Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8), as a kinase subunit of the Mediator complex, is involved in the regulation of RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription, thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways and multiple transcription factors involved in oncogenic control. CDK8 deregulation has been implicated in human diseases, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and advanced solid tumors, where it has been reported as a putative oncogene. Here, we report the successful optimization of an azaindole series of CDK8 inhibitors that were identified and further progressed through a structure-based generative chemistry approach. In several optimization cycles, we improved in vitro microsomal stability, kinase selectivity, and in vivo pharmacokinetic profile cross-species, leading to the discovery of compound 23, which demonstrated robust tumor growth inhibition in multiple in vivo efficacy models after oral administration.

中文翻译：

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发现用于治疗癌症的 CDK8 的有效、选择性和口服生物利用度小分子抑制剂

细胞周期蛋白依赖性激酶 8 (CDK8) 作为 Mediator 复合物的激酶亚基，参与 RNA 聚合酶 II 介导的转录调控，从而调节多种信号通路和多种参与致癌控制的转录因子。CDK8 失调与人类疾病有关，特别是在急性髓性白血病 (AML) 和晚期实体瘤中，据报道它是一种推定的致癌基因。在这里，我们报告了一种氮杂吲哚系列 CDK8 抑制剂的成功优化，这些抑制剂通过基于结构的生成化学方法得到鉴定和进一步发展。在几个优化周期中，我们改善了体外微粒体稳定性、激酶选择性和跨物种体内药代动力学特征，从而发现了化合物23，在口服给药后的多种体内功效模型中显示出强大的肿瘤生长抑制作用。