Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in common bacterial pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is an increasingly dire public health threat, with MRSA accounting for up to 90% of S. aureus infections. To expand the treatment arsenal against MRSA infections, we developed a class of tunable three-dimensional tricyclic 2-pyridones, termed TriPcides, that can kill MRSA resistant to last-resort antibiotics and eliminate MRSA persister cells. No preexisting resistance was detected across hundreds of clinical isolates, and continuous exposure of MRSA to TriPcides did not elicit detectable resistance. Treatment with TriPcides causes a rapid decrease in membrane integrity and increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Last, TriPcides effectively reduce secretion of important virulence factors and result in reduced ulcer size and healing time in S. aureus murine skin and soft tissue infections but do not reduce bacterial burden.

The alarming rise of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria has precipitated a healthcare crisis, necessitating the development of new antimicrobial therapies. Here we describe a new class of antibiotics based on a ring-fused 2-pyridone backbone, which are active against vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), a serious threat as classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Ring-fused 2-pyridone antibiotics have bacteriostatic activity against actively dividing exponential phase enterococcal cells and bactericidal activity against nondividing stationary phase enterococcal cells. The molecular mechanism of drug-induced killing of stationary phase cells mimics aspects of fratricide observed in enterococcal biofilms, where both are mediated by the Atn autolysin and the GelE protease. In addition, combinations of sublethal concentrations of ring-fused 2-pyridones and standard-of-care antibiotics, such as vancomycin, were found to synergize to kill clinical strains of VRE. Furthermore, a broad range of antibiotic resistant Gram-positive pathogens, including those responsible for the increasing incidence of antibiotic resistant healthcare-associated infections, are susceptible to this new class of 2-pyridone antibiotics. Given the broad antibacterial activities of ring-fused 2-pyridone compounds against Gram-positive (GmP) bacteria we term these compounds GmPcides, which hold promise in combating the rising tide of antibiotic resistant Gram-positive pathogens.

Significance Considering the alarming emergence of resistance to most antibiotics and the need for new antibiotics, the finding here of a small-molecule class, THCz, that displayed bactericidal activity against gram-positive and selected gram-negative bacteria, is of the greatest importance. We found that THCz target the cell envelope synthesis and can easily be synthesized and modified, and resistance did not readily develop in vitro. Thus, THCz are promising scaffolds for development of bacterial cell wall inhibitors.

A BF3·OEt2 catalyzed intramolecular Povarov reaction was used to synthesize 15 chromenopyridine fused thiazolino-2-pyridone peptidomimetics. The reaction works with several O-alkylated salicylaldehydes and amino functionalized thiazolino-2-pyridones, to generate polyheterocycles with diverse substitution. The synthesized compounds were screened for their ability to bind α-synuclein and amyloid β fibrils in vitro. Analogues substituted with a nitro group bind to mature amyloid fibrils, and the activity moreover depends on the positioning of this functional group.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major cause of pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis worldwide, has the nasopharynges of small children as its main ecological niche. Depletion of pneumococci from this niche would reduce the disease burden and could be achieved using small molecules with narrow-spectrum antibacterial activity. We identified the alkylated dicyclohexyl carboxylic acid 2CCA-1 as a potent inducer of autolysin-mediated lysis of S. pneumoniae, while having low activity against Staphylococcus aureus 2CCA-1-resistant strains were found to have inactivating mutations in fakB3, known to be required for uptake of host polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as through inactivation of the transcriptional regulator gene fabT, vital for endogenous, de novo fatty acid synthesis regulation. Structure activity relationship exploration revealed that, besides the central dicyclohexyl group, the fatty acid-like structural features of 2CCA-1 were essential for its activity. The lysis-inducing activity of 2CCA-1 was considerably more potent than that of free fatty acids and required growing bacteria, suggesting that 2CCA-1 needs to be metabolized to exert its antimicrobial activity. Total lipid analysis of 2CCA-1 treated bacteria identified unique masses that were modeled to 2CCA-1 containing lysophosphatidic and phosphatidic acid in wild-type but not in fakB3 mutant bacteria. This suggests that 2CCA-1 is metabolized as a fatty acid via FakB3 and utilized as a phospholipid building block, leading to accumulation of toxic phospholipid species. Analysis of FabT-mediated fakB3 expression elucidates how the pneumococcus could ensure membrane homeostasis and concurrent economic use of host-derived fatty acids.IMPORTANCE Fatty acid biosynthesis is an attractive antibiotic target, as it affects the supply of membrane phospholipid building blocks. In Streptococcus pneumoniae, it is not sufficient to target only the endogenous fatty acid synthesis machinery, as uptake of host fatty acids may bypass this inhibition. Here, we describe a small-molecule compound, 2CCA-1, with potent bactericidal activity that upon interactions with the fatty acid binding protein FakB3, which is present in a limited number of Gram-positive species, becomes metabolized and incorporated as a toxic phospholipid species. Resistance to 2CCA-1 developed specifically in fakB3 and the regulatory gene fabT These mutants reveal a regulatory connection between the extracellular polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and endogenous fatty acid synthesis in S. pneumoniae, which could ensure balance between efficient scavenging of host polyunsaturated fatty acids and membrane homeostasis. The data might be useful in the identification of narrow-spectrum treatment strategies to selectively target members of the Lactobacillales such as S. pneumoniae.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) killed more people in 2017 than any other single infectious agent. This dangerous pathogen is able to withstand stresses imposed by the immune system and tolerate exposure to antibiotics, resulting in persistent infection. The global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic has been exacerbated by the emergence of mutant strains of Mtb that are resistant to frontline antibiotics. Thus, both phenotypic drug tolerance and genetic drug resistance are major obstacles to successful TB therapy. Using a chemical approach to identify compounds that block stress and drug tolerance, as opposed to traditional screens for compounds that kill Mtb, we identified a small molecule, C10, that blocks tolerance to oxidative stress, acid stress, and the frontline antibiotic isoniazid (INH). In addition, we found that C10 prevents the selection for INH-resistant mutants and restores INH sensitivity in otherwise INH-resistant Mtb strains harboring mutations in the katG gene, which encodes the enzyme that converts the prodrug INH to its active form. Through mechanistic studies, we discovered that C10 inhibits Mtb respiration, revealing a link between respiration homeostasis and INH sensitivity. Therefore, by using C10 to dissect Mtb persistence, we discovered that INH resistance is not absolute and can be reversed.

Chlamydia trachomatis infections are a global health problem and new approaches to treat C. trachomatis with drugs of high specificity would be valuable. A library of substituted ring fused 2-pyridones has been synthesized and evaluated for their ability to attenuate C. trachomatis infectivity. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies were performed, with the best candidates demonstrating that a C8-methylsulfonamide substituent improved pharmacokinetic properties important for oral administration. C8-Methyl sulfonamide analogue 30 inhibited C. trachomatis infectivity in low micromolar concentrations. Further pharmacokinetic evaluation at an oral dose of 10 mg kg(-1) showed an apparent bioavailability of 41%, compared to C8-cyclopropyl and -methoxy analogues which had negligible oral uptake. In vitro ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) testing of solubility and Caco-2 cell permeability revealed that both solubility and permeability is greatly improved with the C8-methyl sulfonamide 30, effectively moving it from BCS (Biopharmaceutical Classification System) class IV to II.

Macrodomains recognize intracellular adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation resulting in either removal of the modification or a protein interaction event. Research into compounds that modulate macrodomain functions could make important contributions. We investigated the interactions of all seven individual macrodomains of the human poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family members PARP9, PARP14, and PARP15 with five mono-ADP-ribosylated (automodified) ADP-ribosyltransferase domains using an AlphaScreen assay. Several mono-ADP-ribosylation-dependent interactions were identified, and they were found to be in the micromolar affinity range using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We then focused on the interaction between PARP14 macrodomain-2 and the mono-ADP-ribosylated PARP10 catalytic domain, and probed a ~1500-compound diverse library for inhibitors of this interaction using AlphaScreen. Initial hit compounds were verified by concentration–response experiments using AlphaScreen and SPR, and they were tested against PARP14 macrodomain-2 and -3. Two initial hit compounds and one chemical analog each were further characterized using SPR and microscale thermophoresis. In conclusion, our results reveal novel macrodomain interactions and establish protocols for identification of inhibitors of such interactions.

