Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Mono- and Bis-Guanyl Hydrazones as Potent and Selective ASIC1 Inhibitors Able to Reduce Brain Ischemic Insult

J Med Chem. 2021 Jun 24;64(12):8333-8353. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00305. Epub 2021 Jun 7.

Abstract

Acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs) are sodium channels partially permeable to Ca2+ ions, listed among putative targets in central nervous system (CNS) diseases in which a pH modification occurs. We targeted novel compounds able to modulate ASIC1 and to reduce the progression of ischemic brain injury. We rationally designed and synthesized several diminazene-inspired diaryl mono- and bis-guanyl hydrazones. A correlation between their predicted docking affinities for the acidic pocket (AcP site) in chicken ASIC1 and their inhibition of homo- and heteromeric hASIC1 channels in HEK-293 cells was found. Their activity on murine ASIC1a currents and their selectivity vs mASIC2a were assessed in engineered CHO-K1 cells, highlighting a limited isoform selectivity. Neuroprotective effects were confirmed in vitro, on primary rat cortical neurons exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by reoxygenation, and in vivo, in ischemic mice. Early lead 3b, showing a good selectivity for hASIC1 in human neurons, was neuroprotective against focal ischemia induced in mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acid Sensing Ion Channel Blockers / chemical synthesis
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channel Blockers / metabolism
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channel Blockers / therapeutic use*
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels / chemistry
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • CHO Cells
  • Chickens
  • Cricetulus
  • Drug Design
  • Guanidines / chemical synthesis
  • Guanidines / metabolism
  • Guanidines / therapeutic use*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrazones / chemical synthesis
  • Hydrazones / metabolism
  • Hydrazones / therapeutic use*
  • Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / drug therapy*
  • Mice
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neuroprotective Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Neuroprotective Agents / metabolism
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Protein Binding
  • Rats
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • ASIC1 protein, human
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channel Blockers
  • Acid Sensing Ion Channels
  • Guanidines
  • Hydrazones
  • Neuroprotective Agents