Synthesis and evaluation of 2′H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,3′-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine]-1′,5′-dione derivatives as Mnk inhibitors

Post-translational modulation of eIF4E through phosphorylation by Mnks is highly integral to the pathogenesis of different cancers. Therefore, inhibition of Mnks offers a strategy for cancer treatment. Herein, a series of 2'H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,3'-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine]-1',5'-dione derivatives is presented as Mnk inhibitors. Some of them showed sub-micromolar to low nanomolar inhibitory activities against Mnk1/2 with a high level of...