Discovery of a potent and selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6
Peter L Toogood1, Patricia J Harvey, Joseph T Repine
1Medicinal Chemistry, Cancer Pharmacology, and Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Michigan Laboratories, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA. Peter.toogood2@pfizer.com
Abstract:
A pharmacological approach to inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (Cdk4/6) using highly selective small molecule inhibitors has the potential to provide novel cancer therapies for clinical use. Achieving high levels of selectivity for Cdk4/6, versus other ATP-dependent kinases, presents a significant challenge. The pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one template provides an effective platform for the inhibition of a broad cross-section of kinases, including Cdks. It is now demonstrated that the modification of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-ones to include a 2-aminopyridine side chain at the C2-position provides inhibitors with exquisite selectivity for Cdk4/6 in vitro. This selectivity profile is recapitulated in cells where the most selective inhibitors create a G(1) block at concentrations up to 100-fold the IC(50) for cell proliferation. On the basis of its selectivity profile and pharmacokinetic profile, compound 43 (PD 0332991) was identified as a drug candidate for the treatment of cancer.
Insights
Researchers developed highly selective small molecule inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (Cdk4/6) for novel cancer therapies. Compound 43 (PD 0332991) demonstrated excellent selectivity and pharmacokinetic properties, becoming a promising drug candidate.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Pharmacology
Background:
- Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (Cdk4/6) are key regulators of the cell cycle.
- Targeting Cdk4/6 with small molecule inhibitors offers a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer.
- Achieving high selectivity for Cdk4/6 over other kinases is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop highly selective inhibitors of Cdk4/6.
- To identify novel small molecules for cancer therapy.
- To evaluate the in vitro and cellular activity of novel Cdk4/6 inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one scaffold for inhibitor design.
- Synthesized and characterized modified pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one derivatives with a 2-aminopyridine side chain.
- Assessed kinase inhibition selectivity in vitro and cellular effects, including cell cycle progression.
Main Results:
- Modified pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-ones demonstrated exquisite selectivity for Cdk4/6.
- The most selective inhibitors induced a G(1) cell cycle block at low concentrations.
- Compound 43 (PD 0332991) exhibited a favorable selectivity and pharmacokinetic profile.
Conclusions:
- The 2-aminopyridine modification of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-ones yields highly Cdk4/6-selective inhibitors.
- Compound 43 (PD 0332991) is a promising drug candidate for cancer treatment.
- This approach offers a viable strategy for developing targeted cancer therapies.
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