From a set of weakly potent lead compounds, using in silico screening and small library synthesis, a seriesof 2-alkyl-3-aryl-3-alkoxyisoindolinones has been identified as inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 interaction.Two of the most potent compounds, 2-benzyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(3-hydroxypropoxy)-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-one (
76; IC
50 = 15.9 ± 0.8
![](/images/entities/mgr.gif)
M) and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzyloxy)-2-propyl-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-one (
79; IC
50 = 5.3 ± 0.9
![](/images/entities/mgr.gif)
M), induced p53-dependent gene transcription, in a dose-dependent manner, in the MDM2 amplified, SJSA human sarcoma cell line.