BACKGROUND:The disposition of a drug is dependent on interactions between the body and the drug, its molecular properties and the physical and biological barriers presented in the body. In order for a drug to have a desired pharmacological effect it has to have the right properties to be able to reach the target site in sufficient concentration. This review details how drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) and physicochemical deliveries played an important role in data interpretation and compound optimization at AstraZeneca R&D in Södertälje, Sweden.METHODS:A selection of assays central in the evaluation of the DMPK properties of new chemical entities is presented, with guidance and consideration on assay outcome interpretation. Early in projects, solubility, LogD, permeability and metabolic stability were measured to support effective optimization of DMPK properties. Changes made to facilitate high throughput, efficient bioanalysis and the handling of large amounts of samples are described. Already early in drug discovery, we used an integrated approach for the prediction of the fate of drugs in human (early dose to man) based on data obtained from in vitro experiments. The early dose to man was refined with project progression, which triggered more intricate assays and experiments. At later stages, preclinical in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) data was integrated with pharmacodynamics (PD) to allow predictions of required dose, dose intervals and exposure profile to achieve the desired effect in man.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:A well-defined work flow of DMPK activities from early lead identification up to the selection of a candidate drug was developed. This resulted in a cost effective and efficient optimization of chemical series, and facilitated informed decision making throughout project progress.

The total synthesis of the resveratrol dimers (±)-am- pelopsin B and (±)-e-viniferin is reported. Highlights of the ap- proach include the use of cyclopropylmethyl groups to protect aromatic alcohols. This group allows an acid promoted three- step, one-pot deprotection-epimerization-cyclization of an ad-

Protein ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification involved in DNA repair, protein degradation, transcription regulation, and epigenetic events. Intracellular ADP-ribosylation is catalyzed predominantly by ADP-ribosyltransferases with diphtheria toxin homology (ARTDs). The most prominent member of the ARTD family, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (ARTD1/PARP1) has been a target for cancer drug development for decades. Current PARP inhibitors are generally non-selective, and inhibit the mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases with low potency. Here we describe the synthesis of acylated amino benzamides and screening against the mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases ARTD7/PARP15, ARTD8/PARP14, ARTD10/PARP10, and the poly-ADP-ribosyltransferase ARTD1/PARP1. The most potent compound inhibits ARTD10 with sub-micromolar IC50.

ABSTRACT Antibacterial compounds with novel modes of action are needed for management of bacterial infections. Here we describe a high-content screen of 9,800 compounds identifying acylated sulfonamides as novel growth inhibitors of the sexually transmitted pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis. The effect was bactericidal and distinct from that of sulfonamide antibiotics, as para-aminobenzoic acid did not reduce efficacy. Chemical inhibitors play an important role in Chlamydia research as probes of potential targets and as drug development starting points.

Time-dependent inhibition (TDI) of the cytochrome P450 (P450) family of enzymes is usually studied in human liver microsomes (HLM) by investigating whether the inhibitory potency is increased with increased incubation times. The presented work was initiated after a discrepancy was observed for the TDI of an important P450 enzyme, CYP3A4, during early studies of the investigational drug compound AZD3839 [(S)-1-(2-(difluoromethyl) pyridin-4-yl)-4-fluoro-1-(3-(pyrimidin-5-yl)phenyl)-1H-isoindol-3-amine hemifumarate]; TDI was detected using a regulatory method but not with an early screening method. We show here that the different solvents present in the respective studies, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, screening method) versus methanol or water (regulatory method), were responsible for the different TDI results. We further demonstrate why DMSO, present at the levels of 0.2% and 0.5% in the incubations, masked the TDI effect. In addition to the TDI experiments performed in HLM, TDI studies with AZD3839 were performed in pooled human hepatocytes (Hhep) from different suppliers, using DMSO, methanol, or water. The results from these experiments show no TDI or attenuated TDI effect, depending on the supplier. Metabolite identification of the compound dissolved in DMSO, methanol, or water shows different profiles after incubations with the different systems (HLM or Hhep), which may explain the differences in the TDI outcomes. Thorough investigations of the biotransformation of AZD3839 have been performed to find the reactive pathway causing the TDI of CYP3A4, and are presented here. Our findings show that the in vitro risk profile for drug-drug interactions potential of AZD3839 is very much dependent on the chosen test system and the experimental conditions used.

