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Definitions

• TGF ⁇ Transforming Growth Factor ⁇
• BMPs bone morphogenetic proteins
• GDFs growth and differentiation factors
• MIS mullerian inhibiting substance
• TGF ⁇ exists in three isoforms (TGF ⁇ l, TGF ⁇ 2, and TGF ⁇ 3) and is present in most cells, along with its receptors. Each isoform is expressed in both a tissue-specific and developmentally regulated fashion.
• Each TGF ⁇ isoform is synthesized as a precursor protein that is cleaved intracellularly into a C-terminal region (latency associated peptide (LAP)) and an N-terminal region known as mature or active TGF ⁇ .
• LAP latency associated peptide
• LJAP is typically non-covalently associated with mature TGF ⁇ prior to secretion from the cell.
• the LAP- TGF ⁇ complex cannot bind to the TGF ⁇ receptors and is not biologically active.
• TGF ⁇ is generally released (and activated) from the complex by a variety of mechanisms including interaction with thrombospondin-1 or plasmin.
• TGF ⁇ binds at high affinity to the type II receptor (TGF ⁇ RII), a constitutively active serine/threonine kinase.
• TGF ⁇ RII type II receptor
• the ligand-bound type II receptor phosphorylates the TGF ⁇ type I receptor (Alk 5) in a glycine/serine rich domain, which allows the type I receptor to recruit and phosphorylate downstream signaling molecules, Smad2 or Smad3.
• Smad2 or Smad3 can then complex with Smad4, and the entire hetero-Smad complex translocates to the nucleus and regulates transcription of various TGF ⁇ -responsive genes. See, e.g., Massague, J. Ann. Rev .Biochem. Med. 67: 773 (1998).
• Activins are also members ofthe TGF ⁇ superfamily which are distinct from TGF ⁇ in that they are homo- or heterodimers of activin ⁇ a or ⁇ b. Activins signal in a similar manner to TGF ⁇ , that is, by binding to a constitutive serine-threonine receptor kinase, activin type II receptor (ActRIIB), and activating a type I serine-threonine receptor, Alk 4, to phosphorylate Smad2 or Smad3. The consequent formation of a hetero-Smad complex with Smad4 also results in the activin-induced regulation of gene transcription.
• TGF ⁇ and related factors such as activin regulate a large array of cellular processes, e.g., cell cycle anest in epithelial and hematopoietic cells, control of mesenchymal cell proliferation and differentiation, inflammatory cell recruitment, immunosuppression, wound healing, and extracellular matrix production.
• cellular processes e.g., cell cycle anest in epithelial and hematopoietic cells, control of mesenchymal cell proliferation and differentiation, inflammatory cell recruitment, immunosuppression, wound healing, and extracellular matrix production.
• TGF ⁇ signaling pathway underlies many human disorders (e.g., excess deposition of extracellular matrix, an abnormally high level of inflammatory responses, fibrotic disorders, and progressive cancers).
• activin signaling and overexpression of activin is linked to pathological disorders that involve extracellular matrix accumulation and fibrosis (see, e.g., Matsuse, T. et al., Am. J. Respir.
• Compounds of formula (I) are unexpectedly potent antagonists ofthe TGF ⁇ family type I receptors, Alk5 and/or Alk 4.
• compounds of formula (I) can be employed in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases such as fibrosis (e.g., renal fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and hepatic fibrosis), progressive cancers, or other diseases for which reduction of TGF ⁇ family signaling activity is desirable.
• diseases such as fibrosis (e.g., renal fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and hepatic fibrosis), progressive cancers, or other diseases for which reduction of TGF ⁇ family signaling activity is desirable.
• the invention features a compound of formula I:
• Each of Xi, X 2 , X 3 , and 4 is independently CR X or N, provided that only two of Xi, X , X 3 , and X 4 can be N simultaneously.
• Each of Yi and Y is independently
• each R 1 is independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, acyl, halo, hydroxy, amino, nitro, cyano, guanadino, amidino, carboxy, sulfo, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, alkylsulfonylamino, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, carbamoyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, cycloalkylsulfanyl,
• Each R 2 is independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, acyl, halo, hydroxy, -NH 2 , -NH(alkyl), -N(alkyl) 2 , -NH(cycloalkyl), -
• heteroaryl arylcarbonylaminoalkylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylaminoalkylamino, (heteroaryl)arylsulfonylaminoalkylcarbonylaminoalkylamino, arylsulfonylaminoalkylamino, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, or carbamoyl.
• n 0, 1, 2, or 4; provided that when m > 2, two adjacent R 1 groups can join together to form a 4- to 8-membered optionally substituted cyclic moiety, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3, provided that when n > 2, two adjacent R 2 groups can join together to form a 4- to 8-membered optionally substituted cyclic moiety. See examples ofthe 4- to 8-membered optionally substituted cyclic moiety below.
• R x and R y is independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, acyl, halo, hydroxy, amino, nitro, cyano, guanadino, amidino, carboxy, sulfo, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, cycloalkylcarbonyl, (cycloalkyl)alkylcarbonyl, aroyl, aralkylcarbonyl, heterocycloalkylcarbonyl, (heterocycloalkyl)acyl, heteroaroyl, (heteroaryl)acyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, (amino)aminocarbonyl, alkylsulfonylaminocarbonyl, alkylsulfonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylsulf
• two adjacent R 1 groups can join together to form a 4- to 8-membered optionally substituted cyclic moiety. That is, the 2-pyridyl ring can fuse with a 4- to 8-membered cyclic moiety to form a moiety such as 7H-
• the fused ring moiety can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkyl (including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and haloalkyl such as trifluoromethyl; see definiton of "alkyl” below), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroarylalkoxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, amino, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkyl- alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, heterocycloalkyl- carbonylamino, heterocycloalkyl-alkylcarbonylamino, heteroarylcarbon
• the 4- to 8-membered cyclic moiety formed by two adjacent R 2 groups can be optionally substituted with substituents such as alkyl (including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and haloalkyl such as trifluoromethyl; see definiton of "alkyl” below), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroarylalkoxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, amino, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkyl-alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, heterocycloalkyl-carbonylamino, heterocycloalkyl-carbonyla
• each of Xi, X 2 , X 3 , and X4 is independently CR X .
• each of X 2 , X 3 and is independently -CH-, -C(CH 3 )-, -C(OH)-, - C(NH 2 )-, -C(CO-NH 2 )-, -C(CO-NHOH)-, -C(NH(unsubstituted alkyl))-, -C(NH(aryl))-, -CfNH(aralkyl))-, -CfNH(heteroaryl))-,
• both Yi are Y 2 are N.
• m is 0, 1, or 2 (e.g., m is 1).
• R 1 is substituted at the 5-position or the 6-position (i.e., R 1 can be mono-substituted at either the 5-position or the 6-position or R 1 can be di-substituted at both the 5- and the 6-positions).
• R 1 is C ⁇ . 4 alkyl, C ⁇ - alkoxy, C M alkylthio, halo, amino, aminocarbonyl, or alkoxycarbonyl.
• n is 1 or 2 (e.g., n is 1).
• each R 1 is independently unsubstituted alkyl (e.g., 6- methyl, 6-ethyl, 6-n-propyl, or 6-isopropyl), hydroxyalkyl, haloalkyl (e.g., 6- trifluoromethyl), aminoalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, heteroaralkyloxyalkyl, unsubstituted alkenyl (e.g., 6-vinyl), alkoxy, acyl, halo, hydroxy, carboxy, cyano, guanadino, amidino, amino (e.g., -NH , monoalkylamino, dialkylamino, monoheterocycloalkylamino, monoheteroarylamino, mono(heterocyclylalkyl)amino, mono(aralkyl)amino, or mono(heteroaralkyl)
• cycloalkyl e.g., 6-cyclopro ⁇ yl
• heterocycloalkyl e.g., heterocycloalkyl
• heteroaryl e.g., heteroaryl, or heteroaralkyl.
• each R 2 is independently unsubstituted alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, haloalkyl, aminoalkyl (e.g., aminomethyl), aryloxyalkyl, heteroaralkyloxyalkyl, alkoxy, acyl, halo, hydroxy, carboxy, cyano, guanadino, amidino, -NH 2 , monoalkylamino, dialkylamino, monocycloalkylamino, monoheterocycloalkylamino (e.g., -NH-piperidinyl or -NH-morpholino), monoheteroarylamino (e.g., -NH-tetrazolyl, -NH-pyrazolyl, or -NH-imidazolyl), mono((heterocycloalkyl)alkyl)amino (e.g., -NH-(CH 2 ) ⁇ _ 3 -piperidinyl or -NH-(CH)(CH
• R 2 is substituted at the 3- position and is guanadino, amidino, -NH 2 , monoalkylamino, dialkylamino, monocycloalkylamino, monoheterocycloalkylamino, monoheteroarylamino, mono((heterocycloalkyl)alkyl)amino, mono(heteroaralkyl)amino, -NH-CO-NH(alkyl), -N(alkyl)-CO-NH(alkyl), -NH-SO 2 -NH(alkyl), -N(alkyl)-SO 2 - NH(alkyl), heterocycloalkyl, or heteroaryl.
• each R x is independently hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl, hydroxyalkyl (e.g., hydroxy-C ⁇ _ alkyl such as hydroxyethyl),, haloalkyl (e.g., trifluoromethyl), aminoalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, heteroaralkyloxyalkyl, alkoxy (e.g., C alkoxy such as methoxy or C M haloalkoxy such as -OCF 3 ), halo (e.g., chloro or bromo), hydroxy, carboxy, cyano, guanadino, amidino, amino (e.g., -NH 2 , - NH(alkyl), -N(alkyl) 2 , -NH(heterocycloalkyl), -NH(heteroaryl), -NH(heterocycloalkyl-alkyl), -NH(aralkyl), or
• -NH(heteroaralkyl) carboxy, (heteroaryl) acyl, aminocarbonyl (e.g., -CO-NH 2 , -CO- NH-(CH 2 )o. 3 -COOH, -CO-NH-(CH 2 )o. 3 -OH, -CO-NH-(CH 2 )o- 3 -heteroaryl (e.g., -CO- NH-(CH 2 ) 0 .
• aminocarbonyl e.g., -CO-NH 2 , -CO- NH-(CH 2 )o. 3 -COOH, -CO-NH-(CH 2 )o. 3 -OH, -CO-NH-(CH 2 )o- 3 -heteroaryl (e.g., -CO- NH-(CH 2 ) 0 .
• -CO-NH-(CH 2 ) 0 . 3 -aryl e.g., -CO-NH-(CH 2 ) 0 - 3 -phenyl
• heteroarylcarbonylamino e.g., morpholino, pyrazinyl, or piperidinyl
• heterocycloalkyl e.g., morpholino-C ⁇ - alkyl, pyrazinyl-C ⁇ .
• heteroaryl e.g., imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, or pyridyl
• heteroaralkyl e.g., imidazolyl-
• -NH(haloalkyl) e.g., -NHCF 3
• -NH(carboxyalkyl) e.g., -NH(CH 2 ),. 3 COOH
• -NH(hydroxyalkyl) e.g., -NH(CH 2 ) ⁇ . 3 OH.
• -NH(heteroaryl) are -NH(tetrazolyl), -NH(pyrazolyl), and -NH(imidazolyl).
• -NH(heterocycloalkyl-alkyl) are -NH(piperazinylalkyl) (e.g., -NH(CH 2 ) ⁇ . 3 -piperizine) and
• -NH(morpholino-alkyl) e.g., -NH(CH 2 ) ⁇ - 3 -morpholine.
• -NH(heteroaralkyl) are -NH(tetrazolylalkyl) (e.g., -NH(CH 2 ) ⁇ . 3 -tetrazole), - NH( ⁇ yrazolyl-alkyl) (e.g., -NH(CH 2 ) 0 . 3 -pyrazole), and -NH(imidazolyl-alkyl) (e.g., -
• R y is hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, haloalkyl (e.g., trifluoromethyl), aminoalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, heteroaralkyloxyalkyl, alkoxy, halo, hydroxy, carboxy, cyano, guanadino, amidino, amino (e.g., -NH 2 , - NH(alkyl), -N(alkyl) 2 , -NH(cycloalkyl), -NH(heterocycloalkyl), -NH(heteroaryl), -NH(heterocycloalkyl- alkyl), -NH(aralkyl), or
• heteroaryl -NH(heteroaralkyl)), carboxy, (heteroaryl)acyl, aminocarbonyl, heteroarylcarbonylamino, (heterocycloalkyl)alkoxy, (heteroaryl)alkoxy, (heteroaryl)alkylsulfanyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroaralkyl.
• Xi is N.
• Xi is N and each of X 2 , X 3 , and 4 is independently CR X .
• X 2 is N.
• X 2 is N and each of Xi, X 3 , and X 4 is independently CR X .
• X 3 is N.
• X 3 is N and each of Xi, X 2 , and is independently CR X .
• X is N.
• X 4 is N and each of Xi, X 2 , and X 3 is independently CR X .
• Some examples of a compound of formula (I) are 4-(2-pyridin-2-yl- pyrazolo[l,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-pyrimidin-2-ylamine, 4-[2-(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)- pyrazolo [ 1 , 5 -a] pyridin-3 -yl] -pyrimidin-2-ylamine, 2-(6-methyl-pyridin-2-y l)-3 -(2- methylsulfanyl-pyrimidin-4-yl)-pyrazolo[l,5-a]pyridine, 4-[2-(6-chloro-pyridin-2-yl)- pyrazolo[l,5-c]pyrimidin-3-yl]-pyrimidin-2-ylamine, 2-(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)-3-(2- morpholin-4-yl-pyrimidin-4-yl)-pyrazolo[l,5-c]pyrimidine
• AnN-oxide derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of each ofthe compounds of formula (I) is also within the scope of this invention.
• a nitrogen ring atom ofthe imidazole core ring or a nitrogen-containing heterocyclyl substituent can form an oxide in the presence of a suitable oxidizing agent such as m- chloroperbenzoic acid or H 2 O 2 .
• a compound of formula (I) that is acidic in nature can form a pharmaceutically acceptable salt such as a sodium, potassium, calcium, or gold salt.
• a pharmaceutically acceptable salt such as a sodium, potassium, calcium, or gold salt.
• -Also within the scope ofthe invention are salts formed with pharmaceutically acceptable amines such as ammonia, alkyl amines, hydroxyalkylamines, and N-methylglycamine.
• a compound of formula (I) can be treated with an acid to form acid addition salts.
• Such an acid examples include hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, sulfuric acid, methanesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, -bromophenyl-sulfonic acid, carbonic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, salicylic acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, ascorbic acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, and other mineral and organic acids well known to a skilled person in the art.
• the acid addition salts can be prepared by treating a compound of formula (I) in its free base form with a sufficient amount of an acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid) to produce an acid addition salt (e.g., a hydrochloride salt).
• the acid addition salt can be converted back to its free base form by treating the salt with a suitable dilute aqueous basic solution (e.g., sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, or ammonia).
• a suitable dilute aqueous basic solution e.g., sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, or ammonia.
• Compounds of formula (I) can also be, e.g., in a form of achiral compounds, racemic mixtures, optically active compounds, pure diastereomers, or a mixture of diastereomers.
• Compounds of formula (I) exhibit surprisingly high affinity to the TGF ⁇ family type I receptors, Alk 5 and/or Alk 4, e.g., with an IC 50 value of less than 10 ⁇ M under conditions as described in Examples 2 and 3 below. Some compounds of formula (I) exhibit an IC 5 0 value of below 0.1 ⁇ M.
• Compounds of formula (I) can also be modified by appending appropriate functionalities to enhance selective biological properties. Such modifications are known in the art and include those that increase biological penetration into a given biological system (e.g., blood, lymphatic system, central nervous system), increase oral availability, increase solubility to allow administration by injection, alter metabolism, and/or alter rate of excretion. Examples of these modifications include, but are not limited to, esterification with polyethylene glycols, derivatization with pivolates or fatty acid substituents, conversion to carbamates, hydroxylation of aromatic rings, and heteroatom-substitution in aromatic rings.
• the present invention features a pharmaceutical composition
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) (or a combination of two or more compounds of formula (I)) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• a medicament composition including any ofthe compounds of formula (I), alone or in a combination, together with a suitable excipient.
• the invention features a method of inhibiting the TGF ⁇ family type I receptors, -Alk 5 and/or Alk 4 (e.g., with an IC 50 value of less than 10 ⁇ M; preferably, less than 1 ⁇ M; more preferably, less than 0.1 ⁇ M) in a cell, including the step of contacting the cell with an effective amount of one or more compounds of formula (I).
• a method of inhibiting the TGF ⁇ and/or activin signaling pathway in a cell or in a subject e.g., a mammal such as human
• a subject e.g., a mammal such as human
• Also within the scope ofthe present invention is a method of treating a subject or preventing a subject from suffering a condition characterized by or resulted from an elevated level of TGF ⁇ and/or activin activity (e.g., from an overexpression of TGF ⁇ ).
• the method includes the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of one or more of a compound of formula (I).
• the conditions include an accumulation of excess extracellular matrix; a fibrotic condition (e.g., scleroderma, lupus nephritis, connective tissue disease, wound healing, surgical scarring, spinal cord injury, CNS scarring, acute lung injury, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, adult respiratory distress syndrome, acute lung injury, drug-induced lung injury, glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, hypertension- induced nephropathy, hepatic or biliary fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, restenosis, cardiac fibrosis, opthalmic scarring, fibrosclerosis, fibrotic cancers, fibroids, fibroma, fibroadenomas, fibrosarcomas, transplant arteriopathy, and keloid); demyelination of neurons multiple sclerosis
• an "alkyl” group refers to a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing 1-8 (e.g., 1-6 or 1-4) carbon atoms.
• An alkyl group can be straight or branched. Examples of an alkyl group include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-heptyl, and 2-ethylhexyl.
• An alkyl group can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroarylalkoxy, amino, nitro, carboxy, cyano, halo, hydroxy, sulfo, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkyl-alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, heterocycloalkyl-carbonylamino, heterocycloalkyl-alkylcarbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl,
• an "alkenyl” group refers to an aliphatic carbon group that contains 2-8 (e.g., 2-6 or 2-4) carbon atoms and at least one double bond. Like an alkyl group, an alkenyl group can be straight or branched. Examples of an alkenyl group include, but are not limited to, allyl, isoprenyl, 2-butenyl, and 2-hexenyl.
• An alkenyl group can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroarylalkoxy, amino, nitro, carboxy, cyano, halo, hydroxy, sulfo, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkyl-alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, heterocycloalkyl-carbonylamino, heterocycloalkyl- alkylcarbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl,
• an "alkynyl” group refers to an aliphatic carbon group that contains 2-8 (e.g., 2-6 or 2-4) carbon atoms and has at least one triple bond.
• An alkynyl group can be straight or branched. Examples of an alkynyl group include, but are not limited to, propargyl and butynyl.
• An alkynyl group can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroarylalkoxy, amino, nitro, carboxy, cyano, halo, hydroxy, sulfo, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkyl-alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, heterocycloalkyl-carbonylamino, heterocycloalkyl-alkylcarbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl
• R ⁇ is independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroaralkyl.
• amino is not the terminal group (e.g., alkylcarbonylamino), it is represented by -NR X -.
• R x has the same meaning as defined above.
• an "aryl” group refers to phenyl, naphthyl, or a benzofiised group having 2 to 3 rings.
• a benzofiised group includes phenyl fused with one or two C . 8 carbocyclic moieties, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydronaphthyl, indanyl, or fluorenyl.
• aryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkyl (including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and haloalkyl such as trifluoromethyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl,
• heterocycloalkyl alkyl
• aryl, heteroaryl alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroaralkyloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, amino, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, (cycloalkyl)alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, (heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino,
• heterocycloalkyl alkylcarbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, acyl, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, or carbamoyl.
• an "aralkyl” group refers to an alkyl group (e.g., a C ⁇ - 4 alkyl group) that is substituted with an aryl group. Both “alkyl” and “aryl” have been defined above. An example of an aralkyl group is benzyl.
• a "cycloalkyl” group refers to an aliphatic carbocyclic ring of 3-10 (e.g., 4-8) carbon atoms.
• cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, adamantyl, norbornyl, cubyl, octahydro- indenyl, decahydro-naphthyl, bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, bicyclo[3.3.1]nonyl, and bicyclo[3.2.3]nonyl,.
• a "cycloalkenyl” group refers to a non-aromatic carbocyclic ring of 3-10 (e.g., 4-8) carbon atoms having one or more double bond.
• cycloalkenyl groups include cyclopentenyl, 1,4-cyclohexa-di-enyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclooctenyl, hexahydro- indenyl, octahydro-naphthyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octenyl, and bicyclo[3.3.1]nonenyl,.
• a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkyl (including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and haloalkyl such as trifluoromethyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroaralkyloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, amino, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, (cycloalkyl)alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkyl
• heterocycloalkyl refers to a 3- to 10-membered (e.g., 4- to 8-membered) saturated ring structure, in which one or more ofthe ring atoms is a heteroatom, e.g., N, O, or S.
• heterocycloalkyl group examples include piperidinyl, piperazinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuryl, dioxolanyl, oxazolidinyl, isooxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, octahydro-benzofuryl, octahydro-chromenyl, octahydro-thiochromenyl, octahydro-indolyl, octahydro-pyrindinyl, decahydro- quinolinyl, octahydro-benzo[Z>]thiophenyl, 2-oxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, 1-aza- bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, anad 2,6-dioxa- tricyclo[3.3.1.0 ' Jnonyl.
• heterocycloalkenyl group refers to a 3- to 10-membered (e.g., 4- to 8-membered) non-aromatic ring structure having one or more double bonds, and wherein one or more ofthe ring atoms is a heteroatom, e.g., N, O, or S.
• a heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl group can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkyl (including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and haloalkyl such as trifiuoromethyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroaralkyloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, amino, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, (cycloalkyl)alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aral
• heteroaryl group refers to a monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic ring structure having 5 to 15 ring atoms wherein one or more ofthe ring atoms is a heteroatom, e.g., N, O, or S and wherein one ore more rings ofthe bicyclic or tricyclic ring structure is aromatic.
• heteroaryl examples include pyridyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl, indolyl, tetrazolyl, benzofuryl, benzthiazolyl, xanthene, thioxanthene, phenothiazine, dihydroindole, and benzo[l,3]dioxole.
• a heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkyl (including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and haloalkyl such as trifiuoromethyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroaralkyloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, amino, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, (cycloalkyl)alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, (heterocycl
• heteroaryl group refers to an alkyl group (e.g., a C ⁇ _ alkyl group) that is substituted with a heteroaryl group. Both “alkyl” and “heteroaryl” have been defined above.
• cyclic moiety includes cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkenyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, each of which has been defined previously.
• a "carbamoyl” group refers to a group having the structure -O- CO-NR x R Y or -NR x -CO-O-R z wherein R x and R ⁇ have been defined above and R z is alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroaralkyl.
• a "carboxy” and a “sulfo” group refer to -COOH and -SO 3 H, respectively.
• an “alkoxy” group refers to an alkyl-O- group where “alkyl” has been defined previously.
• a "sulfoxy" group refers to -O-SO-R x or -SO-O-R x , where R x has been defined above.
• halogen or halo group refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.
• a "sulfamoyl” group refers to the structure -SO 2 -NR x R Y or - NR x -SO 2 -R z wherein R x , R ⁇ , and R z have been defined above.
• a "sulfamide” group refers to the structure -NR x -S(O) 2 - NR Y R Z wherein R x R ⁇ and R z have been defined above.
• a "urea” group refers to the structure -NR x -CO-NR Y R z and a
• thiourea group refers to the structure -NR x -CS-NR Y R z .
• R x , R ⁇ and R z have been defined above.
• an effective amount is defined as the amount which is required to confer a therapeutic effect on the treated patient, and is typically determined based on age, surface area, weight, and condition ofthe patient.
• the interrelationship of dosages for animals and humans (based on milligrams per meter squared of body surface) is described by Freireich et al., Cancer Chemother. Rep., 50: 219 (1966). Body surface area may be approximately determined from height and weight ofthe patient. See, e.g., Scientific Tables, Geigy Pharmaceuticals, Ardsley, New York, 537 (1970).
• patient refers to a mammal, including a human.
• An antagonist is a molecule that binds to the receptor without activating the receptor. It competes with the endogenous ligand(s) or substrate(s) for binding site(s) on the receptor and, thus inhibits the ability ofthe receptor to transduce an intracellular signal in response to endogenous ligand binding.
• compounds of formula (I) are antagonists of TGF ⁇ receptor type I (Alk5) and/or activin receptor type I (Alk4), these compounds are useful in inhibiting the consequences of TGF ⁇ and/or activin signal transduction such as the production of extracellular matrix (e.g., collagen and fibronectin), the differentiation of stromal cells to myofibroblasts, and the stimulation of and migration of inflammatory cells.
• TGF ⁇ receptor type I Alk5
• activin receptor type I Alk4
• these compounds of formula (I) inhibit pathological inflammatory and fibrotic responses and possess the therapuetical utility of treating and/or preventing disorders or diseases for which reduction of TGF ⁇ and/or activin activity is desirable (e.g., various types of fibrosis or progressive cancers).
• the invention features compounds of formula (I), which exhibit surprisingly high affinity for the TGF ⁇ family type I receptors, Alk 5 and/or Alk 4.
• Compounds of formula (I) may be prepared by a number of known methods from commercially available or known starting materials. In one method, compounds of formula (I) are prepared according to Scheme 1 below. Specifically, a compound of formula (II) (where Xi, X , X 3 , and X 4 have each been defined before) can undergo dipolar cycloaddition with an acetylene of formula (HI) in an inert solvent (e.g., CH 2 C1 2 ) with an appropriate base (e.g., KOH) to form an intermediate, a compound of formula (IN) as shown below.
• an inert solvent e.g., CH 2 C1 2
• an appropriate base e.g., KOH
• This intermediate can then react with an amine of formula (N) where R A is a lower alkyl (e.g., C M alkyl such as methyl) and R B is an appropriate leaving group (e.g., C M alkoxy such as ethoxy) to form a further intermediate, a compound of formula (NI).
• R A is a lower alkyl (e.g., C M alkyl such as methyl) and R B is an appropriate leaving group (e.g., C M alkoxy such as ethoxy)
• reagents such as an optionally substituted guanidine (wherein R shown below in Scheme 1 can be hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocycloalkyl, or heteroaryl) or thiourea leads to compounds of formula (I).
• the intermediate compound of formula (IN) can be alkylated by reacting with diethoxy ketone in a polar solvent (e.g., dioxane) at an elevated temperature (e.g., 90°C) to result in a further intermediate, a compound of formula (VII).
• This intermediate can then react with a reagent such as guanidine carbonate at an elevated temperature (e.g., 100°C) to form a compound of formula (I) with an aminopyrimidinone substituent.
• This compound of formula (I) can be further derivatized to other compounds of formula (I) (e.g., by converting the aminopyrimidinone substituent to a diaminopyrimidine substituent as shown in Scheme 1).
• Scheme 3 shows a yet another method for preparing compounds of formula (I). Specifically, a compound of formula (II) can cyclize with an acetylene of formula (VIII) to form an intermediate compound of formula (IX). Reaction of this intermediate with NaOH, followed by a brominating agent (N-bromosuccinimide) yields a compound of formula (X). Further reaction of a compound of formula (X) with either reagent of formula (XI) or formula (XII) produces compounds of formula (I).
• a compound of formula (II) can cyclize with an acetylene of formula (VIII) to form an intermediate compound of formula (IX). Reaction of this intermediate with NaOH, followed by a brominating agent (N-bromosuccinimide) yields a compound of formula (X). Further reaction of a compound of formula (X) with either reagent of formula (XI) or formula (XII) produces compounds of formula (I).
• Acetylenes of formula (III) and formula (VIII), starting compound ofthe synthetic procedures illustrated in Schemes 1 and 3, respectively, can be prepared according to Scheme 4 below.
• 2-halopyridine (XIII) can first react with trimethylsilylacetylene to form a trimethylsilanylethynyl substituted pyridine (XIV), which is then deprotected with a base (e.g., NaOH, K 2 CO 3 , or tetrabutylammonium fluoride) to yield 2-ethynylpyridine of formula (XV).
• a base e.g., NaOH, K 2 CO 3 , or tetrabutylammonium fluoride
• acetic anhydride and methyl chloroformate produces a compound of formula (III) and formula (VIII), respectively.
• compounds of formula (I) can be prepared according to Scheme 5 below. Specifically, a diaryl acetylene of formula (XVI) or a ketone of formula (XVII) can cyclize with an aminating agent (e.g., O-(mesitylsulfonyl)-hydroxylamine) to yield a compound of formula (XVIII), which can be brominated (e.g., by using N- bromosuccinimide) to form a compound of formula (X). Further reaction of a compound of formula (X) with either reagent of formula (XI) or formula (XII) produces compounds of formula (I).
• an aminating agent e.g., O-(mesitylsulfonyl)-hydroxylamine
• a compound of formula (I) can be modified to other compounds of formula (I) according to Schemes 6 and 7 below.
• R c represents alkyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroaralkyl.
• TGF ⁇ family signaling pathways can result in excess deposition of extracellular matrix and increased inflammatory responses, which can then lead to fibrosis in tissues and organs (e.g., lung, kidney, and liver) and ultimately result in organ failure.
• tissues and organs e.g., lung, kidney, and liver
• TGF ⁇ and/or activin mRNA and the level of TGF ⁇ and/or activin are increased in patients suffering from various fibrotic disorders, e.g., fibrotic kidney diseases, alcohol-induced and autoimmune hepatic fibrosis, myelofibrosis, bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
• fibrotic disorders e.g., fibrotic kidney diseases, alcohol-induced and autoimmune hepatic fibrosis, myelofibrosis, bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
• Compounds of formula (I), which are antagonists ofthe TGF ⁇ family type I receptors, Alk 5 and/or Alk 4, and inhibit TGF ⁇ and/or activin signaling pathway, are therefore useful for treating and/or preventing fibrotic disorders or diseases mediated by an increased level of TGF ⁇ and/or activin activity.
