Novel WRN Helicase Inhibitors Selectively Target Microsatellite-Unstable Cancer Cells.

Microsatellite-unstable (MSI) cancers require WRN helicase to resolve replication stress due to expanded DNA (TA)n dinucleotide repeats. WRN is a promising synthetic lethal target for MSI tumors, and WRN inhibitors are in development. In this study, we used CRISPR-Cas9 base editing to map WRN residues critical for MSI cells, validating the helicase domain as the primary drug target. Fragment-based screening led to the development of potent and highly selective WRN helicase covalent inhibitors. These compounds selectively suppressed MSI model growth in vitro and in vivo by mimicking WRN loss, inducing DNA double-strand breaks at expanded TA repeats and DNA damage. Assessment of biomarkers in preclinical models linked TA-repeat expansions and mismatch repair alterations to compound activity. Efficacy was confirmed in immunotherapy-resistant organoids and patient-derived xenograft models. The discovery of potent, selective covalent WRN inhibitors provides proof of concept for synthetic lethal targeting of WRN in MSI cancer and tools to dissect WRN biology. Significance: We report the discovery and characterization of potent, selective WRN helicase inhibitors for MSI cancer treatment, with biomarker analysis and evaluation of efficacy in vivo and in immunotherapy-refractory preclinical models. These findings pave the way to translate WRN inhibition into MSI cancer therapies and provide tools to investigate WRN biology. See related commentary by Wainberg, p. 1369.

Discovery of GSK3527497: A Candidate for the Inhibition of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-4 (TRPV4).

GSK3527497, a preclinical candidate for the inhibition of TRPV4, was identified starting from the previously reported pyrrolidine sulfonamide TRPV4 inhibitors 1 and 2. Optimization of projected human dose was accomplished by specifically focusing on in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters CLu, Vdssu, and MRT. We highlight the use of conformational changes as a novel approach to modulate Vdssu and present results that suggest that molecular-shape-dependent binding to tissue components governs Vdssu in addition to bulk physicochemical properties. Optimization of CLu within the series was guided by in vitro metabolite identification, and the poor FaSSIF solubility imparted by the crystalline properties of the pyrrolidine diol scaffold was improved by the introduction of a charged moiety to enable excellent exposure from high crystalline doses. GSK3527497 is a preclinical candidate suitable for oral and iv administration that is projected to inhibit TRPV4 effectively in patients from a low daily clinical dose.

Calcium-Catalyzed Formal [5 + 2] Cycloadditions of Alkylidene ß-Ketoesters with Olefins: Chemodivergent Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Cyclohepta[b]indole Derivatives.

The calcium-catalyzed, formal [5 + 2] cycloaddition of indolyl alkylidene ß-ketoesters with mono- and disubstituted aryl olefins to form cyclohepta[b]indole derivatives has been established. Unanticipated chemodivergence with phenyl vinyl sulfide/ether revealed a double [5 + 2] cycloaddition cascade providing ethano-bridged cyclohepta[b]indoles. Overall, the method's highlights include: (1) use of a green, calcium-based catalyst (2.5 mol % loading); (2) reaction times under 1 h; (3) mild reaction conditions; (4) substrate-derived chemodivergence; (5) functional group tolerance; and (6) examples of derivatization.

Catalytic, Interrupted Formal Homo-Nazarov Cyclization with (Hetero)arenes: Access to α-(Hetero)aryl Cyclohexanones.

The first examples of a Lewis-acid catalyzed (hetero)arene interrupted, formal homo-Nazarov cyclization have been disclosed. Using SnCl4 as the catalyst, alkenyl cyclopropyl ketones undergo ring-opening cyclization to form six-membered cyclic oxyallyl cations. Subsequent intermolecular Friedel-Crafts-type arylation with various electron-rich arenes and heteroarenes provides functionalized α-(hetero)arylated cyclohexanones, a scaffold present in many natural products and bioactive compounds, in yields up to 88% and diastereomeric ratios up to 12:1. Regiospecific arylation occurs at the α-carbon of the oxyallyl cation due to polarization caused by the ester group.

Catalysis and chemodivergence in the interrupted, formal homo-Nazarov cyclization using allylsilanes.

A chemodivergent, Lewis acid catalyzed allylsilane interrupted formal homo-Nazarov cyclization is disclosed. With catalytic amounts of SnCl4 and in the presence of allyltrimethylsilane, a formal Hosomi-Sakurai-type allylation of the oxyallyl cation intermediate is observed. A variety of functionalized donor-acceptor cyclopropanes and allylsilanes were shown to be amenable to the reaction transformation and the allyl products were formed in up to 92% yield. Under dilute reaction conditions with stoichiometric SnCl4 and at reduced temperatures, an unusual formal [3 + 2]-cycloaddition between the allylsilane and the oxyallyl cation occurred to give hexahydrobenzofuran products in up to 69% yield.

A catalytic diastereoselective formal [5+2] cycloaddition approach to azepino[1,2-a]indoles: putative donor-acceptor cyclobutanes as reactive intermediates.

A catalytic formal [5+2] cycloaddition approach to the diastereoselective synthesis of azepino[1,2-a]indoles is reported. The reaction presumably proceeds through a Lewis acid catalyzed formal [2+2] cycloaddition of an alkene with an N-indolyl alkylidene ß-amide ester to form a donor-acceptor cyclobutane intermediate, which subsequently undergoes an intramolecular ring-opening cyclization. Azepine products are formed in up to 92% yield with high degrees of diastereoselectivity (up to 34:1 d.r.).