Oleg Sadovski

Most azobenzene-based photoswitches use UV light for photoisomerization. This can limit their application in biological systems, where UV light can trigger unwanted responses, including cellular apoptosis. We have found that substitution of all four ortho positions with methoxy groups in an amidoazobenzene derivative leads to a substantial (∼35 nm) red shift of the n−π* band of the trans isomer, separating it from the cis n−π* transition. This red shift makes trans-to-cis photoswitching possible using green light (530–560 nm). The cis state is thermally stable with a half-life of ∼2.4 days in the dark in aqueous solution. Reverse (cis-to-trans) photoswitching can be accomplished with blue light (460 nm), so bidirectional photoswitching between thermally stable isomers is possible without using UV light at all.

The photoisomerization of azobenzenes provides a general means for the photocontrol of molecular structure and function. For applications in vivo, however, the wavelength of irradiation required for trans-to-cis isomerization of azobenzenes is critical since UV and most visible wavelengths are strongly scattered by cells and tissues. We report here that azobenzene compounds in which all four positions ortho to the azo group are substituted with bulky electron-rich substituents can be effectively isomerized with red light (630–660 nm), a wavelength range that is orders of magnitude more penetrating through tissue than other parts of the visible spectrum. When the ortho substituent is chloro, the compounds also exhibit stability to reduction by glutathione, enabling their use in intracellular environments in vivo.

Biological tissue exhibits an absorbance minimum in the near-infrared between 700 and 900 nm that permits deep penetration of light. Molecules that undergo photoisomerization in this bio-optical window are highly desirable as core structures for the development of photopharmaceuticals and as components of chemical-biological tools. We report the systematic design, synthesis, and testing of an azobenzene derivative tailored to undergo single-photon photoswitching with near-infrared light under physiological conditions. A fused dioxane ring and a methoxy substituent were used to place oxygen atoms in all four ortho positions, as well as two meta positions, relative to the azobenzene N═N double bond. This substitution pattern, together with a para pyrrolidine group, raises the pKa of the molecule so that it is protonated at physiological pH and absorbs at wavelengths >700 nm. This azobenzene derivative, termed DOM-azo, is stable for months in neutral aqueous solutions, undergoes trans-to-cis photoswitching with 720 nm light, and thermally reverts to the stable trans isomer with a half-life near 1 s.

Longer switching wavelengths and good photochemical yields and stabilities of the cis isomers in reducing aqueous environments are achieved by introducing 2,2'-aminoalkyl substituents into 4,4'-diamido-substituted azobenzenes. The products are thus suitable for photocontrol of biomolecular structures in intracellular environments, such as switching between two peptide configurations (see picture).

Intramolecular cross-linking is predicted to stabilize the folded state of peptides and proteins most effectively if the cross-linker provides a rigid link that is well-matched in end-to-end distance with attachment sites in the peptide or protein. We describe a thiol-reactive sulfonated alkyne-based cross-linker that is demonstrably more effective than more flexible counterparts. Exceptional stabilization of helical structure in short peptides is obtained.

Carbon-11 labeled isocyanates are efficiently prepared by dehydration of [(11) C]carbamate salts, which in turn are easily formed from cyclotron-produced [(11) C]CO(2) and amines in the presence of a CO(2) fixation agent. The [(11) C]isocyanates are useful radiosynthons for the synthesis of a variety of [carbonyl-(11) C]-labeled asymmetrical ureas and carbamate esters. The method is well suited to incorporate any isotope of carbon, and is especially useful for positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers for in vivo imaging. This is demonstrated by using the method to make [carbonyl-(11) C]-6-hydroxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl cyclohexylcarbamate which is a novel radiotracer for PET imaging of fatty acid amide hydrolase.

Carbon‐11‐labelled ( S )‐5‐methoxymethyl‐3‐[6‐(4,4,4‐trifluorobutoxy)benzo[ d ]isoxazol‐3‐yl]oxazolidin‐2‐[ 11 C]‐one ([ 11 C]SL25.1188), a promising reversibly binding radiotracer for imaging central monoamine oxidase B, was rapidly prepared via an intramolecular cyclization reaction in an automated one‐pot procedure directly from [ 11 C]CO 2 , thereby precluding the use of [ 11 C]COCl 2 . Formulated [ 11 C]SL25.1188 was isolated in 12 ± 1% uncorrected radiochemical yield, based on starting [ 11 C]CO 2 , with a specific activity of 37 ± 2 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis (30 min; n = 3). Radiochemical and enantiomeric purities were both >99%. The methodology described herein offers an efficient production of [ 11 C]SL25.1188 at ambient temperature and is suitable for human imaging studies.

Irinotecan-based therapy is a common treatment for pancreatic cancer. To elicit its anticancer activity, the drug requires first the hydrolysis action of the enzyme human carboxylesterase 2 (hCES2). It has been established that pancreatic cancer patients have various levels of hCES2, whereby patients having low levels respond poorer to Irinotecan than patients with higher levels, suggesting that hCES2 can be used to predict response. However, current methods that measure hCES2 activity are inaccurate, complex or lengthy, thus being incompatible for use in a clinical setting. Here, we developed a small molecule ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor that accurately measures hCES2 activity in a single-step within complex mixtures. Our chemosensor is highly selective for hCES2 over hCES1, cell permeable and can measure hCES2 activity in pancreatic cancer patient-derived xenografts. Given the simplicity, accuracy and tissue compatibility of our assay, we anticipate our chemosensor can be used to predict patient response to Irinotecan-based therapy.

Human carboxylesterase 2 (hCES2) converts anticancer prodrugs, such as irinotecan, into their active metabolites via phase I drug metabolism. Owing to interindividual variability, hCES2 serves as a predictive marker of patient response to hCES2-activated prodrug-based therapy, whereby a low intratumoral hCES2 activity leads to therapeutic resistance. Despite the ability to identify nonresponders, effective treatments for resistant patients are needed. Clinically approved photodynamic therapy is an attractive alternative for irinotecan-resistant patients. Here, we describe the application of our hCES2-selective small-molecule ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor, Benz-AP, as a single theranostic agent given its discovered functionality as a photosensitizer. Benz-AP produces singlet oxygen and induces photocytotoxicity in cancer cells in a strong negative correlation with hCES2 activity. Two-photon excitation of Benz-AP produces fluorescence, singlet oxygen, and photocytotoxicity in tumor spheroids. Overall, Benz-AP serves as a novel theranostic agent with selective photocytotoxicity in hCES2-prodrug resistant cancer cells, making Benz-AP a promising agent for in vivo applications.

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) plays a key role in regulating the tone of the endocannabinoid system. Radiotracers are required to image and quantify FAAH activity in vivo. We have synthesized a series of potent FAAH inhibitors encompassing two classes of N-alkyl-O-arylcarbamates and radiolabeled eight of them with carbon-11. The [¹¹C-carbonyl]-radiotracers were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo in rats as potential FAAH imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET). Both sets of [¹¹C]O-arylcarbamates showed good to excellent brain penetration and an appropriate regional distribution. Pretreatments with a FAAH inhibitor demonstrated that 80-95% of brain uptake of radioactivity constituted binding of the radiotracers to FAAH. Brain extraction measurements showed that binding to FAAH was irreversible and kinetically different for the two classes of carbamates. These promising results are discussed in terms of the requirements of a suitable radiotracer for the in vivo imaging of FAAH using PET.

Abstract Human NAD(P)H: Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (hNQO1) is an attractive enzyme for cancer therapeutics due to its significant overexpression in tumors compared to healthy tissues. Its unique catalytic mechanism involving the two‐electron reduction of quinone‐based compounds has made it a useful target to exploit in the design of hNQO1 fluorescent chemosensors and hNQO1‐activatable‐prodrugs. In this work, hNQO1 is exploited for an optical therapeutic. The probe uses the photosensitizer, phenalenone, which is initially quenched via photo‐induced electron transfer by the attached quinone. Native phenalenone is liberated in the presence of hNQO1 resulting in the production of cytotoxic singlet oxygen upon irradiation. hNQO1‐mediated activation in A549 lung cancer cells containing high levels of hNQO1 induces a dose‐dependent photo‐cytotoxic response after irradiation. In contrast, no photo‐cytotoxicity was observed in the normal lung cell line, MRC9. By targeting hNQO1, this scaffold can be used to enhance the cancer selectivity of photodynamic therapy.

