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David S Grierson

Publications and source records attributed to David S Grierson.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Structure-activity relationship in the 3-iodo-4-phenoxypyridinone (IOPY) series: The nature of the C-3 substituent on anti-HIV activity.

As part of a systematic SAR study on the 3-iodo-4-phenoxypyridinone 3 (IOPY) type non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, the analogues 4a-4z bearing different C-3 substituents were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-HIV activity against wild-type HIV-1 and four of the principal HIV mutant strains (K103N, Y181C, Y188L, and I100L). The results show that the 3-vinyl analogue 4j is the only compound which displays anti-HIV activity comparable to IOPY 3, and in this respect represents a possible back-up to this lead molecule.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Pharmacokinetics of a tri-glucoconjugated 5,10,15-(meta)-trihydroxyphenyl-20-phenyl porphyrin photosensitizer for PDT. A single dose study in the rat.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves a non invasive treatment of small and superficial cancers using a photosensitive drug and light to kill tumoral cells. 5,10,15-meso-tri-(meta-O-beta-D-glucosyloxyphenyl)-20-phenylporphyrin [m-TPP(glu)3] is a new photosensitizer (PS) with more enhanced photocytotoxicity relative to 5,10,15,20-meso-tetra-(meta-hydroxyphenyl) chlorin [m-THPC] (Foscan). It was injected intravenously once to healthy rats at three different doses (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg kg(-1)) and compared to m-THPC (0.3 mg kg(-1)). Pharmacokinetic parameters for both photosensitizers were derived from plasma concentration-time data using a non-compartmental analysis and a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model. m-TPP(glu)3 is more rapidly eliminated throughout the organism than m-THPC. Its mean plasma clearance is 19 mL h(-1) kg(-1) (6 mL h(-1) kg(-1) for m-THPC), and its mean residence time is 5h (20 h for m-THPC). The area under curve (AUC) and initial mean serum concentration (C0) were found to be proportional to the dose. As for Foscan, no metabolite of m-TPP(glu)3 was detected in plasma. The biodistribution study demonstrates that the most significant amount of m-TPP(glu)3 was concentrated in organs such as lung, liver and spleen which are rich in reticulo-endothelial cells. Maximum concentrations were reached in organs 14 h after IV administration. At 48 h, the photosensitizer was essentially eliminated from all organs. Because of its shorter elimination time, m-TPP(glu)3 is more attractive than m-THPC as a PDT agent since secondary side effects of shorter duration could be expected.

Animals↗

Photodynamic efficiency of diethylene glycol-linked glycoconjugated porphyrins in human retinoblastoma cells.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is emerging as a new strategy for the conservative treatment of hereditary retinoblastoma. The glycoconjugated porphyrins TPP(p-Deg-O-alpha-GalOH)(3), TPP(p-Deg-O-beta-GalOH)(3), TPP(p-Deg-O-alpha-ManOH)(3), and their S-analogues were synthesized to obtain efficient photosensitizers with some retinoblastoma cell affinity. In these systems, a sugar motif and porphyrin core were linked by a diethylene glycol spacer (Deg). Cellular uptake, localization, and photoactivity have been examined in human retinoblastoma cells (Y79). After preincubation with corresponding glycosylated albumin, the uptake of TPP(p-Deg-O-beta-GalOH)(3) and TPP(p-Deg-O-alpha-ManOH)(3) was 40-45% inhibited, indicating a possible cell-sugar-receptor saturation. High photoactivity was observed for the two alpha-galacto/manno porphyrins 8 and 10 (LD(50) = 0.05 and 0.35 muM, respectively) at 514 nm and low fluence (1 J/cm(2)). Analysis by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry only indicated a small metabolic cleavage of the O-glycoconjugates and a good stability of the S-glycoside porphyrins. On the basis of these in vitro data, TPP(p-Deg-O-alpha-GalOH)(3) and TPP(p-Deg-O-alpha-ManOH)(3) were selected for in vivo studies.

Animals↗

BENA435, a new cell-permeant photoactivated green fluorescent DNA probe.

N'-(2,8-Dimethoxy-12-methyl-dibenzo [c,h] [1,5] naphthyridin-6-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-propane-1,3-diamine (BENA435) is a new cell-membrane permeant DNA dye with absorption/emission maxima in complex with DNA at 435 and 484 nm. This new reagent is unrelated to known DNA dyes, and shows a distinct preference to bind double-stranded DNA over RNA. Hydrodynamic studies suggest that BENA435 intercalates between the opposite DNA strands. BENA435 fluoresces much stronger when bound to dA/dT rather than dG/dC homopolymers. We evaluated 14 related dibenzonaphthyridine derivatives and found BENA435 to be superior in its in vivo DNA-binding properties. Molecular modelling was used to develop a model of BENA435 intercalation between base pairs of a DNA helix. BENA435 fluorescence in the nuclei of cells increases upon illumination, suggesting photoactivation. BENA435 represents thus the first known cell-permeant photoactivated DNA-binding dye.

Animals↗

The purines: potent and versatile small molecule inhibitors and modulators of key biological targets.

The goal of this review is to highlight the wide range of biological activities displayed by purines, with particular emphasis on new purine-based agents which find potential application as chemical-biology tools and/or therapeutic agents. The expanding interest in the biological properties of polyfunctionalized purine derivatives issues, in large part, from the development of rapid high-throughput screening essays for new protein targets, and the corresponding development of efficient synthetic methodology adapted to the construction of highly diverse purine libraries. Purine-based compounds have found new applications as inducers of interferon and lineage-committed cell dedifferentiation, agonists and antagonists of adenosine receptors, ligands of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors, and as inhibitors of HSP90, Src kinase, p38alpha MAP kinase, sulfotransferases, phosphodiesterases, and Cdks. The scope of application of purines in biology is most certainly far from being exhausted. Testing purine derivatives against the multitude of biological targets for which small molecule probes have not yet been found should thus be a natural reflex.

Antiviral Agents↗

Crystal structures for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in complexes with three pyridinone derivatives: a new class of non-nucleoside inhibitors effective against a broad range of drug-resistant strains.

In the treatment of AIDS, the efficacy of all drugs, including non-nucleoside inhibitors (NNRTIs) of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT), has been limited by the rapid appearance of drug-resistant viruses. Lys103Asn, Tyr181Cys, and Tyr188Leu are some of the most common RT mutations that cause resistance to NNRTIs in the clinic. We report X-ray crystal structures for RT complexed with three different pyridinone derivatives, R157208, R165481, and R221239, at 2.95, 2.9, and 2.43 A resolution, respectively. All three ligands exhibit nanomolar or subnanomolar inhibitory activity against wild-type RT, but varying activities against drug-resistant mutants. R165481 and R221239 differ from most NNRTIs in that binding does not involve significant contacts with Tyr181. These compounds strongly inhibit wild-type HIV-1 RT and drug-resistant variants, including Tyr181Cys and Lys103Asn RT. These properties result in part from an iodine atom on the pyridinone ring of both inhibitors that interacts with the main-chain carbonyl oxygen of Tyr188. An acrylonitrile substituent on R165481 substantially improves the activity of the compound against wild-type RT (and several mutants) and provides a way to generate novel inhibitors that could interact with conserved elements of HIV-1 RT at the polymerase catalytic site. In R221239, there is a flexible linker to a furan ring that permits interactions with Val106, Phe227, and Pro236. These contacts appear to enhance the inhibitory activity of R221239 against the HIV-1 strains that carry the Val106Ala, Tyr188Leu, and Phe227Cys mutations.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

Simple sensitive and simultaneous high-performance liquid chromatography method of glucoconjugated and non-glucoconjugated porphyrins and chlorins using near infra-red fluorescence detection.

