Optimization of anti-virulence PqsR antagonists regarding aqueous solubility and biological properties resulting in new insights in structure-activity relationships.

Increasing antibiotic resistance urgently requires novel therapeutic options to combat bacterial infections. The anti-virulence therapy selectively intervening with pathogenicity without affecting bacterial viability is such a strategy to overcome resistance. We consider the virulence regulator PqsR as an attractive target in the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and recently discovered the first PqsR antagonists, which, however, suffered from poor aqueous solubility.

Benzamidobenzoic acids as potent PqsD inhibitors for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

Targeting PqsD is a promising novel approach to disrupt bacterial cell-to-cell-communication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In search of selective PqsD inhibitors, two series of benzamidobenzoic acids - one published as RNAP inhibitors and the other as PqsD inhibitors - were investigated for inhibitory activity toward the respective other enzyme. Additionally, novel derivatives were synthesized and biologically evaluated.

Structure optimization of 2-benzamidobenzoic acids as PqsD inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and elucidation of binding mode by SPR, STD NMR, and molecular docking.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs a characteristic pqs quorum sensing (QS) system that functions via the signal molecules PQS and its precursor HHQ. They control the production of a number of virulence factors and biofilm formation. Recently, we have shown that sulfonamide substituted 2-benzamidobenzoic acids, which are known FabH inhibitors, are also able to inhibit PqsD, the enzyme catalyzing the last and key step in the biosynthesis of HHQ.

Validation of PqsD as an anti-biofilm target in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by development of small-molecule inhibitors.

2-Heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) are involved in the regulation of virulence factor production and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PqsD is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of these signal molecules. Using a ligand-based approach, we have identified the first class of PqsD inhibitors.

Identification of small-molecule antagonists of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa transcriptional regulator PqsR: biophysically guided hit discovery and optimization.

The Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces an intercellular alkyl quinolone signaling molecule, the Pseudomonas quinolone signal. The pqs quorum sensing communication system that is characteristic for P. aeruginosa regulates the production of virulence factors.

Discovery of antagonists of PqsR, a key player in 2-alkyl-4-quinolone-dependent quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The pqs quorum sensing communication system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa controls virulence factor production and is involved in biofilm formation, therefore playing an important role for pathogenicity. In order to attenuate P. aeruginosa pathogenicity, we followed a ligand-based drug design approach and synthesized a series of compounds targeting PqsR, the receptor of the pqs system.

Small molecule ago-allosteric modulators of the human glucagon-like peptide-1 (hGLP-1) receptor.

Following our previous publication describing the biological profiles, we herein describe the structure-activity relationships of a core set of quinoxalines as the hGLP-1 receptor agonists. The most potent and efficacious compounds are 6,7-dichloroquinoxalines bearing an alkyl sulfonyl group at the C-2 position and a secondary alkyl amino group at the C-3 position. These findings serve as a valuable starting point for the discovery of more drug-like small molecule agonists for the hGLP-1 receptor.

Small-molecule agonists for the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor.

The peptide hormone glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 has important actions resulting in glucose lowering along with weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. As a peptide hormone, GLP-1 has to be administered by injection. Only a few small-molecule agonists to peptide hormone receptors have been described and none in the B family of the G protein coupled receptors to which the GLP-1 receptor belongs.

Carbazates as potent inhibitors of hormone-sensitive lipase.

The central role of adipose tissue hormone-sensitive lipase in regulating fatty acid metabolism makes it a potential pharmacological target for the prevention of peripheral insulin resistance in obese, prediabetic and diabetic individuals. The synthesis of a new series of carbazates is presented. Modification of the phenolic 4-position in a series of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and morpholine derived carbazates, yielded inhibitors of the catalytic activity of this enzyme with nanomolar potency.