Azobenzene derivatives can be used to reversibly photoregulate secondary structure when introduced as intramolecular bridges in peptides and proteins. Here we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a disubstituted N,N-dialkyl azobenzene derivative that absorbs near 480 nm in aqueous solution and relaxes with a half-life of approximately 50 ms at room temperature. The wavelength of maximum absorbance and the rate of thermal relaxation are solvent-dependent. An increase in the percentage of organic solvent leads, in general, to a blue shift in the absorbance maximum and a slowing of the relaxation rate. In accordance with the design, the thermal relaxation of the azobenzene cross-linker from cis to trans causes an increase in the helix content of one peptide where the linker is attached via cysteine residues spaced at i, i + 11 positions and a decrease in helix content of another peptide with cysteine residues spaced at i, i + 7. This cross-linker design thus expands the possibilities for fast photocontrol of peptide and protein structure.

Imaging monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) in the central nervous system with PET is an important goal for psychiatric studies. We here report an improved and automated radiosynthesis of N-(6-[(18)F]-fluorohexyl)-N-methylpropargylamine ([(18)F]FHMP; [(18)F]-1), as well as the radiosynthesis of two new promising candidates for imaging cerebral MAO-B, namely, carbon-11-labeled 3-(4-[(11)C]-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one ([(11)C]-2) and N-((1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methyl)-N-[(11)C]-methyl-1-phenylmethanamine ([(11)C]-3).Fluorine-18-labeled 1 was prepared via a tosyloxy precursor in 29%±5% uncorrected radiochemical yield, relative to [(18)F]-fluoride. Both carbon-11-labeled compounds were prepared with [(11)C]CH(3)I using the "LOOP" method in 11% and 18% uncorrected radiochemical yields, respectively, relative to starting [(11)C]CO(2). All radiotracers had specific activities >37 GBq/μmol and were >98% radiochemically pure at end of synthesis (<40 min). All radiotracers were evaluated by ex vivo biodistribution studies in conscious rodents.A major radioactive metabolite in the rodent brain was observed following administration of [(18)F]-1. While [(11)C]-2 had moderate brain penetration and good clearance from normal brain tissue, distribution of radioactivity in brain was indicative of free and nonspecific binding. Good brain uptake was observed with [(11)C]-3 (0.8%-1.4% injected dose per gram at 5 min postinjection), binding appeared to be reversible and distribution conformed with regional distribution of MAO-B in the rat brain. Preinjection of 3 or L-deprenyl showed a modest reduction (up to 25%) of brain activity.Carbon-11-labeled 3 was found to have the most favorable properties of the radiotracers evaluated; however, the signal-to-noise ratio was too low to warrant further in vivo imaging studies. Alternative radiotracers for imaging MAO-B are under development.

Azobenzene derivatives can be used to reversibly photo-regulate conformation and activity when introduced as intramolecular bridges in peptides and proteins. Here we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of an azobenzene derivative that absorbs between 400-450 nm in aqueous solution to produce the cis isomer, and relaxes back to the trans isomer with a half-life of a few seconds at room temperature. In the trans form, the linker can span a distance of approximately 25 A, so that it can bridge Cys residues spaced i, i + 15 in an alpha-helix. Switching of the azobenzene cross-linker from trans to cis causes a decrease in the helix content of peptides where the linker is attached via Cys residues spaced at i, i + 15 and i, i + 14 positions, no change in helix content with Cys residues spaced i, i + 11 and an increase in helix content in a peptide with Cys residues spaced at i, i + 7. In the presence of 10 mM reduced glutathione, the azobenzene cross-linker continued to photo-switch after 24 hours. This cross-linker design thus expands the possibilities for fast photo-control of peptide and protein structure in biochemical systems.

Abstract Längere Schaltwellenlängen und gute photochemische Ausbeuten und Stabilitäten des cis ‐Isomers in reduzierenden wässrigen Umgebungen kennzeichnen 4,4′‐Diamido‐substituierte Azobenzole mit 2,2′‐Aminoalkyl‐Substituenten. Die Produkte eignen sich zur Photosteuerung biomolekularer Strukturen in zellulären Umgebungen, etwa zum Umschalten zwischen zwei Peptidkonfigurationen (siehe Bild). magnified image

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has a significant role in regulating endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system. As such, FAAH inhibitors are being actively sought for pain, addiction, and other indications. This has led to the recent pursuit of positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers targeting FAAH. We report herein the preparation and preclinical evaluation of [(11)C-carbonyl]PF-04457845, an isotopologue of the potent irreversible FAAH inhibitor.PF-04457845 was radiolabeled at the carbonyl position via automated [(11)C]CO(2)-fixation. Ex vivo brain biodistribution of [(11)C-carbonyl]PF-04457845 was carried out in conscious rats. Specificity was determined by pre-administration of PF-04457845 or URB597 prior to [(11)C-carbonyl]PF-04457845. In a separate experiment, rats injected with the title radiotracer had whole brains excised, homogenized and extracted to examine irreversible binding to brain parenchyma.The title compound was prepared in 5 ± 1% (n = 4) isolated radiochemical yield based on starting [(11)C]CO(2) (decay uncorrected) within 25 min from end-of-bombardment in >98% radiochemical purity and a specific activity of 73.5 ± 8.2 GBq/μmol at end-of-synthesis. Uptake of [(11)C-carbonyl]PF-04457845 into the rat brain was high (range of 1.2-4.4 SUV), heterogeneous, and in accordance with reported FAAH distribution. Saturable binding was demonstrated by a dose-dependent reduction in brain radioactivity uptake following pre-treatment with PF-04457845. Pre-treatment with the prototypical FAAH inhibitor, URB597, reduced the brain radiotracer uptake in all regions by 71-81%, demonstrating specificity for FAAH. The binding of [(11)C-carbonyl]PF-04457845 to FAAH at 40 min post injection was irreversible as 98% of the radioactivity in the brain could not be extracted.[(11)C-carbonyl]PF-04457845 was rapidly synthesized via an automated radiosynthesis. Ex vivo biodistribution studies in conscious rodents demonstrate that [11C PF-04457845 is a promising candidate radiotracer for imaging FAAH in the brain with PET. These results coupled with the known pharmacology and toxicology of PF-04457845 should facilitate clinical translation of this radiotracer.

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme responsible for terminating signaling by the endocannabinoid anandamide, plays an important role in the endocannabinoid system, and FAAH inhibitors are attractive drugs for pain, addiction, and neurological disorders. The synthesis, radiosynthesis, and evaluation, in vitro and ex vivo in rat, of an 18F-radiotracer designed to image FAAH using positron emission tomography (PET) is described. Fluorine-18 labelled 3-(4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)phenyl (5-fluoropentyl)carbamate, [18F]5, was synthesized at high specific activity in a one-pot three step reaction using a commercial module with a radiochemical yield of 17–22% (from [18F]fluoride). In vitro assay using rat brain homogenates showed that 5 inhibited FAAH in a time-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 0.82 nM after a preincubation of 60 min. Ex vivo biodistribution studies and ex vivo autoradiography in rat brain demonstrated that [18F]5 had high brain penetration with standard uptake values of up to 4.6 and had a regional distribution which correlated with reported regional FAAH enzyme activity. Specificity of binding to FAAH with [18F]5 was high (>90%) as demonstrated by pharmacological challenges with potent and selective FAAH inhibitors and was irreversible as demonstrated by radioactivity measurements on homogenized brain tissue extracts. We infer from these results that [18F]5 is a highly promising candidate radiotracer with which to image FAAH in human subjects using PET and clinical studies are proceeding.

