Targeting Cytotoxic Agents through EGFR-Mediated Covalent Binding and Release

J Med Chem. 2023 Sep 14;66(17):12324-12341. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00845. Epub 2023 Aug 30.

Abstract

A major drawback of cytotoxic chemotherapy is the lack of selectivity toward noncancerous cells. The targeted delivery of cytotoxic drugs to tumor cells is a longstanding goal in cancer research. We proposed that covalent inhibitors could be adapted to deliver cytotoxic agents, conjugated to the β-position of the Michael acceptor, via an addition-elimination mechanism promoted by covalent binding. Studies on model systems showed that conjugated 5-fluorouracil (5FU) could be released upon thiol addition in relevant time scales. A series of covalent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors were synthesized as their 5FU derivatives. Achieving the desired release of 5FU was demonstrated to depend on the electronics and geometry of the compounds. Mass spectrometry and NMR studies demonstrated an anilinoquinazoline acrylate ester conjugate bound to EGFR with the release of 5FU. This work establishes that acrylates can be used to release conjugated molecules upon covalent binding to proteins and could be used to develop targeted therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cytotoxins*
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Esters
  • Fluorouracil* / pharmacology
  • Mass Spectrometry

Substances

  • Cytotoxins
  • Fluorouracil
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Esters