This paper reports, for the first time, a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of seven glucoconjugated and non-glucoconjugated porphyrins and chlorins, using near infra-red fluorescence detection. Chromatographic separation was performed on nucleosil-CN analytical column using an isocratic acetonitrile-0.1% (w/v) TFA at pH 1.8 (55:45, v/v) as mobile phase. Wavelength gradient was employed for sensitive detection, porphyrins derivates were monitored at lambda(exc) = 440 nm and lambda(emi) = 680 nm; and chlorins derivates at lambda(exc) = 420 nm, lambda(emi) = 650 nm. The method was validated and applied to monitor the biodegradation of a tri glucoconjugated chlorin derivative, TPC(glu)3, in spiked samples of human serum.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Benzoquinoquinoxaline derivatives stabilize and cleave H-DNA and repress transcription downstream of a triplex-forming sequence.

Oligopyrimidine*oligopurine sequences with potential to form intramolecular triple helix structures (H-DNA) have been found mainly in high eukaryote genomes. However, the natural occurrence and function of H-DNA remains elusive largely because we lack appropriate reagents to demonstrate the formation of these structures in cells. We examined whether a triple-helix specific stabilizing compound, benzoquinoquinoxaline (BQQ), and its 1,10-phenanthroline derivative can be efficiently utilized to study the formation and stabilization of an intramolecular triple-helical DNA structure in growing Escherichia coli cells and in vitro. Cell uptake of BQQ was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. A plasmid carrying an H-DNA forming sequence upstream of a reporter gene was used to assess the effects of H-DNA formation and stabilization in growing cells. The presence of the H-DNA forming sequence dramatically repressed beta-lactamase expression, and sub-growth-inhibitory doses of BQQ caused a further 40% reduction. Most importantly, repression was dependent on the triple-helix forming sequence and correlated with the addition of BQQ. As the abundance of the H-DNA forming plasmid was not affected by the addition of BQQ, the dose-dependent reduction at the protein level observed here is likely caused by repression of transcription. Finally, the triple-helix specific interaction of BQQ with the target DNA sequence was demonstrated using a triple-helix directed cleavage assay by BQQ-1,10-phenanthroline conjugate in vitro.

Base Sequence↗

4-Benzyl and 4-benzoyl-3-dimethylaminopyridin-2(1H)-ones: in vitro evaluation of new C-3-amino-substituted and C-5,6-alkyl-substituted analogues against clinically important HIV mutant strains.

In a program to optimize the anti-HIV activity of the 4-benzyl and 4-benzoyl-3-dimethylaminopyridinones 9 and 10, lead compounds in a new class of highly potent non-nucleoside type inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, modification of the alkyl substitutents at the C-5 and C-6 positions on the pyridinone ring and of the substitutents on the C-3 amino group has been studied. Of the 17 new 5/6-modified analogues prepared, compounds 31b and 32b substituted at C-5 by an extended nonpolar chain containing an ether function and a C-6 methyl group and compound 35 bearing a C-5 ethyl/C-6 hydroxymethyl substituent pattern were selected on the basis of their in vitro activity against wild-type HIV and the three principle mutant strains, K103N, Y181C, and Y188L. When tested further, it was shown that these molecules, and in particular compound 35, are globally more active than 9, 10, and efavirenz against an additional eight single [L100I, K101E, V106A, E138K, V179E, G190A/S, and F227C] and four double HIV mutant strains [L100I + K103N, K101E + K103N, K103N + Y181C, and F227L + V106A], which are clinically relevant. Concerning modulation of the N-3 substituent, 36 new analogues were prepared. Of these, the N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-substituted compounds 40, 42, and 62, as well as the doubly modified compounds 77a and 77b, were selected from the initial screen and were subsequently shown to be active at sub-micromolar concentrations (IC(50)'s) against all the other mutant strains except K103N + Y181C and F227L + V106A. Two possible, but distinct, modes of binding of these analogues in RT were suggested from molecular modeling studies. The preferred mode of binding for compound 62, corresponding to the predicted "orientation 1", was revealed in the X-ray crystal structure of the compound 62-RT complex.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Enhanced detection of seven glucoconjugated and hydroxylated porphyrins and chlorins by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis combined with stacking.

The nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis mode which includes a preconcentration step based on a transient pseudo-isotachophoresis to the simultaneous separation of seven glucoconjugated and hydroxylated porphyrins and chlorins, exhibiting very close structures, is reported. A high methanol content, of the buffer solution, was necessary in order to prevent self-assembly of the compounds and to enhance their solubility during separation. With the addition of 66% (v/v) methanol and 1% (w/v) NaCl in the aqueous sample solution, large volumes could be injected (44% capillary volume) without a loss in resolution. Sensitivity of detection was therefore improved by a 100-fold factor with regard to the method employing normal injection (2% capillary volume). Optimum electrophoretic conditions, in terms of sensitivity and performance, were obtained by using 20 mM phosphoric acid buffer, pH 2.2 and 50% methanol. The method was validated and applied to qualitative analysis of glucoconjugates in serum samples.

Animals↗

Triple-helix directed cleavage of double-stranded DNA by benzoquinoquinoxaline-1,10-phenanthroline conjugates.

Oligonucleotide-directed triple-helix formation provides a rational means to interfere with genomic DNA targets and to direct modifications at specific sites. We have developed a new class of compounds that, at low concentrations, efficiently targets and damages double-stranded DNA specifically at the site where a triple-helical structure is formed. In these new compounds, a triple-helix-specific intercalator-benzoquinoquinoxaline (BQQ)-was coupled to one of two isomeric 1,10-phenanthrolinecarboxaldehyde derivatives. 1,10-Phenanthroline derivatives are known to cleave DNA in the presence of copper ions. The obtained BQQ-1,10-phenanthroline (BQQ-OP) conjugates were compared with regard to their ability to cleave triple-helix DNA. Both conjugates displayed a sequence preference inside the triple-helical site, as judged from the more pronounced cleavage obtained at stretches of TAxT base triplets.

Copper↗

4-benzyl- and 4-benzoyl-3-dimethylaminopyridin-2(1H)-ones, a new family of potent anti-HIV agents: optimization and in vitro evaluation against clinically important HIV mutant strains.

The 4-benzyl and 4-benzoyl-3-dimethylaminopyridinones 13 and 14 are representatives of a new class of highly potent non nucleoside type inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. To conduct SAR studies on these two lead compounds, 102 new analogues were prepared. Thirty-three compounds displayed nanomolar range activity in vitro against wild-type HIV-1, and among these, 18 were active against the 103N, Y181C, and Y188L mutant strains with IC50 values inferior to 1 microM. Evaluation of this group of analogues against an additional eight single [100I, 101E, 106A, 138K, 179E, 190A, 190S, 227C] and four double HIV mutant strains [100I + 103N, 101E + 103N, 103N + 181C, and 227L + 106A], which are often present in HIV infected patients, permitted the selection of eight compounds, 17x, 18b, 18c, 18f, 18g, 27, 30, and 42, which are globally more active than the lead molecules 13/14, emivirine and the currently used NNRTI, nevirapine. Further comparison of the 3'-CN-substituted benzoylpyridinone compound 18c, and the corresponding 3'-acrylonitrile-substituted analogue 30, to efavirenz, the reference molecule in anti-HIV therapy today, revealed that the pyridinone analogues displayed a superior inhibition profile in the in vitro cellular assay system. These results form a solid basis for continued optimization of the pyridinone series.

Alkynes↗

3-iodo-4-phenoxypyridinones (IOPY's), a new family of highly potent non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

Building upon the potent anti-HIV-1 activities observed for the 3-dimethylamino-4-benzylpyridinone 2, and the corresponding 4-aryloxypyridinone analogue 3, a concise and efficient route to the 3-iodo-4-aryloxypyridinones 14a-c (IOPY's) was developed. This involved reaction of the 4-hydroxy substituted pyridinone 10 with the requisite dichloroiodobenzene reagent 11. IOPY compound 14c is active at IC(50)=1-45 nM against wild type HIV-1 and a panel of six major simple/double HIV mutant strains.

