Interactions involving phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs in proteins play a key role in numerous regulatory processes in the cell. Here, we investigate potential ligands of the WW binding domain of Pin1 in order to inhibit protein-protein interactions between Pin1 and phosphopeptides. Our structure-based strategy implies the synthesis of analogues of the Ac-Thr(PO(3)H(2))-Pro-NH(2) dipeptide and relies on high resolution NMR spectroscopy to accurately measure the affinity constants even in the high micromolar range.
We report herein the design, synthesis, and biological screening of a series of 15 disulfide prodrugs as precursors of albitiazolium bromide (T3/SAR97276, compound 1), a choline analogue which is currently being evaluated in clinical trials (phase II) for severe malaria. The corresponding prodrugs are expected to revert back to the active bis-thiazolium salt through an enzymatic reduction of the disulfide bond. To enhance aqueous solubility of these prodrugs, an amino acid residue (valine or lysine) or a phosphate group was introduced on the thiazolium side chain. Most of the novel derivatives exhibited potent in vitro antimalarial activity against P. falciparum. After oral administration, the cyclic disulfide prodrug 8 showed the best improvement of oral efficacy in comparison to the parent drug.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.