Glycan-binding proteins are key components of central physiological and cellular processes such as self-/non-self-recognition, cellular tissue homing, and protein homeostasis. Herein, C-type lectins are a diverse protein family that play important roles in the immune system, rendering them attractive drug targets. To evaluate C-type lectin receptors as target proteins for small-molecule effectors, chemical probes are required, which are, however, still lacking. To overcome the supposedly poor druggability of Ctype lectin receptors and to identify starting points for chemical probe development, we screened murine langerin using 1 H and 19 F NMR against a library of 871 drug-like fragments. Subsequently, hits were validated by surface plasmon resonance and enzyme-linked lectin assay. Using structure−activity relationship studies and chemical synthesis, we identified thiazolopyrimidine derivatives with double-digit micromolar activity that displayed langerin selectivity. Based on 1 H− 15 N HSQC NMR and competitive binding and inhibition experiments, we demonstrate that thiazolopyrimidines allosterically inhibit langerin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of drug-like allosteric inhibitors of a mammalian lectin.

Tryptophan hydroxylases catalyze the first and rate-limiting step in the synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and, in the periphery, functions as a local hormone with multiple physiological functions. Studies in genetically altered mouse models have shown that dysregulation of peripheral serotonin levels leads to metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. Overproduction of serotonin by tumor cells causes severe symptoms typical for the carcinoid syndrome, and tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitors are already in clinical use for patients suffering from this disease. Here, we describe a novel class of potent tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitors, characterized by spanning all active binding sites important for catalysis, specifically those of the cosubstrate pterin, the substrate tryptophan as well as directly chelating the catalytic iron ion. The inhibitors were designed to efficiently reduce serotonin in the periphery while not passing the blood−brain barrier, thus preserving serotonin levels in the brain.

The tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 controls the activity of pivotal signaling pathways, including MAPK, JAK-STAT, and PI3K-Akt. Aberrant SHP2 activity leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. SHP2 signaling was recently linked to drug resistance against cancer medications such as MEK and BRAF inhibitors. In this work, we present the development of a novel class of azaindole SHP2 inhibitors. We applied scaffold hopping and bioisosteric replacement concepts to eliminate unwanted structural motifs and to improve the inhibitor characteristics of the previously reported pyrazolone SHP2 inhibitors. The most potent azaindole 45 inhibits SHP2 with an IC 50 = 0.031 μM in an enzymatic assay and with an IC 50 = 2.6 μM in human pancreas cells (HPAF-II). Evaluation in a series of cellular assays for metastasis and drug resistance demonstrated efficient SHP2 blockade. Finally, 45 inhibited proliferation of two cancer cell lines that are resistant to cancer drugs and diminished ERK signaling.

The photoinduced dynamics of two DTE-BODIPY conjugates A, B with carboxylic acid anchoring groups coupled to the surface of TiO2 were studied by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. For compound A, with an orthogonal orientation of the BODIPY chromophore and the photoswitchable DTE unit, a charge separated state could not be reliably detected. Nevertheless, besides the energy transfer from the BODIPY to the closed DTE, indications for an electron transfer reaction were found by analyzing fluorescence quenching on TiO2 in steady state fluorescence measurements. For compound B with a parallel orientation of chromophore and photoswitch, a charge separated state was conclusively identified via the observation of a positive absorption signal (at λpr > 610 nm) at later delay times. An electron transfer rate of 7 x 1010 s-1 can be extracted, indicating slower processes in the dyads in comparison to previously published electron transfer reactions of DTE compounds coupled to TiO2.