Semisynthetic cyclopamine analogues as potent and orally bioavailable hedgehog pathway antagonists

J Med Chem. 2008 Nov 13;51(21):6646-9. doi: 10.1021/jm8008508. Epub 2008 Oct 9.

Abstract

Herein is reported the synthesis of a novel class of hedgehog antagonists derived from cyclopamine. The acid sensitive D-ring of cyclopamine was homologated utilizing a sequence of chemoselective cyclopropanation and stereoselective acid-catalyzed rearrangement. Further modification of the A/B-ring homoallylic alcohol to the conjugated ketone led to the discovery of new cyclopamine analogues with improved pharmaceutical properties and in vitro potency (EC 50) ranging from 10 to 1000 nM.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Hedgehog Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Veratrum Alkaloids / administration & dosage
  • Veratrum Alkaloids / chemical synthesis*
  • Veratrum Alkaloids / chemistry

Substances

  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Veratrum Alkaloids
  • cyclopamine