Lead optimization of 5jc21 (CG13250), a quinolin-2(1H)-one-based inhibitor of the BRD4 member of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins

Abstract

The inhibition of the BET BRD4 protein has rapidly emerged as an indirect means of inhibiting the intrinsically disordered c-Myc proto-oncoprotein, a “holy grail” in oncology. Herein, we conducted lead optimization of 5jc21, a potent BRD4 inhibitor previously discovered by our group. Several compounds exhibited single-digit nanomolar K_d binding affinities, largely mirrored by sub-micromolar GI₅₀s in the MV4;11 acute myeloid leukemia cell line. Additionally, we solved a co-crystal structure of the first bromodomain of BRD4 with 5jc21. In general, the co-crystal structure rationalized our structure–activity relationship data, and will inform future inhibitor design. Finally, we identified a selection of potent compounds that are suitable for further preclinical evaluation.