Discovery of potent and bioavailable GSK-3β inhibitors

Here we report on the discovery of a series of maleimides which have high potency and good selectivity for GSK-3β. The incorporation of polar groups afforded compounds with good bioavailability. The most potent compound 34 has an IC50 of 0.6 nM for GSK-3β, over 100-fold selectivity against a panel of other kinases, and shows efficacy in rat osteoporosis models. The X-ray structure of GSK-3β protein with 34 bound revealed the binding mode of the template and provided insights for future optimization opportunities.

Graphical abstractA series of maleimides was discovered with high potency and good selectivity for GSK-3β. The most potent compound 34 has an IC50 of 0.6 nM for GSK-3β, over 100-fold selectivity against a panel of other kinases, and shows efficacy in rat osteoporosis models.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide