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The crystal structures of human α-thrombin complexed with active site-directed diamino benzo[b]thiophene derivatives: A binding mode for a structurally novel class of inhibitors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2000

N.Y. CHIRGADZE
Affiliation:
Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
D.J. SALL
Affiliation:
Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
S.L. BRIGGS
Affiliation:
Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
D.K. CLAWSON
Affiliation:
Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
M. ZHANG
Affiliation:
Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
G.F. SMITH
Affiliation:
Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
R.W. SCHEVITZ
Affiliation:
Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285
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Abstract

The crystal structures of four active site-directed thrombin inhibitors, 1–4, in a complex with human α-thrombin have been determined and refined at up to 2.0 Å resolution using X-ray crystallography. These compounds belong to a structurally novel family of inhibitors based on a 2,3-disubstituted benzo[b]thiophene structure. Compared to traditional active-site directed inhibitors, the X-ray crystal structures of these complexes reveal a novel binding mode. Unexpectedly, the lipophilic benzo[b]thiophene nucleus of the inhibitor appears to bind in the S1 specificity pocket. At the same time, the basic amine of the C-3 side chain of the inhibitor interacts with the mostly hydrophobic proximal, S2, and distal, S3, binding sites. The second, basic amine side chain at C-2 was found to point away from the active site, occupying a location between the S1 and S′1 sites. Together, the aromatic rings of the C-2 and C-3 side chains sandwich the indole ring of Trp60D contained in the thrombin S2 insertion loop defined by the sequence “Tyr-Pro-Pro-Trp.” [The thrombin residue numbering used in this study is equivalent to that reported for chymotrypsinogen (Hartley BS, Shotton DM, 1971, The enzymes, vol. 3. New York: Academic Press. pp 323–373).] In contrast to the binding mode of more classical thrombin inhibitors (d-Phe-Pro-Arg-H, NAPAP, Argatroban), this novel class of benzo[b]thiophene derivatives does not engage in hydrogen bond formation with Gly216 of the thrombin active site. A detailed analysis of the three-dimensional structures not only provides a clearer understanding of the interaction of these agents with thrombin, but forms a foundation for rational structure-based drug design. The use of the data from this study has led to the design of derivatives that are up to 2,900-fold more potent than the screening hit 1.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2000 The Protein Society

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