Structure-activity relationships and molecular modeling of sphingosine kinase inhibitors

J Med Chem. 2013 Nov 27;56(22):9310-27. doi: 10.1021/jm401399c. Epub 2013 Nov 14.

Abstract

The design, synthesis, and evaluation of the potency of new isoform-selective inhibitors of sphingosine kinases 1 and 2 (SK1 and SK2), the enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of d-erythro-sphingosine to produce the key signaling lipid, sphingosine 1-phosphate, are described. Recently, we reported that 1-(4-octylphenethyl)piperidin-4-ol (RB-005) is a selective inhibitor of SK1. Here we report the synthesis of 43 new analogues of RB-005, in which the lipophilic tail, polar headgroup, and linker region were modified to extend the structure-activity relationship profile for this lead compound, which we explain using modeling studies with the recently published crystal structure of SK1. We provide a basis for the key residues targeted by our profiled series and provide further evidence for the ability to discriminate between the two isoforms using pharmacological intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzamides / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) / chemistry
  • Piperidines / chemistry*
  • Piperidines / pharmacology*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / chemistry
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Triazoles / chemistry

Substances

  • 1-(4-octylphenethyl)piperidin-4-ol
  • Benzamides
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Piperidines
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Triazoles
  • benzamide
  • Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)
  • sphingosine kinase