Novel Multitarget-Directed Ligands (MTDLs) with Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibitory and Serotonergic Subtype 4 Receptor (5-HT₄R) Agonist Activities As Potential Agents against Alzheimer’s Disease: The Design of Donecopride

Abstract

In this work, we describe the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a novel series of multitarget-directed ligands (MTDL) displaying both nanomolar dual-binding site (DBS) acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects and partial 5-HT4R agonist activity, among which donecopride was selected for further in vivo evaluations in mice. The latter displayed procognitive and antiamnesic effects and enhanced sAPPα release, accounting for a potential symptomatic and disease-modifying therapeutic benefit in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.