Comparative Analysis of Small-Molecule LIMK1/2 Inhibitors: Chemical Synthesis, Biochemistry, and Cellular Activity

J Med Chem. 2022 Oct 27;65(20):13705-13713. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00751. Epub 2022 Oct 7.

Abstract

LIM domain kinases 1 and 2 (LIMK1 and LIMK2) regulate actin dynamics and subsequently key cellular functions such as proliferation and migration. LIMK1 and LIMK2 phosphorylate and inactivate cofilin leading to increased actin polymerization. As a result, LIMK inhibitors are emerging as a promising treatment strategy for certain cancers and neurological disorders. High-quality chemical probes are required if the role of these kinases in health and disease is to be understood. To that end, we report the results of a comparative assessment of 17 reported LIMK1/2 inhibitors in a variety of in vitro enzymatic and cellular assays. Our evaluation has identified three compounds (TH-257, LIJTF500025, and LIMKi3) as potent and selective inhibitors suitable for use as in vitro and in vivo pharmacological tools for the study of LIMK function in cell biology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin Depolymerizing Factors / metabolism
  • Actins*
  • Lim Kinases* / chemistry
  • Lim Kinases* / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation

Substances

  • Actin Depolymerizing Factors
  • Actins
  • Lim Kinases
  • LIMKi3