Structure-Based Design of a Novel Class of Autotaxin Inhibitors Based on Endogenous Allosteric Modulators.
Clark, J.M., Salgado-Polo, F., Macdonald, S.J.F., Barrett, T.N., Perrakis, A., Jamieson, C.(2022) J Med Chem 65: 6338-6351
- PubMed: 35440138 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00368
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
7Z0N - PubMed Abstract: 
Autotaxin (ATX) facilitates the hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid, which facilitates a diverse range of cellular effects in multiple tissue types. Abnormal LPA expression can lead to the progression of diseases such as cancer and fibrosis. Previously, we identified a potent ATX steroid-derived hybrid (partially orthosteric and allosteric) inhibitor which did not form interactions with the catalytic site. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a focused library of novel steroid-derived analogues targeting the bimetallic catalytic site, representing an entirely unique class of ATX inhibitors of type V designation, which demonstrate significant pathway-relevant biochemical and phenotypic biological effects. The current compounds modulated LPA-mediated ATX allostery and achieved indirect blockage of LPA 1 internalization, in line with the observed reduction in downstream signaling cascades and chemotaxis induction. These novel type V ATX inhibitors represent a promising tool to inactivate the ATX-LPA signaling axis.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom.