How Different Substitution Positions of F, Cl Atoms in Benzene Ring of 5-Methylpyrimidine Pyridine Derivatives Affect the Inhibition Ability of EGFR(L858R/T790M/C797S) Inhibitors: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and mutations in the kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are a common cause of non-small-cell lung cancers, which is a major subtype of lung cancers. Recently, a series of 5-methylpyrimidine-pyridinone derivatives have been designed and synthesized as novel selective inhibitors of EGFR and EGFR mutants. However, the binding-based inhibition mechanism has not yet been determined. In this study, we carried out molecular dynamic simulations and free-energy calculations for EGFR derivatives to fill this gap. Based on the investigation, the three factors that influence the inhibitory effect of inhibitors are as follows: (1) The substitution site of the Cl atom is the main factor influencing the activity through steric effect; (2) The secondary factors are repulsion between the F atom (present in the inhibitor) and Glu762, and the blocking effect of Lys745 on the phenyl ring of the inhibitor. (3) The two factors function synergistically to influence the inhibitory capacity of the inhibitor. The theoretical results of this study can provide further insights that will aid the design of oncogenic EGFR inhibitors with high selectivity.