Selective Inhibition of Collagen Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase in Human Cells

Collagen is the most abundant protein in animals. Its overproduction is associated with fibrosis and cancer metastasis. The stability of collagen relies on post-translational modifications, the most prevalent being the hydroxylation of collagen strands by collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylases (CP4Hs). Catalysis by CP4Hs enlists an iron cofactor to convert proline residues to 4-hydroxyproline residues, which are essential for the conformational stability of mature collagen. Ethyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (EDHB) is commonly used as a "P4H" inhibitor in cells, but suffers from low potency, poor selectivity, and off-target effects that cause iron deficiency. Dicarboxylates of 2,2'-bipyridine are among the most potent known CP4H inhibitors but suffer from a high affinity for free iron. A screen of biheteroaryl compounds revealed that replacing one pyridyl group with a thiazole moiety retains potency and enhances selectivity. A diester of 2-(5-carboxythiazol-2-yl)pyridine-5-carboxylic acid is bioavailable to human cells and inhibits collagen biosynthesis at concentrations that neither cause general toxicity nor disrupt iron homeostasis. These data anoint a potent and selective probe for CP4H and a potential lead for the development of a new class of antifibrotic and antimetastatic agents.