Optimization of a Pyrimidinone Series for Selective Inhibition of Ca2+/Calmodulin-Stimulated Adenylyl Cyclase 1 Activity for the Treatment of Chronic Pain

J Med Chem. 2022 Mar 24;65(6):4667-4686. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01759. Epub 2022 Mar 10.

Abstract

Adenylyl cyclase type 1 (AC1) is involved in signaling for chronic pain sensitization in the central nervous system and is an emerging target for the treatment of chronic pain. AC1 and a closely related isoform AC8 are also implicated to have roles in learning and memory signaling processes. Our team has carried out cellular screening for inhibitors of AC1 yielding a pyrazolyl-pyrimidinone scaffold with low micromolar potency against AC1 and selectivity versus AC8. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies led to analogues with cellular IC50 values as low as 0.25 μM, selectivity versus AC8 and other AC isoforms as well as other common neurological targets. A representative analogue displayed modest antiallodynic effects in a mouse model of inflammatory pain. This series represents the most potent and selective inhibitors of Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated AC1 activity to date with improved drug-like physicochemical properties making them potential lead compounds for the treatment of inflammatory pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenylyl Cyclases* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calmodulin
  • Chronic Pain* / drug therapy
  • Mice
  • Pyrimidinones / pharmacology
  • Pyrimidinones / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Calmodulin
  • Pyrimidinones
  • Adenylyl Cyclases
  • adenylyl cyclase 1
  • Calcium