A Novel Inhibitor of the Obesity-Related Protein FTO

Biochemistry. 2016 Mar 15;55(10):1516-22. doi: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00023. Epub 2016 Mar 4.

Abstract

Fe(II) and α-ketoglutarate-dependent fat mass and obesity associated protein (FTO)-dependent demethylation of m⁶A is important for regulation of mRNA splicing and adipogenesis. Developing FTO-specific inhibitors can help probe the biology of FTO and unravel novel therapeutic targets for treatment of obesity or obesity-associated diseases. In the present paper, we have identified that 4-chloro-6-(6'-chloro-7'-hydroxy-2',4',4'-trimethyl-chroman-2'-yl)benzene-1,3-diol (CHTB) is an inhibitor of FTO. The crystal structure of CHTB complexed with human FTO reveals that the novel small molecule binds to FTO in a specific manner. The identification of the novel small molecule offers opportunities for further development of more selective and potent FTO inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / therapeutic use
  • Crystallization
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Obesity* / drug therapy
  • Obesity* / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Proteins
  • Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO
  • FTO protein, human