Discovery of High-Affinity Small-Molecule Binders of the Epigenetic Reader YEATS4

J Med Chem. 2023 Jan 12;66(1):460-472. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01421. Epub 2022 Dec 23.

Abstract

A series of small-molecule YEATS4 binders have been discovered as part of an ongoing research effort to generate high-quality probe molecules for emerging and/or challenging epigenetic targets. Analogues such as 4d and 4e demonstrate excellent potency and selectivity for YEATS4 binding versus YEATS1,2,3 and exhibit good physical properties and in vitro safety profiles. A new X-ray crystal structure confirms direct binding of this chemical series to YEATS4 at the lysine acetylation recognition site of the YEATS domain. Multiple analogues engage YEATS4 with nanomolar potency in a whole-cell nanoluciferase bioluminescent resonance energy transfer assay. Rodent pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate the competency of several analogues as in vivo-capable binders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Protein Domains
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*