In silico to in vitro screening of hydroxypyridinones as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

We have previously shown the improved acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of a model hydroxypyridinone compound transforming the hydroxyl group on the main ring into an N,N-dimethylcarbamate group; in the course of that study we developed a computational model to screen compounds for enzymatic activity. Herein we report development of second generation libraries. Candidates that adhere to drug-like criteria from a virtual library of compounds were tested using computational docking studies. Synthesis and characterization of chosen test compounds and their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity are presented.