Crystal Structures of the FAK Kinase in Complex with TAE226 and Related Bis-Anilino Pyrimidine Inhibitors Reveal a Helical DFG Conformation Specific FAK Inhibitors
2008

Crystal Structures of FAK Kinase with TAE226 and Related Inhibitors

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lietha Daniel, Eck Michael J.

Primary Institution: Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Hypothesis

The study investigates the structural basis for the specificity of TAE226 and related bis-anilino pyrimidine inhibitors for FAK kinase.

Conclusion

The study reveals that TAE226 induces a unique helical conformation in the FAK kinase that contributes to its specificity and potency as an inhibitor.

Supporting Evidence

  • TAE226 is a potent inhibitor of FAK with an IC50 of 5.5 nM.
  • The study shows that TAE226 induces a unique helical conformation in the DFG motif of FAK.
  • The presence of a glycine residue before the DFG motif contributes to the specificity of TAE226.

Takeaway

Researchers looked at how a drug called TAE226 works on a protein that helps cancer cells grow. They found that the drug changes the shape of the protein in a special way that makes it work better against cancer.

Methodology

The study used crystallography to determine the structures of FAK kinase in complex with TAE226 and three related inhibitors.

Limitations

The study does not address the long-term effects of TAE226 in clinical settings.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003800

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