Kevin Wayne Kuntz

Design of potent thiophene inhibitors of polo-like kinase 1 with improved solubility and reduced protein binding.

A series of thiophene PLK1 inhibitors was optimized for increased solubility and reduced protein binding through the appendage of basic amine functionality. Interesting selectivity between PLK1 and PLK3 was also obtained through these modifications.

Discovery of thiophene inhibitors of polo-like kinase.

The discovery and development of a series of thiophenes as potent and selective inhibitors of PLK is described. Identification and characterization of 2, a useful in vitro PLK inhibitor tool compound, is also presented.

Discovery and optimization of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine inhibitors of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)

The optimization of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine inhibitors as potent and selective inhibitors of IGF-1R is presented. Further optimization of oral exposure in mice is also discussed. Detailed selectivity, in vitro activity, and in vivo PK profiles of an optimized compound is also highlighted.

Imidazo[5,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-2-amines as novel inhibitors of polo-like kinase 1

The synthesis and biological activities of imidazo[5,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-2-amines (imidazotriazines) as novel polo-like kinase 1 inhibitors are reported.

Discovery of an inhibitor of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor activation: Implications for cellular potency and selectivity over insulin receptor

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) is an attractive target for anti-cancer therapy due to its anti-apoptotic effect on tumor cells, but inhibition of insulin receptor (IR) may have undesired metabolic consequences. The primary sequences of the ATP substrate-binding sites of these receptors are identical and the crystal structures of the activated kinase domains are correspondingly similar. Thus, most small-molecule inhibitors described to date are equally potent against the activated kinase domains of IGF-1R and IR. In contrast, the non-phosphorylated kinase domains of these receptors have several structural features that may accommodate differences in binding affinity for kinase inhibitors. We used a cell-based assay measuring IGF-1R autophosphorylation as an inhibitor screen, and identified a potent purine derivative that is selective compared to IR. Surprisingly, the compound is a weak inhibitor of the activated IGF-1R tyrosine kinase domain. Biochemical and structural studies are presented that indicate the compound preferentially binds to the ATP site of non-phosphorylated IGF-1R compared to phosphorylated IGF-1R. The potential selectivity and potency advantages of this binding mode are discussed.