(N)-Methanocarba adenosine 5′-methyluronamides containing known A3 AR (adenosine receptor)-enhancing modifications, i.e. 2-(arylethynyl)adenine and N6-methyl or N6-(3-substituted-benzyl), were nanomolar full agonists of human (h) A3AR and highly selective (Ki ~0.6 nM, N6-methyl 2-(halophenylethynyl) analogues 13, 14). Combined 2-arylethynyl-N6-3-chlorobenzyl substitutions preserved A3AR affinity/selectivity in the (N)-methanocarba series (e.g. 3,4-difluoro full agonist MRS5698 31, Ki 3 nM, human and mouse A3) better than for ribosides. Polyaromatic 2-ethynyl N6-3-chlorobenzyl analogues, such as potent linearly extended 2-p-biphenylethynyl MRS5679 34 (Ki hA3 3.1 nM; A1, A2A: inactive) and fluorescent 1-pyrene adduct MRS5704 35 (Ki hA3 68.3 nM) were conformationally rigid; receptor docking identified a large, mainly hydrophobic binding region. The vicinity of receptor-bound C2 groups was probed by homology modeling based on recent X-ray structure of an agonist-bound A2AAR, with a predicted helical rearrangement requiring an agonist-specific outward displacement of TM2 resembling opsin. Thus, X-ray structure of related A2AAR is useful in guiding design of new A3AR agonists.

(N)-Methanocarba adenosine 5′-methyluronamides containing 2-arylethynyl groups were synthesized as A3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists and screened in vivo (po) for reduction of neuropathic pain. A small N6-methyl group maintained binding affinity, with human > mouse A3AR and MW < 500 and other favorable physicochemical properties. Emax (maximal efficacy in a mouse chronic constriction injury pain model) of previously characterized A3AR agonist, 2-(3,4-difluorophenylethynyl)-N6-(3-chlorobenzyl) derivative 6a, MRS5698, was surpassed. More efficacious analogues (in vivo) contained the following C2-arylethynyl groups: pyrazin-2-yl 23 (binding Ki, hA3AR, nM 1.8), fur-2-yl 27 (0.6), thien-2-yl 32 (0.6) and its 5-chloro 33, MRS5980 (0.7) and 5-bromo 34 (0.4) equivalents, and physiologically unstable ferrocene 36, MRS5979 (2.7). 33 and 36 displayed particularly long in vivo duration (>3 h). Selected analogues were docked to an A3AR homology model to explore the environment of receptor-bound C2 and N6 groups. Various analogues bound with μM affinity at off-target biogenic amine (M2, 5HT2A, β3, 5HT2B, 5HT2C, and α2C) or other receptors. Thus, we have expanded the structural range of orally active A3AR agonists for chronic pain treatment.

(N)-Methanocarba (bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane)-adenosine derivatives were probed for sites of charged sulfonate substitution, which precludes diffusion across biological membranes, e.g. blood brain barrier. Molecular modeling predicted that sulfonate groups on C2-phenylethynyl substituents would provide high affinity at both mouse (m) and human (h) A3 adenosine receptors (ARs), while a N6-p-sulfo-phenylethyl substituent would determine higher hA3AR vs. mA3AR affinity. These modeling predictions, based on steric fitting of the binding cavity and crucial interactions with key residues, were confirmed by binding/efficacy studies of synthesized sulfonates. N6-3-Chlorobenzyl-2-(3-sulfophenylethynyl) derivative 7 (MRS5841) bound selectively to h/m A3ARs (Ki hA3AR 1.9 nM) as agonist, while corresponding p-sulfo isomer 6 (MRS5701) displayed mixed A1/A3AR agonism. Both nucleosides administered i.p. reduced mouse chronic neuropathic pain that was ascribed to either A3 or A1/A3ARs using A3AR genetic deletion. Thus, rational design methods based on A3AR homology models successfully predicted sites for sulfonate incorporation, for delineating adenosine’s CNS vs. peripheral actions.

Small mammals have the ability to enter torpor, a hypothermic, hypometabolic state, allowing impressive energy conservation. Administration of adenosine or adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) can trigger a hypothermic, torpor-like state. We investigated the mechanisms for hypothermia using telemetric monitoring of body temperature in wild type and receptor knock out (Adora1−/−, Adora3−/−) mice. Confirming prior data, stimulation of the A3 adenosine receptor (AR) induced hypothermia via peripheral mast cell degranulation, histamine release, and activation of central histamine H1 receptors. In contrast, A1AR agonists and AMP both acted centrally to cause hypothermia. Commonly used, selective A1AR agonists, including N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), and MRS5474, caused hypothermia via both A1AR and A3AR when given intraperitoneally. Intracerebroventricular dosing, low peripheral doses of Cl-ENBA [(±)-5'-chloro-5'-deoxy-N6-endo-norbornyladenosine], or using Adora3−/− mice allowed selective stimulation of A1AR. AMP-stimulated hypothermia can occur independently of A1AR, A3AR, and mast cells. A1AR and A3AR agonists and AMP cause regulated hypothermia that was characterized by a drop in total energy expenditure, physical inactivity, and preference for cooler environmental temperatures, indicating a reduced body temperature set point. Neither A1AR nor A3AR were required for fasting-induced torpor. A1AR and A3AR agonists and AMP trigger regulated hypothermia via three distinct mechanisms.

