Larissa N. Ernst, Jason Stahlecker, Finn Mier, Ricardo A. M. Serafim, Valentin R. Wydra, Benedikt Masberg, Simon J. Jaag, Cornelius Knappe, Michael Lämmerhofer, Thilo Stehle, Matthias Gehringer, Frank M. Boeckler
{"title":"Design, Synthesis, and Molecular Evaluation of SNAr-Reactive N-(6-Fluoro-3-Nitropyridin-2-yl)Isoquinolin-3-Amines as Covalent USP7 Inhibitors Reveals an Unconventional Binding Mode","authors":"Larissa N. Ernst, Jason Stahlecker, Finn Mier, Ricardo A. M. Serafim, Valentin R. Wydra, Benedikt Masberg, Simon J. Jaag, Cornelius Knappe, Michael Lämmerhofer, Thilo Stehle, Matthias Gehringer, Frank M. Boeckler","doi":"10.1002/ardp.70053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.70053","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The cysteine protease ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), also known as herpes-associated ubiquitin-specific protease (HAUSP), has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its proven overexpression in several cancer types and its role in tumorigenesis. Herein, after a design based on molecular docking experiments, we report the synthesis of a series of mildly electrophilic compounds that covalently modify the catalytic cysteine 223 in USP7 through a nucleophilic aromatic substitution (S<sub>N</sub>Ar) reaction. The compounds were first evaluated using differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) to describe their influence on the melting temperature of native and mutant USP7 variants. Furthermore, the possible formation of a covalent bond was analyzed using intact protein mass spectrometry (MS). For promising derivatives, IC<sub>50</sub> values were determined in an enzyme activity assay to confirm an inhibitory effect on USP7. Finally, a co-crystal structure revealed that the prototype compound (<b>7a</b>) arylates the catalytic cysteine in the apo form of USP7 via an unconventional binding mode near the catalytic triad. The synthesis and biological evaluation of this compound series provides valuable structure–activity relationships (SAR) and reveals an interesting and unprecedented binding mode, thus providing a basis for improving USP7 inhibitors.</p>","PeriodicalId":128,"journal":{"name":"Archiv der Pharmazie","volume":"358 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ardp.70053","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144810973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paras J. Patel, Mehul P. Parmar, Disha P. Vala, Kirti Antil, Subham G. Patel, Shana Balachandran, Divyang M. Patel, Nagesh Kumar Kandukuri, Madan Kumar Arumugam, Rakesh K. Sharma, Hitendra M. Patel
{"title":"One-Pot Synthesis of Novel 3-{(1H-Benzo[d]Imidazol-2-yl)Amino(Phenyl)Methyl}Benzofuran-2(3H)-Ones as Antimicrobial Agents and Their Molecular Docking Studies","authors":"Paras J. Patel, Mehul P. Parmar, Disha P. Vala, Kirti Antil, Subham G. Patel, Shana Balachandran, Divyang M. Patel, Nagesh Kumar Kandukuri, Madan Kumar Arumugam, Rakesh K. Sharma, Hitendra M. Patel","doi":"10.1002/ardp.70069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.70069","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Aminobenzimidazole-coumaranone conjugates, specifically 3-{[(1<i>H</i>-benzo[<i>d</i>]imidazol-2-yl)amino](substitutedphenyl)methyl}benzofuran-2(3<i>H</i>)-ones, were synthesized through a one-pot reaction involving 2-coumaranone, aryl aldehydes, and 2-aminobenzimidazole. This reaction, catalyzed by triethylamine in acetonitrile at 80°C, achieved yields of up to 85%. Preparative liquid chromatography successfully isolated compounds <b>4b</b> and <b>4c</b> as two isomers with purities reaching 99.30%. Their absolute configurations, (<i>S</i>, <i>R</i>) for compound <b>4b</b> and (<i>R</i>, <i>S</i>) for compound <b>4c</b>, were determined using electronic circular dichroism and confirmed via TD-DFT calculations. The antimicrobial potential of the synthesized compounds (<b>4a–j</b>) and their enantiopure isomers (<b>4b′</b>, <b>4b″</b>, <b>4c′</b>, <b>4c″</b>) was evaluated against the bacterial strains <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Staphylococcus proteolyticus</i>, and the fungal strains <i>Candida albicans</i> and <i>Aspergillus niger</i>. Notably, compounds <b>4a</b>, <b>4d</b>, <b>4i</b>, and <b>4j</b> exhibited superior antimicrobial activity. Molecular docking studies further reinforced these results, revealing strong receptor binding affinities (−7.5 to −10.5 kcal/mol), which surpass those of standard drugs. These findings highlight the promising potential of aminobenzimidazole-coumaranone conjugates as effective antimicrobial agents.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":128,"journal":{"name":"Archiv der Pharmazie","volume":"358 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144807524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Michael M. Sawiris, Omneya M. Khalil, Peter A. Halim, Marwa S. A. Hassan
{"title":"From Lab to Target: Pyrazole, Pyrazoline and Fused Pyrazole Derivatives as Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy","authors":"Michael M. Sawiris, Omneya M. Khalil, Peter A. Halim, Marwa S. A. Hassan","doi":"10.1002/ardp.70061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.70061","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Pyrazole derivatives have emerged as versatile scaffolds in the development of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, offering promising avenues for targeted cancer therapy. Their therapeutic potential in cancer therapy is notable in many FDA-approved anticancer drugs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research from 2021 regarding novel pyrazole, pyrazoline, and fused pyrazole derivatives targeting receptor tyrosine kinases, namely: AXL, DDR, EGFR, FGFR, MET, CSF1R, RET, and VEGFR-2. This study focuses on the most active and promising candidates within each series of compounds. Key aspects covered include their cytotoxicity and enzyme inhibition results, with comparisons to reference drugs. The review also covers the molecular docking studies, highlighting critical binding interactions between the compounds and the protein kinase residues, and unveiling their molecular mechanisms of action. Structure–activity relationship analyses are also discussed, revealing the influence of structural modifications on biological activities. Furthermore, synthetic pathways for each series or key compounds are presented, offering a practical guide for researchers in the field. By integrating these elements, this review provides a solid foundation and rationale for the design, synthesis, and optimization of new pyrazole-based anticancer agents targeting receptor tyrosine kinases.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":128,"journal":{"name":"Archiv der Pharmazie","volume":"358 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144807519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hussein K. Seif, Dalia Mandour, Islam A. A. E.-H. Ibrahim, Mona F. Mahmoud, Mahmoud H. Elbatreek
{"title":"Nebivolol and Tadalafil Synergistically Ameliorate Insulin Resistance-Induced Retinopathy in Rats","authors":"Hussein K. Seif, Dalia Mandour, Islam A. A. E.-H. Ibrahim, Mona F. Mahmoud, Mahmoud H. Elbatreek","doi":"10.1002/ardp.70070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.70070","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Retinopathy is a serious complication of insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of nebivolol and/or tadalafil on insulin resistance-induced retinopathy. Insulin resistance was induced in rats using a dietary model of a high-fructose, high-fat, high-salt diet (HFrFSD). Five groups were used in the current study: standard chow diet (SCD), HFrFSD, nebivolol, tadalafil, and their half doses combination. At the end of the experiment, markers of obesity and metabolic changes were measured; moreover, changes in retinal oxidative stress, vascular reactivity, apoptosis, fibrosis, and angiogenesis markers. Histopathological changes were also recorded. Feeding rats with HFrFSD induced obesity, insulin resistance, and retinal tissue distortions, which were associated with increased retinal oxidative stress, vasculopathy, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Both nebivolol and tadalafil did not cause significant changes in the markers of obesity, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, while they significantly reduced retinal tissue histopathological and molecular changes. Interestingly, the half-dose combination of nebivolol and tadalafil significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and insulin resistance compared with the HFrFSD group without affecting obesity markers and lipid metabolism and showed higher protective effects against retinopathy compared with the full dose individual treatments. In conclusion, nebivolol and tadalafil synergistically ameliorate insulin resistance-induced retinopathy in rats.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":128,"journal":{"name":"Archiv der Pharmazie","volume":"358 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144807525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nina Reßing, Daniel Stopper, Thomas Martin Schäfer, Lais Pessanha de Carvalho, Elizabeth A. Winzeler, Jana Held, Finn K. Hansen
{"title":"Exploration of Fluorinated Peptoid-Based Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors as Dual-Stage Antiplasmodial Agents","authors":"Nina Reßing, Daniel Stopper, Thomas Martin Schäfer, Lais Pessanha de Carvalho, Elizabeth A. Winzeler, Jana Held, Finn K. Hansen","doi":"10.1002/ardp.70071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.70071","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The antiplasmodial properties of a series of fluorinated peptoid-capped histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) were investigated against asexual blood stages of the drug-sensitive 3D7 and drug-resistant Dd2 strains of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>, as well as the exo-erythrocytic liver stages and mature gametocytes. Among the series, compound <b>1h</b> emerged as the most potent derivative, showing strong activity against both <i>P. falciparum</i> strains (<i>Pf</i> 3D7 and Dd2 IC<sub>50</sub>: 0.010 μM) and <i>Plasmodium berghei</i> liver stages (<i>Pb</i> EEF IC<sub>50</sub>: 0.74 μM), while lacking activity against mature gametocytes. Compound <b>1b</b> was identified as a second hit compound with slightly lower activity against asexual blood and liver stages (<i>Pf</i> 3D7 IC<sub>50</sub>: 0.019 μM; <i>Pf</i> Dd2 IC<sub>50</sub>: 0.023 μM; <i>Pb</i> EEF IC<sub>50</sub>: 2.25 μM) but showed excellent parasite selectivity (SI<sup>HepG2/3D7</sup>: 2389; SI<sup>HepG2/Dd2</sup>: 1973) and low single-digit micromolar activity against mature gametocytes (IC<sub>50</sub>: 1.70 μM). Compared to our previous hit compound MAHA-022, both <b>1b</b> and <b>1h</b> exhibited improved activity against asexual blood stages and enhanced parasite selectivity, albeit with reduced activity against liver stage parasites. Taken together, compounds <b>1b</b> and <b>1h</b> represent promising multi-stage antiplasmodial HDACi scaffolds for further development and optimization.</p>","PeriodicalId":128,"journal":{"name":"Archiv der Pharmazie","volume":"358 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ardp.70071","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144810943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hydroxamic Acid Hybrids for Lung Cancer Therapy","authors":"Donghong Wang, Yanjing Cheng, Aimei Liu, Yafei Zhuang","doi":"10.1002/ardp.70067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.70067","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers across the world nowadays, and the morbidity and mortality of lung cancer will continue to increase for a long period. Chemotherapy, which can kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and improve patient survival and quality of life, plays a crucial role in lung cancer therapy. However, chemotherapy has several disadvantages, mainly manifested in severe side effects, limited efficacy, and the tendency to develop drug resistance. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, which work by inhibiting the activity of HDACs, can help to re-express tumor-suppressor genes that have been silenced due to epigenetic changes, thus inhibiting the growth and proliferation of lung cancer cells. Hydroxamic acid hybrids as potent HDAC inhibitors exhibited robust in vitro and in vivo efficacy against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancers, representing crucial templates in creating innovative anti-lung cancer agents. This article will introduce the latest research progress on hydroxamic acid hybrids with anti-lung cancer activity developed since 2020. The structure–activity relationships will be summarized, and the mechanisms of action will be discussed to provide references for future research.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":128,"journal":{"name":"Archiv der Pharmazie","volume":"358 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144810942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Haoran Chen, Shuqi Wang, Shanbao Bu, Zhi Cao, Xue Fan, Nan Jiang, Xin Zhai
{"title":"Rational Design of 6-Amino-2-Piperazinylpyridine-Based ROCK2 Inhibitors With Anti-Breast Cancer Metastatic Efficiency.","authors":"Haoran Chen, Shuqi Wang, Shanbao Bu, Zhi Cao, Xue Fan, Nan Jiang, Xin Zhai","doi":"10.1002/ardp.70068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.70068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rho-associated coiled coil kinase (ROCK) plays a pivotal role in regulating actin cytoskeleton remodeling and cellular motility, establishing it as a promising therapeutic target for metastatic breast cancer. Guided by the lead compound belumosudil, a novel series of ROCK2 inhibitors based on a 6-amino-2-piperazine pyridine scaffold was designed and synthesized. The Kinase-Glo assay identified compound 14r as the most potent analog, showing an IC<sub>50</sub> value of 82.6 nM, which represented a 1.2-fold improvement over belumosudil. Furthermore, the morphology of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with 14r was significantly