The syntheses and antiproliferative activities of novel substituted tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives and their sulfamates are discussed. Biasing of conformational populations through substitution on the tetrahydroisoquinoline core at C1 and C3 has a profound effect on the antiproliferative activity against various cancer cell lines. The C3 methyl-substituted sulfamate (±)-7-methoxy-2-(3-methoxybenzyl)-3-methyl-6-sulfamoyloxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (6 b), for example, was found to be ∼10-fold more potent than the corresponding non-methylated compound 7-methoxy-2-(3-methoxybenzyl)-6-sulfamoyloxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (4 b) against DU-145 prostate cancer cells (GI₅₀ values: 220 nM and 2.1 μM, respectively). Such compounds were also found to be active against a drug-resistant MCF breast cancer cell line. The position and nature of substitution of the N-benzyl group in the C3-substituted series was found to have a significant effect on activity. Whereas C1 methylation has little effect on activity, introduction of C1 phenyl and C3-gem-dimethyl substituents greatly decreases antiproliferative activity. The ability of these compounds to inhibit microtubule polymerisation and to bind tubulin in a competitive manner versus colchicine confirms the mechanism of action. The therapeutic potential of a representative compound was confirmed in an in vivo multiple myeloma xenograft study.

Tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ)-based “chimeric” microtubule disruptors were optimised through modification of the N-benzyl motif, in concert with changes at C3 and C7, resulting in the identification of compounds with improved in vitro antiproliferative activities (e.g. 15: GI₅₀ 20 nM in DU-145). The broad anticancer activity of these novel structures was confirmed in the NCI 60-cell line assay, with 12 e,f displaying MGM values in the 40 nM region. In addition, their profiles as inhibitors of tubulin polymerisation and colchicine binding to tubulin were confirmed. Compound 15, for example, inhibited tubulin polymerisation with an IC₅₀ of 1.8 μM, close to that of the clinical drug combretastatin A-4, and also proved effective at blocking colchicine binding. Additionally, compound 20 b was identified as the only phenol in the series to date showing both better in vitro antiproliferative properties than its corresponding sulfamate and excellent antitubulin data (IC₅₀=1.6 μM). Compound 12 f was selected for in vivo evaluation at the NCI in the hollow fibre assay and showed very good activity and wide tissue distribution, illustrating the value of this template for further development.

A structure–activity relationship (SAR) translation strategy was used for the discovery of tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ)-based steroidomimetic and chimeric microtubule disruptors based upon a steroidal starting point. A steroid A,B-ring-mimicking THIQ core was connected to methoxyaryl D-ring ring mimics through methylene, carbonyl and sulfonyl linkers to afford a number of steroidomimetic hits (e.g., 7-methoxy-2-(3- methoxybenzyl)-6-sulfamoyloxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (20 c) GI₅₀=2.1 μM). Optimisation and control experiments demonstrate the complementary SAR of this series and the steroid derivatives that inspired its design. Linkage of the THIQ-based A,B-mimic with the trimethoxyaryl motif prevalent in colchicine site binding microtubule disruptors delivered a series of chimeric molecules whose activity (GI₅₀=40 nM) surpasses that of the parent steroid derivatives. Validation of this strategy was obtained from the excellent oral activity of 7-methoxy-6-sulfamoyloxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (20 z) relative to a benchmark steroidal bis- sulfamate in an in vivo model of multiple myeloma.

A SAR translation strategy adopted for the discovery of tetrahydroisoquinolinone (THIQ)-based steroidomimetic microtubule disruptors has been extended to dihydroisoquinolinone (DHIQ)-based compounds. A steroid A,B-ring-mimicking DHIQ core was connected to methoxyaryl D-ring mimics through methylene, carbonyl, and sulfonyl linkers, and the resulting compounds were evaluated against two cancer cell lines. The carbonyl-linked DHIQs in particular exhibit significant in vitro antiproliferative activities (e.g., 6-hydroxy-7-methoxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1(2H)-one (16 g): GI₅₀ 51 nM in DU-145 cells). The broad anticancer activity of DHIQ 16 g was confirmed in the NCI 60-cell line assay giving a mean activity of 33 nM. Furthermore, 6-hydroxy-2-(3,5-dimethoxybenzoyl)-7-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1(2H)-one (16 f) and 16 g and their sulfamate derivatives 17 f and 17 g (2-(3,5-dimethoxybenzoyl)-7-methoxy-6-sulfamoyloxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1(2H)-one and 7-methoxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-6-sulfamoyloxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-1(2H)-one, respectively) show excellent activity against the polymerization of tubulin, close to that of the clinical combretastatin A-4, and bind competitively at the colchicine binding site of tubulin. Compounds 16 f and 17 f were also shown to demonstrate in vitro anti-angiogenic activity. Additionally, X-ray and computational analyses of 17 f reveal that electrostatic repulsion between the two adjacent carbonyl groups, through conformational biasing, dictates the adoption of a “steroid-like” conformation that may partially explain the excellent in vitro activities.

When applied extracellularly, myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP₆) and myo-inositol pentakisphosphate (InsP₅) can inhibit the growth and proliferation of tumour cells. There is debate about whether these effects result from interactions of InsP₆ and InsP₅ with intracellular or extracellular targets. We synthesised FAM-InsP₅, a fluorescent conjugate of InsP₅ that allows direct visualisation of its interaction with cells. FAM-InsP₅ was internalised by H1229 tumour cells, a finding that supports earlier reports that externally applied inositol phosphates can—perhaps surprisingly—enter into cells. Close examination of the process of FAM-InsP₅ uptake suggests a mechanism of non-receptor-mediated endocytosis, which is blocked at 4 °C and probably involves interaction of the ligand with the glycocalyx. However, our results are difficult to reconcile with antiproliferative mechanisms that require direct interactions of externally applied InsP₅ or InsP₆ with cytosolic proteins, because internalised FAM-InsP₅ appears in lysosomes and apparently does not enter the cytoplasm. Studies using FAM-InsP₅ are less difficult and time-consuming than experiments using InsP₅ or InsP₆, a factor that allowed us to analyse cellular uptake across a range of human cell types, identifying strong cell-specific differences.

4-{[(4-Cyanophenyl)(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)amino]methyl}phenyl sulfamate and its ortho-halogenated (F, Cl, Br) derivatives are first-generation dual aromatase and sulfatase inhibitors (DASIs). Structure–activity relationship studies were performed on these compounds, and various modifications were made to their structures involving relocation of the halogen atom, introduction of more halogen atoms, replacement of the halogen with another group, replacement of the methylene linker with a difluoromethylene linker, replacement of the para-cyanophenyl ring with other ring structures, and replacement of the triazolyl group with an imidazolyl group. The most potent in vitro DASI discovered is an imidazole derivative with IC₅₀ values against aromatase and steroid sulfatase in a JEG-3 cell preparation of 0.2 and 2.5 nM, respectively. The parent phenol of this compound inhibits aromatase with an IC₅₀ value of 0.028 nM in the same assay.

Elevated levels of active glucocorticoids have been implicated in the development of several phenotypes of metabolic syndrome, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) catalyses the intracellular conversion of inactive cortisone to cortisol. Selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors have shown beneficial effects in various conditions, including diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity. A series of adamantyl ethanone pyridyl derivatives has been identified, providing potent and selective inhibitors of human 11β-HSD1. Lead compounds display low nanomolar inhibition against human and mouse 11β-HSD1 and are selective for this isoform, with no activity against 11β-HSD2 and 17β-HSD1. Structure–activity relationship studies reveal that an unsubstituted pyridine tethered to an adamantyl ethanone motif through an ether or sulfoxide linker provides a suitable pharmacophore for activity. The most potent inhibitors have IC₅₀ values around 34–48 nM against human 11β-HSD1, display reasonable metabolic stability in human liver microsomes, and weak inhibition of key human CYP450 enzymes.

Concurrent inhibition of aromatase and steroid sulfatase (STS) may provide a more effective treatment for hormone-dependent breast cancer than monotherapy against individual enzymes, and several dual aromatase–sulfatase inhibitors (DASIs) have been reported. Three aromatase inhibitors with sub-nanomolar potency, better than the benchmark agent letrozole, were designed. To further explore the DASI concept, a new series of letrozole-derived sulfamates and a vorozole-based sulfamate were designed and biologically evaluated in JEG-3 cells to reveal structure–activity relationships. Amongst achiral and racemic compounds, 2-bromo-4-(2-(4-cyanophenyl)-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethyl)phenyl sulfamate is the most potent DASI (aromatase: IC₅₀=0.87 nM; STS: IC₅₀=593 nM). The enantiomers of the phenolic precursor to this compound were separated by chiral HPLC and their absolute configuration determined by X-ray crystallography. Following conversion to their corresponding sulfamates, the S-(+)-enantiomer was found to inhibit aromatase and sulfatase most potently (aromatase: IC₅₀=0.52 nM; STS: IC₅₀=280 nM). The docking of each enantiomer and other ligands into the aromatase and sulfatase active sites was also investigated.

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) plays a key role in converting intracellular cortisone to physiologically active cortisol, which is implicated in the development of several phenotypes of metabolic syndrome. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 activity with selective inhibitors has beneficial effects on various conditions, including diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity, and therefore constitutes a promising strategy to discover novel therapies for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. A series of novel adamantyl heterocyclic ketones provides potent and selective inhibitors of human 11β-HSD1. Lead compounds display low nanomolar inhibition against human and mouse 11β-HSD1 and are selective with no activity against 11β-HSD2 and 17β-HSD1. Selected potent 11β-HSD1 inhibitors show moderate metabolic stability upon incubation with human liver microsomes and weak inhibition of human CYP450 enzymes.

Structure–activity relationship studies were conducted on Irosustat (STX64, BN83495), the first steroid sulfatase (STS) inhibitor to enter diverse clinical trials for patients with advanced hormone-dependent cancer. The size of its aliphatic ring was expanded; its sulfamate group was N,N-dimethylated, relocated to another position and flanked by an adjacent methoxy group; and series of quinolin-2(1H)-one and quinoline derivatives of Irosustat were explored. The STS inhibitory activities of the synthesised compounds were assessed in a preparation of JEG-3 cells. Stepwise enlargement of the aliphatic ring from 7 to 11 members increases potency, although a further increase in ring size is detrimental. The best STS inhibitors in vitro had IC₅₀ values between 0.015 and 0.025 nM. Other modifications made to Irosustat were found to either abolish or significantly weaken its activity. An azomethine adduct of Irosustat with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was isolated, and crystal structures of Irosustat and this adduct were determined. Docking studies were conducted to explore the potential interactions between compounds and the active site of STS, and suggest a sulfamoyl group transfer to formylglycine 75 during the inactivation mechanism.

The design and synthesis of a series of bicyclic ring containing dual aromatase–sulfatase inhibitors (DASIs) based on the aromatase inhibitor (AI) 4-[(4-bromobenzyl)(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)amino]benzonitrile are reported. Biological evaluation with JEG-3 cells revealed structure–activity relationships. The X-ray crystal structure of sulfamate 23 was determined, and selected compounds were docked into the aromatase and steroid sulfatase (STS) crystal structures. In the sulfamate-containing series, compounds containing a naphthalene ring are both the most potent AI (39, IC_50 AROM=0.25 nM) and the best STS inhibitor (31, IC_50 STS=26 nM). The most promising DASI is 39 (IC_50 AROM=0.25 nM, IC_50 STS=205 nM), and this was evaluated orally in vivo at 10 mg kg⁻¹, showing potent inhibition of aromatase (93 %) and STS (93 %) after 3 h. Potent aromatase and STS inhibition can thus be achieved with a DASI containing a bicyclic ring system; development of such a DASI could provide an attractive new option for the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer.

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs) are key enzymes regulating the pre-receptor metabolism of glucocorticoid hormones. The modulation of 11β-HSD type 1 activity with selective inhibitors has beneficial effects on various conditions including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and obesity. Inhibition of tissue-specific glucocorticoid action by regulating 11β-HSD1 constitutes a promising treatment for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. A series of novel adamantyl ethanone compounds was identified as potent inhibitors of human 11β-HSD1. The most active compounds identified (52, 62, 72, 92, 103 and 104) display potent inhibition of 11β-HSD1 with IC₅₀ values in the 50–70 nM range. Compound 72 also proved to be metabolically stable when incubated with human liver microsomes. Furthermore, compound 72 showed very weak inhibitory activity for human cytochrome P450 enzymes and is therefore a candidate for in vivo studies. Comparison of the publicly available X-ray crystal structures of human 11β-HSD1 led to docking studies of the potent compounds, revealing how these molecules may interact with the enzyme and cofactor.

The synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation (JEG-3 cells) of a series of novel and potent aromatase inhibitors, prepared by microwave-enhanced Suzuki cross-coupling methodology, are reported. These compounds possess a biphenyl template incorporated with the haem-ligating triazolylmethyl moiety, either on its own or in combination with other substituent(s) at various positions on the phenyl rings. The most potent aromatase inhibitor reported herein has an IC₅₀ value of 0.12 nM, although seven of its congeners are also highly potent (IC₅₀≤0.5 nM). They all bear the (5-triazolylmethyl-2-cyano)biphenyl structural motif. Docking of representative compounds into a homology model of human aromatase assists in the rationalisation of the SAR derived from the in vitro biological results and supports a crucial role for a cyano group on the “A” phenyl ring, which is accessible to hydrogen bond interactions with Ser 478. Further development of these compounds as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer is warranted given the high level of potency observed for this class of aromatase inhibitor in vitro.

4-(((4-Cyanophenyl)(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)amino)methyl)phenyl sulfamate (6 a) was the first dual aromatase–sulfatase inhibitor (DASI) reported. Several series of its derivatives with various linker systems between the steroid sulfatase (STS) and the aromatase inhibitory pharmacophores were synthesised and evaluated in JEG-3 cells. The X-ray crystal structures of the aromatase inhibitors, DASI precursors 42 d and 60, and DASI 43 h were determined. Nearly all derivatives show improved in vitro aromatase inhibition over 6 a but decreased STS inhibition. The best aromatase inhibitor is 42 e (IC₅₀=0.26 nM) and the best DASI is 43 e (IC_{50 aromatase}=0.45 nM, IC_50 STS=1200 nM). SAR for aromatase inhibition shows that compounds containing an alkylene- and thioether-based linker system are more potent than those that are ether-, sulfone-, or sulfonamide-based, and that the length of the linker has a limited effect on aromatase inhibition beyond two methylene units. Compounds 43 d–f were studied in vivo (10 mg kg⁻¹, single, p.o.). The most potent DASI is 43 e, which inhibited PMSG-induced plasma estradiol levels by 92 % and liver STS activity by 98 % 3 h after dosing. These results further strengthen the concept of designing and developing DASIs for potential treatment of hormone-related cancers.

Novel benzene polyphosphates were synthesised as inositol polyphosphate mimics and evaluated against type-I inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase, which only binds soluble inositol polyphosphates, and against the PH domain of protein kinase Bα (PKBα), which can bind both soluble inositol polyphosphates and inositol phospholipids. The most potent trisphosphate 5-phosphatase inhibitor is benzene 1,2,4-trisphosphate (2, IC₅₀ of 14 μM), a potential mimic of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, whereas the most potent tetrakisphosphate Ins(1,4,5)P₃ 5-phosphatase inhibitor is benzene 1,2,4,5-tetrakisphosphate, with an IC₅₀ of 4 μM. Biphenyl 2,3′,4,5′,6-pentakisphosphate (4) was the most potent inhibitor evaluated against type I Ins(1,4,5)P₃ 5-phosphatase (IC₅₀ of 1 μM). All new benzene polyphosphates are resistant to dephosphorylation by type I Ins(1,4,5)P₃ 5-phosphatase. Unexpectedly, all benzene polyphosphates studied bind to the PH domain of PKBα with apparent higher affinity than to type I Ins(1,4,5)P₃ 5-phosphatase. The most potent ligand for the PKBα PH domain, measured by inhibition of biotinylated diC₈-PtdIns(3,4)P₂ binding, is biphenyl 2,3′,4,5′,6-pentakisphosphate (4, K_i=27 nm). The approximately 80-fold enhancement of binding relative to parent benzene trisphosphate is explained by the involvement of a cation–π interaction. These new molecular tools will be of potential use in structural and cell signalling studies.