Structure-based design and synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives as novel and potent Nek2 inhibitors with in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities
A series of novel and potent Nek2 inhibitors based on a new imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine scaffold were designed and synthesized. MBM-17 and MBM-55 effectively inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. MBM-17S and MBM-55S showed good selectivity and in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity without apparent toxicity.