Synthesis and Biophysical and Biological Studies of N-Phenylbenzamide Derivatives Targeting Kinetoplastid Parasites

J Med Chem. 2023 Oct 12;66(19):13452-13480. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00697. Epub 2023 Sep 20.

Abstract

The AT-rich mitochondrial DNA (kDNA) of trypanosomatid parasites is a target of DNA minor groove binders. We report the synthesis, antiprotozoal screening, and SAR studies of three series of analogues of the known antiprotozoal kDNA binder 2-((4-(4-((4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2-yl)amino)benzamido)phenyl)amino)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium (1a). Bis(2-aminoimidazolines) (1) and bis(2-aminobenzimidazoles) (2) showed micromolar range activity against Trypanosoma brucei, whereas bisarylimidamides (3) were submicromolar inhibitors of T. brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania donovani. None of the compounds showed relevant activity against the urogenital, nonkinetoplastid parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. We show that series 1 and 3 bind strongly and selectively to the minor groove of AT DNA, whereas series 2 also binds by intercalation. The measured pKa indicated different ionization states at pH 7.4, which correlated with the DNA binding affinities (ΔTm) for series 2 and 3. Compound 3a, which was active and selective against the three parasites and displayed adequate metabolic stability, is a fine candidate for in vivo studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents* / chemistry
  • Benzamides* / chemistry
  • Benzamides* / pharmacology
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA, Kinetoplast / metabolism
  • Imidazoles / chemistry
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology
  • Leishmania donovani* / metabolism
  • Parasites* / drug effects
  • Parasites* / metabolism
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei*
  • Trypanosoma cruzi*

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • benzylaniline
  • DNA
  • DNA, Kinetoplast
  • Imidazoles
  • Benzamides