Richard E. Showalter

Crystal structure of the kinase domain of human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2: a key enzyme in angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is involved in tumor growth, macular degeneration, retinopathy and other diseases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates angiogenesis by binding to specific receptors (VEGFRs) on the surface of vascular endothelial cells. VEGFRs are receptor tyrosine kinases that, like the platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs), contain a large insert within the kinase domain. RESULTS We report here the generation, kinetic characterization, and 2.4 A crystal structure of the catalytic kinase domain of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). This protein construct, which lacks 50 central residues of the 68-residue kinase insert domain (KID), has comparable kinase activity to constructs containing the entire KID. The crystal structure, determined in an unliganded phosphorylated state, reveals an overall fold and catalytic residue positions similar to those observed in other tyrosine-kinase structures. The kinase activation loop, autophosphorylated on Y1059 prior to crystallization, is mostly disordered; however, a portion of it occupies a position inhibitory to substrate binding. The ends of the KID form a beta-like structure, not observed in other known tyrosine kinase structures, that packs near to the kinase C terminus. CONCLUSIONS The majority of the VEGFR2 KID residues are not necessary for kinase activity. The unique structure observed for the ends of the KID may also occur in other PDGFR family members and may serve to properly orient the KID for signal transduction. This VEGFR2 kinase structure provides a target for design of selective anti-angiogenic therapeutic agents.

High-affinity FKBP-12 ligands derived from (R)-(−)-carvone. Synthesis and evaluation of FK506 pyranose ring replacements

Abstract The preparation and evaluation of potent small molecule inhibitors of FKBP-12 rotamase activity is described. These ligands contain many of the structural features of the FK506 pyranose ring region, yet are synthetically more accessible. The versatility of these FKBP-12 ligands is demonstrated with respect to effector domain exploration.

Discovery of tricyclic 5,6-dihydro-1H-pyridin-2-ones as novel, potent, and orally bioavailable inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase.

A novel series of non-nucleoside small molecules containing a tricyclic dihydropyridinone structural motif was identified as potent HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors. Driven by structure-based design and building on our previous efforts in related series of molecules, we undertook extensive SAR studies, in which we identified a number of metabolically stable and very potent compounds in genotype 1a and 1b replicon assays. This work culminated in the discovery of several inhibitors, which combined potent in vitro antiviral activity against both 1a and 1b genotypes, metabolic stability, good oral bioavailability, and high C(12) (PO)/EC(50) ratios.

DESIGN, SYNTHESIS AND X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF NOVEL FKBP-12 LIGANDS

Abstract Using the crystal structure of FKBP-12 a novel class of ligands were designed, prepared and evaluated. The crystal structure of the complex between 5 and FKBP-12 is reported.

Pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazin-2-ones as potent inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase.

Pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazin-2-one analogs were discovered as a novel class of inhibitors of genotype 1 HCV NS5B polymerase. Structure-based design led to the discovery of compound 3 k, which displayed potent inhibitory activities in biochemical and replicon assays (IC(50) (1b)<10nM; EC(50) (1b)=12 nM) as well as good stability towards human liver microsomes (HLM t(1/2)>60 min).

Novel HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors derived from 4-(1',1'-dioxo-1',4'-dihydro-1'lambda6-benzo[1',2',4']thiadiazin-3'-yl)-5-hydroxy-2H-pyridazin-3-ones. Part 1: exploration of 7'-substitution of benzothiadiazine.

5-Hydroxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives were investigated as inhibitors of genotype 1 HCV NS5B polymerase. The synthesis, structure-activity relationships (SAR), metabolic stability, and structure-based design approach for this new class of compounds are discussed.

Novel HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors derived from 4-(1′,1′-dioxo-1′,4′-dihydro-1′λ6-benzo[1′,2′,4′]thiadiazin-3′-yl)-5-hydroxy-2H-pyridazin-3-ones. Part 3: Further optimization of the 2-, 6-, and 7′-substituents and initial pharmacokinetic assessments

5-Hydroxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives were investigated as inhibitors of genotype 1 HCV NS5B polymerase. Lead optimization led to the discovery of compound 3a, which displayed potent inhibitory activities in biochemical and replicon assays [IC(50) (1b)<10nM; IC(50) (1a)=22 nM; EC(50) (1b)=5nM], good stability toward human liver microsomes (HLM t(1/2)>60 min), and high ratios of liver to plasma concentrations 12h after a single oral administration to rats.

Structure-based design of novel calcineurin (PP2B) inhibitors

Abstract The design, synthesis, and evaluation of small molecule, in vitro, inhibitors of human calcineurin is described. These ligands were derived from the known nonspecific phosphatase inhibitor endothall, and were modified to enhance binding and selectivity toward calcineurin using protein crystal structure information.

Novel HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors derived from 4-(1′,1′-dioxo-1′,4′-dihydro-1′λ6-benzo[1′,2′,4′]thiadiazin-3′-yl)-5-hydroxy-2H-pyridazin-3-ones. Part 2: Variation of the 2- and 6-pyridazinone substituents

5-Hydroxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives were investigated as inhibitors of genotype 1 HCV NS5B polymerase. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) associated with variation of the pyridazinone 2- and 6-substituents is discussed. The synthesis and metabolic stability of this new class of compounds are also described.

5,6-Dihydro-1H-pyridin-2-ones as potent inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase.

5,6-Dihydro-1H-pyridin-2-one analogs were discovered as a novel class of inhibitors of genotype 1 HCV NS5B polymerase. Among these, compound 4ad displayed potent inhibitory activities in biochemical and replicon assays (IC(50) (1b)<10nM; IC(50) (1a)<25nM, EC(50) (1b)=16nM), good in vitro DMPK properties, as well as moderate oral bioavailability in monkeys (F=24%).