Structure-Activity Relationship of Flavin Analogues That Target the Flavin Mononucleotide Riboswitch.

The flavin mononucleotide (FMN) riboswitch is an emerging target for the development of novel RNA-targeting antibiotics. We previously discovered an FMN derivative, 5FDQD, that protects mice against diarrhea-causing Clostridium difficile bacteria. Here, we present the structure-based drug design strategy that led to the discovery of this fluoro-phenyl derivative with antibacterial properties.

In vitro activity (MICs and rate of kill) of AFN-1252, a novel FabI inhibitor, in the presence of serum and in combination with other antibiotics.

AFN-1252 is a novel inhibitor of FabI, an essential enzyme in fatty acid biosynthesis in Staphylococcus spp. AFN-1252 exhibits typical MIC(90) values of ≤0·015 μg/ml against diverse clinical isolates of S. aureus, oral absorption, long elimination half-live and efficacy in animal models.

Mode of action, in vitro activity, and in vivo efficacy of AFN-1252, a selective antistaphylococcal FabI inhibitor.

The mechanism of action of AFN-1252, a selective inhibitor of Staphylococcus aureus enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI), which is involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, was confirmed by using biochemistry, macromolecular synthesis, genetics, and cocrystallization of an AFN-1252-FabI complex. AFN-1252 demonstrated a low propensity for spontaneous resistance development and a time-dependent reduction of the viability of both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S. aureus, achieving a ≥2-log(10) reduction in S.

Identification of NAE Inhibitors Exhibiting Potent Activity in Leukemia Cells: Exploring the Structural Determinants of NAE Specificity.

MLN4924 is a selective inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) and has advanced into clinical trials for the treatment of both solid and hematological malignancies. In contrast, the structurally similar compound 1 (developed by Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company) is a pan inhibitor of the E1 enzymes NAE, ubiquitin activating enzyme (UAE), and SUMO-activating enzyme (SAE) and is currently viewed as unsuitable for clinical use given its broad spectrum of E1 inhibition. Here, we sought to understand the determinants of NAE selectivity.

Synthesis of the nakanishi ring-locked retinoid.

An optimized synthetic route to prepare ring-locked retinoid 1a has been developed. We fully describe a purification protocol that provides isomerically pure 1a in support of on-going proof of concept studies for the development of therapeutic agents to treat human ADRP. Additionally, we have found that isomerically pure 1a can be stored in amber vials under argon at -20°C for use over time (up to six months) without degradation.

Spiro-naphthyridinone piperidines as inhibitors of S. aureus and E. coli enoyl-ACP reductase (FabI).

Spiropiperidine naphthyridinone inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli FabI have been prepared. Compounds 14a and 14c were identified as having sub-nanomolar E. coli FabI activity and are among the most potent FabI inhibitors yet described.

2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[2,3-b and e][1,4]diazepines as inhibitors of the bacterial enoyl ACP reductase, FabI.

In the search for new antibacterial agents, the enzyme FabI has been identified as an attractive target. Employing a structure guided approach, the previously reported ene-amide series of FabI inhibitors were expanded to include 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[2,3-b and e][1,4]diazepines. These novel series incorporate additional H-bonding functions and can be more water soluble than their naphthyridinone progenitors; diazepine 16c is shown to be efficacious in a mouse infection model.

High-throughput manual parallel synthesis using SynPhase crowns and lanterns.

The high-throughput manual solid-phase parallel synthesis of libraries comprising thousands of discrete samples using pellicular supports (i.e. SynPhase crowns and lanterns) and a suite of novel tools and techniques is described.

alpha(1)-Adrenoceptor agonists: the identification of novel alpha(1A )subtype selective 2'-heteroaryl-2-(phenoxymethyl)imidazolines.

Novel 2'-heteroaryl-2-(phenoxymethyl)imidazolines have been identified as potent agonists of the cloned human alpha(1)-adrenoceptors in vitro. The nature of the 2'-heteroaryl group can have significant effects on the potency, efficacy, and subtype selectivity in this series. alpha(1A) Subtype selective agonists have been identified.