Divalent tranylcypromine derivative as lysine-specific demethylase 1 inhibitor

Tranylcypromine (TCP) is a useful pharmacophore for lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) inhibitors. Based on the mode of action (MOA) of TCP and structure of LSD1, divalent TCP derivatives with aliphatic and benzylic linkers were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their LSD1 inhibitory activity, MV4-11 antiproliferative activity, and CD86 mRNA expression enhancement. All ten new compounds showed improved activity against LSD1 than TCP and GSK2879552. Several compounds with rigid aliphatic linkers demonstrated nanomolar enzymatic and cellular activities, as well as good MAO-A/B selectivity. Further supported by their significant CD86 mRNA expression enhancement effect, divalent TCP derivative can be promising lead for new LSD1 inhibitors.