Rational Design of a Novel Class of Human ClpP Agonists through a Ring-Opening Strategy with Enhanced Antileukemia Activity

The activation of Homo sapiens Casein
lysing protease P (HsClpP) by a chemical or genetic strategy has been
proved to be a new potential therapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
However, limited efficacy has been achieved with classic agonist imipridone ONC201. Here, a novel class of HsClpP agonists is designed
and synthesized using a ring-opening strategy based on the lead compound 1 reported in our previous study. Among these novel scaffold
agonists, compound 7k exhibited remarkably enhanced proteolytic
activity of HsClpP (EC50 = 0.79 ± 0.03 μM) and
antitumor activity in vitro (IC50 = 0.038
± 0.003 μM). Moreover, the intraperitoneal administration
of compound 7k markedly suppressed tumor growth in Mv4-11
xenograft models, achieving a tumor growth inhibition rate of 88%.
Concurrently, 7k displayed advantageous pharmacokinetic
properties in vivo. This study underscores the promise
of compound 7k as a significant HsClpP agonist and an
antileukemia drug candidate, warranting further exploration for AML
treatment.