Structure-Based Discovery of a Series of NSD2-PWWP1 Inhibitors

J Med Chem. 2022 Jul 14;65(13):9459-9477. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00709. Epub 2022 Jun 15.

Abstract

Overexpression, point mutations, or translocations of protein lysine methyltransferase NSD2 occur in many types of cancer cells. Therefore, it was recognized as onco-protein and considered as a promising anticancer drug target. NSD2 consists of multiple domains including a SET catalytic domain and two PWWP domains binding to methylated histone proteins. Here, we reported our efforts to develop a series of NSD2-PWWP1 inhibitors, and further structure-based optimization resulted in a potent inhibitor 38, which has high selectivity toward the NSD2-PWWP1 domain. The detailed biological evaluation revealed that compound 38 can bind to NSD2-PWWP1 and then affect the expression of genes regulated by NSD2. The current discovery will provide a useful chemical probe to the future research in understanding the specific regulation mode of NSD2 by PWWP1 recognition and pave the way to develop potential drugs targeting NSD2 protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalytic Domain
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase* / metabolism
  • Histones* / metabolism
  • Protein Domains

Substances

  • Histones
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase