Discovery of Novel PTP1B Inhibitors Derived from the BH3 Domain of Proapoptotic Bcl-2 Proteins with Antidiabetic Potency

BH3 peptide analogues are generally believed to exhibit great potency as cancer therapeutics via targeting antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Here, we describe the synthesis and identification of a new class of palmitoylated peptide BH3 analogues derived from the core region (h1–h4) of BH3 domains of proapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and as alternative PTP1B inhibitors with antidiabetic potency in vitro and in vivo. PTP1B inhibitors are attractive for treatment of type 2 diabetes. We design the analogues using a simple lipidation approach and discovered novel lead analogues with promising antidiabetic potency in vitro and in vivo. The results presented here expanded the alternative target and function for the BH3 peptide analogues from one member Bim to other members of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and emphasize their therapeutic potential in T2DM. Furthermore, our findings may provide new proof of the regulatory function of Bcl-2 family proteins in mitochondrial nutrient and energy metabolism.