Discovery of Activators of Human Caseinolytic Protease P with a Benzolactam Scaffold
Abstract
Based on compound 1, a previously identified activator of human caseinolytic protease P (hClpP) containing a pyrazololactam scaffold, a class of benzolactam derivatives was designed through a scaffold-hopping strategy. Structural optimization of this series led to the identification of LZL25, which potently activated recombinant hClpP with an EC 50 of 0.36 μM and inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC 50 of 0.29 μM. Mechanistic studies showed that LZL25 strongly bound to and activated cellular hClpP, effectively promoted the degradation of hClpP substrates in cells, and robustly induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Further optimization yielded LZL50, which demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties and exhibited potent antitumor activity in an MDA-MB-231 xenograft mouse model.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Pineapple and bromelain studies
Protease and Inhibitor Mechanisms
Enzyme Production and Characterization
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 69
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 6014–6037
- Publication date
- 20 February 2026
- Language
- EN