Abstract2-Chloro-5′ -N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine analogues containing the (N)-methanocarba (bicyclo [3.1.0]hexane) ring system as a ribose substitute display increased selectivity as agonists of the human A 3 adenosine receptor (AR). However, the selectivity in mouse was greatly reduced due to an increased tolerance of this ring system at the mouse A 1 AR. Therefore, we varied substituents at the N 6 and C2 positions in search of compounds that have improved A 3 AR selectivity and are species independent. An N 6 -methyl analogue was balanced in affinity at mouse A 1 /A 3 ARs, with high selectivity in comparison to the A 2A AR. Substitution of the 2-chloro atom with larger and more hydrophobic substituents, such as iodo and alkynyl groups, tended to increase the A 3 AR selectivity (up to 430-fold) in mouse and preserve it in human. Extended and chemically functionalized alkynyl chains attached at the C2 position of the purine moiety preserved A 3 AR selectivity more effectively than similar chains attached at the 3 position of the N 6 -benzyl group. Keywordsnucleoside; G protein-coupled receptor; mouse; adenosine receptor; radioligand binding Adenosine is a protective mediator that has been described as a general endogenous signal for tissue protection and regeneration and even "the signal of life". 1,2 Adenosine activates four different receptor subtypes -A 1 , A 2A , A 2B , and A 3 -which are widely but differentially distributed throughout the body. 3 The A 3 adenosine receptor (AR) is located in some neurons, astrocytes, various immune cell populations (neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells) and potentially muscle cells and endothelial cells. 4-7 The A 3 AR is coupled to inhibition of adenylate cyclase and also activates Akt and calcium mobilization. 8,9 Two potent and selective agonists of the A 3 AR, IB-MECA 1a and Cl-IB-MECA 1b, are currently in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, several other autoimmune inflammatory diseases, and cancer. 10-12 Protective mechanisms in the envisioned disease applications of A 3 AR agonists appear to be a downregulation of the NF-κB system, common to both arthritis and cancer treatments, 12 and a widespread correction of gene dysregulation induced in an Corresponding author: Dr. K.A. Jacobson, Chief, Molecular Recognition Section, Bldg. 8A, Rm. B1A-19, NIH, NIDDK, LBC, Bethesda, MD 20892-0810. Tel: 301-496-9024. Fax: 301-480-8422; Email: kajacobs@helix.nih.gov. Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. .0]hexane) nucleoside analogues were used to determine that the biologically active conformat...

We have repurposed (N)-methanocarba adenosine derivatives (A3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists) to enhance radioligand binding allosterically at the human dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and inhibit DA uptake. We extended the structure-activity relationship of this series with small N6-alkyl substitution, 5′-esters, deaza modifications of adenine, and ribose restored in place of methanocarba. C2-(5-halothien-2-yl)-ethynyl 5′-methyl 9 (MRS7292) and 5′-ethyl 10 (MRS7232) esters enhanced binding at DAT (EC50 ∼35 nM) and at norepinephrine transporter (NET). 9 and 10 were selective for DAT compared to A3AR in the mouse, but not human. At DAT, binding of two structurally dissimilar radioligands was enhanced; NET binding of only one radioligand was enhanced; SERT radioligand binding was minimally affected. 10 was more potent than cocaine at inhibiting DA uptake (IC50 = 107 nM). Ribose analogues were weaker in DAT interaction than corresponding bicyclics. Thus, we enhanced the neurotransmitter transporters activity of rigid nucleosides while reducing A3AR affinity.

Substitution of rigidified A 3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists with a 2-((5-chlorothiophen-2-yl)ethynyl) or a 2-(4-(5-chlorothiophen-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl) group provides prolonged protection in a model of chronic neuropathic pain. These agonists contain a bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane ((N)-methanocarba) ring system in place of ribose, which adopts a receptor-preferred conformation. N 6 -Small alkyl derivatives were newly optimized for A 3 AR affinity and the effects of a 1-deaza-adenine modification probed. 1-Deaza-N 6 -ethyl alkyne 20 (MRS7144, K i 1.7 nM) and 1-aza N 6 -propyl alkyne 12 (MRS7154, K i 1.1 nM) were highly efficacious in vivo. Thus, the presence of N1 is not required for nanomolar binding affinity or potent, long-lasting functional activity. Docking of 1-deaza compounds to a receptor homology model confirmed a similar binding mode as previously reported 1-aza derivatives. This is the first demonstration in nonribose adenosine analogues that the 1-deaza modification can maintain high A 3 AR affinity, selectivity, and efficacy.

2-Arylethynyl derivatives of (N)-methanocarba adenosine 5′-uronamides are selective A3AR (adenosine receptor) agonists. Here we substitute a 1,2,3-triazol-1-yl linker in place of the rigid, linear ethynyl group to eliminate its potential metabolic liability. Docking of nucleosides containing possible short linker moieties at the adenine C2 position using a hybrid molecular model of the A3AR (based on the A2AAR agonist-bound structure) correctly predicted that a triazole would maintain the A3AR selectivity, due to its ability to fit a narrow cleft in the receptor. The analogues with various N6 and C2-aryltriazolyl substitution were synthesized and characterized in binding (Ki at hA3AR 0.3 – 12 nM) and in vivo to demonstrate efficacy in controlling chronic neuropathic pain (chronic constriction injury). Among N6-methyl derivatives, a terminal pyrimidin-2-yl group in 9 (MRS7116) increased duration of action (36% pain protection at 3 h) in vivo. N6-Ethyl 5-chlorothien-2-yl analogue 15 (MRS7126) preserved in vivo efficacy (85% protection at 1 h) with short duration. Larger N6 groups, e.g. 17 (MRS7138, >90% protection at 1 and 3 h), greatly enhanced in vivo activity. Thus, we have combined structure-based methods and phenotypic screening to identify nucleoside derivatives having translational potential.