Identification of new γ-hydroxybutenolides that preferentially inhibit the activity of mPGES-1

Microsomal prostaglandin E(2) synthase-1 (mPGES-1) has been recognized as novel, promising drug target for anti-inflammatory and anticancer drugs. mPGES-1 catalyzes the synthesis of the inducible prostaglandin E(2) in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli, rendering this enzyme extremely interesting in drug discovery process owing to the drastic reduction of the severe side effects typical for traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the course of our investigations focused on this topic, we identified two interesting molecules bearing the γ-hydroxybutenolide scaffold which potently inhibit the activity of mPGES-1. Notably, the lead compound 2c that inhibited mPGES-1 with IC(50) = 0.9 μM, did not affect other related enzymes within the arachidonic acid cascade.