Positive allosteric modulators of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: SAR investigation around PNU-120596

The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a calcium permeable, ligand-gated ion channel that modulates synaptic transmission in the hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebral cortex. Previously disclosed work described PNU-120596 that acts as a powerful positive allosteric modulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The initial structure-activity relationships around PNU-120596 were gleaned from screening a large thiazole library. Independent systematic examination of the aryl and heteroaryl groups resulted in compounds with enhanced potency and improved physico-chemical properties culminating in the identification of 16 (PHA-758454). In the presence of acetylcholine, 16 enhanced evoked currents in rat hippocampal neurons. In a rat model of impaired sensory gating, treatment with 16 led to a reversal of the gating deficit in a dose-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that aryl heteroaryl ureas, like compound 16, may be useful tools for continued exploration of the unique biology of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.