The racemic 3-(4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl)-N-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]propanamide, 1, has previously been identified as a potent but unselective inhibitor of diphtheria toxin-like ADP-ribosyltransferase 3 (ARTD3). Herein we describe synthesis and evaluation of 55 compounds in this class. It was found that the stereochemistry is of great importance for both selectivity and potency and that substituents on the phenyl ring resulted in poor solubility. Certain variations at the meso position were tolerated and caused a large shift in the binding pose. Changes to the ethylene linker that connects the quinazolinone to the amide were also investigated but proved detrimental to binding. By combination of synthetic organic chemistry and structure-based design, two selective inhibitors of ARTD3 were discovered.

In high-throughput screening (HTS) a robust assay is used to interrogate a large collection of small organic molecules in order to find compounds, hits, with a desired biological activity. The hits are then further explored by an iterative process where new compounds are designed, purchased, or synthesized, followed by an evaluation in one or more assays. Statistical molecular design (SMD) is a useful method to select a balanced, varied, and information-rich compound collection based on hits from HTS in order to create a foundation for development of optimized compounds with improved properties. In this chapter, we describe the use of SMD to explore a hit obtained from small-molecule screening.

Enteric bacteria assemble functional amyloid fibers, curli, on their surfaces that share structural and biochemical properties with disease-associated amyloids. Here, we test rationally designed 2-pyridone compounds for their ability to alter amyloid formation of the major curli subunit CsgA. We identified several compounds that discourage CsgA amyloid formation and several compounds that accelerate CsgA amyloid formation. The ability of inhibitor compounds to stop growing CsgA fibers was compared to the same property of the CsgA chaperone, CsgE. CsgE blocked CsgA amyloid assembly and arrested polymerization when added to actively polymerizing fibers. Additionally, CsgE and the 2-pyridone inhibitors prevented biofilm formation by Escherichia coli at the air-liquid interface of a static culture. We demonstrate that curli amyloid assembly and curli-dependent biofilm formation can be modulated not only by protein chaperones, but also by "chemical chaperones."

Inhibiting ADP-ribosyl transferases with PARP-inhibitors is considered a promising strategy for the treatment of many cancers and ischemia, but most of the cellular targets are poorly characterized. Here, we describe an inhibitor of ADP-ribosyltransferase-3/poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-3 (ARTD3), a regulator of DNA repair and mitotic progression. In vitro profiling against 12 members of the enzyme family suggests selectivity for ARTD3, and crystal structures illustrate the molecular basis for inhibitor selectivity. The compound is active in cells, where it elicits ARTD3-specific effects at submicromolar concentration. Our results show that by targeting the nicotinamide binding site, selective inhibition can be achieved among the closest relatives of the validated clinical target, ADP-ribosyltransferase-1/poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1.

Recently, the discovery of the aminoisoindoles as potent and selective inhibitors of β-secretase was reported, including the close structural analogs compound (S)-1-pyridin-4-yl-4-fluoro-1-(3-(pyrimidin-5-yl)phenyl)-1H-isoindol-3-amine [(S)-25] and (S)-1-(2-(difluoromethyl)pyridin-4-yl)-4-fluoro-1-(3-(pyrimidin-5-yl)phenyl)-1H-isoindol-3-amine hemifumarate (AZD3839), the latter being recently progressed to the clinic. The biotransformation of (S)-25 was investigated in vitro and in vivo in rat, rabbit, and human and compared with AZD3839 to further understand the metabolic fate of these compounds. In vitro, CYP3A4 was the major responsible enzyme and metabolized both compounds to a large extent in the commonly shared pyridine and pyrimidine rings. The main proposed metabolic pathways in various in vitro systems were N-oxidation of the pyridine and/or pyrimidine ring and conversion to 4-pyrimidone and pyrimidine-2,4-dione. Both compounds were extensively metabolized, and more than 90% was excreted in feces after intravenous administration of radiolabeled compound to the rat. Here, the main pathways were N-oxidation of the pyridine and/or pyrimidine ring and a ring contraction of the pyrimidine ring into an imidazole ring. Ring-contracted metabolites accounted for 25% of the total metabolism in the rat for (S)-25, whereas the contribution was much smaller for AZD3839. This metabolic pathway was not foreseen on the basis of the obtained in vitro data. In conclusion, we discovered an unusual metabolic pathway of aryl-pyrimidine-containing compounds by a ring-opening reaction followed by elimination of a carbon atom and a ring closure to form an imidazole ring.