Small molecules play a pivotal role in Endocrinology Research. These are low molecular weight compounds that have a significant impact on the endocrine system, hormones, and their receptors. Here are some key aspects of how small molecules are involved in this field:
Hormone Mimetics and Inhibitors: Small molecules are used to develop synthetic compounds that mimic the actions of hormones or inhibit their effects. For example, drugs like metformin for diabetes management and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for breast cancer treatment are used to either mimic or block hormonal activity.
Receptor Modulation: Small molecules can bind to hormone receptors and modulate their activity. This is crucial in developing drugs that target specific hormone receptors, like the use of small molecule agonists and antagonists to regulate thyroid hormone receptors.
Metabolism Regulation: Endocrinology research often focuses on metabolism and how hormones like insulin regulate it. Small molecules are employed to understand and develop drugs targeting enzymes involved in metabolism, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists for diabetes treatment.
Steroid Hormone Production: Small molecules may be utilized to influence the production of steroid hormones in the adrenal glands or gonads. This is essential for conditions like Cushing's syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Hormone Assays: In laboratory research, small molecules are used as tracers or markers in hormone assays. For instance, small molecule fluorophores can be attached to antibodies to detect hormone levels in blood samples.
Drug Development: Endocrinology research relies on small molecules as potential drug candidates. Researchers design and test small molecules for their effectiveness in modulating hormonal pathways, with the goal of developing new therapies for endocrine disorders. In summary, small molecules are indispensable tools in Endocrinology Research, enabling scientists to better understand the endocrine system's intricacies and develop novel treatments for a wide range of hormonal disorders and conditions. Their versatility and specificity make them valuable assets in advancing our knowledge of endocrinology and improving patient care.
Danusertib (PHA-739358) is an Aurora kinase inhibitor for Aurora A/B/C with IC50 of 13 nM/79 nM/61 nM in cell-free assays, modestly potent to Abl, TrkA, c-RET and FGFR1, and less potent to Lck, VEGFR2/3, c-Kit, CDK2, etc. Phase 2
ACTB-1003 is an oral kinase inhibitor targeting cancer mutations (FGFR inhibition), angiogenesis (inhibition of VEGFR2 and Tie-2) and induces apoptosis (targeting RSK and p70S6K, downstream of PI3 kinase).
E-3810 is a potent and selective dual inhibitor of VEGF and FGF receptors with IC50 values of 7 nM, 25 nM, 10 nM, 17.5 nM and 82.5 nM for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, FGFR-1 and FGFR-2, respectively.
Derazantinib(ARQ-087) is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) with IC50 values of 1.8 nM for FGFR2, and 4.5 nM for FGFR1 and 3, showing lower potency for FGFR4 (IC50=34 nM). It also inhibits RET, DDR2, PDGFRβ, VEGFR and KIT.
