60548-00-7

Plasmodium falciparum HKMTs (PfHKMTs) play a key role in controlling Plasmodium gene expression and represent exciting new anti-malarial epigenetic targets. Using an inhibitor series derived from the diaminoquinazoline HKMT inhibitory chemotype, we have previously identified compounds with highly promising antimalarial activity, including irreversible asexual cycle blood stage-independent cytotoxic activity at nM concentrations, oral efficacy in in vivo models of disease, and the unprecedented ability to reactivate dormant liver stage parasites (hypnozoites). However, future development of this series will need to address host versus parasite selectivity, where inhibitory activity against human G9a is removed from the lead compounds, while maintaining potent anti-Plasmodium activity. Herein, we report an extensive study of the SAR of this series against both G9a and P. falciparum. We have identified key SAR features which demonstrate that high parasite vs. G9a selectivity can be achieved by selecting appropriate substituents at position 2, 4 and 7 of the quinazoline ring. We have also, in turn, discovered that potent G9a inhibitors can be identified by employing a 6-carbon 'Nle mimic' at position 7. Together, this data suggests that while broadly similar, the G9a and potential PfHKMT target(s) binding pockets and/or binding modes of the diaminoquinazoline analogues exhibit clear and exploitable differences. Based on this, we believe this scaffold to have clear potential for development into a novel anti-malarial therapeutic.

Protein lysine methyltransferase G9a, which catalyzes methylation of lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9) and lysine 373 (K373) of p53, is overexpressed in human cancers. Genetic knockdown of G9a inhibits cancer cell growth, and the dimethylation of p53 K373 results in the inactivation of p53. Initial SAR exploration of the 2,4-diamino-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline template represented by 3a (BIX01294), a selective small molecule inhibitor of G9a and GLP, led to the discovery of 10 (UNC0224) as a potent G9a inhibitor with excellent selectivity. A high resolution X-ray crystal structure of the G9a?10 complex, the first cocrystal structure of G9a with a small molecule inhibitor, was obtained. On the basis of the structural insights revealed by this cocrystal structure, optimization of the 7-dimethylaminopropoxy side chain of 10 resulted in the discovery of 29 (UNC0321) (Morrison Ki = 63 pM), which is the first G9a inhibitor with picomolar potency and the most potent G9a inhibitor to date.

SAR exploration of the 2,4-diamino-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline template led to the discovery of 8 (UNC0224) as a potent and selective G9a inhibitor. A high resolution X-ray crystal structure of the G9a-8 complex, the first cocrystal structure of G9a with a small molecule inhibitor, was obtained. The cocrystal structure validated our binding hypothesis and will enable structure-based design of novel inhibitors. 8 is a useful tool for investigating the biology of G9a and its roles in chromatin remodeling.

A series of tetrazolo[a]quinazol-5-ones, methods for their production and use as antiallergy agents and antiulcer agents.

The 6 O demethyl and 7 O demethyl analogues of the new antihypertensive drug prazosin [2 [4 (2 furoyl) piperazin 1 yl] 4 amino 6,7 dimethoxyquinazoline hydrochloride] have been unequivocally synthesized via separate ten step reaction sequences starting from isovanillin and vanillin, respectively. The 6 O demethyl derivative was found to be identical with the major prazosin metabolite formed in dog and rat, while the 7 O demethyl derivative was identical with another, less prevalent but significant metabolite. Two minor metabolites of prazosin, 2 (1 piperazinyl) 4 amino 6,7 dimethoxyquinazoline and 2,4 diamino 6,7 dimethoxyquinazoline, are also described. All four metabolites are less potent blood pressure lowering agents in dogs than prazosin but may contribute to its antihypertensive effect, since they account for a major portion of the administered dose.