PMID: 27709883

Authors:

Surmiak E, Twarda-Clapa A, Zak KM, Musielak B, Tomala MD, Kubica K, Grudnik P, Madej M, Jablonski M, Potempa J, Kalinowska-Tluscik J, Dubin G, Domling A, Holak TA

Title:

A Unique Mdm2-Binding Mode of the 3-Pyrrolin-2-one- and 2-Furanone-Based Antagonists of the p53-Mdm2 Interaction.

Journal:

ACS Chem Biol. 2016 Oct 6.

Abstract:

The p53 pathway is inactivated in almost all types of cancer by mutations in the p53 encoding gene or overexpression of the p53 negative regulators, Mdm2 and/or Mdmx. Restoration of the p53 function by inhibition of the p53-Mdm2/Mdmx interaction opens up a prospect for a non-genotoxic anticancer therapy. Here we present the syntheses, activities and crystal structures on two novel classes of Mdm2-p53 inhibitors that are based on the 3-pyrrolin-2-one and 2-furanone scaffolds. The structures of the complexes formed by these inhibitors and Mdm2 reveal the dimeric protein molecular organization that has not been observed in the small-molecule/Mdm2 complexes described until now. In particular, the 6-chloroindole group does not occupy the usual Trp-23 pocket of Mdm2, but instead is engaged in dimerization. This entirely unique binding mode of the compounds opens new possibilities for optimization of the Mdm2-p53 interaction inhibitors.