Design, synthesis, and evaluation of a novel benzamidine-based inhibitor of VEGF-C binding to Neuropilin-2

Ahmed M. Said, Matthew W. Parker, Craig W. Vander Kooi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Neuropilin (Nrp) family of cell surface receptors have key physiological and pathological functions. Nrp2 is of particular interest due to its involvement in tumor metastasis. Currently, peptide and small molecule inhibitors that target Nrp utilize arginine-based molecules which have limitations due to high inherent flexibility and issues related to stability. Further, there are no known small molecule inhibitors specific for Nrp2. Recent molecular insights identify a key ligand binding region in the b1 domain of Nrp2 responsible for binding the C-terminus of its cognate ligand VEGF-C. Based on this, we report the discovery of a novel benzamidine-based inhibitor that functions through competitive inhibition of VEGF-C binding to Nrp2. Further, we have explored inhibitor functionality and selectivity by defining its structure–activity relationship (SAR) providing valuable insights on this benzamidine-based family of Nrp2 inhibitors. This study provides the basis for further development of a potent and specific small molecule inhibitor that competitively targets pathological Nrp2 function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number103856
JournalBioorganic Chemistry
Volume100
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Angiogenesis
  • Benzamidine
  • Lymphatic
  • Neuropilin
  • Nrp-2
  • Receptor
  • VEGF

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Drug Discovery
  • Organic Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Design, synthesis, and evaluation of a novel benzamidine-based inhibitor of VEGF-C binding to Neuropilin-2'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this