Preclinical Lead Optimization of a 1,2,4-Triazole Based Tankyrase Inhibitor

J Med Chem. 2020 Jul 9;63(13):6834-6846. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00208. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Abstract

Tankyrases 1 and 2 are central biotargets in the WNT/β-catenin signaling and Hippo signaling pathways. We have previously developed tankyrase inhibitors bearing a 1,2,4-triazole moiety and binding predominantly to the adenosine binding site of the tankyrase catalytic domain. Here we describe a systematic structure-guided lead optimization approach of these tankyrase inhibitors. The central 1,2,4-triazole template and trans-cyclobutyl linker of the lead compound 1 were left unchanged, while side-group East, West, and South moieties were altered by introducing different building blocks defined as point mutations. The systematic study provided a novel series of compounds reaching picomolar IC50 inhibition in WNT/β-catenin signaling cellular reporter assay. The novel optimized lead 13 resolves previous atropisomerism, solubility, and Caco-2 efflux liabilities. 13 shows a favorable ADME profile, including improved Caco-2 permeability and oral bioavailability in mice, and exhibits antiproliferative efficacy in the colon cancer cell line COLO 320DM in vitro.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Availability
  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Drug Design*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Solubility
  • Tankyrases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Triazoles / chemistry*
  • Triazoles / pharmacokinetics
  • Triazoles / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors
  • Triazoles
  • Tankyrases