Structure-Based Optimization of Coumestan Derivatives as Polyketide Synthase 13-Thioesterase(Pks13-TE) Inhibitors with Improved hERG Profiles for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Treatment

J Med Chem. 2022 Oct 13;65(19):13240-13252. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01064. Epub 2022 Sep 29.

Abstract

Pks13 was identified as a key enzyme involved in the final step of mycolic acid biosynthesis. We previously identified antitubercular coumestans that targeted Pks13-TE, and these compounds exhibited high potency both in vitro and in vivo. However, lead compound 8 presented potential safety concerns because it inhibits the hERG potassium channel in electrophysiology patch-clamp assays (IC50 = 0.52 μM). By comparing the Pks13-TE-compound 8 complex and the ligand-binding pocket of the hERG ion channel, fluoro-substituted and oxazine-containing coumestans were designed and synthesized. Fluoro-substituted compound 23 and oxazine-containing coumestan 32 showed excellent antitubercular activity against both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant Mtb strains (MIC = 0.0039-0.0078 μg/mL) and exhibited limited hERG inhibition (IC50 ≥ 25 μM). Moreover, 32 exhibited improved metabolic stability relative to parent compound 8 while showing favorable bioavailability in mouse models via serum inhibition titration assays.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antitubercular Agents / chemistry
  • Coumarins
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mycobacterium Infections*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis*
  • Mycolic Acids / metabolism
  • Oxazines / metabolism
  • Polyketide Synthases
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Coumarins
  • Ligands
  • Mycolic Acids
  • Oxazines
  • Potassium Channels
  • Polyketide Synthases
  • coumestan