Structure-Based Optimization of 10-DEBC Derivatives as Potent and Selective Pim-1 Kinase Inhibitors.

Pim-1 kinase has been widely regarded as an attractive target for anticancer drugs. Here, we reported our continued efforts in structure-based optimization of compound 10-DEBC, a previously identified micromolar Pim-1 inhibitor. Guided by the Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS) method, we quickly obtained a series of 10-DEBC derivatives with significantly improved activity and selectivity. In particular, compound 26 exhibited an IC50 value of 0.9 nM, as well as 220- and 8-fold selectivity over Pim-2 and Pim-3 kinases, respectively.