WAY-255348 is a potent nonsteroidal progesterone receptor (PR) antagonist. WAY-255348 inhibits the activity of progesterone. WAY-255348 achieves antagonist activity by binding to and subsequently preventing progesterone-induced nuclear accumulation, phosphorylation and promoter interactions of the PR. WAY-255348 bound PR conformation was similar to that of a progesterone agonist-bound PR and distinct from steroidal antagonist-bound PR conformations. WAY-255348 inhibits PR action through a novel molecular mechanism that is distinct from previously studied PR modulators and may be a useful tool to further understanding of PR signaling pathways.
