Synthesis and biological evaluation of new tetrahydro-beta-carbolines as inhibitors of the mitotic kinesin Eg5

Bioorg Med Chem. 2005 Nov 15;13(22):6094-111. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2005.06.027. Epub 2005 Aug 3.

Abstract

The mitotic kinesin Eg5 (or KSP) is a crucial player in the development and function of the mitotic spindle. Inhibition of this protein leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis without interfering with other microtubule-dependent processes. Therefore, it is a potential target in cancer therapy. Here, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a small library of molecules based on the structure of the known Eg5 inhibitor HR22C16. One of these derivatives (compound trans-24) proved to be a potent and specific Eg5 inhibitor.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carbolines / chemical synthesis*
  • Carbolines / chemistry
  • Carbolines / pharmacology*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Indoles / chemistry
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Kinesins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Kinesins / genetics
  • Mitosis / drug effects*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neurotoxins / chemical synthesis
  • Neurotoxins / pharmacology
  • Phenols / chemistry
  • Xenopus Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Xenopus Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Carbolines
  • HR22C16
  • Indoles
  • KIF11 protein, Xenopus
  • Neurotoxins
  • Phenols
  • Xenopus Proteins
  • tryptoline
  • Kinesins