Development of Potent and Selective Inhibitors of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase 2 for Targeting Acute Myeloid Leukemia: SAR, Structural Insights, and Biological Characterization

J Med Chem. 2024 Dec 12;67(23):21106-21125. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01775. Epub 2024 Nov 26.

Abstract

Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase/cyclohydrolase 2 (MTHFD2), a pivotal mitochondrial enzyme in one-carbon metabolism, is significantly upregulated in various cancers but minimally expressed in normal proliferating cells. In contrast, MTHFD1, which performs similar functions, is predominantly expressed in normal cells. Therefore, targeting MTHFD2 with selective inhibitors holds promise for a broader therapeutic window with reduced toxicity and fewer side effects. This study identified selective 2,4-diamino-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidin-5-yl ureido-based derivatives through systematic chemical modifications and SAR studies. Structural biology investigations revealed substitutions in the phenyl ring and tail region modulate potency and selectivity toward MTHFD2. Additionally, a comprehensive cell screening platform revealed acute myeloid leukemia cells with FLT3 internal tandem duplication mutations are particularly sensitive to these inhibitors. Furthermore, synergistic effects were observed when combining potential compounds with Alimta. Compound 16e emerged as a leading candidate, demonstrating superior inhibition and selectivity for MTHFD2, favorable pharmacokinetics, and potent antitumor efficacy in MOLM-14 xenograft models.

MeSH terms

  • Aminohydrolases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Aminohydrolases / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Enzyme Inhibitors* / chemical synthesis
  • Enzyme Inhibitors* / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / pathology
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NADP)* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NADP)* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Multifunctional Enzymes
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NADP)
  • MTHFD2 protein, human
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Aminohydrolases
  • Multifunctional Enzymes