Extensive rigid analogue design maps the binding conformation of potent N-benzylphenethylamine 5-HT2A serotonin receptor agonist ligands

ACS Chem Neurosci. 2013 Jan 16;4(1):96-109. doi: 10.1021/cn3000668. Epub 2012 Jul 17.

Abstract

Based on the structure of the superpotent 5-HT(2A) agonist 2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine, which consists of a ring-substituted phenethylamine skeleton modified with an N-benzyl group, we designed and synthesized a small library of constrained analogues to identify the optimal arrangement of the pharmacophoric elements of the ligand. Structures consisted of diversely substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines, piperidines, and one benzazepine. Based on the structure of (S,S)-9b, which showed the highest affinity of the series, we propose an optimal binding conformation. (S,S)-9b also displayed 124-fold selectivity for the 5-HT(2A) over the 5-HT(2C) receptor, making it the most selective 5-HT(2A) receptor agonist ligand currently known.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Affinity Labels / metabolism
  • Benzazepines / metabolism
  • Hallucinogens / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Models, Molecular
  • Phenethylamines / chemical synthesis
  • Phenethylamines / chemistry
  • Phenethylamines / metabolism*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A / metabolism*
  • Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists / metabolism*

Substances

  • Affinity Labels
  • Benzazepines
  • Hallucinogens
  • Ligands
  • Phenethylamines
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A
  • Serotonin 5-HT2 Receptor Agonists