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Updated: May 30, 2026

Genetically-encoded Molecular Probes to Study G Protein-coupled Receptors
Published on: September 13, 2013
Tertiary amides with a five-membered heteroaromatic ring as new probes for the translocator protein
Barbara Cosimelli1, Francesca Simorini, Sabrina Taliani
1Dipartimento di Chimica Farmaceutica e Tossicologica, Università di Napoli Federico II, Via D Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy. barbara.cosimelli@unina.it
Abstract:
In this study novel ligands of the translocator protein (TSPO), characterized by a five-membered aromatic heterocycle (i.e. oxazole, isoxazole, oxadiazole), a phenyl ring, and an amide side chain of carboxy or acetic type, were designed using a previously reported pharmacophore/topological model. Most of compounds showed significant TSPO binding affinity (K(i) values in the nanomolar/submicromolar range), the highest being displayed by oxazolacetamides 6. A number of compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit the proliferation/viability of human glioblastoma cell line U87MG. The dose-time dependent cell response to treatment with 6d demonstrated the specificity of the observed effect. The ability of 6d to induce mitochondrial membrane dissipation (ΔΨm) substantiates the intracellular pro-apoptotic mechanism activated by ligand binding to TSPO.
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