changed in immunofluorescent staining analysis. Simultaneously, cell scratch experiments showed that 14r inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, molecular docking studies elucidated the binding mode of 14r within the ROCK2 ATP pocket, corroborating its nanomolar-level inhibitory activity. In conclusion, 14r showed great potential for further optimization to suppress breast cancer metastasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":128,"journal":{"name":"Archiv der Pharmazie","volume":"358 8","pages":"e70068"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144793029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Electrospun Membrane Incorporating Silver and Copper Complexes of Phenylboronic Acid-Functionalized 4,5-Diazafluorene Ligand.","authors":"Seçil Kaya, Caner Cebeci, Hande Hançer, Buşra Akgül, Ibrahim Erden, Tülin Özbek, Emrah Şefik Abamor, Serap Acar","doi":"10.1002/ardp.70072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.70072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thermally crosslinked polyacrylic acid (PAA)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibrous (NFC) membranes were developed via electrospinning for potential wound dressing applications with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Silver and copper complexes (AgSK and CuSK) of a phenylboronic acid-functionalized 4,5-diazafluorene ligand (SK) were synthesized, characterized, and incorporated into the membranes. SEM imaging revealed uniform, bead-free nanofibers with an average diameter of 725.35 ± 173.79 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of compounds through characteristic C═N stretching bands at 1620-1630 cm<sup>-1</sup>. DPPH assay showed that SK, AgSK, and CuSK exhibited antioxidant activities of 54.6 ± 2.5%, 88.4 ± 3.5%, and 79.6 ± 3.4% at 90 min, respectively. Incorporation into the nanofibers did not significantly alter antioxidant performance. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. AgSK showed the strongest inhibition, with MIC values of 62.5, 31.25, and 125 µg/mL, respectively. AgSK-loaded membranes (AgSK-NFC) demonstrate antimicrobial activity with > 98% reduction in all tested strains. Biocompatibility tests with L929 fibroblasts showed improved cell viability upon membrane incorporation. The membranes also exhibited high swelling capacity, good water resistance, and sustained release over 7 days. With this study, for the first time, the use of 4,5-diazafluorene and its metal complexes in nanofibrous membranes has been demonstrated. Thus, an interdisciplinary approach combining materials science and coordination chemistry is established, broadening the scope for future developments in nanofiber-based technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":128,"journal":{"name":"Archiv der Pharmazie","volume":"358 8","pages":"e70072"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144797714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Current Landscape of Hydroxamic Acid Derivatives With Antileukemia Activity","authors":"Yao Qu, Chang-Jin Yuan","doi":"10.1002/ardp.70056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ardp.70056","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Leukemia, as the second most prevalent hematological malignancy, could disrupt the production of healthy blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, and constitutes a significant global health burden. Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of leukemia treatment, but drug resistance and severe adverse effects are the main culprits for its failure in treating leukemia, thereby creating an urgent imperative to develop innovative anti-leukemia agents. Hydroxamic acid derivatives, recognized as prominent histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, represent a promising class of agents in leukemia therapy, leveraging epigenetic modulation, multi-target activity, and synergistic potential to address unmet drug resistance and toxicity needs. This review summarizes the latest advancements in hydroxamic acid derivatives, including hydroxamic acid-azole hybrids, hydroxamic acid-indole hybrids, hydroxamic acid-pyridine/quinoline hybrids, and hydroxamic acid-(fused) pyrimidine hybrids, with therapeutic potential against leukemia, covering articles published from 2020 to the present. The structure–activity relationships and the mechanisms of action are also discussed to guide the rational design and development of more effective and less toxic therapeutic candidates.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":128,"journal":{"name":"Archiv der Pharmazie","volume":"358 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144725526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}