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Published on: May 9, 2025
Structure-activity relationship of N,N'-disubstituted pyrimidinetriones as Ca(V)1.3 calcium channel-selective
Soosung Kang1, Garry Cooper, Sara Fernandez Dunne
1Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, and Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
Abstract:
CaV1.3 L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) have been a potential target for Parkinson's disease since calcium ion influx through the channel was implicated in the generation of mitochondrial oxidative stress, causing cell death in the dopaminergic neurons. Selective inhibition of CaV1.3 over other LTCC isoforms, especially CaV1.2, is critical to minimize potential side effects. We recently identified pyrimidinetriones (PYTs) as a CaV1.3-selective scaffold; here we report the structure-activity relationship of PYTs with both CaV1.3 and CaV1.2 LTCCs. By variation of the substituents on the cyclopentyl and arylalkyl groups of PYT, SAR studies allowed characterization of the CaV1.3 and CaV1.2 LTCCs binding sites. The SAR also identified four important moieties that either retain selectivity or enhance binding affinity. Our study represents a significant enhancement of the SAR of PYTs at CaV1.3 and CaV1.2 LTCCs and highlights several advances in the lead optimization and diversification of this family of compounds for drug development.
Insights
Researchers explored pyrimidinetriones (PYTs) as potential drugs for Parkinson's disease by studying their interaction with CaV1.3 calcium channels. This work enhances understanding of PYTs for developing new treatments targeting these channels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CaV1.3 L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) are implicated in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis due to their role in dopaminergic neuron death.
- Selective inhibition of CaV1.3 LTCCs is crucial for therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects, distinguishing it from other isoforms like CaV1.2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of pyrimidinetriones (PYTs) targeting CaV1.3 and CaV1.2 LTCCs.
- To characterize the binding sites of PYTs on CaV1.3 and CaV1.2 LTCCs.
- To identify key structural features of PYTs for optimizing CaV1.3 selectivity and binding affinity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic modification of substituents on the cyclopentyl and arylalkyl groups of the PYT scaffold.
- Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to assess binding affinity and selectivity for CaV1.3 and CaV1.2 LTCCs.
- Lead optimization and diversification of PYT compounds.
Main Results:
- Detailed SAR characterization of PYTs against CaV1.3 and CaV1.2 LTCCs.
- Identification of specific binding site interactions for PYTs on both LTCC isoforms.
- Discovery of four critical moieties influencing PYT selectivity and binding affinity for CaV1.3.
Conclusions:
- The study significantly advances the SAR understanding of PYTs for CaV1.3 and CaV1.2 LTCCs.
- Identified PYT structural modifications enhance lead optimization for potential Parkinson's disease therapeutics.
- Highlights the potential of PYTs as a versatile scaffold for developing selective CaV1.3 inhibitors.
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