Plasmepsin Inhibitory Activity and Structure-Guided Optimization of a Potent Hydroxyethylamine-Based Antimalarial Hit.
Jaudzems, K., Tars, K., Maurops, G., Ivdra, N., Otikovs, M., Leitans, J., Kanepe-Lapsa, I., Domraceva, I., Mutule, I., Trapencieris, P., Blackman, M.J., Jirgensons, A.(2014) ACS Med Chem Lett 5: 373
- PubMed: 24900843 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/ml4004952
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
4CKU - PubMed Abstract: 
Antimalarial hit 1 SR (TCMDC-134674) identified in a GlaxoSmithKline cell based screening campaign was evaluated for inhibitory activity against the digestive vacuole plasmepsins (Plm I, II, and IV). It was found to be a potent Plm IV inhibitor with no selectivity over Cathepsin D. A cocrystal structure of 1 SR bound to Plm II was solved, providing structural insight for the design of more potent and selective analogues. Structure-guided optimization led to the identification of structurally simplified analogues 17 and 18 as low nanomolar inhibitors of both, plasmepsin Plm IV activity and P. falciparum growth in erythrocytes.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis , Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia.