A series of novel 3-(furo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-yl)-4-(1H-indol-3-yl)-maleimides were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated for their GSK-3β inhibitory activities. Most compounds showed favorable inhibitory activities against GSK-3β protein. Among them, compounds 5n, 5o, and 5p significantly reduced GSK-3β substrate tau phosphorylation at Ser396 in primary neurons, indicating inhibition of cellular GSK-3β activity. In the in vitro neuronal injury models, compounds 5n, 5o, and 5p prevented neuronal death against glutamate, oxygen–glucose deprivation, and nutrient serum deprivation which are closely associated with cerebral ischemic stroke. In the in vivo cerebral ischemia animal model, compound 5o reduced infarct size by 10% and improved the neurological deficit. The results may provide new insights into the development of novel GSK-3β inhibitors with potential neuroprotective activity against brain ischemic stroke.

A series of 3-aryl-4-pyrrolyl-maleimides were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitory activity. Most compounds exhibited potent activity against GSK-3β. Among them, compounds 11a, 11c, 11h, 11i, and 11j significantly reduced Aβ-induced Tau hyperphosphorylation, showing the inhibition of GSK-3β at the cellular level. Structure–activity relationships were discussed based on the experimental data obtained.