Piperazine-based P2X4 receptor antagonists

The P2X4 receptor (P2X4R), a ligand-gated ion channel activated by ATP, plays a critical role in neuroinflammation, chronic pain, and cancer progression, making it a promising therapeutic target. In this study, we explored the design and synthesis of piperazine-based P2X4R antagonists, building on the structural framework of paroxetine. A series of over 35 compounds were synthesized to investigate structure-activity relationships (SARs) in a Ca²⁺-flux assay for P2X4R antagonistic activity. Several compounds outperformed paroxetine in terms of antagonistic P2X4R potency. Further studies on absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion properties revealed that increased lipophilicity often correlated with high plasma protein binding and decreased metabolic stability, particularly in compounds with a naphthalene-2-yloxy group. Although promising SARs were observed, further optimization is needed to enhance antagonistic P2X4R receptor activity. This work provides important insights into the development of piperazine-based P2X4R antagonists and lays the foundation for future therapeutic advancements targeting P2X4R-related diseases.