Investigations on the mechanism of action of the novel antitumor agents 2-benzothiazolyl, 2-benzoxazolyl, and 2-benzimidazolyl hydrazones derived from 2-acetylpyridine.

2-Acetylpyridine hydrazone derivatives of benzothiazole, benzoxazole, and benzimidazole were found to exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against the growth of suspended leukemia and lymphomas. They were also active in a number of solid tumor screens, e.g. HeLa uterine carcinoma, SOS bone osteosarcoma, lung MB9812, lung A549, Mcf-7 breast growth. In L1210 lymphoid leukemia cells the compounds preferentially inhibited RNA synthesis followed by DNA synthesis at 100 microM after 60 min. The reduction of de novo purine synthesis by the compounds at the regulatory sites PRPP-amido transferase, IMP dehydrogenase and dihydrofolate reductase was responsible for the suppression of nucleic synthesis. Other minor sites where the agents have metabolic effects were thymidylate synthetase and thymidine kinase which would be additive with the overall inhibition of cell growth. The ct-DNA studies suggest that the compounds also interacted with the DNA molecule itself, probably affecting template activity.

Potent inhibitors of the MAP kinase p38.

The MAP kinase p38 plays a key role in the biosynthesis of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1. We have developed a novel series of potent p38 inhibitors that could lead to new methods of treatment for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

The development of novel and selective p56lck tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Early T-cell receptor mediated signal transduction involves the activation of several tyrosine protein kinases. One of these tyrosine kinases, p56lck, is expressed primarily in T-cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells and has been shown to be critical for their proliferative and effector functions. Indandiones have been identified as a potent and selective chemical class that inhibits p56lck.