Prodrugs of the Archetypal Dynamin Inhibitor Bis‐T‐22

Abstract

The Bis‐T series of compounds comprise some of the most potent inhibitors of dynamin GTPase activity yet reported, e. g., (2E,2′E)‐N,N′‐(propane‐1,3‐diyl)bis(2‐cyano‐3‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)acrylamide) (2), Bis‐T‐22. The catechol moieties are believed to limit cell permeability, rendering these compounds largely inactive in cells. To solve this problem, a prodrug strategy was envisaged and eight ester analogues were synthesised. The shortest and bulkiest esters (acetate and butyl/tert‐butyl) were found to be insoluble under physiological conditions, whilst the remaining five were soluble and stable under these conditions. These five were analysed for plasma stability and half‐lives ranged from ∼2.3 min (propionic ester 4), increasing with size and bulk, to greater than 24 hr (dimethyl carbamate 10). Similar profiles where observed with the rate of formation of Bis‐T‐22 with half‐lives ranging from ∼25 mins (propionic ester 4). Propionic ester 4 was chosen to undergo further testing and was found to inhibit endocytosis in a dose‐dependent manner with IC50 ∼8 μM, suggesting this compound is able to effectively cross the cell membrane where it is rapidly hydrolysed to the desired Bis‐T‐22 parent compound.

The Chemical Inhibitors of Endocytosis: From Mechanisms to Potential Clinical Applications

“…Despite its strong activity against dynamin, it had a weak effect on CME inhibition. The new prodrug of Bis-T-22 inhibits CME with an IC50 of 8.0 ± 0.5µM [ 223 ].…”

“…Despite its strong activity against dynamin, it had a weak effect on CME inhibition. The new prodrug of Bis-T-22 inhibits CME with an IC50 of 8.0 ± 0.5µM [223]. Room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) is a substance derived from the Spanish fly aphrodisiac cantharidin.…”