Identification and characterization of the novel reversible and selective cathepsin X inhibitors

Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 13;7(1):11459. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-11935-1.

Abstract

Cathepsin X is a cysteine peptidase involved in the progression of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting this enzyme with selective inhibitors opens a new possibility for intervention in several therapeutic areas. In this study triazole-based reversible and selective inhibitors of cathepsin X have been identified. Their selectivity and binding is enhanced when the 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxine moiety is present as the R1 substituent. Of a series of selected triazole-benzodioxine derivatives, compound 22 is the most potent inhibitor of cathepsin X carboxypeptidase activity (Ki = 2.45 ± 0.05 μM) with at least 100-fold greater selectivity in comparison to cathepsin B or other related cysteine peptidases. Compound 22 is not cytotoxic to prostate cancer cells PC-3 or pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells at concentrations up to 10 μM. It significantly inhibits the migration of tumor cells and increases the outgrowth of neurites, both processes being under the control of cathepsin X carboxypeptidase activity. Compound 22 and other characterized triazole-based inhibitors thus possess a great potential for further development resulting in several in vivo applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cathepsin K / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cathepsin K / chemistry
  • Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Drug Discovery* / methods
  • Kinetics
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neuronal Outgrowth / drug effects
  • PC12 Cells
  • Protein Binding
  • Rats
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Small Molecule Libraries
  • Cathepsin K