Plk1-targeted small molecule inhibitors: molecular basis for their potency and specificity

Members of polo-like kinases (collectively, Plks) have been identified in various eukaryotic organisms and play pivotal roles in cell proliferation. They are characterized by the presence of a distinct region of homology in the C-terminal noncatalytic domain, called polo-box domain (PBD). Among them, Plk1 and its functional homologs in other organisms have been best characterized because of its strong association with tumorigenesis. Plk1 is overexpressed in a wide spectrum of cancers in humans, and is thought to be an attractive anti-cancer drug target. Plk1 offers, within one molecule, two functionally different drug targets with distinct properties-the N-terminal catalytic domain and the C-terminal PBD essential for targeting the catalytic activity of Plk1 to specific subcellular locations. In this review, we focused on discussing the recent development of small-molecule and phosphopeptide inhibitors for their potency and specificity against Plk1. Our effort in understanding the binding mode of various inhibitors to Plk1 PBD are also presented.

Evaluations of substrate specificity and inhibition at PR/p3 cleavage site of HTLV-1 protease

Core sequences necessary for substrate recognition and its inhibition at the PR/p3 site of HTLV-1 protease were clarified for the first time. From the cleavage rates of peptides containing a part of the PR/p3 site, a heptapeptide was found to be the minimal sequence required for substrate recognition. The use of synthetic inhibitors containing hydroxyethylamine dipeptide isostere indicated that a tetrapeptide sequence was necessary to achieve potent inhibition.

Solid-Phase Syntheses of Olefin-Containing Inhibitors for HTLV-1 Protease Using the Horner−Emmons Reaction

[reaction: see text] The solid-phase Horner-Emmons reaction was successfully applied for the convenient syntheses of olefin-containing protease inhibitors. The isomerization during the solid-phase Horner-Emmons reaction can be minimized simply by the use of an appropriate amount of the base. The synthesized olefin peptides, which have an olefin gamma-amino acid at the scissile site, were found to act as effective inhibitors for the HTLV-1 protease for the first time.

Retinal haemorrhage in vivax malaria

Retinal haemorrhage is often observed in patients with Plasmodium falciparum, especially when combined with cerebral malaria. However, few cases of retinopathy have been reported in P. vivax malaria. Benign tertian malaria has re-emerged among soldiers in the South Korean demilitarized zone since 1993. We report an indigenous case of retinal haemorrhage caused by P. vivax and review the relevant literature.