Few, if any, radiotracers are available for the in vivo imaging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the central nervous system. ROS play a critical role in normal cell processes such as signaling and homeostasis but overproduction of ROS is implicated in several disorders. We describe here the radiosynthesis and initial ex vivo and in vivo evaluation of [11C]hydromethidine ([11C]HM) as a radiotracer to image ROS using positron emission tomography (PET). [11C]HM and its deuterated isotopologue [11C](4) were produced using [11C]methyl triflate in a one-pot, two-step reaction and purified by high performance liquid chromatography. Ex vivo biodistribution studies were performed after tail vein injections of both radiotracers. To demonstrate sensitivity of uptake to ROS, [11C]HM was administered to rats treated systemically with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, ex vivo autoradiography and in vivo PET imaging were performed using [11C]HM on rats which had been microinjected with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) to induce ROS. [11C]HM and [11C](4) radiosyntheses were reliable and produced the radiotracers at high specific activities and radiochemical purities. Both radiotracers demonstrated good brain uptake and fast washout of radioactivity, but [11C](4) washout was faster. Pretreatment with LPS resulted in a significant increase in brain retention of radioactivity. Ex vivo autoradiography and PET imaging of rats unilaterally treated with microinjections of SNP demonstrated increased retention of radioactivity in the treated side of the brain. [11C]HM has the attributes of a radiotracer for PET imaging of ROS in the brain including good brain penetration and increased retention of radioactivity in animal models of oxidative stress.

Phenalenone is a synthetically accessible, highly efficient photosensitizer with a near-unity singlet oxygen quantum yield. Unfortunately, its UV absorption and lack of fluorescence has made it unsuitable for fluorescence-guided photodynamic therapy against cancer. In this work, we synthesized a series of phenalenone derivatives containing electron-donating groups to red-shift the absorption spectrum and bromine(s) to permit good singlet oxygen production via the heavy-atom effect. Of the derivatives synthesized, the phenalenone containing an amine at the 6-position with bromines at the 2- and 5-positions (OE19) exhibited the longest absorption wavelength (i.e., green) and produced both singlet oxygen and red fluorescence efficiently. OE19 induced photocytotoxicity with nanomolar potency in 2D cultured PANC-1 cancer cells as well as light-induced destruction of PANC-1 spheroids with minimal dark toxicity. Overall, OE19 opens up the possibility of employing phenalenone-based photosensitizers as theranostic agents for photodynamic cancer therapy.

Abstract Azobenzene‐based photoswitchable compounds can be use to photocontrol a variety of biochemical systems. In some cases, their effectiveness may be limited by the size of the conformational change that the switch undergoes. To produce an azobenzene photoswitch that undergoes a large end‐to‐end distance change upon isomerization, we synthesized 3,3′‐diazene‐1,2‐diylbis{6‐[2‐sulfonato‐4‐(chloroacetylamino)phenylethynyl]benzene sulfonic acid} (DDPBA). This long, rigid, water‐soluble, thiol‐reactive cross‐linker undergoes an end‐to‐end distance change of ∼13 Å upon isomerization. DDPBA was successfully cross‐linked to peptides through cysteine side chains. The photoswitch undergoes trans ‐to‐ cis photoisomerization maximally when irradiated at 400 nm, although the efficiency of production of the cis isomer is lower than for simpler azobenzenes. Under steady‐state illumination conditions, the percentage of cis form produced increases as temperature increases; ∼56 % cis is obtained at 60 °C. Thermal relaxation occurs with a half‐life of approximately 75 min at room temperature. When DDPBA was attached to an α‐helical peptide with two cysteine residues at i and i +14 positions, an increase in helix content was observed after photoirradiation. When cross‐linked to another peptide with two cysteine residues spaced at i and i +21 positions, a decrease in helix content after trans ‐to‐ cis isomerization was observed. Due to the small percentage of cis form produced under the experimental conditions, the CD signal changes were small. However, the large structural change upon photoisomerization provided by this cross‐linker can potentially be used to photoswitch other biochemical systems.

Two quinolines identified as positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors containing the α2 subunit, 9-amino-2-cyclobutyl-5-(6-methoxy-2-methylpyridin-3-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinolin-1-one (4) and 9-amino-2-cyclobutyl-5-(2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinolin-1-one (5), were radiolabelled at the methoxy position with carbon-11 (half-life = 20.4 min). These quinolines represent a new class of potential radiotracers for imaging the benzodiazepine site of GABAA receptors with positron emission tomography (PET). Both radiotracers were reliably isolated following reaction of their respective pyridinone/pyridinol tautomeric precursors with [11C]CH3I in clinically useful, formulated quantities (2.9% and 2.7% uncorrected radiochemical yield, respectively, relative to [11C]CO2) with high specific activities (>70 GBq μmol−1; >2 Ci μmol–1) and high radiochemical purities (>95%). The radiosyntheses reported herein represent rare examples of selectively isolating radiolabelled compounds bearing [11C]2-methoxypyridine moieties. Although both radiotracers demonstrated promising imaging characteristics based on preliminary ex vivo biodistribution studies in conscious rodents, higher brain uptake was observed with [11C]5 and therefore this radiotracer was further evaluated. Carbon-11 labelled 5 readily penetrated the brain (>1 standard uptake value in cortical regions at 15 min post-injection of the radiotracer), had an appropriate regional brain distribution for GABAA receptors that appeared to be reversible, and did not show any appreciable radiometabolites in rat brain homogenates up to 15 min post-injection. Preadministration of flumazenil (1, 10 mg kg−1) or 5 (5 mg kg−1) effectively blocked >50% of [11C]5 binding to the GABAA receptor-rich regions, thereby suggesting that this radiotracer is worthy of further evaluation for imaging GABAA receptors. Additionally (R,S)-N-(1-(3-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)-3,3-diphenylpropan-1-amine, 6, an allosteric modulator of GABAB receptors, was efficiently labelled in one step using [11C]methyl iodide. Ex vivo biodistribution studies in conscious rats showed low brain uptake, therefore, efforts are underway to discover alternative radiotracers to image GABAB. In conclusion, [11C]5 is worthy of further evaluation in higher species for imaging GABAA receptors in the central nervous system.

Photoswitchable distance constraints in the form of photoisomerizable chemical cross-links offer a general approach to the design of reversibly photocontrolled proteins. To apply these effectively, however, one must have guidelines for the choice of cross-linker structure and cross-linker attachment sites. Here we investigate the effects of varying cross-linker structure on the photocontrol of folding of the Fyn SH3 domain, a well-studied model protein. We develop a theoretical framework based on an explicit-chain model of protein folding, modified to include detailed model linkers, that allows prediction of the effect of a given linker on the free energy of folding of a protein. Using this framework, we were able to quantitatively explain the experimental result that a longer, but somewhat flexible, cross-linker is less destabilizing to the folded state than a shorter more rigid cross-linker. The models also suggest how misfolded states may be generated by cross-linking, providing a rationale for altered dynamics seen in nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of these proteins. The theoretical framework is readily portable to any protein of known folded state structure and thus can be used to guide the design of photoswitchable proteins generally.

Carbon-11-labeled carbon dioxide is the most common feedstock for the synthesis of positron emission tomography radiotracers and can be directly used for 11 C-carbonylation. Herein, we report the development of an apparatus that takes advantage of "in-loop" technologies to facilitate robust and reproducible syntheses of 11 C-carbonyl-based radiotracers by [11 C]CO2 -fixation. Our "in-loop" [11 C]CO2 -fixation method is simple, efficient, and proceeds smoothly at ambient pressure and temperature. We selected model 11 C-carbonyl-labeled carbamates as well as symmetrical and unsymmetrical ureas based on their widespread use in radiotracer design and our clinical research interests for proof of concept. Utility of this method is demonstrated by the synthesis of a reversible radiopharmaceutical for monoamine oxidase B, [11 C]SL25.1188, and 2 novel fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. These radiotracers were isolated and formulated (>3.5 GBq; 100 mCi) with radiochemical purities (>99%) and molar radioactivity (≥80 GBq/μmol; ≥2162 mCi/μmol).

As the primary enzyme responsible for the activatable conversion of Irinotecan (CPT-11) to SN-38, carboxylesterase 2 (CES2) is a significant predictive biomarker toward CPT-11-based treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). High SN-38 levels from high CES2 activity lead to harmful effects, including life-threatening diarrhea. While alternate strategies have been explored, CES2 inhibition presents an effective strategy to directly alter the pharmacokinetics of CPT-11 conversion, ultimately controlling the amount of SN-38 produced. To address this, we conducted a high-throughput screening to discover 18 small-molecule CES2 inhibitors. The inhibitors are validated by dose-response and counter-screening and 16 of these inhibitors demonstrate selectivity for CES2. These 16 inhibitors inhibit CES2 in cells, indicating cell permeability, and they show inhibition of CPT-11 conversion with the purified enzyme. The top five inhibitors prohibited cell death mediated by CPT-11 when preincubated in PDAC cells. Three of these inhibitors displayed a tight-binding mechanism of action with a strong binding affinity.

