Discovery of new dual binding TNKS inhibitors of Wnt signaling inhibition by pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking and bioassay†

Tankyrases (TNKS), key transmitters in the Wnt signaling pathway which is very conservative in evolution, are vital targets as they are overexpressed widely in many cancers. In this work, 5 inhibitors with novel structures have been discovered and validated using the ligand-based (pharmacophore) virtual screening, docking study, and Luciferase reporter assays for Wnt signaling. Among them, PYL-1, in particular, was the most potent inhibitor with an IC₅₀ value of 9.56 μM against Wnt signaling. The analysis of binding modes was performed to further understand the vital interactions between inhibitors and TNKS 2, and the five hits belong to dual site inhibitors. This work could be helpful for the design and development of novel dual binders as TNKS inhibitors.