Amphipathic α-helix mimetics based on a 1,2-diphenylacetylene scaffold.

In order to mimic amphipathic α-helices, a novel scaffold based on a 1,2-diphenylacetylene was designed. NMR and computational modeling confirmed that an intramolecular hydrogen bond favors conformations of the 1,2-diphenylacetylene that allow for accurate mimicry of the i, i + 7 and i + 2, i + 5 side chains found on opposing faces of an α-helix.

Structural modifications of (Z)-3-(2-aminoethyl)-5-(4-ethoxybenzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione that improve selectivity for inhibiting the proliferation of melanoma cells containing active ERK signaling.

We herein report on the pharmacophore determination of the ERK docking domain inhibitor (Z)-3-(2-aminoethyl)-5-(4-ethoxybenzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione, which has led to the discovery of compounds with greater selectivities for inhibiting the proliferation of melanoma cells containing active ERK signaling.