Spatially localized translation plays a vital role in the normal functioning of neuronal systems and is widely believed to be involved in both learning and memory formation. It is of central interest to understand both the phenomenon and molecular mechanisms of local translation using new tools and approaches. Caged compounds can, in principle, be used as tools to investigate local translation since optical activation of bioactive molecules can achieve both spatial and temporal resolution on the micron scale and on the order of seconds or less, respectively. Successful caging of bioactive molecules requires the identification of key functional groups in appropriate molecules and the introduction of a suitable caging moiety. Here we present the design, synthesis and testing of a collection of three caged compounds: anisomycin caged with a diethylaminocoumarin moiety and dimethoxynitrobenzyl caged versions of 4E-BP and rapamycin. Whereas caged anisomycin can be used to control general translation, caged 4E-BP serves as a probe of cap-dependent translation initiation and caged rapamycin serves a probe of the role of mTORC1 in translation initiation. In vitro translation assays demonstrate that these caging strategies, in combination with the aforementioned compounds, are effective for optical control making it likely that such strategies can successfully employed in the study of local translation in living systems.

Carbon-11 labeled SL25.1188 ((S)-5-(methoxymethyl)-3-(6-(4,4,4-trifluorobutoxy)benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)oxazolidin-2-one) is a reversible radiotracer for monoamine oxidase B that was recently evaluated in healthy volunteers by positron emission tomography (PET). Herein we report the preparation and ex vivo evaluation of a fluorinated SL25.1188 derivative as a candidate 18F-labeled PET radiotracer. (S)-3-(6-(3-fluoropropoxy)benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)-5-(methoxy methyl)oxazolidin-2-one (1) was labeled with fluorine-18 in 51% uncorrected radiochemical yield having high radiochemical purity (>98%) and specific activity (109 ± 26 GBq/μmol). Ex vivo biodistribution studies demonstrated low radioactivity retention, specific binding and metabolic stability within rat brains. High uptake of radioactivity in bone is consistent with metabolic defluorination. In vitro binding assays of longer chain fluoroalkoxy derivatives revealed that the length of the carbon chain is an integral feature in MAO-B inhibitor potency and selectivity within this scaffold.

Abstract A series of C 2 ‐symmetrical aza‐analogous 1,4‐distyrylbenzenes were synthesised via two‐fold PO‐activated olefinations or Heck reactions. Pyridine, pyrimidine and quinoline were used as terminal rings, and the 2,5‐positions of the central benzene ring were substituted with H, alkoxy, or alkylsulfonyl groups. These strongly fluorescent compounds are freely soluble in common solvents such as toluene or chloroform. Whereas the electronic spectra of the pyridine and pyrimidine chromophores were very similar to those of the parent compound 1,4‐distyrylbenzene, the spectra of the former were altered considerably in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid. Depending on the concentration of the acid, protonation of the ground state and/or the excited state caused bathochromic shifts of the absorption and the emission spectra, accompanied by reductions in the fluorescence efficiencies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

o-Thioquinone methide, 2, was generated in aqueous solution by flash photolysis of benzothiete, 1, and rates of hydration of this quinone methide to o-mercaptobenzyl alcohol, 3, were measured in perchloric acid solutions, using H2O and D2O as the solvent, and also in acetic acid and tris(hydroxymethyl)methylammonium ion buffers, using H2O as the solvent. The rate profiles constructed from these data show hydronium-ion-catalyzed and uncatalyzed hydration reaction regions, just like the rate profiles based on literature data for hydration of the oxygen analogue, o-quinone methide, of the presently examined substrate. Solvent isotope effects on hydronium-ion catalysis of hydration for the two substrates, however, are quite different: kH/kD = 0.42 for the oxygen quinone methide, whereas kH/kD = 1.66 for the sulfur substrate. The inverse nature (kH/kD < 1) of the isotope effect in the oxygen system indicates that this reaction occurs by a preequilibrium proton-transfer reaction mechanism, with protonation of the substrate on its oxygen atom being fast and reversible and capture of the benzyl-type carbocationic intermediate so formed being rate-determining. The normal direction (kH/kD > 1) of the isotope effect in the sulfur system, on the other hand, suggests that protonation of the substrate on its sulfur atom is in this case rate-determining, with carbocation capture a fast following step. A semiquantitative argument supporting this hypothesis is presented.

