Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of α-Ketoamides as Inhibitors of the Phospholipase A and Acyltransferase Enzyme Family

J Med Chem. 2020 Sep 10;63(17):9340-9359. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00522. Epub 2020 Aug 13.

Abstract

The phospholipase A and acyltransferase (PLAAT) family of cysteine hydrolases consists of five members, which are involved in the Ca2+-independent production of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamines (NAPEs). NAPEs are lipid precursors for bioactive N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) that are involved in various physiological processes such as food intake, pain, inflammation, stress, and anxiety. Recently, we identified α-ketoamides as the first pan-active PLAAT inhibitor scaffold that reduced arachidonic acid levels in PLAAT3-overexpressing U2OS cells and in HepG2 cells. Here, we report the structure-activity relationships of the α-ketoamide series using activity-based protein profiling. This led to the identification of LEI-301, a nanomolar potent inhibitor for the PLAAT family members. LEI-301 reduced the NAE levels, including anandamide, in cells overexpressing PLAAT2 or PLAAT5. Collectively, LEI-301 may help to dissect the physiological role of the PLAATs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyltransferases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Acyltransferases / chemistry
  • Amides / chemistry*
  • Amides / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Phospholipases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Phospholipases / chemistry
  • Protein Conformation
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Amides
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Acyltransferases
  • Phospholipases