Conformationally Restricted GABA with Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane Backbone as the First Highly Selective BGT-1 Inhibitor

On the basis of the three-dimensional diversity-oriented conformational restriction strategy using key chiral cyclopropane units, we previously identified 3 ((2S,3R)-4-amino-3,4-methanobutyric acid) with a chiral trans-cyclopropane structure as a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter inhibitor selective for GABA transporter (GAT) subtypes GAT-3 and BGT-1 (betaine/GABA transporter-1). Further conformational restriction of 3 with the rigid bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane backbone led to the successful development of the first highly potent and selective BGT-1 inhibitor 4 (IC50 = 0.59 μM). The bioactive conformation of 3 for BGT-1 was also identified.

BGT-1; GABA; GAT; conformational restriction; cyclopropane.