Structure-Based Design of a Novel Class of Autotaxin Inhibitors Based on Endogenous Allosteric Modulators

J Med Chem. 2022 Apr 28;65(8):6338-6351. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00368. Epub 2022 Apr 20.

Abstract

Autotaxin (ATX) facilitates the hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid, which facilitates a diverse range of cellular effects in multiple tissue types. Abnormal LPA expression can lead to the progression of diseases such as cancer and fibrosis. Previously, we identified a potent ATX steroid-derived hybrid (partially orthosteric and allosteric) inhibitor which did not form interactions with the catalytic site. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a focused library of novel steroid-derived analogues targeting the bimetallic catalytic site, representing an entirely unique class of ATX inhibitors of type V designation, which demonstrate significant pathway-relevant biochemical and phenotypic biological effects. The current compounds modulated LPA-mediated ATX allostery and achieved indirect blockage of LPA1 internalization, in line with the observed reduction in downstream signaling cascades and chemotaxis induction. These novel type V ATX inhibitors represent a promising tool to inactivate the ATX-LPA signaling axis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chemotaxis
  • Humans
  • Hydrolysis
  • Lysophosphatidylcholines / metabolism
  • Lysophospholipids / metabolism
  • Neoplasms*
  • Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Lysophosphatidylcholines
  • Lysophospholipids
  • Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases