RESUMEN
The AAA+ ATPase p97 (valosin-containing protein, VCP) is a master regulator of protein homeostasis and therefore represents a novel target for cancer therapy. Starting from a known allosteric inhibitor, NMS-873, we systematically optimized this scaffold, in particular, by applying a benzene-to-acetylene isosteric replacement strategy, specific incorporation of F, and eutomer/distomer identification, which led to compounds that exhibited nanomolar biochemical and cell-based potency. In cellular pharmacodynamic assays, robust effects on biomarkers of p97 inhibition and apoptosis, including increased levels of ubiquitinated proteins, CHOP and cleaved caspase 3, were observed. Compound (R)-29 (UPCDC-30766) represents the most potent allosteric inhibitor of p97 reported to date.
RESUMEN
3-Aryltetrahydrobenzisoxazoles prepared en route to the coleophomone natural products and analogues, were found to undergo a remarkable base-mediated rearrangement to 2-aryltetrahydrobenzoxazoles. The scope of this unprecedented, facile transformation was probed: a range of analogues was produced, a mechanism proposed, and an application demonstrated by synthesis of a known herbicidal compound.
