Design and Synthesis of Novel SRPK1 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Abstract

The use of computational methods in drug design is valuable in reducing costs and time. It allows researchers to optimise lead compounds and to predict and measure their binding affinity. This helps streamline the drug discovery process. This thesis discusses the use of computational methods to discover novel compounds for the inhibition of the SRPK1 protein. The protein plays a significant role in angiogenesis through the regulation of anti-angiogenic VEGF isoform formation. Many studies have shown that inhibition of SRPK1 has a correlation to reduced angiogenesis. Inhibitors of the protein can be useful in the treatment of a number of conditions like neovascular eye disease and cancer.
Four novel compounds were discovered through pharmacophore modelling and docking studies which was used to measure the strength of the interaction between compound and target. Though not all the compounds could be synthesised, four other compounds underwent synthesis. Unfortunately, in vitro toxicity and binding studies could not be conducted. The in vitro testing however was conducted on SRPIN340 after it was successfully synthesised. The toxicity tests for SRPIN340 showed toxicity around a concentration of 25 µM.

Date of Award	6 Dec 2019
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Bristol
Supervisor	Chris Arthur (Supervisor)