WO2011082098A1

WO2011082098A1 - Lysine and arginine methyltransferase inhibitors for treating cancer

Info

Publication number: WO2011082098A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/061975
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tarun Kapoor; Eduardo J. Martinez
Original assignee: The Rockefeller University
Priority date: 2009-12-30
Filing date: 2010-12-23
Publication date: 2011-07-07

Abstract

Compounds having lysine or arginine methyltransferase inhibitory activity and their use in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with inappropriate methyltransferase activity are disclosed. The compounds are of the general formula (I).

Description

LYSINE AND ARGININE METHYLTRANSFERASE INHIBITORS

FOR TREATING CANCER

STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS UNDER FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0001] This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. GM71772, awarded by the National Institutes of Health. Accordingly, the U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to chemical compounds having lysine or arginine

methyltransferase inhibitory activity and their use in the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with inappropriate methyltransferase activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Epigenetics is inheritable information not encoded in DNA manifested through control of gene expression, thereby controlling a range of cellular activity, including determining cell fate, stem cell fate and regulating proliferation [Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences, 103:6428-6435 (2006)]. Epigenetic control over gene expression is accomplished in at least four ways: (1) covalent histone modification, (2) covalent DNA modification, (3) histone variation, and (4) nucleosome structure and DNA/histone contact points [British Journal of Cancer, 90:761-769 (2004); Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 5:37-50 (2006)]. Epigenetic control through one mechanism can influence the other suggesting a combinatorial regulation, as evidenced by the methylation of histones being implicated in the modulation of DNA methylation [Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 95: 1747-1757 (2003); Nature, 439:430-436 (2006)].

[0004] Covalent histone modifications, a key mechanism involved in epigenetic control, include: (1) lysine acetylation, (2) lysine and arginine methylation, (3) serine and threonine phosphorylation, (4) ADP-ribosylation, (5) ubiquitination, and (6) SUMOylation [British Journal of Cancer, 90:761-769 (2004)]. Specific enzymatic activities are associated with these modifications and in the case of histone methylation, methyltransferases catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from cofactor S-adenosylmethionine to a lysine or arginine, producing S-adenosylhomocysteine as a by-product. Methyltransferases can also modify residues in other cellular proteins, e.g. the tumor suppressor p53 [Nature, 444(7119):629- 632 (2006)].

[0005] Histone methyltransferases fall into subgroups that include arginine

methyltransferases, SET-domain containing methyltransferases SU(VAR)3-9, E(Z) and TRX, and DOT-like methyltransferase hDOTIL [Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 96: 1137-1148 (2005)]. Four families of SET-domain containing methyltransferases have been identified and include SUV39, SET1, SET2 and RIZ [TRENDS in Biochemical Sciences, 27:396-402 (2002)].

[0006] The disruption of the normal functions of methyltransferases has been implicated in human diseases. Members of different classes of methyltransferases are implicated in cancer and representative examples for the subgroups and subclasses are provided: (1) hDOTIL, a member of the DOT-like methyltransferases, is linked to leukemogenesis

[Nature Cell Biology, 8: 1017-1028 (2006); Cell, 121 : 167-178 (2005); Cell, 112:771-723

(2003) ]. (2) EZH2, a SET1 methyltransferase, is up-regulated in tumor cell lines and has been linked to breast, gastric and prostate cancers [British Journal of Cancer, 90:761-769

(2004) ]. (3) SUV39-1/2, SUV39 methyltransferases, have been linked to signaling pathways regulating cancer cell growth and differentiation [Genetica, 117(2-3): 149-58 (2003)]. (4) NSD1, a SET2 subclass methyltransferase, has been linked to acute myeloid leukemia and Sotos syndrome, a predisposition to cancer [Molecular Cell Biology, 24(12):5184-96 (2004)]. (5) EVI1, a RIZ methyltransferase, is overexpressed in solid tumors and leukemia [Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences, 93: 1642-1647 (1996)]. (6) Related enzymes, namely SMYD2, are lysine methyltransferases that modify the tumor suppressor protein, p53 and through this activity, may function as an oncogene that interferes with p53's protective functions [Nature, 444(7119):629-632 (2006)]. (7) SMYD3, a SET-domain containing lysine methyltransferase, is involved in cancer cell proliferation [Nature Cell Biology, 6(8):731-740 (2004)]. (8) CARM1, an arginine methlytransferase, is linked to prostate cancer [Prostate, 66(12): 1292-301 (2006)].

[0007] Inappropriate lysine and arginine methyltransferase activities thus represent attractive targets for therapeutic intervention by small molecule inhibitors. In fact, inhibitors of SUV(AR) histone methyltransferase [Nature Chemical Biology, 1 : 143-145 (2005)] and protein arginine methyltransferase [Journal of Biological Chemistry, 279:23892-23899 (2004)] have been described. The present invention relates to novel synthetic compounds effective as inhibitors of inappropriate histone methyltransferase activities that would be useful in treating human diseases, such as cancer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It has now been found that compounds of general formulae I, II and III are potent inhi itors of lysine and arginine methyltransferase:

[0009] In these compounds:

Q is chosen from -CH- and -N-;

X is chosen from -CH- and -N-;

Y is chosen from -CR¹- and -N-;

Z is chosen from -CH- and -N-;

R¹ is chosen from (Ci-C4)alkyl, halogi and optionally substituted aryl; B is chosen from

(a) aryl optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, -COOR⁵, - NH(C=0)R⁵, -NH(C=0)NR⁵R⁹, -NH(C=0)OR⁷, -0(C=0)NR⁵R⁹ and -NHS0₂R⁷;

(b) heteroaryl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, -COOR⁵, - NH(C=0)R⁵, -NH(C=0)NR⁵R⁹, -NH(C=0)OR⁷, -0(C=0)NR⁵R⁹ and -NHS0₂R⁷; and

(c) non-aromatic heterocyclyl;

A is (C₂-C7)-alkylene in which one or more -CH₂- may be replaced by a radical chosen from -CH(OH)-, -CH(NH₂)-, CHF, CF₂, -C(=0)-, -CH(O-loweralkyl)-, -CH(NH-loweralkyl)-, - 0-, -S-, -SO-,-S0₂-, -NH- and -N[(Ci-C₄)alkyl]-; or two adjacent -CH₂- may be replaced by -CH=CH-;

D is chosen from a (C₄-Ci₂)carbocycle, a 4- to 7-membered monocyclic heterocycle and a 7- to 12-membered bicyclic heterocycle;

R represents from one to three substituents each independently chosen from hydrogen, COOH, OH, S0₂NH-Het, S0₂(Ci-C₄)alkyl, acylsulfonamide, N0₂, halogen, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(Ci-C₄)alkoxy, cyano, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocyclyl, -CHO, -CH(R⁵)NR⁵R⁹ and -NR⁵R⁹, with the proviso that at least one instance of R must be other than hydrogen;

Het is an optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R⁵ is chosen independently in each occurrence from hydrogen, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl;

R⁷ is chosen independently in each occurrence from (Ci-C₄)alkyl and aryl; and

R⁹ is chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or, R⁵ and R⁹ taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 5-8-membered nitrogen heterocycle; E is chosen from

(a) aryl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(C _l -C₄)alkoxy;

(b) heteroaryl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(C _l -C₄)alkoxy; (c) non-aromatic heterocyclyl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C4)alkyl, (Ci-C4)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C4)alkyl, and halo(Ci-C4)alkoxy;

R¹ is one or two substituents chosen from H, (Ci-C4)alkyl and halo(Ci-C4)alkyl;

R⁵ is chosen independently in each occurrence from hydrogen, (Ci-C4)alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl;

R⁷ is chosen from (Ci-C4)alkyl and aryl; and

R⁹ is chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-C4)alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or, R⁵ and R⁹ taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 5-8-membered nitrogen heterocycle;

11 12

R and R¹ are chosen independently from H, CH₃, OH, CF₃, halogen and (Ci-C4)alkoxy; and

21

R is one or two substituents chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-C4)alkyl, halo(Ci-C4)alkyl, cyano, N0₂, halogen, (Ci-C4)acyl and (Ci-C4)alkoxycarbonyl.

[0010] The members of these genera are effective as inhibitors of lysine or arginine methyltransferase activities and therefore, are useful for the inhibition, prevention and suppression of various pathologies associated with such activities, such as, for example, cancer cell and cancer stem cell fate differentiation, and cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation.

[0011] In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of general formula I, II or III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating cancer comprising modulating arginine methyltransferase, lysine methyltransferase or both.

[0013] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating cancer comprising modulating histone methyltransferase.

[0014] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating cancer comprising administering to a subject suffering from a cancer a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that inhibits histone methyltransferase. [0015] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating cancer comprising administering to a subject suffering from a cancer a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that inhibits arginine methyltransferase, lysine methyltransferase or both.

[0016] In another aspect, the invention relates to methods for treating cancer, inhibiting a histone methyltransferase, inhibiting arginine methyltransferase or inhibiting lysine methyltransferase by administering or bringing the transferase into contact with a compound of formula I, II or III.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Throughout this specification the substituents are defined when introduced and retain their definitions.

[0018] In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having general formula I:

I

[0019] In some embodiments, Q is -CH-. In other embodiments, Q is -N-. In some embodiments, X is -CH-. In other embodiments, X is -N-. In still other embodiments, Y is-CR¹-, and R¹ is chosen from (Ci-C4)alkyl, halogen and optionally substituted aryl. In other embodiments, Y is -N-. In some embodiments, Z is -CH-. In yet other embodiments, Z is -N-. Subgenera of the genus I include compounds in which no more than two of Q, X, Y and Z are -N-.

[0020] In one aspect, the invention relates to formula la or formula lb:

In some embodiments, Q is CH. In certain embodiments, Q and Z are -CH- and X and Y are -N-. In other embodiments, Q, Z, X and Y are all -CH-.

[0021] In some embodiments, R¹ is (Ci-C4)alkyl. In other embodiments, R¹ is halogen. In some embodiments, R¹ is optionally substituted aryl. In some of these embodiments, R¹ is an aryl group optionally substituted with one or two substituents chosen from (Ci- C₄)alkyl and halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl. In some embodiments, R¹ is selected from an optionally substituted phenyl group. In some of these embodiments, R¹ is para-substituted phenyl.

[0022] In some embodiments, B is aryl optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, -COOR⁵, -NH(C=0)R⁵, -NH(C=0)NR⁵R⁹, -NH(C=0)OR⁷, -0(C=0)NR⁵R⁹ and - NHS0₂R⁷. In certain embodiments, B is optionally substituted phenyl. In other

embodiments B is phenyl. In certain embodiments,

In some embodiments, B is heteroaryl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, -COOR⁵, - NH(C=0)R⁵, -NH(C=0)NR⁵R⁹, -NH(C=0)OR⁷, -0(C=0)NR⁵R⁹ and -NHS0₂R⁷. In certain embodiments, R⁵ is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R⁵ is (Ci-C₄)alkyl. In other embodiments, R⁵ is aryl. In other embodiments, R⁵ is heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, R⁷ is (Ci-C₄)alkyl. In other embodiments, R⁷ is aryl. In certain embodiments, R⁹ is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R⁹ is (Ci-C₄)alkyl. In some embodiments, R⁹ is aryl. In other embodiments R⁹ is heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, R⁵ and R⁹, taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 5-8-membered nitrogen heterocycle. In certain embodiments, both R⁵ and R⁹ are hydrogen. In some embodiments, B is chosen from optionally substituted furanyl, thienyl, thiazolyl and isoxazolyl. In other embodiments, B is thienyl. In still other embodiments, B is non-aromatic heterocyclyl optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(Ci-C₄)alkoxy.

[0023] In some embodiments, A is (C2-C₇)-alkylene in which one or more -CH₂- may be replaced by a radical chosen from -CH(OH)-, -CH(NH₂)-, CHF, CF₂, -C(=0)-, -CH(0- loweralkyl)-, -CH(NH-loweralkyl)-, -0-, -S-, -SO-,-S0₂-, -NH- and -N[(Ci-C₄)alkyl]-; or two adjacent -CH₂- may be replaced by -CH=CH-. In some of these embodiments, A is chosen from -SCH₂-, -CH=CH-, -CH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-, -NHCH₂-, -CH₂0-, -CH₂NH-, -OCH₂-, - C(0)NH-, -S0₂NH-. and -NHS0₂-.

[0024] In some embodiments, D is (C₄-Ci₂)carbocycle. In certain embodiments, D is phenyl. In other embodiments, D is a 4- to 7-membered monocyclic heterocycle. In other embodiments, D is a 7- to 12-membered bicyclic heterocycle. In certain embodiments, D is chosen from pteridinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, imidizolyl, indolyl and thienyl. In yet other embodiments, D is imidazolyl. In still other embodiments, D is thienyl.

[0025] In some embodiments, R represents from one to three substituents each independently chosen from hydrogen, COOH, OH, S0₂NH-Het, S0₂(Ci-C₄)alkyl, acylsulfonamide, N0₂, halogen, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(Ci- C₄)alkoxy, cyano, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocyclyl, -CHO, -CH(R⁵)NR⁵R⁹ and - NR⁵R⁹. In these embodiments, Het is an optionally substituted heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, R⁵ is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R⁵ is (Ci-C₄)alkyl. In other embodiments, R⁵ is aryl. In other embodiments, R⁵ is heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, R⁷ is (Ci-C₄)alkyl. In other embodiments, R⁷ is aryl. In certain embodiments, R⁹ is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R⁹ is (Ci-C₄)alkyl. In some embodiments, R⁹ is aryl. In other embodiments R⁹ is heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, R⁵ and R⁹, taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 5-8-membered nitrogen heterocycle. In

5 9 2

certain embodiments, both R and R are hydrogen. In some embodiments, R is selected independently in each instance from hydrogen, -COOH, -OH, NH₂, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, tetrazole, N0₂, -S0₂NH-Het and S0₂(Ci-C₄)alkyl; and Het is a heteroaryl optionally substituted with ₂

(Ci-C₄)alkyl, halogen or trifluoromethyl. In certain embodiments, R is chosen

independently in each instance from -COOH, -OH, methyl, N0₂ and NH₂.

[0026] In some embodiments, Q is -CH-, X is -CH-, and Z is -CH-. In these

embodiments Y is-CR¹- and R¹ is napthyl optionally substituted with one or two

substituents chosen from methyl and CF₃. In other embodiments, Y is-CR¹- and R¹ is phenyl optionally substituted with one or two substituents chosen from methyl and CF₃. In certain embodiments, B is chosen from phenyl and thienyl. In certain embodiments, A is chosen from -SCH₂-, -CHCH-, -CH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-, -NHCH₂-, -CH₂0-, -CH₂NH-, -OCH₂-, - C(0)NH-, -CH₂CH₂-, -SO₂NH-. and -NHSO₂-. In some of these embodiments, D is chosen from pteridinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, phenyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, imidizolyl, indolyl and thienyl. In still other embodiments, R represents from one to three substituents each independently chosen from hydrogen, -COOH, -OH, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, N0₂, S0₂NH-heteroaryl, S0₂(Ci-C₄)alkyl and NH₂. In other embodiments, D is phenyl, imidazolyl or thienyl and R represents from one to three substituents each independently chosen from hydrogen, - COOH, -OH, N0₂ and methyl. In some of these embodiments, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethyl phenyl.

[0027] In some embodiments, D is phenyl and R is N0₂.

[0028] In other embodiments, D is phenyl and R is S0₂NH-Het, and Het is isoxazolyl optionally substituted with methyl, halogen or trifluoromethyl

[0029] In some embodiments, the invention relates to compounds of formula

In these embodiments, D is chosen from phenyl, thienyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridinyl and piperidinyl; R 11 and R 12 are chosen independently from H, CH₃, OH, CF₃, halogen and (Ci- C₄)alkoxy; and R 21 is chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, cyano, N0₂, halogen, (Ci-C₄)acyl and (Ci-C₄)alkoxycarbonyl.

[0030] In some embodiments, the invention relates to compounds of formula

[0031] In these embodiments, R 11 and R 12 are chosen independently from H, CH₃, OH,

CF₃, halogen and (Ci-C₄)alkoxy; and R 21 is chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(Ci- C₄)alkyl, cyano, N0₂, halogen, (Ci-C₄)acyl and (Ci-C₄)alkoxycarbonyl. In some

21

embodiments, R is H, CF or t-butyl. 0032] In another aspect the invention relates to compounds having general formulae II or

[0033] In some embodiments A is (C₂-C7)-alkylene in which one or more -CH₂- may be replaced by a radical chosen from -CH(OH)-, -CH(NH₂)-, CHF, CF₂, -C(=0)-, -CH(0- loweralkyl)-, -CH(NH-loweralkyl)-, -0-, -S-, -SO-,-S0₂-, -NH- and -N[(Ci-C₄)alkyl]-; or two adjacent -CH₂- may be replaced by -CH=CH-. In some embodiments, A is chosen from -SCH₂-, -NHCH₂-, -OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂- and -NHS0₂-.

[0034] In certain embodiments, E is aryl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C4)alkyl, halo(Ci-C4)alkoxy. In other embodiments, E is heteroaryl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, - NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(Ci-C₄)alkoxy. In still other embodiments, E is non-aromatic heterocyclyl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C4)alkyl, (Ci-C4)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C4)alkyl, halo(Ci-C4)alkoxy. In certain embodiments, R⁵ is hydrogen. In some embodiments, R⁵ is (Ci-C4)alkyl. In other embodiments, R⁵ is aryl. In other embodiments, R⁵ is heteroaryl. In certain embodiments, R⁹ is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R⁹ is (Ci- C4)alkyl. In some embodiments, R⁹ is aryl. In other embodiments R⁹ is heteroaryl. In some embodiments, R⁵ and R⁹, taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 5-8-membered nitrogen heterocycle. In certain embodiments, E is chosen from phenyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, indolyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, pyrrolopyridinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, imidazopyridinyl, isoxazolyl, napthyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl and benzimidazolyl, each optionally substituted with Ci-C4)alkyl or halo(Ci-C4)alkyl. In some embodiments, E is

. In other embodiments, E is

11 12

[0035] In some embodiments, R and R are chosen independently from H, CH₃, OH, CF₃, halogen and (Ci-C4)alkoxy.

21

[0036] In some embodiments, R is one or two substituents chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-

C4)alkyl, halo(Ci-C4)alkyl, cyano, N0₂, halogen, (Ci-C4)acyl and (Ci-C4)alkoxycarbonyl.

21

In other embodiments, R is H, CF₃ or t-butyl.

[0037] In some embodiments of formula II or formula III, A is chosen from -SCH₂-, -NHCH₂-, -OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂- and -NHS0₂-; E is chosen from phenyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, indolyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, pyrrolopyridinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, imidazopyridinyl, isoxazolyl, napthyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl and benzimidazolyl, each optionally substituted with (Ci-C4)alkyl or halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl; and R²¹ is H, CF₃ or t-butyl. [0038] All of the compounds falling within the foregoing parent genera and their subgenera are effective as inhibitors of lysine or arginine methyltransferase activities and therefore, are useful for the inhibition, prevention and suppression of various pathologies such as cancer cell and cancer stem cell fate differentiation, and cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation.

Definitions

[0039] For convenience and clarity certain terms employed in the specification, examples and claims are described herein.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, alkyl (or alkylene) is intended to include linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon structures and combinations thereof. A combination would be, for example, cyclopropylmethyl. Lower alkyl refers to alkyl groups of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of lower alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, s-and t-butyl and the like. Preferred alkyl groups are those of C₂o or below.

Cycloalkyl is a subset of alkyl and includes cyclic hydrocarbon groups of from 3 to 8 carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include c-propyl, c-butyl, c-pentyl, norbornyl and the like.

[0041] Ci to C₂o hydrocarbon includes alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl and combinations thereof. Examples include benzyl, phenethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, camphoryl and naphthylethyl. Hydrocarbon refers to any substituent comprised of hydrogen and carbon as the only elemental constituents.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified, the term "carbocycle" is intended to include ring systems in which the ring atoms are all carbon but of any oxidation state. Thus (C₃-C₁₀) carbocycle refers to both non-aromatic and aromatic systems, including such systems as cyclopropane, benzene and cyclohexene; (C₈-C₁₂) carbopolycycle refers to such systems as norbornane, decalin, indane and naphthalene. Carbocycle, if not otherwise limited, refers to monocycles, bicycles and polycycles.

[0043] Alkoxy or alkoxyl refers to groups of from 1 to 8 carbon atoms of a straight, branched or cyclic configuration and combinations thereof attached to the parent structure through an oxygen. Examples include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, cyclopropyloxy, cyclohexyloxy and the like. Lower-alkoxy refers to groups containing one to four carbons. For the purpose of this application, alkoxy and lower alkoxy include methylenedioxy and ethylenedioxy.

