Development of small molecule inhibitors of ECM collagen secretion

Abstract

Tissue fibrosis is a common consequence of many different acute and chronic injuries, which severely impairs the function of affected organs. A significant challenge is the lack of effective strategies to treat fibrotic disorders. The metabolic dysregulation underlying fibrosis may be reversed by the small molecule caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), but there are limitations which prevent its clinical use. Following the identification of caffeic acid derivative 1 from an in-house library screen, we performed structure–activity relationship studies which led to the discovery of novel small molecule inhibitors of extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen secretion. The small molecules increased PPARG and CD36 expression (markers of fatty acid metabolism), suggesting a mechanism of action involving a metabolic shift from fibrotic-to-normal state. The compounds identified in this study provide a foundation for further development towards a novel, first-in-class therapeutic agent for fibrosis.