Download MendeleyIsoform-Selective Targeting of Akt Through Covalent Allosteric Inhibition.
D'Angelo, G.D., Pervanidis, K.A., Athanasiadis, I., Lukianchikov, V., Scrima, A., Depta, L., Stier, S., Muller, M.P., Farin, H.F., Quambusch, L., Rauh, D.(2026) Angew Chem Int Ed Engl : e3567206-e3567206
- PubMed: 42704227 Search on PubMed
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.3567206
- Primary Citation Related Structures:
9TMT, 9TMU, 9TMV, 9TMW, 9TMY, 9TMZ, 9TN0, 9TN1, 9TN2, 9TN3, 9TN4 - PubMed Abstract:
The Akt family of serine/threonine kinases plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, and metabolism. Three Akt isoforms (Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3) have distinct physiological roles, and while individual isoform dysregulation is disease-linked, unselective Akt inhibition leads to side effects. Here, we report the development of selective covalent-allosteric Akt inhibitors (CAAIs) targeting Akt2 and Akt3 while sparing Akt1. Guided by protein x-ray crystallography and molecular modeling, key structural differences within the allosteric pockets of the isoforms were identified and exploited in a structure-based design strategy. By stabilizing the inactive kinase conformation, CAAIs overcome the intrinsic selectivity limitations of ATP-competitive inhibitors. After biological characterization, the pyrazole-containing inhibitors emerged as the most potent and selective Akt2 inhibitors, while inhibitors with pyridines as an isoform-selective element were predominantly targeting Akt3 selectively. Importantly, these new inhibitors were also evaluated in patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids. Co-crystal structures of inhibitors bound to an engineered construct mimicking the Akt2 allosteric pocket elucidated the molecular basis of isoform selectivity, guiding further optimization. This work not only establishes a framework for the development of isoform-selective therapeutics but also highlights the potential for unraveling isoform-specific functions in signaling pathways relevant to cancer biology.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany.
Organizational Affiliation:
