4-Methyl-1,2,3-Triazoles as N-Acetyl-Lysine Mimics Afford Potent BET Bromodomain Inhibitors with Improved Selectivity

J Med Chem. 2021 Jul 22;64(14):10497-10511. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00933. Epub 2021 Jul 8.

Abstract

The bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) protein family recognizes acetylated lysines within histones and transcription factors using two N-terminal bromodomains, D1 and D2. The protein-protein interactions between BET bromodomains, acetylated histones, and transcription factors are therapeutic targets for BET-related diseases, including inflammatory disease and cancer. Prior work demonstrated that methylated-1,2,3-triazoles are suitable N-acetyl lysine mimetics for BET inhibition. Here we describe a structure-activity relationship study of triazole-based inhibitors that improve affinity, D1 selectivity, and microsomal stability. These outcomes were accomplished by targeting a nonconserved residue, Asp144 and a conserved residue, Met149, on BRD4 D1. The lead inhibitors DW34 and 26 have a BRD4 D1 Kd of 12 and 6.4 nM, respectively. Cellular activity was demonstrated through suppression of c-Myc expression in MM.1S cells and downregulation of IL-8 in TNF-α-stimulated A549 cells. These data indicate that DW34 and 26 are new leads to investigate the anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity of BET proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Lysine / chemistry
  • Lysine / pharmacology*
  • Microsomes, Liver / chemistry
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism
  • Molecular Structure
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Transcription Factors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Triazoles / chemical synthesis
  • Triazoles / chemistry
  • Triazoles / pharmacology*

Substances

  • BRD4 protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Triazoles
  • Lysine