[0044] Oxaalkyl refers to alkyl residues in which one or more carbons (and their associated hydrogens) have been replaced by oxygen. Examples include methoxypropoxy, 3,6,9-trioxadecyl and the like. The term oxaalkyl is intended as it is understood in the art [see Naming and Indexing of Chemical Substances for Chemical Abstracts, published by the American Chemical Society, 196, but without the restriction of 127(a)], i.e. it refers to compounds in which the oxygen is bonded via a single bond to its adjacent atoms (forming ether bonds); it does not refer to doubly bonded oxygen, as would be found in carbonyl groups. Similarly, thiaalkyl and azaalkyl refer to alkyl residues in which one or more carbons has been replaced by sulfur or nitrogen, respectively. Examples include

ethylaminoethyl and methylthiopropyl.

[0045] Unless otherwise specified, acyl refers to formyl and to groups of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 carbon atoms of a straight, branched, cyclic configuration, saturated, unsaturated and aromatic and combinations thereof, attached to the parent structure through a carbonyl functionality. One or more carbons in the acyl residue may be replaced by nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur as long as the point of attachment to the parent remains at the carbonyl. Examples include acetyl, benzoyl, propionyl, isobutyryl, t-butoxycarbonyl,

benzyloxycarbonyl and the like. Lower-acyl refers to groups containing one to four carbons. The double bonded oxygen, when referred to as a substituent itself is called "oxo".

[0046] Aryl and heteroaryl mean (i) a phenyl group (or benzene) or a monocyclic 4- to 7- membered heteroaromatic ring containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected from O, N, or S; (ii) a bicyclic 7- to 12-membered aromatic or heteroaromatic ring system containing 0-4 heteroatoms selected from O, N, or S; or (iii) a tricyclic 13- or 14-membered aromatic or heteroaromatic ring system containing 0-5 heteroatoms selected from O, N, or S. The aromatic 6- to 14-membered carbocyclic rings include, e.g., benzene, naphthalene, indane, tetralin, and fluorene and the 4- to 12-membered aromatic heterocyclic rings include, e.g., imidazole, pyridine, indole, thiophene, benzopyranone, thiazole, furan, benzimidazole, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinoxaline, pyrimidine, pyrazine, tetrazole and pyrazole. As used herein aryl and heteroaryl refer to residues in which one or more rings are aromatic, but not all need be.

[0047] Arylalkyl refers to a substituent in which an aryl residue is attached to the parent structure through alkyl. Examples are benzyl, phenethyl and the like. Heteroarylalkyl refers to a substituent in which a heteroaryl residue is attached to the parent structure through alkyl. In one embodiment, the alkyl group of an arylalkyl or a heteroarylalkyl is an alkyl group of from 1 to 6 carbons. Examples include, e.g., pyridinylmethyl,

pyrimidinylethyl and the like.

[0048] Heterocycle means a cycloalkyl or aryl carbocycle residue in which from one to four carbons is replaced by a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quaternized. Unless otherwise specified, a heterocycle may be non-aromatic or aromatic. "Non-aromatic heterocycle" indicates that there is no aromaticity in any of the rings of the heterocycle. Examples of heterocycles that fall within the scope of the invention include pyrrolidine, pyrazole, pyrrole, indole, quinoline, isoquinoline, tetrahydroisoquinoline, benzofuran, benzodioxan, benzodioxole (commonly referred to as methyl enedioxyphenyl, when occurring as a substituent), tetrazole, morpholine, thiazole, pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, thiophene, furan, oxazole, oxazoline, isoxazole, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran and the like. It is to be noted that heteroaryl is a subset of heterocycle in which the heterocycle is aromatic. Examples of heterocyclyl residues additionally include piperazinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxo-pyrrolidinyl, 2- oxoazepinyl, azepinyl, 4-piperidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolyl, imidazolinyl,

imidazolidinyl, pyrazinyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolyl, quinuclidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, benzimidazolyl, thiadiazolyl, benzopyranyl, benzothiazolyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl, thienyl, benzothienyl, thiamorpholinyl,

thiamorpholinylsulfoxide, thiamorpholinylsulfone, oxadiazolyl, triazolyl and

tetrahydroquinolinyl.

[0049] As used herein, the term "optionally substituted" may be used interchangeably with "unsubstituted or substituted". The term "substituted" refers to the replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms in a specified group with a specified radical. For example, substituted alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl etc. refer to alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclyl wherein one or more H atoms in each residue are replaced with halogen, haloalkyl, alkyl, acyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxyloweralkyl, carbonyl, phenyl, heteroaryl, benzenesulfonyl, hydroxy, loweralkoxy, haloalkoxy, oxaalkyl, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl [- C(=0)0-alkyl], alkoxycarbonylamino [ HNC(=0)0-alkyl], carboxamido [-C(=0)NH₂], alkylaminocarbonyl [-C(=0)NH-alkyl], cyano, acetoxy, nitro, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, (alkyl)(aryl)aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl (including cycloalkylaminoalkyl), dialkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkoxy, heterocyclylalkoxy, mercapto, alkylthio, sulfoxide, sulfone, sulfonylamino, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, acylaminoalkyl, acylaminoalkoxy, acylamino, amidino, aryl, benzyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, phenoxy, benzyloxy, heteroaryloxy, hydroxyimino, alkoxyimino, oxaalkyl, aminosulfonyl, trityl, amidino, guanidino, ureido, benzyloxyphenyl, and benzyloxy. "Oxo" is also included among the substituents referred to in "optionally substituted"; it will be appreciated by persons of skill in the art that, because oxo is a divalent radical, there are circumstances in which it will not be appropriate as a substituent (e.g. on phenyl). In one embodiment, 1, 2 or 3 hydrogen atoms are replaced with a specified radical. In the case of alkyl and cycloalkyl, more than three hydrogen atoms can be replaced by fluorine; indeed, all available hydrogen atoms could be replaced by fluorine.

[0050] The term "halogen" means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. In one embodiment, halogen may be fluorine or chlorine.

[0051] The terms "haloalkyl" and "haloalkoxy" mean alkyl or alkoxy, respectively, substituted with one or more halogen atoms. The terms "alkylcarbonyl" and

"alkoxycarbonyl" mean -C(=0)alkyl or -C(0)alkoxy, respectively.

[0052] The term "acylsulfonamide" means -C(0)NHS0₂-. The point of attachment may be at the carbon or at the sulfur.

[0053] Substituents Rⁿ are generally defined when introduced and retain that definition throughout the specification and in all independent claims.

[0054] As used herein, and as would be understood by the person of skill in the art, the recitation of "a compound" - unless expressly further limited - is intended to include salts of that compound. In a particular embodiment, the term "compound of formula I" refers to the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Thus, for example, the recitation "a compound of formula I" as depicted above, which depicts a substituent COOH, would include salts in which the substituent is COO^" M⁺, wherein M is any counterion. In a particular embodiment, the term "compound of formula I" refers to the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Unless otherwise stated or depicted, structures depicted herein are also meant to include all stereoisomeric (e.g., enantiomeric,

diastereomeric, and cis-trans isomeric) forms of the structure; for example, the R and S configurations for each asymmetric center, (Z) and (E) double bond isomers, and (Z) and (E) conformational isomers. Therefore, single stereochemical isomers as well as

enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and cis-trans isomeric (or conformational) mixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, all tautomeric forms of the compounds of the invention are within the scope of the invention. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include compounds that differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example, compounds having the present structures except for the replacement of hydrogen by deuterium or tritium, or the replacement of a carbon by a ¹³C- or ¹⁴C-enriched carbon are within the scope of this invention. Such compounds are useful, for example, as analytical tools or probes in biological assays.

[0055] The graphic representations of racemic, ambiscalemic and scalemic or

enantiomerically pure compounds used herein are taken from Maehr J. Chem. Ed. 62, 114- 120 (1985): solid and broken wedges are used to denote the absolute configuration of a chiral element; wavy lines indicate disavowal of any stereochemical implication which the bond it represents could generate; solid and broken bold lines are geometric descriptors indicating the relative configuration shown but denoting racemic character; and wedge outlines and dotted or broken lines denote enantiomerically pure compounds of

indeterminate absolute configuration.

[0056] It will be recognized that the compounds of this invention can exist in radiolabeled form, i.e., the compounds may contain one or more atoms containing an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number usually found in nature.

Radioisotopes of hydrogen, carbon, phosphorous, fluorine, chlorine and iodine include H, ¹⁴C, ³⁵S, ¹⁸F, ³⁶C1 and ¹²⁵I, respectively. Compounds that contain those radioisotopes and/or other radioisotopes of other atoms are within the scope of this invention. Tritiated, i.e. H, and carbon-14, i.e., ¹⁴C, radioisotopes are particularly preferred for their ease in preparation and detectability. Radiolabeled compounds of this invention can generally be prepared by methods well known to those skilled in the art. Conveniently, such radiolabeled compounds can be prepared by carrying out the procedures disclosed in the Examples by substituting a readily available radiolabeled reagent for a non-radiolabeled reagent. Because of the high affinity for the methyltransferase active site, radiolabeled compounds of the invention are useful for assays.

Chemical Synthesis

[0057] Terminology related to "protecting", "deprotecting" and "protected" functionalities occurs throughout this application. Such terminology is well understood by persons of skill in the art and is used in the context of processes that involve sequential treatment with a series of reagents. In that context, a protecting group refers to a group which is used to mask a functionality during a process step in which it would otherwise react, but in which reaction is undesirable. The protecting group prevents reaction at that step, but may be subsequently removed to expose the original functionality. The removal or "deprotection" occurs after the completion of the reaction or reactions in which the functionality would interfere. Thus, when a sequence of reagents is specified, as it is in the processes of the invention, the person of ordinary skill can readily envision those groups that would be suitable as "protecting groups". Suitable groups for that purpose are discussed in standard textbooks in the field of chemistry, such as Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis by T.W. Greene [John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1991], which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] A comprehensive list of abbreviations utilized by organic chemists appears in the first issue of each volume of the Journal of Organic Chemistry. The list, which is typically presented in a table entitled "Standard List of Abbreviations", is incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] In general, the compounds of the present invention may be prepared by the methods illustrated in the general reaction schemes as, for example, described below, or by modifications thereof, using readily available starting materials, reagents and conventional synthesis procedures. In these reactions, it is also possible to make use of variants that are in themselves known, but are not mentioned here. The starting materials, for example in the case of suitably substituted benzimidazole ring compounds, are either commercially available, synthesized as described in the examples or may be obtained by the methods well known to persons of skill in the art

[0060] The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising as active agents, the compounds described herein.

[0061] As used herein a "pharmaceutical composition" refers to a preparation of one or more of the compounds described herein, or physiologically acceptable salts or solvents thereof, with other chemical components such as physiologically suitable carriers and excipients.

