Conformational-Design-Driven Discovery of EZM0414: A Selective, Potent SETD2 Inhibitor for Clinical Studies.

SETD2, a lysine -methyltransferase, is a histone methyltransferase that plays an important role in various cellular processes and was identified as a target of interest in multiple myeloma that features a t(4,14) translocation. We recently reported the discovery of a novel small-molecule SETD2 inhibitor tool compound that is suitable for preclinical studies. Herein we describe the conformational-design-driven evolution of the advanced chemistry lead, which resulted in compounds appropriate for clinical evaluation.

Discovery of a First-in-Class Inhibitor of the Histone Methyltransferase SETD2 Suitable for Preclinical Studies.

SET domain-containing protein 2 (SETD2), a histone methyltransferase, has been identified as a target of interest in certain hematological malignancies, including multiple myeloma. This account details the discovery of , a novel and potent SETD2 inhibitor with a high selectivity over other histone methyltransferases. A screening campaign of the Epizyme proprietary histone methyltransferase-biased library identified potential leads based on a 2-amidoindole core.

Identification of a peptide inhibitor for the histone methyltransferase WHSC1.

WHSC1 is a histone methyltransferase that is responsible for mono- and dimethylation of lysine 36 on histone H3 and has been implicated as a driver in a variety of hematological and solid tumors. Currently, there is a complete lack of validated chemical matter for this important drug discovery target. Herein we report on the first fully validated WHSC1 inhibitor, PTD2, a norleucine-containing peptide derived from the histone H4 sequence.

Indazoles: regioselective protection and subsequent amine coupling reactions.

Indazoles are unselectively protected under strongly basic conditions to give a mixture at N-1 and N-2. Under mildly acidic conditions, regioselective protection at N-2 takes place. Thermodynamic conditions lead to regioselective protection at N-1.

Kinetic characterization of novel pyrazole TGF-beta receptor I kinase inhibitors and their blockade of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathways regulate a wide variety of cellular processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, extracellular matrix deposition, development, and apoptosis. TGF-beta type-I receptor (TbetaRI) is the major receptor that triggers several signaling events by activating downstream targets such as the Smad proteins. The intracellular kinase domain of TbetaRI is essential for its function.

Synthesis and activity of new aryl- and heteroaryl-substituted pyrazole inhibitors of the transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor kinase domain.

Pyrazole-based inhibitors of the transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor kinase domain (TbetaR-I) are described. Examination of the SAR in both enzyme- and cell-based in vitro assays resulted in the emergence of two subseries featuring differing selectivity versus p38 MAP kinase. A common binding mode at the active site has been established by successful cocrystallization and X-ray analysis of potent inhibitors with the TbetaR-I receptor kinase domain.

Synthesis and protein kinase inhibitory activity of balanol analogues with modified benzophenone subunits.

A series of analogues of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitory natural product balanol which bear modified benzophenone subunits are described. The analogues were designed with the goal of uncovering structure-activity features that could be used in the development of PKC inhibitors with a reduced polar character compared to balanol itself. The results of these studies suggest that most of the benzophenone features found in the natural product are important for obtaining potent PKC inhibitory compounds.

Total Synthesis of (-)- and (+)-Balanol(1).

Two total syntheses of the potent protein kinase C inhibitory fungal metabolite balanol are described. In the first approach, the core aminohydroxyazepane subunit was prepared in racemic form by stereospecific functionalization of N-benzyl-epsilon-caprolactam. Resolution prior to coupling to the benzophenone subunit provided access to both enantiomers of balanol.