Leucettinibs, a Class of DYRK/CLK Kinase Inhibitors Inspired by the Marine Sponge Natural Product Leucettamine B.
Deau, E., Lindberg, M.F., Miege, F., Roche, D., George, N., George, P., Kramer, A., Knapp, S., Meijer, L.(2023) J Med Chem 66: 10694-10714
- PubMed: 37487467 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00884
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
8P04, 8P05 - PubMed Abstract: 
Dual-specificity, tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRKs) and cdc2-like kinases (CLKs) recently attracted attention due to their central involvement in various pathologies. We here describe a family of DYRK/CLK inhibitors derived from Leucettines and the marine natural product Leucettamine B. Forty-five N 2-functionalized 2-aminoimidazolin-4-ones bearing a fused [6 + 5]-heteroarylmethylene were synthesized. Benzothiazol-6-ylmethylene was selected as the most potent residue among 15 different heteroarylmethylenes. 186 N 2-substituted 2-aminoimidazolin-4-ones bearing a benzothiazol-6-ylmethylene, collectively named Leucettinibs, were synthesized and extensively characterized. Subnanomolar IC 50 (0.5-20 nM on DYRK1A) inhibitors were identified and one Leucettinib was modeled in DYRK1A and co-crystallized with CLK1 and the weaker inhibited off-target CSNK2A1. Kinase-inactive isomers of Leucettinibs (>3-10 μM on DYRK1A), named iso-Leucettinibs, were synthesized and characterized as suitable negative control compounds for functional experiments. Leucettinibs, but not iso-Leucettinibs, inhibit the phosphorylation of DYRK1A substrates in cells. Leucettinibs provide new research tools and potential leads for further optimization toward therapeutic drug candidates.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Perha Pharmaceuticals, Perharidy, 29680 Roscoff, France.