Discovery of a Novel Androgen Receptor Antagonist Manifesting Evidence to Disrupt the Dimerization of the Ligand-Binding Domain via Attenuating the Hydrogen-Bonding Network Between the Two Monomers

J Med Chem. 2021 Dec 9;64(23):17221-17238. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01287. Epub 2021 Nov 22.

Abstract

Androgen receptor (AR) has proved to be a vital drug target for treating prostate cancer. Here, we reported the discovery of a novel AR antagonist 92 targeting the AR ligand-binding pocket, but distinct from the marketed drug enzalutamide (Enz), 92 demonstrated inhibition on the AR ligand-binding domain (LBD) dimerization, which is a novel mechanism reported for the first time. First, a novel hit (26, IC50 = 5.57 μM) was identified through virtual screening based on a theoretical AR LBD dimer bound with the Enz model. Then, guided by molecular modeling, 92 was discovered with 32.7-fold improved AR antagonistic activity (IC50 = 0.17 μM). Besides showing high bioactivity and safety, 92 can inhibit AR nuclear translocation. Furthermore, 92 inhibited the formation of the AR LBD dimer, possibly through attenuating the hydrogen-bonding network between the two monomers. This interesting finding would pave the way for the discovery of a new class of AR antagonists.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists / chemistry
  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Line
  • Dimerization
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Ligands
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects

Substances

  • Androgen Receptor Antagonists
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Androgen