Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of 2-(2,5-Dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolin-8-yl)-N-aryl Propanamides as Novel Smoothened (Smo) Antagonists

Gang Liu, Ding Xue, Jun Yang, Juan Wang, Xiaohua Liu, Wenjing Huang, Jie Li, Ya Qiu Long, Wenfu Tan, Ao Zhang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

A series of novel Smo antagonists were developed either by directly incorporating the basic skeleton of the natural product artemisinin or by first breaking artemisinin into structurally simpler and stable intermediates and then reconstructing into diversified heterocyclic derivatives, equipped with a Smo-targeting bullet. 2-(2,5-Dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolin-8-yl)-N-arylpropanamide 65 was identified as the most potent, with an IC50 value of 9.53 nM against the Hh signaling pathway. Complementary mechanism studies confirmed that 65 inhibits Hh signaling pathway by targeting Smo and shares the same binding site as that of the tool drug cyclopamine. Meanwhile, 65 has a good plasma exposure and an acceptable oral bioavailability. Dose-dependent antiproliferative effects were observed in ptch+/-;p53-/- medulloblastoma cells, and significant tumor growth inhibitions were achieved for 65 in the ptch+/-;p53-/- medulloblastoma allograft model.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)11050-11068
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of medicinal chemistry
Volume59
Issue number24
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 22 2016
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Drug Discovery

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