Amino acid conjugates of lithocholic acid as antagonists of the EphA2 receptor

J Med Chem. 2013 Apr 11;56(7):2936-47. doi: 10.1021/jm301890k. Epub 2013 Mar 22.

Abstract

The Eph receptor-ephrin system is an emerging target for the development of novel antiangiogenetic agents. We recently identified lithocholic acid (LCA) as a small molecule able to block EphA2-dependent signals in cancer cells, suggesting that its (5β)-cholan-24-oic acid scaffold can be used as a template to design a new generation of improved EphA2 antagonists. Here, we report the design and synthesis of an extended set of LCA derivatives obtained by conjugation of its carboxyl group with different α-amino acids. Structure-activity relationships indicate that the presence of a lipophilic amino acid side chain is fundamental to achieve good potencies. The l-Trp derivative (20, PCM126) was the most potent antagonist of the series disrupting EphA2-ephrinA1 interaction and blocking EphA2 phosphorylation in prostate cancer cells at low μM concentrations, thus being significantly more potent than LCA. Compound 20 is among the most potent small-molecule antagonists of the EphA2 receptor.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Amino Acids / chemistry*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Lithocholic Acid / chemistry
  • Lithocholic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Models, Molecular
  • Phosphorylation
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Receptor, EphA2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptor, EphA2 / metabolism

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Lithocholic Acid
  • Receptor, EphA2