CE-123

CE-123

CE-123 (5-((benzhydrylsulfinyl)methyl)thiazole) is a novel synthetic modafinil derivative engineered as a highly selective, atypical dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitor. Developed through the strategic substitution of modafinil's terminal carboxamide group with a 1,3-thiazole heterocycle, this next-generation tool compound exhibits significantly enhanced binding affinity and selectivity for DAT while demonstrating negligible cross-reactivity at the norepinephrine transporter (NET) or serotonin transporter (SERT). CE-123 provides a refined, high-precision framework for evaluating isolated dopaminergic pathways in preclinical paradigms, effectively removing the confounding variables typical of multi-transporter monoamine reuptake inhibitors.

Structural Elements to Observe: When evaluating the chemical structure above, note the clear structural evolution from parent molecule architectures. On the left sits the bulky lipophilic benzhydryl (diphenylmethyl) moiety. This attaches directly to the core sulfoxide (S=O) coordination center. The critical distinction lies on the right: the classic carboxamide chain found in modafinil has been replaced with a 5-substituted 1,3-thiazole heterocycle. This specific heterocyclic substitution alters steric positioning within the transporter's binding pocket, driving its strict selectivity for the dopaminergic system.

Physical & Handling Properties

Research Applications & Mechanism of Interest

The primary value of CE-123 in laboratory models stems from its precise classification as an atypical DAT inhibitor. Unlike classical psychostimulants (e.g., amphetamines) that act as competitive DAT substrates to reverse monoamine transport and force rapid vesicular dumping, CE-123 binds exclusively to the outward-facing conformation of the transporter. This blocks substrate access and reuptake from the synaptic cleft without prompting substrate efflux, dramatically lowering the risk profile and baseline distortion during neurophysiological tracking.

In vitro validation assays show an IC50 of 4.606 µM for [3H]dopamine uptake in human DAT-expressing HEK293 cells, with virtually undetectable affinity thresholds at SERT or NET.

Primary fields of preclinical investigation include:

• Cognitive Flexibility & Attentional Set-Shifting: Deployed in attentional set-shifting tasks (ASST) to observe improvements in extradimensional performance thresholds without increasing the impulsive or perseverative responding typical of legacy stimulants.

• Memory Consolidation Protocols: Investigating pathways connected to reference memory acquisition and retrieval in spatial hole-board and radial arm maze environments. Both the isolated (S)-enantiomer and the racemic form (rac-CE-123) have demonstrated protective parameters for long-term recognition memory against retroactive interference.

• Pro-Motivational and Decision-Making Frameworks: Used as a target reference ligand to study the reversal of effort-related exhaustion induced by tetrabenazine or native age-related decline.

• Neuroplasticity & Hippocampal Adaptation: Applied in specialized neurodevelopmental assays (including neonatal alcohol exposure models) to monitor alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling.

• Synaptosomal Proteomic Mapping: Tracking downstream alterations in prefrontal cortex synaptosomes, focused on synaptic vesicle recycling, endocytosis pathways, and alpha-synuclein membrane positioning.

Storage & Handling Guidelines

Store at controlled room temperature. Keep tightly closed.

Storage guidance is a house recommendation. Analytical documentation is per-lot release testing.

Related Research Compounds

• Adrafinil
• Fladrafinil (CRL-40,941)
• Flmodafinil (CRL-40,940)
• Hydrafinil (Fluorenol)

Frequently Asked Research Questions

What is the significance of the racemic form in CE-123 research?

While literature documents distinct bioactivity profiles for the isolated (S)-enantiomer, the racemic mixture (rac-CE-123) has established significant, standalone efficacy across multiple preclinical memory, motivation, and cognitive flexibility paradigms. Supplying the racemate enables comprehensive baseline evaluations of the compound's holistic interaction with dopaminergic pathways.

How does CE-123 maintain a non-substrate profile at the dopamine transporter?

Molecular docking studies demonstrate that while CE-123's footprint overlaps with the primary substrate-binding pocket of DAT, its bulky benzhydryl and thiazole groups stabilize the transporter in its outward-facing conformation. This allows it to act as a pure competitive barrier to dopamine reuptake without being transported into the cytoplasm or inducing reverse efflux.

Scientific References

1. Nikiforuk, A., Kalaba, P., Ilic, M., Korz, V., Dragačević, V., Wackerlig, J., ... & Lubec, G. (2017). "A Novel Dopamine Transporter Inhibitor CE-123 Improves Cognitive Flexibility and Maintains Impulsivity in Healthy Male Rats." Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 11, 222. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00222.

2. Kristofova, M., Aher, Y. D., Ilic, M., Radoman, B., Kalaba, P., Dragacevic, V., ... & Lubec, G. (2018). "A daily single dose of a novel modafinil analogue CE-123 improves memory acquisition and memory retrieval." Behavioural Brain Research, 343, 83–94. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2018.01.032.

3. Rotolo, R. A., Dragacevic, V., Kalaba, P., Urban, E., Zehl, M., Roller, A., ... & Salamone, J. D. (2019). "(S)-CE-123 Partially Reverses the Effort-Related Effects of the Dopamine Depleting Agent Tetrabenazine and Increases Progressive Ratio Responding." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 682. doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.00682.

4. Camats-Perna, J., Kalaba, P., Ebner, K., Sartori, B. B., Vuyyuru, H., Aher, N. Y., ... & Lubec, G. (2019). "Differential Effects of Novel Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors on Interference With Long-Term Social Memory in Mice." Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 13, 63. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00063.

Research Use Only Disclaimer: This product is labeled and sold "For Research Use Only - NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION." It is not a drug, dietary supplement, food, cosmetic, or medical device, and it is not approved by the FDA or any other regulator for human or veterinary use. It is supplied to approved account holders as a research chemical for laboratory use and must be handled in accordance with applicable law.