Novel Mps1 kinase inhibitors: from purine to pyrrolopyrimidine and quinazoline leads

Abstract

Mps1, also known as TTK, is a mitotic checkpoint protein kinase that has become a promising new target of cancer research. In an effort to improve the lead-likeness of our recent Mps1 purine lead compounds, a scaffold hopping exercise has been undertaken. Structure-based design, principles of conformational restriction, and subsequent scaffold hopping has led to novel pyrrolopyrimidine and quinazoline Mps1 inhibitors. These new single-digit nanomolar leads provide the basis for developing potent, novel Mps1 inhibitors with improved drug-like properties.

Keywords: Cancer; Conformational restriction; Mps1; Protein kinase inhibitors; Purines; Pyrrolopyrimidines; Quinazoline; Scaffold hopping; Structure-based design; TTK.