Indirubin core structure of glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors as novel chemotype for intervention with 5-lipoxygenase

J Med Chem. 2014 May 8;57(9):3715-23. doi: 10.1021/jm401740w. Epub 2014 Apr 17.

Abstract

The enzymes 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 represent promising drug targets in inflammation. We made use of the bisindole core of indirubin, present in GSK-3 inhibitors, to innovatively target 5-LO at the ATP-binding site for the design of dual 5-LO/GSK-3 inhibitors. Evaluation of substituted indirubin derivatives led to the identification of (3Z)-6-bromo-3-[(3E)-3-hydroxyiminoindolin-2-ylidene]indolin-2-one (15) as a potent, direct, and reversible 5-LO inhibitor (IC50 = 1.5 μM), with comparable cellular effectiveness on 5-LO and GSK-3. Together, we present indirubins as novel chemotypes for the development of 5-LO inhibitors, the interference with the ATP-binding site as a novel strategy for 5-LO targeting, and dual 5-LO/GSK-3 inhibition as an unconventional and promising concept for anti-inflammatory intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase / metabolism*
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Indoles / chemistry
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Molecular Structure
  • Monocytes / drug effects
  • Monocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Indoles
  • Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3
  • indirubin