ABSTRACT
The extension of a previously reported cathepsin K azepanone-based inhibitor template to the design and synthesis of potent and selective inhibitors of the homologous cysteine protease cathepsin L is detailed. Structure-activity studies examining the effect of inhibitor selectivity as a function of the P3 and P2 binding elements of the potent cathepsin K inhibitor 1 revealed that incorporation of either a P3 quinoline-8-carboxamide or a naphthylene-1-carboxamide led to increased selectivity for cathepsin L over cathepsin K. Substitution of the P2 leucine of 1 with either a phenylalanine or a beta-naphthylalanine also resulted in an increased selectivity for cathepsin L over cathepsin K. Molecular modeling studies with the inhibitors docked within the active sites of both cathepsins L and K have rationalized the observed selectivities. Optimization of cathepsin L binding by the combination of the P3 naphthylene-1-carboxamide with the P2 beta-naphthylalanine provided 15, which is a potent, selective, and competitive inhibitor of human cathepsin L with a K(i) = 0.43 nM.
Subject(s)
Azepines/chemical synthesis , Cathepsins/antagonists & inhibitors , Cathepsins/chemistry , Cysteine Endopeptidases/chemistry , Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis , Sulfones/chemical synthesis , Amides/chemistry , Azepines/chemistry , Binding Sites , Cathepsin L , Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors/chemistry , Humans , Models, Molecular , Quinolines/chemistry , Structure-Activity Relationship , Sulfones/chemistryABSTRACT
In our continuing efforts to identify small molecule vitronectin receptor antagonists, we have discovered a series of phenylbutyrate derivatives, exemplified by 16, which have good potency and excellent oral bioavailability (approximately 100% in rats). This new series is derived conceptually from opening of the seven-membered ring of SB-265123.