Drug Discovery and Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases

Author: Blaskovich, Mark A.T.

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 16, Number 17, June 2009 , pp. 2095-2176(82)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) play a critical role in physiological signaling pathways by controlling the level of tyrosine phosphorylation. The past decade has seen a vast increase in both academic and industrial interest in PTPs and their relevance as potential therapeutic targets, with several PTP inhibitors recently entering clinical trials. Despite these developments, there are numerous examples of failed PTP drug discovery programs, such that PTPs have attained a reputation as `undruggable' targets. This review attempts to illustrate the many obstacles that must be overcome to successfully develop a PTP drug, ranging from validation of PTPs as therapeutic targets to the difficulties of assessing the true inhibitory nature of apparently well-behaved compounds, along with the need to balance the physiocochemical properties required for active site binding with the characteristics needed for in vivo activity. A number of examples of structure-based design are presented, along with cautionary tales of PTP inhibitor programs that have failed due to unexpected shortcomings.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986709788612693

Affiliations: 1: University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Qld 4072, Australia.

Publication date: 2009-06-01

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Current Medicinal Chemistry covers all the latest and outstanding developments in medicinal chemistry and rational drug design. Each issue contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of the current topics in medicinal chemistry. Current Medicinal Chemistry is an essential journal for every medicinal chemist who wishes to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.