Discovery of pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine C6-ketones as potent, orally active p38α MAP kinase inhibitors

Current status and future prospects of p38α/MAPK14 kinase and its inhibitors

P38α (which is also named MAPK14) plays a pivotal role in initiating different disease states such as inflammatory disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular cases, and cancer. Inhibitors of p38α can be utilized for treatment of these diseases. In this article, we reviewed the structural and biological characteristics of p38α, its relationship to the fore-mentioned disease states, as well as the recently reported inhibitors and classified them according to their chemical structures. We focused on the articles published in the literature during the last decade (2011-2020).

Exploring Structure-Activity Relationships with Three-Dimensional Matched Molecular Pairs-A Review

A matched molecular pair (MMP) consists of two small molecules that differ by a few atoms only. The minor structural difference between the molecules allows a detailed analysis of changes in properties. Three-dimensional (3D) MMPs extend the concept of chemical similarity by spatial similarity. Conformations must be generated, and superimpositions have to be calculated. The additional complexity and uncertainty as well as the smaller amount of available experimental data substantially complicates the derivation of models. Nonetheless, there are some benefits that make the transition worthwhile. The 3D concept gives detailed insight into mechanisms behind several methods classically used by the 2D MMP approach. It can help to analyze disrupted series of structure-activity relationships or extend the 2D MMP concept with scaffold hopping. One of the most powerful features is the high confidence structure-activity relationship transfer between series of analogues. Several research groups have approached the problem from different directions. The models vary especially in the 3D similarity measure used and complexity of the applied descriptor selected or designed. Nonetheless, all approaches have increased the amount of information available by incorporating 3D structural information.

KLIFS: a knowledge-based structural database to navigate kinase-ligand interaction space

Protein kinases regulate the majority of signal transduction pathways in cells and have become important targets for the development of designer drugs. We present a systematic analysis of kinase-ligand interactions in all regions of the catalytic cleft of all 1252 human kinase-ligand cocrystal structures present in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The kinase-ligand interaction fingerprints and structure database (KLIFS) contains a consistent alignment of 85 kinase ligand binding site residues that enables the identification of family specific interaction features and classification of ligands according to their binding modes. We illustrate how systematic mining of kinase-ligand interaction space gives new insights into how conserved and selective kinase interaction hot spots can accommodate the large diversity of chemical scaffolds in kinase ligands. These analyses lead to an improved understanding of the structural requirements of kinase binding that will be useful in ligand discovery and design studies.

Back to the future: oral targeted therapy for RA and other autoimmune diseases

The molecular biology revolution coupled with the development of monoclonal antibody technology enabled remarkable progress in rheumatology therapy, comprising an array of highly effective biologic agents. With advances in understanding of the molecular nature of immune cell receptors came elucidation of intracellular signalling pathways downstream of these receptors. These discoveries raise the question of whether selective targeting of key intracellular factors with small molecules would add to the rheumatologic armamentarium. In this Review, we discuss several examples of this therapeutic strategy that seem to be successful, and consider their implications for the future of immune-targeted treatments. We focus on kinase inhibitors, primarily those targeting Janus kinase family members and spleen tyrosine kinase, given their advanced status in clinical development and application. We also summarize other targets involved in signalling pathways that might offer promise for therapeutic intervention in the future.

UV filters, ingredients with a recognized anti-inflammatory effect

BACKGROUND

To explain observed differences during SPF determination using either an in vivo or in vitro method, we hypothesized on the presence of ingredients having anti-inflammatory properties.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

To research our hypothesis, we studied the 21 UV filters both available on the market and authorized by European regulations and subjected these filters to the phorbol-myristate-acetate test using mice. We then catalogued the 13 filters demonstrating a significant anti-inflammatory effect with edema inhibition percentages of more than 70%. The filters are: diethylhexyl butamido triazone (92%), benzophenone-5 and titanium dioxide (90%), benzophenone-3 (83%), octocrylène and isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate (82%), PEG-25 PABA and homosalate (80%), octyl triazone and phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid (78%), octyl dimethyl PABA (75%), bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine and diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexylbenzoate (70%). These filters were tested at various concentrations, including their maximum authorized dose. We detected a dose-response relationship.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The anti-inflammatory effect of a sunscreen ingredient may affect the in vivo SPF value.