New quinolone derivatives as neuropeptide S receptor antagonists: Design, synthesis, homology modeling, dynamic simulations and modulation of Gq/ Gs signaling pathways

In a search for new neuropeptide S receptor antagonists, we have described a new series of quinolonepyranopyrimidine hybrid derivatives aiming to modify the inhibitory characters towards NPSR to develop new therapeutic strategies against anxiety, addiction and food disorders. We identified six potent antagonists 3, 4b, 6, 8, 9 and 10 which counteracted the stimulatory effect of NPS at both Gq and Gs pathways, at low micromolar concentrations, through modulation of Ca2+ and cAMP signaling, respectively. Molecular docking predicted the orientation mode of the top active compounds; 10 and 4b with delta G value of -23.94 and -23.87 kcal/mol, respectively that is considered good when compared to that of the reference compound ML154 (delta G = -25.75 kcal/mol) . Molecular dynamic simulations confirmed the stability of binding of compound 10 to the homology model of NPSR as it reached the equilibrium after 4 ns at RMSD of 1.00 & Aring; while ML154 was faster to achieve the equilibrium after 2 ns at RMSD of 1.00 & Aring;.

Automated summary

Through the development of new neuropeptide S receptor antagonists, a series of potential therapeutic derivatives have been identified. By modulating Ca2+ and cAMP signaling, these compounds counteract the stimulatory effects of NPS at both Gq and Gs pathways, showing potential therapeutic effects against anxiety, addiction, and food disorders. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations confirm the stability and efficacy of the top active compounds, suggesting their potential as treatment options.