Terence P. Keenan

Synthesis and activity of bivalent FKBP12 ligands for the regulated dimerization of proteins.

The total synthesis and in vitro activities of a series of chemical inducers of dimerization (CIDs) is described. The use of small-molecule CIDs to control the dimerization of engineered FKBP12-containing fusion proteins has been demonstrated to have broad utility in biological research as well as potential medical applications in gene and cell therapies. The facility and flexibility of preparation make this new class of wholly synthetic compounds exceptionally versatile tools for the study of intracellular signaling events mediated by protein-protein interactions or protein localization. While some congeners possess potency comparable to or better than the first generation natural product-derived CID, FK1012, structure-activity relationships are complex and underscore the need for application-specific compound optimizations.

Bone-Targeted 2,6,9-Trisubstituted Purines: Novel Inhibitors of Src Tyrosine Kinase for the Treatment of Bone Diseases

Novel bone-targeted 2,6,9-trisubstituted purine template-based inhibitors of Src tyrosine kinase are described. Drug design studies of known purine compounds revealed that both positions-2 and -6 were suitable for incorporating bone-seeking moieties. A variety of bone-targeting groups with different affinity to hydroxyapatite were utilized in the study. Compound 3d was determined to be a potent Src inhibitor and was quite selective against a panel of other protein kinases.

Bone-Targeted Src kinase inhibitors: novel pyrrolo- and pyrazolopyrimidine analogues

Src tyrosine kinase is a therapeutic target for bone diseases that has been validated by gene knockout studies. Furthermore, in vitro cellular studies implicate that Src has a positive regulatory role in osteoclasts and a negative regulatory role in osteoblasts. The potential use of Src inhibitors for osteoporosis therapy has been previously shown by novel bone-targeted ligands of the Src SH2 (e.g., AP22408) and non-bone-targeted, ATP-based inhibitors of Src kinase. Significant to this study, compounds 2-12 exemplify novel analogues of known pyrrolopyrimidine and pyrazolopyrimidine template-based Src kinase inhibitors that incorporate bone-targeting group modifications designed to provide tissue (bone) selectivity and diminished side effects. Accordingly, we report here the structure-based design, synthetic chemistry and biological testing of these compounds and proof-of-concept studies thereof.

Bone-targeted pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-ones: potent inhibitors of Src tyrosine kinase as novel antiresorptive agents.

The design of bone-targeted pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-ones as Src tyrosine kinase inhibitors is described. Leveraging SAR from known compounds and using structure-based methods, we were able to rapidly incorporate bone binding components, which maintained, and even increased potency against the target enzyme. Compound 4 displayed a high affinity for hydroxyapatite, a major constituent of bone, and demonstrated antiresoprtive activity in our cell-based assay.

Regulation of gene expression by synthetic dimerizers with novel specificity

New synthetic chemical inducers of dimerization, comprising homodimeric FKBP ligands with engineered specificity for the designed point mutant F36V, have been evaluated for inducing targeted gene expression in mammalian cells. Structure-activity studies indicated that high-affinity dimerizers such as AP1903 are ineffective, perhaps due to kinetic trapping of non-productive dimers, whereas lower-affinity molecules, exemplified by AP1889 and AP1966, potently activate transcription.

Synthesis of chiral nonracemic 4-trans-substituted pipecolic acid derivatives†

Abstract The syntheses and resolutions of enantiomerically enriched 4-phenyl, 4-tert-butyl, and 4-isopropyl pipecolic acids are described. Optically active diastereomers were prepared by diastereomeric salt formation with the chiral base, l -tyrosine hydrazide, to provide Cbz or Boc protected 4-cis- d -pipecolic acid derivatives in >98% ee. Subsequent esterification followed by sodium methoxide catalyzed epimerization provided the isomeric 4-trans- l -pipecolic esters. In addition, an efficient synthesis of 4-phenyl-cis-pipecolic acid is described.

Hydrogenation of Imino‐bisnitriles—Synthesis of Novel Triamines

Abstract The hydrogenation of iminonitriles and iminobisnitriles of type 1a–f is a particularly difficult process as the intermediate dieneamines are highly susceptible to addition reactions. A short general method of preparation and purification of 2‐aminomethylene‐1,3‐diamine of type 2a–e by catalytic hydrogenation of iminobisnitriles is described.