Targeting Matrix Metalloproteinases: Exploring the Dynamics of the S1' Pocket in the Design of Selective, Small Molecule Inhibitors

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important targets for pathological conditions such as arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. The failure of the first broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors in clinical trials has led researchers to address the selectivity as one of their main objectives. The S1' pocket has been widely used to modulate the selectivity of these enzymes because it displays the highest variability in length and shape among MMPs. In this review, we encourage medicinal chemists to also consider the dynamics of this pocket as an important parameter to achieve the desired selectivity. To support this proposal, we collect examples from the literature where the flexibility of the S1' pocket was highlighted as a relevant and significant issue affecting selectivity. We also review the experimental studies on the dynamics of this pocket.