Fragment-Merging Strategies with Known Pyrimidine Scaffolds Targeting Dihydrofolate Reductase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Author(s)

Kirkman, Tim ; Fun Tan, Suk ; Chavez-Pacheco, Sair Maximo ; Hammer, Alexander ; Abell, Chris ; Tosin, Manuela ; Coyne, Anthony G. ; Dias, Marcio V. B.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHEMMEDCHEM; v. 18, n. 15, p. 9-pg., 2023-06-06.

Abstract

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a key enzyme involved in the folate pathway that has been heavily targeted for the development of therapeutics against cancer and bacterial and protozoa infections amongst others. Despite being an essential enzyme for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) viability, DHFR remains an underexploited target for tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Herein, we report the preparation and evaluation of a series of compounds against Mtb DHFR (MtbDHFR). The compounds have been designed using a merging strategy of traditional pyrimidine-based antifolates with a previously discovered unique fragment hit against MtbDHFR. In this series, four compounds displayed a high affinity against MtbDHFR, with sub-micromolar affinities. Additionally, we determined the binding mode of six of the best compounds using protein crystallography, which revealed occupation of an underutilised region of the active site. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/03850-9 - Mycobacterium cell wall: structural studies and inhibition strategies for enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and regulation
• Grantee: Marcio Vinicius Bertacine Dias
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/09188-8 - Biosynthesis of polyether and aminoglycoside antibiotics: structural investigation of unusual enzymes or with synthetic biology applicability
• Grantee: Marcio Vinicius Bertacine Dias
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants