Lead Optimization of Benzoxepin-Type Selective Estrogen Receptor (ER) Modulators and Downregulators with Subtype-Specific ERα and ERβ Activity

J Med Chem. 2018 Jan 25;61(2):514-534. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01917. Epub 2017 May 1.

Abstract

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is an important target for the design of drugs such as tamoxifen (2a) and fulvestrant (5). Three series of ER-ligands based on the benzoxepin scaffold structure were synthesized: series I containing an acrylic acid, series II with an acrylamide, and series III with a saturated carboxylic acid substituent. These compounds were shown to be high affinity ligands for the ER with nanomolar IC50 binding values. Series I acrylic acid ligands were generally ERα selective. In particular, compound 13e featuring a phenylpenta-2,4-dienoic acid substituent was shown to be antiproliferative and downregulated ERα and ERβ expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Interestingly, from series III, the phenoxybutyric acid derivative compound 22 was not antiproliferative and selectively downregulated ERβ. A docking study of the benzoxepin ligands was undertaken. Compound 13e is a promising lead for development as a clinically relevant SERD, while compound 22 will be a useful experimental probe for helping to elucidate the role of ERβ in cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Benzoxepins / chemistry*
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / chemistry
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / metabolism*
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / chemistry
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Proteolysis / drug effects
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / chemical synthesis
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / chemistry*
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzoxepins
  • ESR1 protein, human
  • ESR2 protein, human
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • Estrogen Receptor beta
  • Ligands
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators