Stereoselective Activity of 1-Propargyl-4-styrylpiperidine-like Analogues That Can Discriminate between Monoamine Oxidase Isoforms A and B

Abstract

The resurgence of interest in monoamine oxidases (MAOs) has been fueled by recent correlations of this enzymatic activity with cardiovascular, neurological, and oncological disorders. This has promoted increased research into selective MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors. Here, we shed light on how selective inhibition of MAO-A and MAO-B can be achieved by geometric isomers of <i>cis-</i> and <i>trans</i>-1-propargyl-4-styrylpiperidines. While the <i>cis</i> isomers are potent human MAO-A inhibitors, the <i>trans</i> analogues selectively target only the MAO-B isoform. The inhibition was studied by kinetic analysis, UV-vis spectrum measurements, and X-ray crystallography. The selective inhibition of the MAO-A and MAO-B isoforms was confirmed <i>ex vivo</i> in mouse brain homogenates, and additional <i>in vivo</i> studies in mice show the therapeutic potential of 1-propargyl-4-styrylpiperidines for central nervous system disorders. This study represents a unique case of stereoselective activity of <i>cis</i>/<i>trans</i> isomers that can discriminate between structurally related enzyme isoforms.