Development of novel amide–derivatized 2,4-bispyridyl thiophenes as highly potent and selective Dyrk1A inhibitors. Part II: Identification of the cyclopropylamide moiety as a key modification

摘要

Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A) is a potential target in Alzheimer's disease (AD) because of the established correlation between its over-expression and generation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) as well as the accumulation of amyloid plaques. However, the use of Dyrk1A inhibitors requires a high degree of selectivity over closely related kinases. In addition, the physicochemical properties of the Dyrk1A inhibitors need to be controlled to enable CNS permeability. In the present study, we optimized our previously published 2,4-bispyridyl thiophene class of Dyrk1A inhibitors by the synthesis of a small library of amide derivatives, carrying alkyl, cycloalkyl, as well as acidic and basic residues. Among this library, the cyclopropylamido modification (compound4b) was identified as being highly beneficial for several crucial properties.4bdisplayed high potency and selectivity against Dyrk1A over closely related kinases in cell-free assays (IC50: Dyrk1A?=?3.2?nM; Dyrk1B?=?72.9?nM and Clk1?=?270?nM) and inhibited the Dyrk1A activity in HeLa cells with high efficacy (IC50: 43?nM), while no significant cytotoxicity was observed. In addition, the cyclopropylamido group conferred high metabolic stability and maintained the calculated physicochemical properties in a range compatible with a potential CNS activity. Thus, based on its favourable properties,4bcan be considered as a candidate for furtherin?vivotesting in animal models of AD.