Discovery of Potent and Selective Inhibitors for G9a-Like Protein (GLP) Lysine Methyltransferase

J Med Chem. 2017 Mar 9;60(5):1876-1891. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01645. Epub 2017 Feb 14.

Abstract

G9a-like protein (GLP) and G9a are highly homologous protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) sharing approximately 80% sequence identity in their catalytic domains. GLP and G9a form a heterodimer complex and catalyze mono- and dimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 and nonhistone substrates. Although they are closely related, GLP and G9a possess distinct physiological and pathophysiological functions. Thus, GLP or G9a selective small-molecule inhibitors are useful tools to dissect their distinct biological functions. We previously reported potent and selective G9a/GLP dual inhibitors including UNC0638 and UNC0642. Here we report the discovery of potent and selective GLP inhibitors including 4 (MS0124) and 18 (MS012), which are >30-fold and 140-fold selective for GLP over G9a and other methyltransferases, respectively. The cocrystal structures of GLP and G9a in the complex with either 4 or 18 displayed virtually identical binding modes and interactions, highlighting the challenges in structure-based design of selective inhibitors for either enzyme.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Mass Spectrometry

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase