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Herein, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel class of PAK4 inhibitors with a quinazoline scaffold. Based on the shape and chemical composition of the ATP-binding pocket of PAKs, we chose a 2,4-diaminoquinazoline series of inhibitors as a starting point. Guided by X-ray crystallography and a structure-based drug design (SBDD) approach, a series of novel 4-aminoquinazoline-2-carboxamide PAK4 inhibitors were designed and synthesized. The inhibitors' selectivity, therapeutic potency, and pharmaceutical properties were optimized. One of the best compounds, 31 (CZh226), showed remarkable PAK4 selectivity (346-fold vs PAK1) and favorable kinase selectivity profile. Moreover, this compound potently inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 tumor cells by regulating the PAK4-directed downstream signaling pathways in vitro. Taken together, these data support the further development of 31 as a lead compound for PAK4-targeted anticancer drug discovery and as a valuable research probe for the further biological investigation of group II PAKs.

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Epidemiological studies have identified that high levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) are two independent causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins, niacin and fibrate are used for the treatment of CVD. However, some defects are shown in the treatment process. Thus, there is a demand for better treatment strategies that confer preferable efficacy with fewer side effects. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) promotes the movement of CEs from HDL to LDL and VLDL in exchange for triglycerides (TGs). Areas covered: In this review, we reviewed the development and therapeutic applications of CETP inhibitors. A comprehensive review of the patents and pharmaceutical applications between 2009 and 2017 has been highlighted. Expert opinion: Recently, CETP inhibitors have attracted considerable interest in atherosclerosis-related disease. There are four drugs (torcetrapib, anacetrapib, evacetrapib and dalcetrapib) that have been clinically evaluated in phase III clinical trials and showed promising results in raising HDL-C levels, but there were suboptimal performances in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events with all the compounds. The correlation between plasma HDL-C levels and CVD incidence needs further verification. The timeline is still long for CETP inhibitors to emerge from the treatment of CVD.

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