High‐Throughput Kinetic Analysis for Target‐Directed Covalent Ligand Discovery |
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Authors: | Dr Gregory B Craven Dr Dominic P Affron Dr Charlotte E Allen Dr Stefan Matthies Dr Joe G Greener Dr Rhodri M L Morgan Prof Edward W Tate Prof Alan Armstrong Dr David J Mann |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK;2. Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK |
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Abstract: | Cysteine‐reactive small molecules are used as chemical probes of biological systems and as medicines. Identifying high‐quality covalent ligands requires comprehensive kinetic analysis to distinguish selective binders from pan‐reactive compounds. Quantitative irreversible tethering (qIT), a general method for screening cysteine‐reactive small molecules based upon the maximization of kinetic selectivity, is described. This method was applied prospectively to discover covalent fragments that target the clinically important cell cycle regulator Cdk2. Crystal structures of the inhibitor complexes validate the approach and guide further optimization. The power of this technique is highlighted by the identification of a Cdk2‐selective allosteric (type IV) kinase inhibitor whose novel mode‐of‐action could be exploited therapeutically. |
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Keywords: | Cdk2 covalent inhibition fragment-based drug discovery kinetics protein modification |
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