Matrix metalloproteinase 13 plays a central role in osteoarthritis (OA), as its overexpression induces an excessive breakdown of collagen that results in an imbalance between collagen synthesis and degradation in the joint, leading to progressive articular cartilage degradation. Therefore, MMP-13 has been proposed as a key therapeutic target for OA. Here we have developed a virtual screening workflow aimed at identifying selective non-zinc-binding MMP-13 inhibitors by targeting the deep S1′ pocket of MMP-13. Three ligands were found to inhibit MMP-13 in the µM range, and one of these showed selectivity over other MMPs. A structure-based analysis guided the chemical optimization of the hit compound, leading to the obtaining of a new N-acyl hydrazone-based derivative with improved inhibitory activity and selectivity for the target enzyme.
基质金属蛋白酶 13 在骨关节炎(OA)中起着核心作用,因为它的过度表达会诱导胶原蛋白的过度分解,导致关节中胶原蛋白合成和降解之间的不平衡,从而导致关节软骨的逐渐退化。因此,MMP-13 被认为是治疗 OA 的关键靶点。在此,我们开发了一种虚拟筛选工作流程,旨在通过靶向 MMP-13 的深 S1′ 口袋,鉴定选择性非锌结合 MMP-13 抑制剂。研究发现,有三种配体能在 µM 范围内抑制 MMP-13,其中一种对其他 MMPs 具有选择性。基于结构的分析指导了对命中化合物的化学优化,最终获得了一种新的基于 N-酰基肼的衍生物,其抑制活性和对目标酶的选择性均有所提高。