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Development of Small‐Molecule Trypanosoma brucei N‐Myristoyltransferase Inhibitors: Discovery and Optimisation of a Novel Binding Mode |
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| Authors: | Daniel Spinks Victoria Smith Dr Stephen Thompson Dr David A Robinson Dr Torsten Luksch Alasdair Smith Dr Leah S Torrie Dr Stuart McElroy Laste Stojanovski Suzanne Norval Iain T Collie Irene Hallyburton Bhavya Rao Dr Stephen Brand Dr Ruth Brenk Prof Julie A Frearson Dr Kevin D Read Prof Paul G Wyatt Prof Ian H Gilbert |
| Affiliation: | Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK |
| Abstract: | The enzyme N‐myristoyltransferase (NMT) from Trypanosoma brucei has been validated both chemically and biologically as a potential drug target for human African trypanosomiasis. We previously reported the development of some very potent compounds based around a pyrazole sulfonamide series, derived from a high‐throughput screen. Herein we describe work around thiazolidinone and benzomorpholine scaffolds that were also identified in the screen. An X‐ray crystal structure of the thiazolidinone hit in Leishmania major NMT showed the compound bound in the previously reported active site, utilising a novel binding mode. This provides potential for further optimisation. The benzomorpholinone was also found to bind in a similar region. Using an X‐ray crystallography/structure‐based design approach, the benzomorpholinone series was further optimised, increasing activity against T. brucei NMT by >1000‐fold. A series of trypanocidal compounds were identified with suitable in vitro DMPK properties, including CNS exposure for further development. Further work is required to increase selectivity over the human NMT isoform and activity against T. brucei. |
| Keywords: | human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) medicinal chemistry N-myristoyltransferase structure-based drug design Trypanosoma brucei |
