Design and structural optimization of thiadiazole derivatives with potent GLS1 inhibitory activity

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2023 Sep 1:93:129438. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129438. Epub 2023 Aug 6.

Abstract

GLS1 is an attractive target not only as anticancer agents but also as candidates for various potential pharmaceutical applications such as anti-aging and anti-obesity treatments. We performed docking simulations based on the complex crystal structure of GLS1 and its inhibitor CB-839 and found that compound A bearing a thiadiazole skeleton exhibits GLS1 inhibition. Furthermore, we synthesized 27 thiadiazole derivatives in an effort to obtain a more potent GLS1 inhibitor. Among the synthesized derivatives, 4d showed more potent GLS1 inhibitory activity (IC50 of 46.7 µM) than known GLS1 inhibitor DON and A. Therefore, 4d is a very promising novel GLS1 inhibitor.

Keywords: Docking-simulation; GLS1 inhibitor; Glutaminase; Structure–activity relationship; Thiaziazole.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Glutaminase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Thiadiazoles* / chemistry
  • Thiadiazoles* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Glutaminase
  • Thiadiazoles
  • GLS protein, human