Biochemical, cellular and structural characterization of novel and selective ERK3 inhibitors.
Gradler, U., Busch, M., Leuthner, B., Raba, M., Burgdorf, L., Lehmann, M., Linde, N., Esdar, C.(2020) Bioorg Med Chem Lett 30: 127551-127551
- PubMed: 32927028 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127551
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
6YKY, 6YLC, 6YLL - PubMed Abstract: 
Triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-5-amines were identified from kinase selectivity screening as novel ERK3 inhibitors with sub-100 nanomolar potencies in a biochemical assay using MK5 as substrate and with an attractive kinase selectivity profile. ERK3 crystal structures clarified the inhibitor binding mode in the ATP pocket with impact on A-loop, GC-loop and αC-helix conformations suggesting a potential structural link towards MK5 interaction via the FHIEDE motif. The inhibitors also showed sub-100 nM potencies in a cellular ERK3 NanoBRET assay and with excellent correlation to the biochemical IC 50 s. This novel series provides valuable tool compounds to further investigate the biological function and activation mechanism of ERK3.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, D-64293 Darmstadt, Germany. Electronic address: ulrich.graedler@merckgroup.com.