Abstract The influences of the conjugation length and of side chains with various electronic character on the electro-optical properties of oligo(phenylenevinylene)s end-capped with diphenylamino groups are investigated. Horner-Olefinations were used for the synthesis of chromophores with 3–7 rings in the conjugated system, additionally, Pd-catalysed amination of bromo-OPVs is a useful route to introduce the end groups. Compared with the “electronically neutral” alkyl side chains, electron donating ethers and, more pronounced, electron withdrawing sulfonyl side chains shift the absorption and emission spectra to longer wavelengths. The elongation of the π-system from 3 to 5 and 7 rings has a similar effect. Whereas alkoxy groups slightly facilitate the electrochemical oxidation, sulfones shift the first oxidation step to a higher potential.

Evaluation of a small library of carbamates and ureas, including PF-04457845, as potential imaging agents for fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)

Rates of hydrolysis of 1-diazo-2-indanone and 2-diazo-1-indanone were measured in dilute aqueous perchloric acid solutions using both H 2 O and D 2 O as the solvent, and rates of hydrolysis of the latter substrate were measured in dilute aqueous (H 2 O only) formic acid buffer solutions as well. The data for 1-diazo-2-indanone gave the hydronium ion catalytic coefficient k H + = 5.7 × 10 –3 (mol/L) –1 s –1 and the isotope effect k H + /k D + = 2.9. The normal direction (k H /k D &gt; 1) of this isotope effect was taken as evidence for a reaction mechanism involving rate-determining hydron transfer from the hydronium ion to the substrate's diazo carbon atom; followed by rapid displacement of diazo nitrogen by a water molecule, giving the observed 1-hydroxy-2-indanone product. The data for 2-diazo-1-indanone, on the other hand, gave a hydronium ion catalytic coefficient two orders of magnitude greater than the value for 1-diazo-2-indanone (k H + = 5.9 × 10 –1 (mol/L) –1 s –1 ), and an isotope effect near unity (k H + /k D + = 1.2). It is argued that this isotope effect represents a situation in which diazo carbon hydronation and displacement of diazo nitrogen are each partly rate determining, a conclusion supported by incipient saturation of buffer catalysis in the formic acid buffer solutions. The 100-fold difference in hydronium ion catalytic coefficients for the two substrates is rationalized in terms of differing electron densities on the diazo carbon atoms.Key words: diazo compound hydrolysis, solution kinetics, acid catalysis, solvent isotope effects, buffer catalysis saturation.

A large number of structural brain studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have reported age-related cortical changes and sex difference in brain morphology. Most studies have focused on cortical thickness or density, with relatively few studies of cortical sulcal features, especially in the elderly. In this paper, we report global sulcal indices (g-SIs) of both cerebral hemispheres and the average sulcal span in six prominent sulci, as observed in T1-weighted scans obtained from a large community cohort of 319 non-demented individuals aged between 70 and 90 years (mean = 78.06 ± 4.75; male/female = 149/170), using automated methods. Our results showed that for both hemispheres, g-SIs had significant negative correlations with age in both men and women. Using an interactive effect analysis, we found that g-SIs for men declined faster with age than that for women. The widths of all six sulcal spans increased significantly with age, with largest span increase occurring in the superior frontal sulcus. Compared to women, men had significantly wider sulcal spans for all sulci that were examined. Our findings suggest that both age and sex contribute to significant cortical gyrification differences and variations in the elderly. This study establishes a reference for future studies of age-related brain changes and neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly.

The title compound, C12H17I2O3P, was prepared in three steps from p-xylene. Heterodimers between nearly identical mol-ecules are connected via three hydrogen bonds from benzylic and ester methyl-ene groups to phospho-nate. The dimers form chains along the a-axis direction, stabilized by C-H⋯O bridges.