The development of highly potent inhibitors for porcupine
- J Med Chem. 2013 Mar 28;56(6):2700-4. doi: 10.1021/jm400159c.
- 1. Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.
Porcupine is a member of the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase family of proteins. It catalyzes the palmitoylation of Wnt proteins, a process required for their secretion and activity. We recently disclosed a class of small molecules (IWPs) as the first reported Porcn inhibitors. We now describe the structure-activity relationship studies and the identification of subnanomolar inhibitors. We also report herein the effects of IWPs on Wnt-dependent developmental processes, including zebrafish posterior axis formation and kidney tubule formation.