Lead Optimization of BIBR1591 To Improve Its Telomerase Inhibitory Activity: Design and Synthesis of Novel Four Chemical Series with In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Preclinical Assessments

J Med Chem. 2024 Jan 11;67(1):492-512. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01708. Epub 2023 Dec 20.

Abstract

Herein, modifications to the previously reported BIBR1591 were conducted to obtain bioisosteric candidates with improved activities. The % inhibition of the newly afforded candidates against the telomerase target was investigated. Notably, 6f achieved superior telomerase inhibition (63.14%) compared to BIBR1532 and BIBR1591 (69.64 and 51.58%, respectively). In addition, 8a and 8b showed comparable promising telomerase inhibition with 58.65 and 55.57%, respectively, which were recorded to be frontier to that of BIBR1591. 6f, 8a, and 8b were tested against five cancer cell lines related to the lung and liver subtypes. Moreover, 6f was examined on both cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction in HuH7 cancer cells. Furthermore, the in vivo antitumor activity of 6f was further assessed in female mice with solid Ehrlich carcinoma. In addition, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out. Collectively, 6f, 8a, and 8b could be considered potential new telomerase inhibitors to be subjected to further investigation and/or optimization.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Death
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Molecular Structure
  • Telomerase*

Substances

  • Telomerase
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents