10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113281
The research focuses on the development of selective CDK2 inhibitors for cancer therapy. CDK2 is a promising target due to its role in cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis. The study involves the design and synthesis of a series of 4-benzoylamino-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide derivatives, starting from the pan-CDK inhibitor AT7519. Key chemicals used in the synthesis include 4-nitro-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid, various amines, EDCI, HOBt, and different acylating agents like 3-bromo-2,6-difluorobenzoic acid. The most selective compound, DC-K2in212, demonstrated high potency against CDK2, effective antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines A2058 and MV4-11, and low toxicity towards normal cell lines MRC5 and LX2. Molecular modeling showed that DC-K2in212 binds to CDK2 similarly to C-73, a highly selective CDK2 inhibitor. Biological studies revealed that DC-K2in212 inhibits CDK2-associated signaling pathways, induces cell cycle arrest, and promotes apoptosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for further development.