a double bond in the pyran ring revealing a Ki-value of 4.6nM and a very high selectivity (>217-fold) over the σ2 subtype.

Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation, and σ1 Receptor Interaction Analysis of Hydroxyethyl Substituted Piperazines

Starting from (S)- or (R)-aspartate, three synthetic strategies were explored to prepare hydroxyethyl substituted piperazines with different substituents at the N-atoms. σ receptor affinity was recorded using receptor material from both animal and human origin. σ1 affinities determined with guinea pig brain and human RPMI 8226 tumor cell lines differed slightly but showed the same tendency. (S)-2-[4-(Cyclohexylmethyl)-1-(naphthalene-2-ylmethyl)piperazin-2-yl]ethanol (7c) revealed the highest affinity at human σ1 receptors (Ki = 6.8 nM). The potent σ1 receptor ligand 7c was able to inhibit selectively the growth of three human tumor cell lines with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. The reduced growth of the RPMI-8226 cell line was caused by apoptosis. The interaction of 7c with the σ1 receptor was analyzed in detail using the 3D homology model of the σ1 receptor. The calculated free binding energies of all hydroxyethylpiperazines nicely correlate with their recorded affinities toward the human σ1 receptor.