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In search of safe and effective anti-Alzheimer disease agents a series of gallocyanine dyes have been synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit LRPs/DKK1 interactions. Modulation of the interactions between LRP S and DKK1, regulate Wnt signaling pathway and affect Tau phosphorylation. The current efforts resulted in the identification of potent DKK1 inhibitors which are able to inhibit prostaglandin J2-induced tau phosphorylation at serine 396. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging and re-emerging viruses periodically cause outbreaks and epidemics all over the world, eventually leading to global events such as the current pandemic of the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection COVID-19. Therefore, an urgent need for novel antivirals is crystal clear. Here we present the synthesis and evaluation of an antiviral activity of phenoxazine-based nucleoside analogs divided into three groups: (1) 8-alkoxy-substituted, (2) acyclic, and (3) carbocyclic. The antiviral activity was assessed against a structurally and phylogenetically diverse panel of RNA and DNA viruses from 25 species. Four compounds (11a-c , 12c) inhibited 4 DNA/RNA viruses with EC 50 ≤ 20 μM. Toxicity of the compounds for the cell lines used for virus cultivation was negligible in most cases. In addition, previously reported and newly synthesized phenoxazine derivatives were evaluated against SARS-CoV-2, and some of them showed promising inhibition of reproduction with EC 50 values in low micromolar range, although accompanied by commensurate cytotoxicity. [Display omitted] • 8-Alkoxy-substituted, acyclic and carbocyclic phenoxazine derivatives were synthesized. • The activity was assessed against a broad panel of RNA/DNA viruses from 25 species. • Four compounds (11a-c , 12c) inhibited 4 DNA/RNA viruses with EC 50 ≤ 20 μM. • Three of them exhibited submicromolar activity against VZV. • The compounds did not show pronounced cytotoxicity against all the studied cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sigma 1 receptors are associated with neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. These receptors, via their chaperoning functions that counteract endoplasmic reticulum stress and block neurodegeneration, may serve as a target for a new generation of antidepressants or neuroprotective agents. The involvement of these receptors has also been observed in neuropathic pain and cancer. Only a few ligands, such as Igmesine and Anavex 2-73, have been involved in clinical trials. Thus the development of sigma 1 ligands is of interest to a new generation of drugs. Previous work in our lab underlined the potency of benzannulated bicyclic compounds as interesting ligands. Herein the work was extended to a series of novel tricyclic compounds. Carboline- and phenothiazine-derivated compounds were designed and synthesized. In vitro competition binding assays for sigma 1 and 2 receptors showed that most of them have high affinity for sigma 1 receptor (Ki = 2.5-18 nM), and selectivity toward sigma 2 receptor, without cytotoxic effects on SY5Y cells., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)