Identification, Structure–Activity Relationship, and Biological Characterization of 2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-1<i>H</i>-pyrido[4,3-<i>b</i>]indoles as a Novel Class of CFTR Potentiators
作者:Nicoletta Brindani、Ambra Gianotti、Simone Giovani、Francesca Giacomina、Paolo Di Fruscia、Federico Sorana、Sine Mandrup Bertozzi、Giuliana Ottonello、Luca Goldoni、Ilaria Penna、Debora Russo、Maria Summa、Rosalia Bertorelli、Loretta Ferrera、Emanuela Pesce、Elvira Sondo、Luis J. V. Galietta、Tiziano Bandiera、Nicoletta Pedemonte、Fabio Bertozzi
DOI:10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01050
日期:2020.10.8
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening autosomal recessive disease, caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel. CFTR modulators have been reported to address the basic defects associated with CF-causing mutations, partially restoring the CFTR function in terms of protein processing and/or channel gating. Small-molecule compounds, called potentiators, are known to ameliorate the gating defect. In this study, we describe the identification of the 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole core as a novel chemotype of potentiators. In-depth structure-activity relationship studies led to the discovery of enantiomerically pure 39 endowed with a good efficacy in rescuing the gating defect of F508del- and G551D-CFTR and a promising in vitro druglike profile. The in vivo characterization of gamma-carboline 39 showed considerable exposure levels and good oral bioavailability, with detectable distribution to the lungs after oral administration to rats. Overall, these findings may represent an encouraging starting point to further expand this chemical class, adding a new chemotype to the existing classes of CFTR potentiators.