HIV-1↗

Optimization of triple-helix-directed DNA cleavage by benzoquinoquinoxaline-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid conjugates.

The formation of triple-helical structures of DNA is based on sequence-specific recognition of oligopyrimidine.oligopurine stretches of double-helical DNA. Triple-helical structures can be stabilized by DNA-binding ligands. Benzoquinoquinoxaline (BQQ) derivatives are among the most potent intercalating-type agents known to stabilize DNA triple-helical structures. We previously reported the conversion of BQQ into a triplex-directed DNA cleaving agent, namely BQQ-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), by coupling of 6-(3-aminopropylamino)BQQ to a suitable ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid derivative, and we demonstrated the ability of this conjugate to cause double-stranded cleavage of DNA at the triplex site. However, this prototype derivative BQQ-EDTA conjugate showed lower affinity towards triplex DNA than BQQ itself. In the light of this observation, and guided by molecular modeling studies, we synthesized a second generation of BQQ-EDTA conjugates based on 6-[bis(2-aminoethyl)amino]- and 6-(3,3'-diamino-N-methyldipropylamino)-BQQ derivatives. We confirmed by DNA melting experiments that the new conjugates displayed an increased specific affinity towards triple helices when compared to the previously synthesized BQQ-EDTA. In addition, the efficiency of these new agents in triplex-specific binding and cleavage was demonstrated by triplex-directed double-stranded cleavage of plasmid DNA.

DNA↗

Speciation of new tri- and tetra-glucoconjugated tetrapyrrolic macrocycles (porphyrins and chlorins): an electronic molecular spectroscopy study.

In this work, we study the physicochemical properties of some newly developed glycoconjugated photosensitizers that can be used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancers: meso-tri- and tetra-(meta-O-beta-D-glucosyloxyphenyl)porphyrins and meso-, tri-, and tetra-(meta-O-beta-D-glucosyloxyphenyl)chlorins. Their properties are compared to the non-glycosylated hydroxylated parent compounds meso-tetra-(meta-hydroxyphenyl) porphyrin and meso-tetra-(meta-hydroxyphenyl)chlorin. It was found that at the ground state, all porphyrins present, independent of the substitution, have the same mean ionization constant (pKa = 2.7), corresponding to two indistiguishable steps of protonation of tetrapyrrolic nitrogens. On the other hand, in the case of chlorins, one proton process can be observed and the corresponding nitrogen exhibits a slightly superior basicity (pKa = 3.0) with respect to porphyrins. Hydroxylated compounds present a second transition at high pH corresponding to the ionization of phenol groups (pKa = 10.5). Consequently, all photosensitizers are not charged at physiological pH (approximately 7.4), and so the ionization process does not influence their activity in biological media. Ionization induces very important variations in photosensitizer absorption and emission spectra. For example, absorption in the red region (band V), one of the most important characteristics of a good photosensitizer, is only important for diprotonated porphyrins and neutral chlorins. As far as fluorescence emission is concerned, neutral chlorins are almost six times more fluorescent than the corresponding neutral porphyrins (phi(chlorin)/phi(porphyrin) approximately = 6). It should be emphasized that the spectra modifications induced by pH variations can find interesting applications in the optimization of visible and fluorescence detection in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as well as in the development of direct, rapid fluorimetric analytical methods.

Glycoconjugates↗

Benzoindoloquinolines interact with DNA tetraplexes and inhibit telomerase.

Telomeric G-rich single-stranded DNA can adopt a G-tetraplex structure which has been shown to inhibit telomerase activity. We have examined benzoindoloquinolines derivatives for their ability to stabilize an intramolecular G-quadruplex. The increase in T(m) value of the G-quadruplex was associated with telomerase inhibition in vitro.

DNA↗