Jianguo Ji

Bio: Jianguo Ji is an academic researcher from AbbVie. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nicotinic agonist & Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 52 publications receiving 771 citations.

Diazabicyclic central nervous system active agents

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions of these compounds, and use of said compositions to control synaptic transmission in mammals (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligands).

Substituted diazabicycloalkane derivatives

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) Z-Ar1—Ar2 (I) wherein Z is a diazabicyclic amine, Ar1 is a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring, and Ar2 is selected from the group consisting of an unsubstituted or substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl ring; unsubstituted or substituted bicyclic heteroaryl ring; 3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenyl; carbazolyl; tetrahydrocarbazolyl; naphthyl; and phenyl; wherein the phenyl is substituted with 0, 1, 2, or 3 substituents in the meta- or para-positions. The compounds are useful in treating conditions or disorders prevented by or ameliorated by α7 nAChR ligands. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and methods for using such compounds and compositions.

In vitro pharmacological characterization of a novel selective α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist ABT-107

Abstract: Enhancement of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) activity is considered a therapeutic approach for ameliorating cognitive deficits present in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. In this study, we describe the in vitro profile of a novel selective alpha7 nAChR agonist, 5-(6-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2,2,2]oct-3-yloxy]pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-indole (ABT-107). ABT-107 displayed high affinity binding to alpha7 nAChRs [rat or human cortex, [(3)H](1S,4S)-2,2-dimethyl-5-(6-phenylpyridazin-3-yl)-5-aza-2-azoniabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (A-585539), K(i) = 0.2-0.6 nM or [(3)H]methyllycaconitine (MLA), 7 nM] that was at least 100-fold selective versus non-alpha7 nAChRs and other receptors. Functionally, ABT-107 did not evoke detectible currents in Xenopus oocytes expressing human or nonhuman alpha3beta4, chimeric (alpha6/alpha3)beta4, or 5-HT(3A) receptors, and weak or negligible Ca(2+) responses in human neuroblastoma IMR-32 cells (alpha3* function) and human alpha4beta2 and alpha4beta4 nAChRs expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. ABT-107 potently evoked human and rat alpha7 nAChR current responses in oocytes (EC(50), 50-90 nM total charge, approximately 80% normalized to acetylcholine) that were enhanced by the positive allosteric modulator (PAM) 4-[5-(4-chloro-phenyl)-2-methyl-3-propionyl-pyrrol-1-yl]-benzenesulfonamide (A-867744). In rat hippocampus, ABT-107 alone evoked alpha7-like currents, which were inhibited by the alpha7 antagonist MLA. In dentate gyrus granule cells, ABT-107 enhanced spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current activity when coapplied with A-867744. In the presence of an alpha7 PAM [A-867744 or N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-4-chlorobenzamide hydrochloride (PNU-120596)], the addition of ABT-107 elicited MLA-sensitive alpha7 nAChR-mediated Ca(2+) signals in IMR-32 cells and rat cortical cultures and enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in differentiated PC-12 cells. ABT-107 was also effective in protecting rat cortical cultures against glutamate-induced toxicity. In summary, ABT-107 is a selective high affinity alpha7 nAChR agonist suitable for characterizing the roles of this subtype in pharmacological studies.

Synthesis and Structure−Activity Relationship Studies of 3,6-Diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptanes as Novel α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Selective Agonists

Abstract: A series of novel, potent neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ligands derived from 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane have been synthesized and evaluated for binding affinity and agonist activity at the α4β2 nAChR subtype. Structure−activity relationship studies of these novel nAChR ligands focused on substitution effects on the pyridine ring, as well as stereo- and regiochemical influences of the 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane core. Small 5-substituents on the pyridine ring had a modest impact on the binding affinities and functional activities. 6-Bromo, 6-chloro, and 6-methyl substituents on the pyridine ring led to increased binding affinities and improved functional activities. Most of the 6-N-pyridinyl-substituted 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptanes are selective for the α4β2 nAChR subtype. Compounds (1R,5S)-25, (1R,5S)-55, and (1R,5S)-56 were virtually inactive as agonists at the hα3β4 nAChR but retained potency and efficacy at the hα4β2 nAChR subtype. 3-N-Pyridinyl-substituted series demonstr...

Nicotinic receptors: allosteric transitions and therapeutic targets in the nervous system

Abstract: Nicotinic receptors - a family of ligand-gated ion channels that mediate the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine - are among the most well understood allosteric membrane proteins from a structural and functional perspective. There is also considerable interest in modulating nicotinic receptors to treat nervous-system disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and tobacco addiction. This article describes both recent advances in our understanding of the assembly, activity and conformational transitions of nicotinic receptors, as well as developments in the therapeutic application of nicotinic receptor ligands, with the aim of aiding novel drug discovery by bridging the gap between these two rapidly developing fields.

Amino acid promoted CuI-catalyzed C-N bond formation between aryl halides and amines or N-containing heterocycles.

Abstract: CuI-catalyzed coupling reaction of electron-deficient aryl iodides with aliphatic primary amines occurs at 40 degrees C under the promotion of N-methylglycine. Using L-proline as the promoter, coupling reaction of aryl iodides or aryl bromides with aliphatic primary amines, aliphatic cyclic secondary amines, or electron-rich primary arylamines proceeds at 60-90 degrees C; an intramolecular coupling reaction between aryl chloride and primary amine moieties gives indoline at 70 degrees C; coupling reaction of aryl iodides with indole, pyrrole, carbazole, imidazole, or pyrazole can be carried out at 75-90 degrees C; and coupling reaction of electron-deficient aryl bromides with imidazole or pyrazole occurs at 60-90 degrees C to provide the corresponding N-aryl products in good to excellent yields. In addition, N,N-dimethylglycine promotes the coupling reaction of electron-rich aryl bromides with imidazole or pyrazole to afford the corresponding N-aryl imidazoles or pyrazoles at 110 degrees C. The possible action of amino acids in these coupling reactions is discussed.

Bite angle effects of diphosphines in C-C and C-X bond forming cross coupling reactions.

Abstract: Catalytic reactions of C–C and C–X bond formation are discussed in this critical review with particular emphasis on cross coupling reactions catalyzed by palladium and wide bite angle bidentate diphosphine ligands. Especially those studies have been collected that allow comparison of the ligand bite angles for the selected ligands: dppp, BINAP, dppf, DPEphos and Xantphos. Similarities with hydrocyanation and CO/ethene/MeOH reactions have been highlighted, while rhodium hydroformylation has been mentioned as a contrasting example, in which predictability is high and steric and electronic effects follow smooth trends. In palladium catalysis wide bite angles and bulkiness of the ligands facilitate generally the reductive elimination thus giving more efficient cross coupling catalysis (174 references).