Recent Progress and Clinical Development of Inhibitors that Block MDM4/p53 Protein-Protein Interactions

J Med Chem. 2021 Aug 12;64(15):10621-10640. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00940. Epub 2021 Jul 21.

Abstract

MDM4 is a homologue of MDM2, serving cooperatively as the negative regulator of tumor suppressor p53. Under the shadow of MDM2 inhibitors, limited efforts had been put into the discovery of MDM4 modulators. Recent studies of the experimental drug ALRN-6924, a dual MDM4 and MDM2 inhibitor, suggest that concurrent inhibition of MDM4 and MDM2 might be beneficial over only MDM2 inhibition. In view of the present research progress, we summarized published inhibitors of MDM4/p53 interactions including both peptide-based compounds and small molecules. Cocrystal structures of ligand/MDM4 complexes have been examined, and their structural features were compiled and compared in order to show the molecular basis required for high MDM4 binding affinities. Representative examples of small-molecule MDM4 inhibitors were discussed, followed by clinical results of ALRN-6924, together, providing a consolidated reference for further development of MDM4 inhibitors, either dual or selective.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / chemistry
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Drug Development*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / chemistry
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / chemistry
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • MDM4 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • TP53 protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53