Disrupting Acetyl-Lysine Recognition: Progress in the Development of Bromodomain Inhibitors

F Anthony Romero1, Alexander M Taylor2, Terry D Crawford1

  • 1Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc. 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States.

Insights

Selective inhibitors targeting bromodomains, epigenetic "readers" of histone modifications, are advancing research. Novel non-BET bromodomain inhibitors offer new tools to explore their roles in disease.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Epigenetics
  • Chemical Biology

Background:

  • Bromodomains are protein modules recognizing acetylated lysine on histones, crucial for epigenome regulation.
  • BET bromodomains have been extensively studied due to their role in oncology and inflammation.
  • Recent advances include potent and selective inhibitors for various non-BET bromodomains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an update on the development of selective bromodomain inhibitors.
  • To highlight the use of these inhibitors as biological tools.
  • To discuss the role of non-BET bromodomains in disease states.

Main Methods:

  • Identification and characterization of selective small molecule inhibitors.
  • Application of inhibitors to probe physiological functions.
  • Review of recent progress in the field.

Main Results:

  • Disclosure of potent and selective inhibitors for ATAD2, CBP, BRD7/9, BRPF, BRPF/TRIM24, CECR2, SMARCA4, and BAZ2A/B.
  • Demonstration of the utility of these inhibitors in biological studies.
  • Advancement in understanding bromodomain function.

Conclusions:

  • Selective bromodomain inhibitors are valuable tools for biological research.
  • Targeting non-BET bromodomains offers new therapeutic avenues.
  • Continued development of these inhibitors will deepen our understanding of epigenetics and disease.

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