Structure-Activity Relationship Studies on Tetrahydroisoquinoline Derivatives: [4'-(6,7-Dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)biphenyl-4-ol] (MC70) Conjugated through Flexible Alkyl Chains with Furazan Moieties Gives Rise to Potent and Selective Ligands of P-glycoprotein

J Med Chem. 2016 Jul 28;59(14):6729-38. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00252. Epub 2016 Jul 7.

Abstract

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a well-known membrane transporter expressed in a number of strategic biological barriers, where it exerts a protective effect of paramount importance. Conversely it is one of the main causes of multidrug resistance (MDR), being capable of effluxing many chemotherapeutics. In a development of previous research, a small library of compounds was created conjugating diversely substituted furazan rings with MC70, a well-known P-gp inhibitor. These compounds were assessed for their potency against P-gp and another transporter (MRP1), for their apparent permeability (Papp) and for their ability to induce ATPase activity, thus delineating a complete functional profile. They displayed a substrate mechanism of action and high selectivity toward P-gp, unlike the lead compound. Data relating to their activity range from low micromolar to sub-nanomolar EC50, the most interesting compounds being 15 (0.97 nM), 19 (1.3 nM), 25 (0.60 nM), and 27 (0.90 nM).

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Biphenyl Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Biphenyl Compounds / chemistry
  • Biphenyl Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines / chemical synthesis
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines / chemistry
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines / pharmacology*

Substances

  • 4'-(6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)biphenyl-4-ol
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Ligands
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines