SAR studies on trisubstituted benzimidazoles as inhibitors of Mtb FtsZ for the development of novel antitubercular agents

J Med Chem. 2013 Dec 12;56(23):9756-70. doi: 10.1021/jm401468w. Epub 2013 Nov 23.

Abstract

FtsZ, an essential protein for bacterial cell division, is a highly promising therapeutic target, especially for the discovery and development of new-generation anti-TB agents. Following up the identification of two lead 2,5,6-trisubstituted benzimidazoles, 1 and 2, targeting Mtb-FtsZ in our previous study, an extensive SAR study for optimization of these lead compounds was performed through systematic modification of the 5 and 6 positions. This study has successfully led to the discovery of a highly potent advanced lead 5f (MIC = 0.06 μg/mL) and several other compounds with comparable potencies. These advanced lead compounds possess a dimethylamino group at the 6 position. The functional groups at the 5 position exhibit substantial effects on the antibacterial activity as well. In vitro experiments such as the FtsZ polymerization inhibitory assay and TEM analysis of Mtb-FtsZ treated with 5f and others indicate that Mtb-FtsZ is the molecular target for their antibacterial activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacterial Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Bacterial Proteins / drug effects
  • Benzimidazoles / chemical synthesis*
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / drug effects
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • FtsZ protein, Bacteria