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Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Spatiotemporal Control of Protein Activity through Optogenetic Allosteric Regulation
Published on: October 4, 2024
Un-LOK-ing a New Approach for Conformational Selective Targeting of STK10 (LOK).
Martina Dettenhöfer1,2, Laura Nadine Tandara1,2, Jennifer Alisa Amrhein1,2
1Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Researchers optimized a macrocyclic scaffold to develop a urea-based inhibitor targeting serine/threonine kinase 10 (STK10). This new compound demonstrates potent and selective inhibition of STK10, offering a promising therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Serine/threonine kinase 10 (STK10), also known as LOK, regulates critical cellular functions including cell cycle and lymphocyte migration.
- Dysregulated STK10 activity is implicated in diseases characterized by abnormal cell migration and division, identifying it as a therapeutic target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize a macrocyclic pyrazolo-[1,5-a]-pyrimidine scaffold for developing novel STK10 inhibitors.
- To identify potent and selective inhibitors targeting the unique back-pocket of STK10.
Main Methods:
- Late-stage optimization of a macrocyclic scaffold.
- Co-crystal structure analysis to elucidate binding mode.
- Biophysical assays, cellular activity assays, and kinome selectivity profiling.
Main Results:
- A urea-based lead series targeting the STK10 back-pocket was developed.
- Compound 23 adopted a unique binding mode, extending deep into the STK10 back-pocket.
- Compound 23 demonstrated potent on-target activity, nanomolar cellular potency, and high selectivity against the kinome and SLK.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the unique, extended back-pocket of STK10 offers a strategy for developing highly selective STK10 inhibitors.
- Compound 23 represents a promising lead for further therapeutic development for STK10-related diseases.
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