• a compound inhibits the TGF ⁇ family signaling pathway when it binds (e.g., with an IC 50 value of less than 10 ⁇ M; preferably, less than 1 ⁇ M; more preferably, less than 0.1 ⁇ M) to a receptor ofthe pathway (e.g., Alk 5 and/or Alk 4), thereby competing with the endogenous ligand(s) or substrate(s) for binding site(s) on the receptor and reducing the ability ofthe receptor to transduce an intracellular signal in response to the endogenous ligand or substrate binding.
• a receptor ofthe pathway e.g., Alk 5 and/or Alk 4
• the aforementioned disorders or diseases include any conditions (a) marked by the presence of an abnormally high level of TGF ⁇ and/or activin; and/or (b) an excess accumulation of extracellular matrix; and/or (c) an increased number and synthetic activity of myofibroblasts.
• disorders or diseases include, but are not limited to, fibrotic conditions such as scleroderma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis, hypertension-induced nephropathy, ocular or corneal scarring, hepatic or biliary fibrosis, acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, post-infarction cardiac fibrosis, fibrosclerosis, fibrotic cancers, fibroids, fibroma, fibroadenomas, and fibrosarcomas.
• fibrotic conditions such as scleroderma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis, hypertension-induced nephropathy, ocular or corneal scarring, hepatic or biliary fibrosis, acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis
• fibrotic conditions for which preventive treatment with compounds of formula (I) can have therapeutic utility include radiation therapy- induced fibrosis, chemotherapy-induced fibrosis, surgically induced scarring including surgical adhesions, laminectomy, and coronary restenosis.
• TGF ⁇ activity is also found to manifest in patients with progressive cancers.
• compounds of formula (I), which are antagonists ofthe TGF ⁇ type I receptor and inhibit TGF ⁇ signaling pathway, are also useful for treating and/or preventing various late stage cancers which overexpress TGF ⁇ .
• late stage cancers include carcinomas ofthe lung, breast, liver, biliary tract, gastrointestinal tract, head and neck, pancreas, prostate, cervix as well as multiple myeloma, melanoma, glioma, and glioblastomas.
• TGF ⁇ and/or activin e.g., fibrosis or cancers
• small molecule treatments are favored for long-term treatment.
• TGF ⁇ and/or activin activity are compounds of formula (I) useful in treating disorders or diseases mediated by high levels of TGF ⁇ and/or activin activity, these compounds can also be used to prevent the same disorders or diseases. It is known that polymorphisms leading to increased TGF ⁇ and/or activin production have been associated with fibrosis and hypertension. Indeed, high serum TGF ⁇ levels are correlated with the development of fibrosis in patients with breast cancer who have received radiation therapy, chronic graft-versus-host-disease, idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis, veno- occlusive disease in transplant recipients, and peritoneal fibrosis in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
• the levels of TGF ⁇ and/or activin in serum and of TGF ⁇ and/or activin mRNA in tissue can be measured and used as diagnostic or prognostic markers for disorders or diseases mediated by overexpression of TGF ⁇ and/or activin, and polymorphisms in the gene for TGF ⁇ that determine the production of TGF ⁇ and/or activin can also be used in predicting susceptibility to disorders or diseases. See, e.g., Blobe, G.C. et al., N. Engl J. Med. 342(18): 1350-1358 (2000); Matsuse, T. et al, Am. J. Respir. CellMol. Biol. 13: 17- 24 (1995); Inoue, S. et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 205: 441-448 (1994);
• an effective amount is the amount which is required to confer a therapeutic effect on the treated patient.
• an effective amount can range from about 1 mg/kg to about 150 mg/kg (e.g., from about 1 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg).
• Effective doses will also vary, as recognized by those skilled in the art, dependant on route of administration, excipient usage, and the possibility of co-usage with other therapeutic treatments including use of other therapeutic agents and/or radiation therapy.
• Compounds of formula (I) can be administered in any manner suitable for the administration of pharmaceutical compounds, including, but not limited to, pills, tablets, capsules, aerosols, suppositories, liquid formulations for ingestion or injection or for use as eye or ear drops, dietary supplements, and topical preparations.
• the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions include aqueous solutions ofthe active agent, in a isotonic saline, 5% glucose or other well-known pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
• Solubilizing agents such as cyclodextrins, or other solubilizing agents well-known to those familiar with the art, can be utilized as pharmaceutical excipients for delivery ofthe therapeutic compounds.
• the compositions can be administered orally, intranasally, transdermally, intradermally, vaginally, intraaurally, intraocularly, buccally, rectally, transmucosally, or via inhalation, implantation (e.g., surgically), or intravenous administration.
• the compositions can be administered to an animal (e.g., a mammal such as a human, non-human primate, horse, dog, cow, pig, sheep, goat, cat, mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, hamster, gerbil, ferret, lizard, reptile, or bird).
• compounds of formula (I) can be administered in conjunction with one or more other agents that inhibit the TGF ⁇ signaling pathway or treat the corresponding pathological disorders (e.g., fibrosis or progressive cancers) by way of a different mechanism of action.
• agents include angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, nonsteroid, steroid anti-inflammatory agents, and chemotherapeutics or radiation, as well as agents that antagonize ligand binding or activation ofthe TGF ⁇ receptors, e.g., anti-TGF ⁇ , anti-TGF ⁇ receptor antibodies, or antagonists ofthe TGF ⁇ type II receptors.
• aqueous mother liquor was concentrated in vacuo, slurried with isopropyl alcohol, filtered, washed with isopropyl alcohol, water and methylene chloride and air dried to give 1.25 g of a tan powder identified as 4-[2-(6-methyl- pyridin-2-yl)-pyrazolo[l,5-a]pyridin-3-yl]-pyrimidin-2-ylamine.
• the crops were combined for a final reslurry in methylene chloride, solids filtered and air dried to give 3.62 g of tan solid.
• TGF ⁇ or activin inhibitory activity of compounds of formula (I) can be assessed by methods described in the following examples.
• the serine-threonine kinase activity of TGF ⁇ type I receptor was measured as the autophosphorylation activity ofthe cytoplasmic domain ofthe receptor containing an N-terminal poly histidine, TEV cleavage site-tag, e.g., His-TGF ⁇ RI.
• the His- tagged receptor cytoplasmic kinase domains were purified from infected insect cell cultures using the Gibco-BRL FastBac HTb baculovirus expression system.
• test compounds of formula (I) prepared in 5% DMSO solution were added to the FlashPlate.
• the assay was then initated with the addition of 20 ul of assay buffer containing 12.5 pmol of His-TGF ⁇ RI to each well. Plates were incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature and the reactions were then terminated by a single rinse with TBS. Radiation from each well ofthe plates was read on a TopCount (Packard). Total binding (no inhibition) was defined as counts measured in the presence of DMSO solution containing with no test compound and non-specific binding was defined as counts measured in the presence of EDTA or no-kinase control.
• TopCount Packard
• reaction performed using the above reagents and incubation conditions but in a microcentrifuge tube was analyzed by separation on a 4-20% SDS- PAGE gel and the incorporation of radiolabel into the 40 kDa His-TGF ⁇ RI SDS- PAGE band was quantitated on a Storm Phosphoimager (Molecular Dynamics).
• Inhibition ofthe Activin type I receptor (Alk 4) kinase autophosphorylation activity by test compounds of formula (I) can be determined in a similar manner as described above in Example 2 except that a similarly His-tagged form of Alk 4 (His- Alk 4) was used in place ofthe His-TGF ⁇ RI.
• Biological activity of compounds of formula (I) were determined by measuring their ability to inhibit TGF ⁇ -induced PAI-Luciferase reporter activity in HepG2 cells.
• HepG2 cells were stably transfected with the PAI-luciferase reporter grown in DMEM medium containing 10% FB S, penicillin (100 U/ml), streptomycin (100 ⁇ g/ml), L-glutamine (2 mM), sodium pyruvate (1 mM), and non essential amino acids (lx).
• the transfected cells were then plated at a concentration of 2.5 x 10 4 cells/well in 96 well plates and starved for 3-6 hours in media with 0.5% FBS at 37°C in a 5% CO 2 incubator.
• the cells were then stimulated with ligand either 2.5 ng/ml TGF ⁇ in the starvation media containing 1% DMSO and the presence or absence of test compounds of of formula (I) and incubated as described above for 24 hours.
• the media was washed out in the following day and the luciferase reporter activity was detected using the LucLite Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay kit (Packard, cat. no. 6016911) as recommended.
• the plates were read on a Wallac Microbeta plate reader, the reading of which was used to determine the IC 50 values of compounds of formula (I) for inhibiting TGF ⁇ -induced PAI-Luciferase reporter activity in HepG2 cells.
• Cytotoxicity was determined using the same cell culture conditions as described above. Specifically, cell viability was determined after overnight incubation with the CytoLite cell viability kit (Packard, cat. no. 6016901). Compounds of formula (I) typically exhibited LD 25 values greater than 10 ⁇ M.
• test compounds of formula (I) were determined in a similar manner as described above in Example 4 except that lOOng/ml of activin is added to serum starved cells in place ofthe 2.5ng/ml TGF ⁇ .
• Fibroblasts were derived from the skin of adult transgenic mice expressing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) under the control ofthe collagen 1 Al promoter (see Krempen, K. et al, Gene Exp. 8: 151-163 (1999)). Cells were immortalised with a temperature sensitive large T antigen that is active at 33°C. Cells are expanded at
• the cells are trypsinized and transferred into 96 well format with 30,000 cells per well in 50 ⁇ l complete DMEM containing 2 % fetal calf serum, but without phenol red.
• the cells are incubated at 37°C for 3 to 4 hours to allow them to adhere to the plate, solutions containing test compounds of formula (I) are then added to triplicate wells with no TGF ⁇ , as well as triplicate wells with 1 ng/ml TGF ⁇ .
• DMSO was also added to all of the wells at a final concentration of 0.1%.
• GFP fluorescence emission at 530 nm following excitation at 485 nm was measured at 48 hours after the addition of solution containing test compounds on a CytoFluor microplate reader (PerSeptive Biosystems). The data are then expressed as the ratio of TGF ⁇ -induced to non- induced for each test sample.

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