Structural modifications of (1S,3S)-3-amino-4-difluoromethylenecyclopentanecarboxylic acid, a potent irreversible inhibitor of GABA aminotransferase

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2007 Mar 15;17(6):1651-4. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.12.119. Epub 2007 Jan 17.

Abstract

Low brain levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) lead to convulsions. Inhibition of GABA aminotransferase increases the concentration of GABA and can terminate the convulsions. Earlier we reported the synthesis of (1S,3S)-3-amino-4-difluoromethylenecyclopentanecarboxylic acid (2), which is 186 times more potent an inactivator of GABA aminotransferase than the epilepsy drug S-vigabatrin. The corresponding dichloromethylene analogue of 2 (compound 3) has been made, but it shows only weak reversible inhibition of GABA aminotransferase. However, the tetrazole isostere of 2 (compound 4) has been found to be a time-dependent inactivator of GABA aminotransferase. Although it is 20 times less potent than carboxylic acid 2, it is 2.5 times more potent than S-vigabatrin. A calculation of the ClogP values indicates that 4 is the most lipophilic of the three, being 69 times more lipophilic than 2 and 55 times more lipophilic than S-vigabatrin, indicating potential for improved bioavailability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Carboxylic Acids / chemical synthesis*
  • Carboxylic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chemistry, Physical
  • Cyclopentanes / chemical synthesis*
  • Cyclopentanes / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemical synthesis*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Kinetics
  • Proline / analogs & derivatives
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • (1S,3S)-3-amino-4-difluoromethylenecyclopentanecarboxylic acid
  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Cyclopentanes
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Proline
  • 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase