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Ligands for the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of bromodomains have shown promise as useful therapeutic agents for treating a range of cancers and inflammation. Here we report that our previously developed 3,5-dimethylisoxazole-based BET bromodomain ligand (OXFBD02) inhibits interactions of BRD4(1) with the RelA subunit of NF-κB, in addition to histone H4. This ligand shows a promising profile in a screen of the NCI-60 panel but was rapidly metabolised (t½ = 39.8 min). Structure-guided optimisation of compound properties led to the development of the 3-pyridyl-derived OXFBD04. Molecular dynamics simulations assisted our understanding of the role played by an internal hydrogen bond in altering the affinity of this series of molecules for BRD4(1). OXFBD04 shows improved BRD4(1) affinity (IC50 = 166 nM), optimised physicochemical properties (LE = 0.43; LLE = 5.74; SFI = 5.96), and greater metabolic stability (t½ = 388 min).

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.bmc.2018.05.003

Type

Journal article

Journal

Bioorg Med Chem

Publication Date

15/07/2018

Volume

26

Pages

2937 - 2957

Keywords

Biological Assay, Blotting, Western, Cell Cycle Proteins, Crystallography, X-Ray, Drug Stability, Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings, Humans, Inhibitory Concentration 50, Ligands, Luciferases, MCF-7 Cells, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Molecular Structure, Nuclear Proteins, Structure-Activity Relationship, Transcription Factors