[0062] Pharmaceutical compositions for use in accordance with the present invention thus may be formulated in conventional manner using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers comprising excipients and auxiliaries, which facilitate processing of the active compounds into preparations which can be used pharmaceutically. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen.

[0063] Compounds that inhibit methyltransferases can be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions and administered to a mammalian subject, such as a human patient in a variety of forms adapted to the chosen route of administration, i.e., orally or parenterally, by intravenous, intramuscular, topical, transdermal or subcutaneous routes.

[0064] For oral administration, the compounds can be formulated readily by combining the active compounds with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers well known in the art. Such carriers enable the compounds of the invention to be formulated as tablets, pills, dragees, capsules, liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions, and the like, for oral ingestion by a patient. Pharmacological preparations for oral use can be made using a solid excipient, optionally grinding the resulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable auxiliaries if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores. Suitable excipients are, in particular, fillers such as sugars, including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulose preparations such as, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carbomethylcellulose; and/or physiologically acceptable polymers such as

polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If desired, disintegrating agents may be added, such as cross- linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate.

[0065] In addition, enteric coating may be useful as it is may be desirable to prevent exposure of the compounds of the invention to the gastric environment.

[0066] Pharmaceutical compositions, which can be used orally, include push-fit capsules made of gelatin as well as soft, sealed capsules made of gelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol. The push-fit capsules may contain the active ingredients in admixture with filler such as lactose, binders such as starches, lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and, optionally, stabilizers.

[0067] In soft capsules, the active compounds may be dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethylene glycols. In addition, stabilizers may be added. All formulations for oral administration should be in dosages suitable for the chosen route of administration.

[0068] For injection, the compounds of the invention may be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers such as Hank's or Ringer's solution or physiological saline buffer. For transmucosal and transdermal administration, penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated may be used in the composition. Such penetrants, including for example DMSO or polyethylene glycol, are known in the art.

[0069] For administration by inhalation, the compounds for use according to the present invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from a pressurized pack or a nebulizer with the use of a suitable propellant, e. g.,

dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichloro-tetrafluoroethane or carbon dioxide. In the case of a pressurized aerosol, the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridges of, e. g., gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator may be formulated containing a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch. [0070] Pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral administration include aqueous solutions of the active ingredients in water-soluble form. Additionally, suspensions of the active compounds may be prepared as appropriate oily injection suspensions. Suitable lipophilic solvents or vehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil, or synthetic fatty acids esters such as ethyl oleate, triglycerides or liposomes. Aqueous injection suspensions may contain substances, which increase the viscosity of the suspension, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol or dextran. Optionally, the suspension may also contain suitable stabilizers or agents, which increase the solubility of the compounds, to allow for the preparation of highly concentrated solutions.

[0071] The compounds of the present invention may also be formulated in rectal compositions such as suppositories or retention enemas, using, e.g., conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glycerides.

[0072] Depending on the severity and responsiveness of the condition to be treated, dosing can also be a single administration of a slow release composition, with course of treatment lasting from several days to several weeks or until cure is effected or diminution of the disease state is achieved. The amount of a composition to be administered will, of course, be dependent on many factors including the subject being treated, the severity of the affliction, the manner of administration, the judgment of the prescribing physician. The compounds of the invention may be administered orally or via injection at a dose from 0.001 to 2500 mg/kg per day. The dose range for adult humans is generally from 0.005 mg to 10 g/day. Tablets or other forms of presentation provided in discrete units may conveniently contain an amount of compound of the invention which is effective at such dosage or as a multiple of the same, for instance, units containing 5 mg to 500 mg, usually around 10 mg to 200 mg. The precise amount of compound administered to a patient will be the responsibility of the attendant physician. However, the dose employed will depend on a number of factors, including the age and sex of the patient, the precise disorder being treated, and its severity. Also, the route of administration may vary depending on the condition and its severity.

[0073] As used herein, and as would be understood by the person of skill in the art, the recitation of "a compound" is intended to include salts of that compound. The term

"pharmaceutically acceptable salt" refers to salts prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic acids or bases including inorganic acids and bases and organic acids and bases. When the compounds of the present invention are basic, salts may be prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic acids including inorganic and organic acids.

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts for the compounds of the present invention include acetic, adipic, alginic, ascorbic, aspartic, benzenesulfonic (besylate), benzoic, boric, butyric, camphoric, camphorsulfonic, carbonic, citric, ethanedisulfonic, ethanesulfonic, ethylenediaminetetraacetic, formic, fumaric, glucoheptonic, gluconic, glutamic, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, hydroiodic, hydroxynaphthoic, isethionic, lactic, lactobionic, laurylsulfonic, maleic, malic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, mucic,

naphthylenesulfonic, nitric, oleic, pamoic, pantothenic, phosphoric, pivalic,

polygalacturonic, salicylic, stearic, succinic, sulfuric, tannic, tartaric acid, teoclatic, p- toluenesulfonic, and the like. When the compounds contain an acidic side chain, suitable pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts for the compounds of the present invention include, but are not limited to, metallic salts made from aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc or organic salts made from lysine, arginine, Ν,Ν'- dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, meglumine (N-methylglucamine) and procaine. Further pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, when appropriate, nontoxic ammonium cations and carboxylate, sulfonate and phosphonate anions attached to alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0074] The term "preventing" as used herein refers to administering a medicament beforehand to forestall or obtund an attack. The person of ordinary skill in the medical art (to which the present method claims are directed) recognizes that the term "prevent" is not an absolute term. In the medical art it is understood to refer to the prophylactic

administration of a drug to substantially diminish the likelihood or seriousness of a condition, and this is the sense intended herein. The reader's attention is directed to the Physician's Desk Reference, a standard text in the field, in which the term "prevent" occurs hundreds of times. No person of skill in the medical art construes the term in an absolute sense.

[0075] It should be understood that in addition to the ingredients particularly mentioned above, the formulations of this invention may include other agents conventional in the art having regard to the type of formulation in question, for example those suitable for oral administration may include flavoring agents.

[0076] The compositions may be presented in a packaging device or dispenser, which may contain one or more unit dosage forms containing the active ingredient. Examples of a packaging device include metal or plastic foil, such as a blister pack and a nebulizer for inhalation. The packaging device or dispenser may be accompanied by instructions for administration. Compositions comprising a compound of the present invention formulated in a compatible pharmaceutical carrier may also be placed in an appropriate container and labeled for treatment of an indicated condition.

[0077] The following examples will further describe the invention, and are used for the purposes of illustration only, and should not be considered as limiting the invention being disclosed.

EXAMPLES

[0078] The following abbreviations and terms have the indicated meaning throughout

Ac acetyl

ACN acetonitrile

Bu butyl

CD₃(S=0)CD₃ = deuterated dimethylsulfoxide

CD₃OD deuterated methanol

CDC1₃ deuterated chloroform

D₂0 deuterium oxide

DCM dichloromethane = methylene chloride = CH₂C1₂

DIEA Ν,Ν-diisopropylethyl amine

DMF N,N-dimethylformamide

DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide

EA (EtOAc) Ethyl Acetate

ESI electrospray ionization

Et ethyl

HPLC high performance liquid chromatography

Me methyl

M molar (moles/liter)

p- para

Pd(dppf)₂Cl₂ dichloro[ 1 , 1 '-bis(diphenylphosphinoferrocene]palladium

Ph phenyl

sat'd = saturated

s- = secondary

t- tertiary

TFA trifluoroacetic acid

THF tetrahydrofuran

[0079] Certain methods for elaborating substituted indoles can be found in the

international published application WO 2006/044000, which methods are incorporated herein by reference.

[0080] General Procedures. Reactions were generally run in capped 1 dram vials (4 mL) stirred with Teflon®-coated magnetic stir bars. Moisture- and air-sensitive reactions were performed in flame-dried round bottom flasks, fitted with rubber septa or glass gas adapters, under a positive pressure of nitrogen. Moisture- and air-sensitive liquids or solutions were transferred via nitrogen-flushed syringe or stainless steel cannula. Where necessary, solutions were deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen using a gas dispersion tube.

Azeotropic drying of starting materials or reagents was performed by the addition of toluene or benzene followed by concentration in vacuo (~5 mm Hg at 23 °C), two or three cycles. Concentration of solvents was accomplished by rotary evaporation using a Buchi rotary evaporator, equipped with a dry ice-acetone condenser, at 5-75 mm Hg at temperatures between 35 and 50 °C. Experiments were monitored by thin layer chromatography (TLC) or by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) as described below. The maintenance of 30 to 150 °C reaction temperatures was accomplished by the use of an oil bath, or a 12- well (16 mm) aluminum heating block which could achieve temperatures up to 200 °C.

[0081] Materials. Solvents were purchased as Sure/Seal Aldrich bottles and reagents were used without further purification with the following exceptions. For a compilation of methods for the purification of common laboratory substances see: Perrin, D. D.; Armarego, W. L. F. Purification of Laboratory Chemicals, 3rd ed.; Pergamon: Oxford, 1988.

[0082] Solvents. Acetonitrile (ACN), methylene chloride (CH2CI2), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and toluene were dried using a Pure-Solv 400 Solvent Purification System (activated columns).

[0083] Chromatography. Analytical thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed using Whatman 250 micron aluminum backed UV F254 precoated silica gel flexible plates. Subsequent to elution, ultraviolet illumination at 254 nm allowed for visualization of UV active materials. Staining with /?-anisaldehyde, basic potassium permanganate solution, or Verghn's reagents allowed for further visualization. The retardation factor (RJ) is the ratio of the distance traveled by the compound to the distance simultaneously traveled by the eluent.

[0084] The /?-anisaldehyde solution was prepared by the slow addition of concentrated sulfuric acid (50 mL) to ethanol (190 proof, 1 L), followed, after 5 minutes, by p- anisaldehyde (20 mL) and then glacial acetic acid (15 mL). The basic potassium

permanganate solution was prepared by dissolving potassium permanganate (3 g) and potassium carbonate (20 g) in water (300 mL), followed by the addition of aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (5% w/v, 5 mL). Verghn's reagent was prepared by dissolving ammonium molybdate (40 g) and eerie sulfate (1.6 g) in aqueous sulfuric acid (10% v/v, 800 mL).

[0085] Flash column chromatography was performed as described by Still et al, [Still, W. C; Kahn, M.; Mitra, A. J. Org. Chem. 1978, 43, 2923] employing hand-packed 60-200 mesh silica gel, or using a Teledyne ISCO CombiFlash® Companion® chromatography instrument and RediSep® Columns (machine-packed with 35 to 60 micron silica gel).

[0086] Preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was carried out using a Waters Prep LC System Controller and Pump System equipped with a Waters Delta Prep 4000 injector and a Waters 486 Tunable Absorbance Detector. Solvents were degassed using helium through a bubbling stone, and 3-mL injections were made into a 5-mL injection loop.

[0087] Physical Data. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (^H NMR) were recorded on Bruker DPX 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers. Chemical shifts for 1H NMR spectra are reported as δ in units of parts per million (ppm) relative to tetramethylsilane (δ 0.0) using the residual solvent signal as an internal standard or tetramethylsilane itself: chloroform-<i (δ 7.26, singlet), dimethylsulfoxide-<i6 (§ 2.50, quintet), methanol-<i4 (δ 3.30, quintet), and deuterium oxide -d2 (δ 4.80, singlet).

Multiplicities are given as: br (broad), v br (very broad), s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), q (quartet), quint, (quintet), sext. (sextet), sept, (septet), dd (doublet of doublets), ddd (doublet of doublets of doublets), dt (doublet of triplets), ddt (doublet of doublets of triplets), dq (doublet of quartets) or m (multiplet). Coupling constants are reported as a J value in Hertz (Hz). The number of protons (n) for a given resonance is indicated by nH.

[0088] Liquid chromatography mass spectral analyses were obtained using a Waters MicroMassZQ mass spectrometer, with an electron spray ionization (ESI) probe, connected to a Waters 2795 HT Separation Module Alliance HT HPLC system running MassLynx (V4.0). The system used a Waters 996 Photodiode Array Detector set to 254 nm for peak detection, and a Symmetry® CI 8 (3.5 micron) 2.1 x 50 mm column for separation (mobile phase for positive mode: solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid, solvent B: acetonitrile; mobile phase for negative mode: solvent A: water with 0.1% morpholine, solvent B:

acetonitrile). Values are reported in units of mass to charge (m/z).

[0089] l-[3-(Bromomethyl)phenyl]-4-phenyl-lH-indole (1). 4-Bromoindole (938.8 mg, 4.79 mmol) and phenylboronic acid (603.1 mg, 4.95 mmol) were dissolved in toluene (10 mL). A 2.0 M aqueous solution of potassium carbonate (4.8 mL, 9.60 mmol) was added to the reaction followed by palladium catalyst [1,1 '- bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]dichloropalladium (II) 1 : 1 complex with dichloromethane (208.1 mg, 0.25 mmol). The mixture was degassed by bubbling nitrogen gas directly into the solution via syringe needle. The mixture was stirred at 110 °C for 14 hours, poured into water (20 mL), extracted with 1 :2 ethyl acetate-petroleum ether (25 mL), the organic layer was washed with water (15 mL) and brine (10 mL), concentrated, and purified by chromatography (40 g silica gel, 0% to 35% ethyl acetate -petroleum ether) to afford 4- phenyl-lH-indole (622.7 mg, 67% yield) as a pale purple viscous oil; R 0.50 (20%> ethyl acetate-petroleum ether); LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 194.28. 3-Iodobenzyl alcohol (104.4 mg, 0.54 mmol) and 4-phenyl-lH-indole (128.9 mg, 0.551 mmol) were dissolved in 1,4- dioxane (1.0 mL). To this solution was added freshly ground potassium phosphate tribasic (230.4 mg, 1.09 mmol), racemic trans- 1 ,2-diaminocyclohexane (0.015 mL, 9.5 mg, 0.083 mmol) and copper (I) iodide (7.5 mg, 0.039 mmol). [see Antilla, J.C.; Klapars, A.;

Buchwald, S.L.J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 11684. Klapars, A.; Antilla, J.C.; Huang, X.; Buchwald, S.L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 7727] The solution was degassed for 5 minutes by bubbling nitrogen gas directly into the solution using a syringe needle. The vial was capped and stirred at 95 °C for 6.5 hours. The reaction turned a deep aqua blue during bubbling with nitrogen and then a pale purple after 5 minutes of heating. The reaction was poured into water (20 mL), extracted with 1 : 1 ethyl acetate -petroleum ether (30 mL), the organic layer was washed with water (15 mL) and brine (10 mL), concentrated, and purified by chromatography (12 g silica gel, 0% to 40% ethyl acetate -petroleum ether) to afford [3- (4-phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)phenyl]methanol (104.8 mg, 65% yield) as a white crystalline solid; R/0.22 (20% ethyl acetate-petroleum ether); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.71 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.55-7.44 (m, 6H), 7.40-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.29 (t, J= 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 6.84 (d, J= 3.1 Hz, 1H), 4.79 (s, 2H), 1.85 (s, 1H) ppm; LRMS (ESI) m/z

[M+H]⁺ = 300.41. A solution of [3-(4-phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)phenyl]methanol (104.8 mg, 0.35 mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (1.0 mL), carbon tetrabromide (120.1 mg, 0.362 mmol) was added as a solid and triphenylphosphine (98.2 mg, 0.374 mmol) was added as a solid. The reaction turned light orange, was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours, and purified directly by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 25% ethyl acetate- petroleum ether) to afford l-[3-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-4-phenyl-lH-indole (1) (112.5 mg, 89% yield) as a clear film; R/0.60 (20% ethyl acetate-petroleum ether); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 7.71 (d, J= 7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.56-7.45 (m, 6H), 7.40-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.31 (t, J= 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J= 7.7 Hz, 1H), 6.85 (d, J= 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.54 (s, 2H) ppm.

[0090] 3-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]thio}benzoic acid (2). A 1.03 M solution of 3-benzoate thiolate was prepared from 3-mercaptobenzoic acid and 2.06 M aqueous sodium hydroxide at 100 ^°C for 5 minutes. The solution of 3-benzoate thiolate (0.040 mL, 0.0412 mmol) was added to a solution of l-[3-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-4-phenyl-lH-indole (1) (14.1 mg, 0.0389 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.5 mL), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Upon completion, the reaction was diluted with 1.0 M aqueous hydrochloric acid (1 mL), extracted with ethyl acetate (2 mL), the organic layer was washed with brine (10 mL), concentrated, and purified by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) to afford 3-{[3-(4-phenyl- lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]thio} benzoic acid (2) (16.6 mg, 98% yield) as a clear film; R/0.64 (10% methanol-dichloromethane); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d, J= 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.50-7.21 (m, 12H), 6.82 (d, J= 3.1 Hz, 1H), 4.24 (s, 2H) ppm; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M-H]^~ = 434.20.

[0091] 2-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]thio}benzoic acid (3). Following the same procedure used to synthesize (2), 2-benzoate thiolate was reacted with l-[3- (bromomethyl)phenyl]-4-phenyl-lH-indole (1) ). Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 2-{[3-(4-phenyl- lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]thio} benzoic acid (3) (9 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃ + DMSO_d6): δ 4.29 (s, 2H), 6.80 (d, 1H), 7.16-7.25 (m, 4H), 7.38-7.53 (m, 10H), 7.63-7.70 (m, 4H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d, 1H); Calcd mass for C₂₈H₃₃NO₂S: 437.55; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 436.58.

[0092] 2-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]thio}nicotinic acid (4). Following the same procedure used to synthesize (2), nicontinate -2 -thiolate was reacted with l-[3- (bromomethyl)phenyl]-4-phenyl-lH-indole (1). Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 2-{[3-(4-phenyl- lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]thio} nicotinic acid (4) (10 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃ + DMSO_d6): δ 4.51 (s, 2H), 6.79 (d, 1H), 7.19-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.38-7.52 (m, 7H), 7.66-7.69 (m, 3H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 8.25 (d, 1H), 8.62 (d, 1H); Calcd mass for C₂7H₂oN₂0₂S: 436.12; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 437.43.

[0093] 2-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]thio}-4-aminopyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid (5). Following the same procedure used to synthesize (2), ethyl 2-mercapto-5-amino-4- pyrimidinecarboxylate -2 -thiolate was reacted with l-[3-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-4-phenyl- lH-indole (1) to afford the ethyl ester. Estrer hydrolysis was performed using 2 equivalents of 1 N sodium hydroxide ethanol heated at 60 °C for 6.5 hours. Purification by

chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 2-{[3-(4-phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]thio}-4-aminopyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid (5) (3 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, D₂0): δ 4.46 (s, 2H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 7.08-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.54 (m, 8H), 7.63-7.69 (m, 4H), 8.55 (s, 1H); Calcd mass for C₂6H₂oN₄OS:

+ = 453.55.

[0094] 3-[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyloxy]-5-isoxazolecarboxylic acid (6).

Methyl 3-hydroxy-isoxazole-5-carboxylate was reacted with l-[3-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-4- phenyl-lH-indole (1) in DMF and 1 equivalent of sodium hydride as base. After aqueous work-up, ester hydrolysis was performed using 2 equivalents 1 N aqueous sodium hydroxide in ethanol heated at 60 °C for 6.5 hours. Acidic aqueous work-up and purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 3-[3-(4-phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyloxy]-5-isoxazolecarboxylic acid (6) (5 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 5.36 (d, 2H), 6.63 (s, 1H), 6.83 (s, 1H), 7.23-7.62 (m, 11H), 7.70 (d, 2H); Calcd mass for C₂₅Hi₈N₂0₄: 410.13; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M + Na]⁺ = 433.49.

[0095] 2-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]thio}-6,7-dimethylpterid-4-ol (7).

Following the same procedure used to synthesize (2), 6,7-dimethyl-4-hydroxypteridine-2- thiolate was reacted with l-[3-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-4-phenyl-lH-indole (1). Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 10% to 100% ethyl acetate-hexanes) affords 2-{[3-(4- Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]thio}-6,7-dimethylpterid-4-ol (7) (20 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 2.69 (s, 3H), 2.70 (s, 3H), 4.69 (s, 2H), 5.30 (s, 1H), 6.82 (d, 1H), 7.20-7.26 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.52 (m, 7H), 7.64-7.71 (m, 3H), 11.52 (bs, 1H); Calcd mass for C₂₉H₂₃N₅OS: 489.16; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 490.59.

[0096] 3-{N-[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)phenyl)sulfamoyl}benzoic acid (8). 4-Phenyl- lH-indole was prepared as described for compound (1) above. 3-Iodoaniline (345.0 mg, 1.57 mmol) and 4-phenyl-lH-indole (300 mg, 1.56 mmol) were dissolved in 1,4-dioxane (10.0 mL). To this solution was added freshly ground potassium phosphate tribasic (661.1 mg, 3.12 mmol), racemic trans- 1 ,2-diaminocyclohexane (26.5 mg, 0.23 mmol) and copper (I) iodide (22.0 mg, 0.12 mmol). [see Antilla, J.C.; Klapars, A.; Buchwald, S.L.J. Am.

Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 11684. Klapars, A.; Antilla, J.C.; Huang, X.; Buchwald, S.L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 7727] The solution was degassed for 5 minutes by bubbling nitrogen gas directly into the solution using a syringe needle. The vial was capped and stirred at 95 °C for 6.5 hours. The reaction turned a deep aqua blue during bubbling with nitrogen and then a pale purple after 5 minutes of heating. The reaction was poured into water, extracted with 1 : 1 ethyl acetate -hexanes, the organic layer was washed with water and brine, concentrated, and purified by chromatography (12 g silica gel, 0% to 40% ethyl acetate- hex anes) to afford 3-(4-phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)aniline (315.0 mg, 71% yield). The resulting aniline (30 mg) was reacted with 1 equivalent of 3-cyanophenylsulfonyl chloride in dichloromethane using 2 equivalents of Ν,Ν-dimethylaniline as the base. The reaction was poured into 0.1 N hydrochloric acid, extracted with 1 : 1 ethyl acetate-hexane, the organic layer was washed with water and brine, concentrated, and purified by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 5%> to 100% ethyl acetate-hexanes). The cyano group was hydro lyzed under strong aqueous basic condition, 1 : 1 ethanol - 2 M sodium hydroxide at reflux for 6 hours. Aqueous work-up and purification by chromatography (4g silica gel, 1%> to 10%> methanol- dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 3-{N-[3-(4-phenyl-lH-indol-l- yl)phenyl)sulfamoyl}benzoic acid (8) (6.3 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 6.70 (d, 1H), 6.81 (d, 1H), 7.02-7.10 (m, 2H), 7.19-7.52 (m, 9H), 7.62 (t, 1H), 7.77 (d, 2H), 8.05 (d, 1H), 8.27 (d, 1H), 8.60 (s, 1H); Calcd mass for C27H20N2O4S: 468.11; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 469.65.

[0097] l-(3-benzaldehyde)-4-phenyl-lH-indole (9). [3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l- yl)phenyl]methanol was prepared as described for compound (1) above. A solution of [3-(4- phenyl- lH-indol-l-yl)phenyl]methanol was dissolved in dichloromethane and treated with pyridinium dichromate to form the aldehyde (Swern conditions also work). The mixture was filtered through Celite and the dark orange solution was concentrated, and purified directly by chromatography (silica gel, 10% to 75% ethyl acetate-hexanes) to afford l-(3- benzaldehyde)-4-phenyl-lH-indole (9); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃) δ 10.12 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.90-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.75-7.70 (m, 3H), 7.60-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.60-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.20- 7.10 (m, 1H), 6.90 (d, 1H) ppm.

[0098] 3-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]amino}benzoic acid (10). l-(3- Benzaldehyde)-4-phenyl-lH-indole (0.1 mmol) was dissolved in isopropanol (0.3 mL, 0.33 M) and 1 equivalent of 3-aminobenzoic acid was added. The reaction was heated at reflux for 2 to 4 hours and concentrated to remove isopropanol. The residue was dissolved in acetonitrile (0.3 mL) then acetic acid (2 eq) and solid sodium cyanoborohydride (1.1 eq) were added at 23 °C. The reaction was stirred overnight at 23 °C and then quenched with 0.5 M aqueous oxalic acid. The mixture was stirred at 23 °C for 30 min, poured into water, extracted with 1 : 1 ethyl acetate-hexane, filtered and concentrated. Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 3-{[3-(4-phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]amino}benzoic acid (10) (2 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO_d6): δ 3.91 (s, 2H), 5.99 (t, 1H), 6.29 (dd, 1H), 6.79 (d, 1H), 6.86 (t, 1H), 7.01-7.27 (m, 3H), 7.28 (d, 1H), 7.34 (t, 1H), 7.40-7.73 (m, 9H), 8.29 (s, 1H); Calcd mass for C₂8H₂₂N₂02: 418.17; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M-H]^~ = 417.74.

[0099] 3-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]amino}-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (11).

Following the same procedure used to synthesize (10), 2-hydroxy-3-aminobenzoic acid was reacted with l-(3-benzaldehyde)-4-phenyl-lH-indole (9). Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 3-{[3- (4-phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl] amino } -2-hydroxybenzoic acid (11) (4.6 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 4.53 (s, 2H), 6.76-6.84 (m, 3H), 7.20-7.28 (m, 4H), 7.35-7.54 (m, 9H), 7.70 (d, 1H); Calcd mass for C₂8H₂2N₂0₃: 434.16; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 435.61.

[00100] 5-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]amino}-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (12).

Following the same procedure used to synthesize (10), 2-hydroxy-5-aminobenzoic acid was reacted with l-(3-benzaldehyde)-4-phenyl-lH-indole (9). Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 5-{[3- (4-phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl] amino} -2-hydroxybenzoic acid (12) (9 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃ + CD₃OD ): δ 4.37 (s, 2H), 6.76-6.81 (m, 3H), 7.15-7.18 (m, 3H), 7.36-7.45 (m, 10H), 7.54 (d, 2H); Calcd mass for C₂₈H₂₂N₂0₃: 434.16; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 435.77.

[00101] 3-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]amino}-4-methylbenzoic acid (13).

Following the same procedure used to synthesize (10), 4-methyl-3-aminobenzoic acid was reacted with l-(3-benzaldehyde)-4-phenyl-lH-indole (9). Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 3-{[3- (4-phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl] amino } -4-methylbenzoic acid (13) (10 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃ + CD₃OD): δ 2.18 (s, 3H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 6.77 (d, 1H), 7.10 (d, 1H), 7.16-7.20 (m, 3H), 7.27-7.50 (m, 10H), 7.64 (d, 2H); Calcd mass for C₂₉H₂₄N₂0₂: 432.18; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M-H]^~ = 431.69.

[00102] 4-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]amino}benzoic acid (14). Following the same procedure used to synthesize (10), 4-aminobenzoic acid was reacted with l-(3- benzaldehyde)-4-phenyl-lH-indole (9). Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 4-{[3-(4-phenyl-lH-indol- l-yl)benzyl] amino} benzoic acid (14) (12 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 4.48 (s, 2H), 6.59 (d, 2H), 6.83 (d, 1H), 7.22-7.51 (m, 11H), 7.70 (d, 2H), 7.93 (d, 2H); Calcd mass for C28H22N2O2: 418.17; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 419.56.

[00103] 2-{[3-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]amino}benzoic acid (15). Following the same procedure used to synthesize (10), 2-aminobenzoic acid was reacted with l-(3- benzaldehyde)-4-phenyl-lH-indole (9). Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 2-{[3-(4-phenyl-lH-indol- l-yl)benzyl] amino} benzoic acid (15) (6.8 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 4.60 (s, 2H), 6.65-6.88 (m, 2H), 6.83 (d, 1H), 7.22-7.69 (m, 12H), 7.70 (d, 2H), 8.00 (d, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H); Calcd mass for C28H22N2O2: 418.17; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 419.59.

[00104] Nl-{[(5-Methylisoxazol-3-yl)-4-{[3-(4-phenyl-lH-indol-l- yl)benzyl]amino}benzene-l-sulfonamide (16). Following the same procedure used to synthesize (10), Nl- {[(5 -methylisoxazol-3-yl)-4-aminobenzene-l -sulfonamide was reacted with l-(3-benzaldehyde)-4-phenyl-lH-indole (9). Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 10% to 100% ethyl acetate-hexanes) affords Nl-{[(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)-4-{[3-(4- phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl] amino} benzene- 1 -sulfonamide (16) (18 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃ + DMSO_d6): δ 2.30 (s, 3H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 4.80 (s, 1H), 6.20 (d, 1H), 6.55 (d, 2H), 6.84 (d, 1H), 7.22-7.53 (m, 11H), 7.63 (d, 2H), 7.70 (d, 2H), 8.66 (s, 1H); Calcd mass for C₃iH₂₆N₄0₃S: 534.17; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M + Na]⁺ = 557.73.

[00105] [5-(4-Phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)-2-thienyl]methylamino-3-benzoic acid (17). 4-

Phenyl-lH-indole was prepared as described for compound (1) above. 5-Bromo-2- thiophenecarboxaldehyde (1 equivalent) and 4-phenyl-lH-indole (1 equivalent) were dissolved in 1,4-dioxane (0.16 M). To this solution was added freshly ground potassium phosphate tribasic (2 equivalents), racemic trans- 1 ,2-diaminocyclohexane (0.15

equivalents) and copper (I) iodide (0.07 equivalents), [see Antilla, J.C.; Klapars, A.;

Buchwald, S.L.J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 11684. Klapars, A.; Antilla, J.C.; Huang, X.; Buchwald, S.L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 7727] The solution was degassed for 5 minutes by bubbling nitrogen gas directly into the solution using a syringe needle. The vial was capped and stirred at 95 °C for 6.5 hours. The reaction turned a deep aqua blue during bubbling with nitrogen and then a pale purple after 5 minutes of heating. The reaction was poured into water (20 mL), extracted with 1 : 1 ethyl acetate -petroleum ether (30 mL), the organic layer was washed with water (15 mL) and brine (10 mL), concentrated, and purified by chromatography (12 g silica gel, 0% to 40% ethyl acetate -hexanes) to afford 5-(4- phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde. Following the same procedure used to synthesize (10), 2-hydroxy-3-aminobenzoic acid was reacted with 5-(4-phenyl-lH-indol-l- yl)-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde. Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords [5-(4-phenyl-lH-indol-l-yl)-2- thienyl]methylamino-3-benzoic acid (17) (7 mg) as a clear film; 1H NMR (300 MHz,

CDCls): δ 4.59 (s, 2H), 6.80 (d, 1H), 6.81-6.70 (m, 3H), 7.22-7.56 (m, 10H), 7.68 (d, 2H); Calcd mass for C26H20N2O2S : 424.12; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M + Na]⁺ = 447.50.

[00106] 3-{[3-(4-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]amino}benzoic acid (18).

(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-lH-indole was prepared in a similar fashion as described for compound (1) above, but using 4-tert-butylphenyl boronic acid. 3-Iodobenzaldehyde was reacted with ethyl 3-aminobenzoate in a similar fashion as described for compound (10) above to afford ethyl 3-[(3-iodobenzyl)amino]benzoate. (4-tert-Butylphenyl)-lH-indole (1 equivalent) and ethyl 3-[(3-iodobenzyl)amino]benzoate (1 equivalent) were dissolved in 1,4-dioxane (0.16 M). To this solution was added freshly ground potassium phosphate tribasic (2 equivalents), racemic trans- 1 ,2-diaminocyclohexane (0.15 equivalents) and copper (I) iodide (0.07 equivalents), [see Antilla, J.C.; Klapars, A.; Buchwald, S.L.J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 11684. Klapars, A.; Antilla, J.C.; Huang, X.; Buchwald, S.L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 7727] The solution was degassed for 5 minutes by bubbling nitrogen gas directly into the solution using a syringe needle. The vial was capped and stirred at 95 °C for 6.5 hours. The reaction turned a deep aqua blue during bubbling with nitrogen and then a pale purple after 5 minutes of heating. The reaction was poured into water, extracted with 1 : 1 ethyl acetate -hexames, the organic layer was washed with water and brine, concentrated, and purified by chromatography (12 g silica gel, 0% to 40% ethyl acetate- hex anes) to afford ethyl 3-{[3-(4-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-lH-indol-l- yl)benzyl]amino}benzoate. Ester hydrolysis was performed using 2 equivalents 1 N aqueous sodium hydroxide in ethanol heated at 60 °C for 6.5 hours. Purification by chromatography (4 g silica gel, 0% to 5% methanol-dichloromethane with 0.5% acetic acid) affords 3-{[3-(4-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]amino}benzoic acid (18); 1H NMR (400 MHz , CD₃OD): δ 1.35 (s, 9H), 4.45 (d, 2H), 6.65 (t, IH), 6.78 (d, IH), 6.85 (dd, IH), 7.14-7.20 (m, 4H), 7.24 (s, IH), 7.35 (dd, IH), 7.43 (dd, 2H), 7.54 (d, 3H), 7.57-7.62 (m, 3H), 7.66 (d, IH); Calcd mass for C₃₂H₃oN₂0₂: 474.23; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 475.40.

[00107] 3-{[3-(4-(4-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl]amino}benzoic acid (19). Following the same procedure used to synthesize (18), but using 4-

(trifluoromethyl)phenylboronic acid in the first step, affords 3-{[3-(4-(4-

(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-lH-indol-l-yl)benzyl] amino} benzoic acid (19); 1H NMR (400 MHz , CDCI₃ + CD₃OD): δ 4.50 (s, 2H), 6.78 (d, 1H), 6.85 (dd, 1H), 7.21-7.27 (m, 3H), 7.39 (d, 3H), 7.41-7.54 (m, 6H), 7.74 (d, 2H), 7.81 (d, 2H); Calcd mass for C₂9H₂iF₃N202: 486.16; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M+H]⁺ = 487.40.

[00108] 3,7-substituted indole derivatives can be prepared from commercially available 7- bromoindole (Sigma-Aldrich # 473723). Suzuki reaction using 4-(R 21 )-phenyl boronic acid provides the 7-aryl-substituted indole. Bromination using N-bromosuccinimide gives the 3- bromoindole derivative [Organic Syntheses, Coll. Vol. 9, p.417 (1998); Vol. 74, p.248 (1997)]. This compound is then reacted with bis(pinacolato)diboron in the presence of potassium acetate dichloro[l,l '-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene] palladium(II) dichloromethane adduct in dimethylsulfoxide to afford the (dioxaborolanyl)indole derivative. Suzuki reaction with the appropriate aryl iodide or bromide affords the desired products.

SET7 Assay:

[00109] Protein: The human GST-ASET7/9 construct (residues 52-366) was expressed and purified from bacteria as previously described [Wilson, J. R. et al. Crystal structure and functional analysis of the histone methyltransferase SET7/9. Cell 111, 105-15 (2002) and Xiao, B. et al. Structure and catalytic mechanism of the human histone methyltransferase SET7/9. Nature 421, 652-6 (2003)]. The obtained protein was stored as 5.8 mg/mL solution in assay buffer (50 mM Tris base, pH=8; 0.25 M NaCl, 10% m/v glycerol; 1 mM EDTA, 0.5 mM DTT) at -80 °C. New aliquots were used for each set of experiments.

[00110] Histone methyltransferase assay: [adapted from Wilson, J. R. et al. Crystal structure and functional analysis of the histone methyltransferase SET7/9. Cell 111, 105-15 (2002) and Xiao, B. et al. Structure and catalytic mechanism of the human histone methyltransferase SET7/9. Nature 421, 652-6 (2003)]

[00111] The histone methyltransferase assay was carried out in a final reaction volume of 20 assay buffer, containing 1 μg of GST-ASET7/9 (0.17 of 5.8 mg/mL solution), 1 μg of Histone H3 (Roche, cat# 11034758001, isolated from calf thymus, stored as 1 mg/mL solution in assay buffer at -80 °C), 1 μΐ_^ ³H-labeled S-adenosylmethionine (Amersham, cat# TR 581, 1 μα, 0.6 μΜ total SAM), and the indicated amount of assay compound in 1 μΐ_^ of DMSO (5% DMSO final). For the assay, after addition of the S-adenosylmethionine as the last component, the well-mixed solution was incubated for 15 min at 30 °C, quenched by addition of 20 μΐ_^ 2X-Laemmli sample buffer, and the sample was run on a 4-20% Tris- Glycine acrylamide gel (Invitrogen, EC60255BOX). After treatment with EN³HANCE (Perkin-Elmer, cat#6NE9701) following the manufacturers instructions, the gel was dried and exposed to light-sensitve X-ray film (Kodak, BioMax) overnight. For quantitation, the film was scanned and the intensities measured using Metamorph Software (Universal Imaging). The results are shown in the following table:

[00112] Data Table 1 :

ELISA Assay:

[00113] Streptavidin-coated DELFIA plates (PerkinElmer Life Sciences) were washed one time with reaction buffer (50mM Tris, ImM EDTA, lmg/mL BSA, 2% DMSO, lmM DTT, pH 8.0). 25μ1 of reaction buffer containing Set7 (1 1.25nM) or G9a (10.6nM) and SAM (20μΜ) was added to each well. Control wells received only blank buffer. Test compounds (0.2μ1) were added to Set7/SAM or G9a/SAM at final concentrations of 40μΜ, 13.3μΜ, and 4.4μΜ, while a fourth quadrant (blank DMSO) served as an internal control for each compound. AdoHcy (ΙΟΟμΜ) was added to several wells and served as a positive control. Plates were incubated for five minutes at room temperature with gentle agitation. The reaction was initiated by the addition of 25 μΐ H3(l-20)-cys-biotin (900nM) in reaction buffer, and plates were incubated for 15 minutes at 30°C. Plates were aspirated, and 75μ1 of quench buffer (50mM sodium acetate, 10% glycerol, lmg/mL BSA, ImM EDTA, pH 5.0) was added to terminate the reaction. After five minutes, plates were washed two times in 75μ1 wash buffer (50mM Tris, 150mM NaCl, 0.05% Tween-20, lOmg/mL BSA, pH 8.0) and incubated for one hour in 75μ1 block buffer (50mM Tris, 250mM NaCl, 50mg/mL BSA, pH 8.0) at room temperature. Plates were washed one time in wash buffer and incubated in 60 μΐ wash buffer containing 3ng rabbit-a-H3-monomethyl-K4 (Abeam) for Set7 or 80ng rabbit-a-H3-dimethyl-K9 (Upstate) for G9a at room temperature for 1.5 hours. Plates were then washed three times in 75 μΐ wash buffer, followed by addition of 60 μΐ wash buffer containing 6ng donkey- a-rabbit-HRP (Jackson ImmunoResearch). After a thirty minute incubation at room temperature, plates were washed one time in 75 μΐ wash buffer and two times in TBS (20mM Tris, 150mM NaCl, pH 8.0), and 60μ1 LumiGLO substrate (KPL) was added. Luminescence was measured on an En Vision 2101 Plate Reader

(PerkinElmer Life Sciences) with a 0.1s acquisition time. Testing was performed twice (n=2). Percent activity was determined by dividing luminescence counts for each compound concentration by luminescence of the internal DMSO control for that compound. The results are shown in the following table, in which the values for Set7 inhibition are the average of two independent experiments. All compounds in this table showed % activity at 40μΜ as better than 20%. Compounds designated "A" have 50% or better activity, while those designated "B" have % activity between 20%> and 49%:

Detailed IC50 analysis using the SPA assay was carried out for the following compounds. The enzyme (methlytransferase) tested is Set7. In the following table, the compounds are classified, using the SPA assay, into the following categories for inhibitor at 50μΜ: A = 50% or better; B = between 20% and 49% inhibition.

3.05), 6.84 (dd, 1H, J= 7.75, 1.16), 7.21-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.38-7.41 (m, 3H), 7.45 (d, 2H, J = 9.28), 7.50 (dd, 2H, J= 13.64, 7.74), 7.54 (s, IH), 7.74 (d, 2H, J= 7.95), 7.81 (d, 2H, J = 7.39). Calcd mass for C₂9H₂iF₃N₂0₂: 486.48; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M⁺ + H⁺] = 487.40.

Compound 116: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 6.79 (d, IH, J= 2.75), 7.20 (d, IH, J = 7.91), 7.24-7.26 (m, IH), 7.30 (t, IH, J= 7.28), 7.33-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.47 (m, 3H), 7.65 (t, IH, J= 7.58), 7.72-7.75 (m, IH), 7.75 (d, 2H, J = 8.43), 7.80 (d, 2H, J= 8.43), 7.90 (d, IH, J= 7.79), 7.95 (d, IH, j= 7.79). Calcd mass for C₂₇Hi₈F₃N₃0₄S: 537.1, LRMS (ESI) m/z [M⁺ + H⁺] = 538.43.

Compound 117: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃): δ 6.75 (d, IH, J= 2.42), 7.11 (d, IH, J = 7.50), 7.21-7.25 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.34-7.42 (m, 3H), 7.51 (s, 2H), 7.73 (d, 2H, J = 8.10), 7.77 (d, 2H, J = 8.10). Calcd mass for C₂₆Hi₇F₃N₂0₄S₂: 542.55, LRMS (ESI) m/z [M⁺ + H⁺] = 543.44.

Compound 118: ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CDC1₃+CD₃0D): δ 4.50 (s, 2H), 6.84 (d, IH, J= 3.52), 6.96 (s, IH), 7.23 (t, IH, J= 7.39), 7.35-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.46 (d, IH, J= 2.81), 7.56 (t, H, J= 5.53), 7.62-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.85 (d, 2H, J= 3.87), 8.21 (d, 2H, J= 3.59),.98 (s, 1H). Calcd mass for C27H19F3N4O2: 488.46; LRMS (ESI) m/z [M⁺+ H⁺] = 489.59.

Claims

CLAIMS What we claim:

1. A compound of f rmula I:

I

wherein

Q is chosen from -CH- and -N-;

X is chosen from -CH- and -N-;

Y is chosen from -CR¹- and -N-;

Z is chosen from -CH- and -N-;

R¹ is chosen from (Ci-C4)alkyl, halogen and optionally substituted aryl;

B is chosen from

(a) aryl optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen

independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (d-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, -COOR⁵, - NH(C=0)R⁵, -NH(C=0)NR⁵R⁹, -NH(C=0)OR⁷, -0(C=0)NR⁵R⁹ and -NHS0₂R⁷;

(c) non-aromatic heterocyclyl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(C _l -C₄)alkyl, halo(C i -C₄)alkoxy;

A is (C₂-C7)-alkylene in which one or more -CH₂- may be replaced by a radical chosen from -CH(OH)-, -CH(NH₂)-, CHF, CF₂, -C(=0)-, -CH(O-loweralkyl)-, -CH(NH- loweralkyl)-, -0-, -S-, -SO-,-S0₂-, -NH- and -N[(Ci-C₄)alkyl]-; or two adjacent -CH₂- may be replaced by -CH=CH-; D is chosen from a (C4-Ci₂)carbocycle, a 4- to 7-membered monocyclic heterocycle and a 7- to 12-membered bicyclic heterocycle;

R represents from one to three substituents each independently chosen from hydrogen, COOH, OH, S0₂NH-Het, S0₂(Ci-C₄)alkyl, acylsulfonamide, N0₂, halogen, (Ci- C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(Ci-C₄)alkoxy, cyano, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocyclyl, -CHO, -CH(R⁵)NR⁵R⁹ and -NR⁵R⁹, with the proviso that at least one instance of R must be other than hydrogen;

Het is an optionally substituted heteroaryl;

R⁷ is chosen independently in each occurrence from (Ci-C₄)alkyl and aryl; and R⁹ is chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or, R⁵ and R⁹ taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 5-8-membered nitrogen heterocycle;

with the proviso that when B is thiazolyl and D is phenyl, A cannot be -CH₂S-.

2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein no more than two of Q, X, Y and Z are - N-.

3. A compound according to claim 2 of formula la or lb

la lb.

4. A compound according to claim 3 wherein Q and Z are -CH- and X and Y are -N-.

5. A compound according to claim 3 wherein Q, Z, X and Y are all -CH-.

6. A compound according to claim 3 wherein R is an aryl group optionally substituted with one or two substituents chosen from (Ci-C₄)alkyl and halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl.

7. A compound according to claim 6 wherein R¹ is selected from an optionally

substituted phenyl group.

8. A compound according to claim 7 wherein R¹ is para-substituted phenyl.

9. A compound according to claim 1 wherein B is chosen from optionally substituted phenyl, furanyl, thienyl, thiazolyl and isoxazolyl.

10. A compound according to claim 9 wherein B is phenyl or thienyl.

1 1. A compound according to claim 1 wherein A is chosen from -SCH₂-, -CH=CH-, -CH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-, -NHCH₂-, -CH₂0-, -CH₂NH-, -OCH₂-, -C(0)NH-, -S0₂NH-. and -NHS0₂-.

12. A compound according to claim 1 wherein D is chosen from pteridinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, phenyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, imidazolyl, indolyl and thienyl.

13. A compound according to claim 12 wherein D is chosen from phenyl, imidazolyl and thienyl.

14. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R is chosen independently in each

instance from hydrogen, -COOH, -OH, NH₂, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, tetrazole, N0₂, -S0₂NH- Het and S0₂(Ci-C₄)alkyl; and Het is a heteroaryl optionally substituted with (C_\- C₄)alkyl, halogen or trifluoromethyl.

15. A compound according to claim 14 wherein R is chosen independently in each instance from -COOH, -OH, methyl, N0₂ and NH₂.

16. A compound according to claim 1 wherein Q is -CH-;

X is -CH-;

Y is-CR¹-;

Z is -CH-;

R¹ is napthyl or phenyl optionally substituted with one or two substituents chosen from methyl and CF₃;

B is chosen from phenyl and thienyl;

A is chosen from -SCH₂-, -CHCH-, -CH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-, -NHCH₂-, -CH₂0-, -CH₂NH- , -OCH₂-, -C(0)NH-, -CH₂CH₂-, -S0₂NH-. and -NHS0₂-;

D is chosen from pteridinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, phenyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, imidizolyl, indolyl and thienyl; and

R represents from one to three substituents each independently chosen from hydrogen, -COOH, -OH, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, N0₂, S0₂NH-heteroaryl, S0₂(Ci-C₄)alkyl and NH₂.

17. A compound according to claim 16 wherein

D is phenyl, imidazolyl or thienyl; and

R represents from one to three substituents each independently chosen from hydrogen, -COOH, -OH, N0₂ and methyl.

18. A compound according to claim 16 wherein R¹ is 4-trifluoromethyl phenyl.

19. A compound according to claim 1 of formula:

wherein D is chosen from phenyl, thienyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridinyl and piperidinyl;

R 11 and R 1¹2 are chosen independently from H, CH₃, OH, CF₃, halogen and (Ci- C₄)alkoxy; and R is chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-C4)alkyl, halo(Ci-C4)alkyl, cyano, N0₂, halogen, (Ci-C4)acyl and (Ci-C4)alkoxycarbonyl.

20. A compound according to claim 1 wherein D is phenyl and R is N0₂.

21. A compound according to claim 1 wherein D is phenyl and R is S0₂NH-Het, and Het is isoxazolyl optionally substituted with methyl, halogen or trifluoromethyl.

22. A compound according to claim 1 of formula

wherein R 11 and R 12 are chosen independently from H, CH₃, OH, CF , halogen and (Ci- oxy; and R 21

C4)alk is chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-C4)alkyl, halo(Ci-C4)alkyl, cyano, N0₂, halogen, (Ci-C4)acyl and (Ci-C4)alkoxycarbonyl.

23. A compound according to claim 22 wherein R 21 is H, CF₃ or t-butyl.

A compound according to any of claims 1 -23 wherein B

25. A compound according to any of claims 1-23 wherein Q is CH.

26. A compound of formula II

wherein

A is (C₂-C7)-alkylene in which one or more -CH₂- may be replaced by a radical chosen from -CH(OH)-, -CH(NH₂)-, CHF, CF₂, -C(=0)-, -CH(O-loweralkyl)-, -CH(NH- loweralkyl)-, -0-, -S-, -SO-,-S0₂-, -NH- and -N[(Ci-C₄)alkyl]-; or two adjacent -CH₂- may be replaced by -CH=CH-;

E is chosen from

(a) aryl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen

independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(C i -C₄)alkoxy;

(b) heteroaryl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(Ci-C₄)alkoxy; and

R 21 is one or two substituents chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, halo(Ci-C₄)alkyl, cyano, N0₂, halogen, (Ci-C₄)acyl and (Ci-C₄)alkoxycarbonyl;

R⁹ is chosen from hydrogen, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or, R⁵ and R⁹ taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 5-8-membered nitrogen heterocycle; and

R 11 and R 1¹2 are chosen independently from H, CH₃, OH, CF₃, halogen and (Ci- C₄)alkoxy.

27. A compound according to claim 26 wherein A is chosen from -SCH₂-, -NHCH₂-, -OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂- and -NHS0₂-.

28. A compound according to claim 26 wherein E is chosen from phenyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, indolyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, pyrrolopyridinyl, indazolyl,

benzimidazolyl, imidazopyridinyl, isoxazolyl, napthyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoqumolmyl and benzimidazolyl, each optionally substituted with (Ci-C4)alkyl or halo(Ci-C4)alkyl.

29. A compound according to claim 28 wherein E is

30. A compound according to claim 29 wherein E is

31. A compound according to any of claims 26-30 wherein R 21 is H, CF₃ or t-butyl.

32. A compound according to claim 26 wherein

A is chosen from -SCH₂-, -NHCH₂-, -OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂- and -NHS0₂-;

E is chosen from phenyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, indolyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, pyrrolopyridinyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, imidazopyridinyl, isoxazolyl, napthyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoqumolmyl and benzimidazolyl, each optionally substituted with (Ci-C4)alkyl or halo(Ci-C4)alkyl; and

R²¹ is H, CF₃ or t-butyl.

33. A compound of formula III

III

wherein

A is (C2-C7)-alkylene in which one or more -CH₂- may be replaced by a radical chosen from -CH(OH)-, -CH(NH₂)-, CHF, CF₂, -C(=0)-, -CH(O-loweralkyl)-, -CH(NH- loweralkyl)-, -0-, -S-, -SO-,-S0₂-, -NH- and -N[(Ci-C₄)alkyl]-; or two adjacent -CH₂- may be replaced by -CH=CH-;

E is chosen from

(a) aryl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen

(c) non-aromatic heterocyclyl, optionally substituted with from one to three substituents chosen independently from halogen, OH, -NR⁵R⁹, (Ci-C₄)alkyl, (Ci-C₄)alkoxy, halo(C _l -C₄)alkyl, halo(C i -C₄)alkoxy .

34. A compound according to claim 33 wherein A is chosen from -SCH₂-, -NHCH₂-, -OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂- and -NHS0₂-.

35. A compound according to claim 33 wherein E is chosen from phenyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, indolyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, pyrrolopyridinyl, indazolyl,

36. A compound according to claim 35 wherein E is

37. A compound according to claim 36 wherein E is

A compound according to any of claims 33-37 wherein R 21

38. is H, CF₃ or t-butyl.

39. A compound according to claim 33 wherein

A is chosen from -SCH₂-, -NHCH₂-, -OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂- and -NHS0₂-;

R²¹ is H, CF₃ or t-butyl.

40. A method for treating cancer comprising modulating arginine methyltransferase, lysine methyltransferase or both.

A method for treating cancer comprising modulating histone methyltransferase.

A method for treating cancer comprising administering to a subject suffering from cancer a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that inhibits histone methyltransferase.

A method for treating cancer comprising administering to a subject suffering from cancer a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that inhibits arginine methyltransferase, lysine methyltransferase or both.

A method for treating cancer comprising administering to a subject suffering from a cancer a therapeutically amount of a compound having a formula as set forth in any of claims 1-39.

A method for inhibiting a histone methyltransferase comprising bringing said histone methyltransferase into contact with a compound having a formula as set forth in any of claims 1-39.

A method for inhibiting arginine methyltransferase or lysine methyltransferase comprising bringing said transferase into contact with a compound having a formula as set forth in any of claims 1-39.

47. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound having a formula as set forth in any of claims 1-39.