Optimization of a binding fragment targeting the "enlarged methionine pocket" leads to potent Trypanosoma brucei methionyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitors.
Huang, W., Zhang, Z., Ranade, R.M., Gillespie, J.R., Barros-Alvarez, X., Creason, S.A., Shibata, S., Verlinde, C.L.M.J., Hol, W.G.J., Buckner, F.S., Fan, E.(2017) Bioorg Med Chem Lett 27: 2702-2707
- PubMed: 28465105 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.04.048
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
5V49 - PubMed Abstract: 
Potent inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei methionyl-tRNA synthetase were previously designed using a structure-guided approach. Compounds 1 and 2 were the most active compounds in the cyclic and linear linker series, respectively. To further improve cellular potency, SAR investigation of a binding fragment targeting the "enlarged methionine pocket" (EMP) was performed. The optimization led to the identification of a 6,8-dichloro-tetrahydroquinoline ring as a favorable fragment to bind the EMP. Replacement of 3,5-dichloro-benzyl group (the EMP binding fragment) of inhibitor 2 using this tetrahydroquinoline fragment resulted in compound 13, that exhibited an EC 50 of 4nM.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.