Crystal structure of pyridoxal kinase in complex with roscovitine and derivatives

Pyridoxal kinase (PDXK) catalyzes the phosphorylation of pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxine in the presence of ATP and Zn2+. This constitutes an essential step in the synthesis of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6, a cofactor for over 140 enzymes. (R)-Roscovitine (CYC202, Seliciclib) is a relatively selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), currently evaluated for the treatment of cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, renal diseases, and several viral infections. Affinity chromatography investigations have shown that (R)-roscovitine also interacts with PDXK. To understand this interaction, we determined the crystal structure of PDXK in complex with (R)-roscovitine, N6-methyl-(R)-roscovitine, and O6-(R)-roscovitine, the two latter derivatives being designed to bind to PDXK but not to CDKs. Structural analysis revealed that these three roscovitines bind similarly in the pyridoxal-binding site of PDXK rather than in the anticipated ATP-binding site. The pyridoxal pocket has thus an unexpected ability to accommodate molecules different from and larger than pyridoxal. This work provides detailed structural information on the interactions between PDXK and roscovitine and analogs. It could also aid in the design of roscovitine derivatives displaying strict selectivity for either PDXK or CDKs.

Roscovitine targets, protein kinases and pyridoxal kinase

(R)-Roscovitine (CYC202) is often referred to as a "selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases." Besides its use as a biological tool in cell cycle, neuronal functions, and apoptosis studies, it is currently evaluated as a potential drug to treat cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, viral infections, and glomerulonephritis. We have investigated the selectivity of (R)-roscovitine using three different methods: 1) testing on a wide panel of purified kinases that, along with previously published data, now reaches 151 kinases; 2) identifying roscovitine-binding proteins from various tissue and cell types following their affinity chromatography purification on immobilized roscovitine; 3) investigating the effects of roscovitine on cells deprived of one of its targets, CDK2. Altogether, the results show that (R)-roscovitine is rather selective for CDKs, in fact most kinases are not affected. However, it binds an unexpected, non-protein kinase target, pyridoxal kinase, the enzyme responsible for phosphorylation and activation of vitamin B6. These results could help in interpreting the cellular actions of (R)-roscovitine but also in guiding the synthesis of more selective roscovitine analogs.

Structure-aided optimization of kinase inhibitors derived from alsterpaullone

In order to perform computer-aided design of novel alsterpaullone derivatives, the vicinity of the entrance to the ATP-binding site was scanned for areas that could be useful as anchoring points for additional protein-ligand interactions. Based on the alignment of alsterpaullone in a CDK1/cyclin B homology model, substituents were attached to the 2-position of the parent scaffold to enable contacts within the identified areas. Synthesis of the designed structures revealed three derivatives (3-5) with kinase-inhibitory activity similar to alsterpaullone. The novel 2-cyanoethylalsterpaullone (7) proved to be the most potent paullone described so far, exhibiting inhibitory concentrations for CDK1/ cyclin B and GSK-3beta in the picomolar range.

Degradation of Hof1 by SCF(Grr1) is important for actomyosin contraction during cytokinesis in yeast

SCF-type (SCF: Skp1-Cullin-F-box protein complex) E3 ligases regulate ubiquitin-dependent degradation of many cell cycle regulators, mainly at the G1/S transition. Here, we show that SCF(Grr1) functions during cytokinesis by degrading the PCH protein Hof1. While Hof1 is required early in mitosis to assemble a functional actomyosin ring, it is specifically degraded late in mitosis and remains unstable during the entire G1 phase of the cell cycle. Degradation of Hof1 depends on its PEST motif and a functional 26S proteasome. Interestingly, degradation of Hof1 is independent of APC(Cdh1), but instead requires the SCF(Grr1) E3 ligase. Grr1 is recruited to the mother-bud neck region after activation of the mitotic-exit network, and interacts with Hof1 in a PEST motif-dependent manner. Our results also show that downregulation of Hof1 at the end of mitosis is necessary to allow efficient contraction of the actomyosin ring and cell separation during cytokinesis. SCF(Grr1)-mediated degradation of Hof1 may thus represent a novel mechanism to couple exit from mitosis with initiation of cytokinesis.

Mechanism of CDK5/p25 binding by CDK inhibitors

The cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6 are serine/threonine protein kinases targeted in cancer therapy due to their role in cell cycle progression. The postmitotic CDK5 is involved in biological pathways important for neuronal migration and differentiation. CDK5 represents an attractive pharmacological target as its deregulation is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Niemann-Pick type C diseases, ischemia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We have generated an improved crystal form of CDK5 in complex with p25, a segment of the p35 neuronal activator. The crystals were used to solve the structure of CDK5/p25 with (R)-roscovitine and aloisine at a resolution of 2.2 and 2.3 A, respectively. The structure of CDK5/p25/roscovitine provides a rationale for the preference of CDK5 for the R over the S stereoisomer. Furthermore, roscovitine stabilized an unusual collapsed conformation of the glycine-rich loop, an important site of CDK regulation, and we report an investigation of the effects of glycine-rich loop phosphorylation on roscovitine binding. The CDK5/p25 crystals represent a valuable new tool for the identification and optimization of selective CDK inhibitors.

Crystal structure of a human cyclin-dependent kinase 6 complex with a flavonol inhibitor, fisetin

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play a central role in cell cycle control, apoptosis, transcription, and neuronal functions. They are important targets for the design of drugs with antimitotic or antineurodegenerative effects. CDK4 and CDK6 form a subfamily among the CDKs in mammalian cells, as defined by sequence similarities. Compared to CDK2 and CDK5, structural information on CDK4 and CDK6 is sparse. We describe here the crystal structure of human CDK6 in complex with a viral cyclin and a flavonol inhibitor, fisetin. Fisetin binds to the active form of CDK6, forming hydrogen bonds with the side chains of residues in the binding pocket that undergo large conformational changes during CDK activation by cyclin binding. The 4-keto group and the 3-hydroxyl group of fisetin are hydrogen bonded with the backbone in the hinge region between the N-terminal and C-terminal kinase domain, as has been observed for many CDK inhibitors. However, CDK2 and HCK kinase in complex with other flavone inhibitors such as quercetin and flavopiridol showed a different binding mode with the inhibitor rotated by about 180 degrees. The structural information of the CDK6-fisetin complex is correlated with the binding affinities of different flavone inhibitors for CDK6. This complex structure is the first description of an inhibitor complex with a kinase from the CDK4/6 subfamily and can provide a basis for selecting and designing inhibitor compounds with higher affinities and specificities.

Synthesis and anticancer activity of new pyrrolocarbazoles and pyrrolo-β-carbolines

'Bended' 1, 3 or 'linear' 2 pyrrolidino-fused (aza)carbazoles were prepared and screened towards a few cancer-related targets. Whereas 'bended' derivatives 1 and 3 proved to be weakly toxic, several members of the 'linear' family strongly interact with DNA, especially derivative 28a.

Pharmacological inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase 3

Three closely related forms of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3alpha, GSK-3beta and GSK-3beta2) have a major role in Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways and regulate the cell-division cycle, stem-cell renewal and differentiation, apoptosis, circadian rhythm, transcription and insulin action. A large body of evidence supports speculation that pharmacological inhibitors of GSK-3 could be used to treat several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, bipolar affective disorder, diabetes, and diseases caused by unicellular parasites that express GSK-3 homologues. The toxicity, associated side-effects and concerns regarding the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of these inhibitors affect their clinical potential. More than 30 inhibitors of GSK-3 have been identified. Seven of these have been co-crystallized with GSK-3beta and all localize within the ATP-binding pocket of the enzyme. GSK-3, as part of a multi-protein complex that contains proteins such as axin, presenilin and beta-catenin, contains many additional target sites for specific modulation of its activity.

Novel CDK inhibition profiles of structurally varied 1-aza-9-oxafluorenes

A series of 1-aza-9-oxafluorenes with functionally varied 3-substituents have been prepared from N-phenoxycarbonyl-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridines and p-benzoquinone and biologically evaluated as inhibitors of various cyclin-dependant kinases. The absence of a 3-hydrogen bond acceptor function leads to a complete loss of inhibitory activity. Differing hydrogen bond acceptor functions surprisingly cause significant shifts in the selectivity of inhibition profiles.

Chemical inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases

Transient activation o f cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) is responsible for transition through the successive phases of the cell-division cycle. Major changes in the expression and regulation of CDKs have been described in human tumours. Enzymatic screening is starting to uncover chemical inhibitors o f CDKs that arrest the cell cycle at various steps. This review summarizes our knowledge of the first generation inhibitors, their molecular mechanisms of action and their effects on the cell cycle and apoptosis, and discusses their potential as synchronizing agents, as ligands for affinity chromatography and as therapeutic agents.

Biosynthesis of New Indigoid Inhibitors of Protein Kinases Using Recombinant Cytochrome P450 2A6

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a potential drug target for a number of human diseases. Some indigoids have been found to be potent inhibitors of GSK-3, and individual compounds with better activity, specificity, and solubility are desired. In this work, a new disubstituted indigoid generation system was developed with a tryptophanase-deficient Escherichia coli strain as a host to express the human cytochrome P450 2A6 mutant L240C/N297Q, which catalyzes the oxidation of indole to isatin and indoxyl, which in turn react to generate indigoids. Forty-five substituted 1H-indoles from commercial sources were used as substrates in the system, and indigoid mixtures were tested as potential inhibitors of GSK-3. After preliminary screening, cell extracts with high inhibitory activity towards GSK-3alpha/beta were fractionated, and the IC50 values of twelve individual indigoids were measured for GSK-3alpha/beta as well as the protein kinases CDK1/cyclinB and CDK5/p25. Several indigoids, including an indigo, showed stronger inhibition than found in previous work. The most potent towards GSK-3alpha/beta, dimethyl indirubin 5,5'-dicarboxylate (IC50 of 51 nM), was modified by chemical reactions. One product, indirubin 5,5'-dicarboxylic acid 5-methyl ester, inhibited GSK-3alpha/beta with an IC50 of 14 nM and selectivity nearly 40-fold over CDK1 and CDK5. Indirubin-5-5'-dicarbonitrile was also modified to the corresponding 3'-oxime, which had low specificity but showed very high inhibition of all three kinases with IC50 values of 5, 13, and 10 nM towards GSK-3alpha/beta, CDK1, and CDK5, respectively. Thus, this system has the potential to generate new indigoids with therapeutic potential.

CDK1-inhibitory activity of paullones depends on electronic properties of 9-substituents

Multiple linear regression analysis was employed in an effort to establish a quantitative structure-activity relationship model for the CDK1-inhibitory activity of a series of 9-substituted paullones. While the electronic properties of the 9-substituents proved to be of high relevance for CDK1 inhibition, both lipophilic and a steric parameters could not be included in a meaningful equation for the calculation of biological properties. The equation solely based on the electronic parameter was successfully used for the prediction of the CDK1-inhibitory activity of a small test set comprising novel paullones with sulfur-containing 9-substituents. Among these new derivatives, 2-methoxy-9-methylsulfonylpaullone proved to be superior to the standard alsterpaullone with respect to CDK1 inhibition.

Expression profiling in laser-microdissected hippocampal subregions in rat brain reveals large subregion-specific differences in expression

Expression profiling in the hippocampus is hampered by its cellular heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using laser-microdissected hippocampal subregions for expression profiling to improve detection of transcripts with a subregion-specific expression. Cornu ammonis (CA)3 and dentate gyrus (DG) subregions were isolated from rat brain slices using laser microdissection, subjected to two rounds of linear amplification and hybridized to rat GeneChips containing approximately 8000 transcripts (RG_U34A; Affymetrix). Analysis of the data using significance analysis of microarrays revealed 724 genes with a significant difference in expression between CA3 and DG with a false discovery rate of 2.1%, of which 264 had higher expression in DG and 460 in CA3. Several transcripts with known differential expression between the subregions were included in the dataset, as well as numerous novel mRNAs and expressed sequence tags. Sorting of the differentially expressed genes according to gene ontology classification revealed that genes involved in glycolysis and general metabolism, neurogenesis and cell adhesion were consistently expressed at higher levels in CA3. Conversely, a large cluster of genes involved in protein biosynthesis were expressed at higher levels in DG. In situ hybridization was used to validate differential expression of a selection of genes. The results of this study demonstrate that the combination of laser microdissection and GeneChip technology is both technically feasible and very promising. Besides providing an extensive inventory of genes showing differential expression between CA3 and DG, this study supports the idea that profiling in hippocampal subregions should improve detection of genes with a subregion-specific expression or regulation.

1-Azakenpaullone is a selective inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta

Kenpaullone derivatives with a modified parent ring system were synthesized in order to develop kinase inhibitors with enhanced selectivity. Among the novel structures, 1-azakenpaullone was found to act as a selective GSK-3beta versus CDK1 inhibitor. The charge distribution within the 1-azakenpaullone molecule is discussed as a possible explanation for the enhanced GSK-3beta selectivity of 1-azakenpaullone compared to other paullone derivatives.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor indirubin-3′-oxime selectively inhibits human papillomavirus type 16 E7-induced numerical centrosome anomalies

Dysregulation of the centrosome duplication cycle has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Our previous work has shown that the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E7 oncoprotein rapidly induces aberrant centrosome and centriole duplication in normal human cells. We report here that HPV E7-induced abnormal centriole duplication is specifically abrogated by a small molecule CDK inhibitor, indirubin-3'-oxime (IO), but not a kinase-inactive derivative. Importantly, normal centriole duplication was not markedly affected by IO, and the inhibitory effects were observed at concentrations that did not affect the G1/S transition of the cell division cycle. Depletion of CDK2 by siRNA similarly abrogated HPV E7-induced abnormal centrosome duplication and ectopic expression of CDK2 in combination with cyclin E or cyclin A could rescue the inhibitory effect of IO. IO treatment also reduced the steady-state level of aneuploid cells in HPV-16 E7-expressing cell populations. Our results suggest that cyclin/CDK2 activity is critically involved in abnormal centrosome duplication induced by HPV-16 E7 oncoprotein expression, but may be dispensable for normal centrosome duplication and cell cycle progression.

GSK-3-selective inhibitors derived from Tyrian purple indirubins

Gastropod mollusks have been used for over 2500 years to produce the "Tyrian purple" dye made famous by the Phoenicians. This dye is constituted of mixed bromine-substituted indigo and indirubin isomers. Among these, the new natural product 6-bromoindirubin and its synthetic, cell-permeable derivative, 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO), display remarkable selective inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). Cocrystal structure of GSK-3beta/BIO and CDK5/p25/indirubin-3'-oxime were resolved, providing a detailed view of indirubins' interactions within the ATP binding pocket of these kinases. BIO but not 1-methyl-BIO, its kinase inactive analog, also inhibited the phosphorylation on Tyr276/216, a GSK-3alpha/beta activation site. BIO but not 1-methyl-BIO reduced beta-catenin phosphorylation on a GSK-3-specific site in cellular models. BIO but not 1-methyl-BIO closely mimicked Wnt signaling in Xenopus embryos. 6-bromoindirubins thus provide a new scaffold for the development of selective and potent pharmacological inhibitors of GSK-3.

Inhibitors of Leishmania mexicana CRK3 cyclin-dependent kinase: chemical library screen and antileishmanial activity

The CRK3 cyclin-dependent kinase of Leishmania has been shown by genetic manipulation of the parasite to be essential for proliferation. We present data which demonstrate that chemical inhibition of CRK3 impairs the parasite's viability within macrophages, thus further validating CRK3 as a potential drug target. A microtiter plate-based histone H1 kinase assay was developed to screen CRK3 against a chemical library enriched for protein kinase inhibitors. Twenty-seven potent CRK3 inhibitors were discovered and screened against Leishmania donovani amastigotes in vitro. Sixteen of the CRK3 inhibitors displayed antileishmanial activity, with a 50% effective dose (ED50) of less than 10 microM. These compounds fell into four chemical classes: the 2,6,9-trisubstituted purines, including the C-2-alkynylated purines; the indirubins; the paullones; and derivatives of the nonspecific kinase inhibitor staurosporine. The paullones and staurosporine derivatives were toxic to macrophages. The 2,6,9-trisubstituted purines inhibited CRK3 in vitro, with 50% inhibitory concentrations ranging from high nanomolar to low micromolar concentrations. The most potent inhibitors of CRK3 (compounds 98/516 and 97/344) belonged to the indirubin class; the 50% inhibitory concentrations for these inhibitors were 16 and 47 nM, respectively, and the ED50s for these inhibitors were 5.8 and 7.6 microM, respectively. In culture, the indirubins caused growth arrest, a change in DNA content, and aberrant cell types, all consistent with the intracellular inhibition of a cyclin-dependent kinase and disruption of cell cycle control. Thus, use of chemical inhibitors supports genetic studies to confirm CRK3 as a validated drug target in Leishmania and provides pharmacophores for further drug development.

Expression and activity of cyclin-dependent kinases and glycogen synthase kinase-3 during NT2 neuronal differentiation

In the presence of retinoic acid undifferentiated NT2 cells turn into terminally differentiated hNT (or NT2N) neurons within 5 weeks. We have used this in vitro cellular model to investigate the changes in expression and activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) during this neuronal differentiation process. We here show that CDK1/2 protein level and kinase activity sharply decrease during the NT2-->hNT transition. In contrast, the activity of CDK5/p35 dramatically increases, probably as a result of an enhanced expression of p35 in a stable CDK5 level background. GSK-3 activity increases modestly during the differentiation of hNT cells, and this event correlates with enhanced expression of each of the three GSK-3 isoforms. Pharmacological inhibitors of CDKs and GSK-3 lead to a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability.

Independent actions on cyclin-dependent kinases and aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediate the antiproliferative effects of indirubins

Indirubin, a bis-indole obtained from various natural sources, is responsible for the reported antileukemia activity of a Chinese Medicinal recipe, Danggui Longhui Wan. However, its molecular mechanism of action is still not well understood. In addition to inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases and glycogen synthase kinase-3, indirubins have been reported to activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a cotranscriptional factor. Here, we confirm the interaction of AhR and indirubin using a series of indirubin derivatives and show that their binding modes to AhR and to protein kinases are unrelated. As reported for other AhR ligands, binding of indirubins to AhR leads to its nuclear translocation. Furthermore, the apparent survival of AhR-/- and +/+ cells, as measured by the MTT assay, is equally sensitive to the kinase-inhibiting indirubins. Thus, the cytotoxic effects of indirubins are AhR-independent and more likely to be linked to protein kinase inhibition. In contrast, a dramatic cytostatic effect, as measured by actual cell counts and associated with a sharp G1 phase arrest, is induced by 1-methyl-indirubins, a subfamily of AhR-active but kinase-inactive indirubins. As shown for TCDD (dioxin), this effect appears to be mediated through the AhR-dependent expression of p27(KIP1). Altogether these results suggest that AhR activation, rather than kinase inhibition, is responsible for the cytostatic effects of some indirubins. In contrast, kinase inhibition, rather than AhR activation, represents the main mechanism underlying the cytotoxic properties of this class of promising antitumor molecules.

Plasmodium falciparum glycogen synthase kinase-3: molecular model, expression, intracellular localisation and selective inhibitors

Worldwide increasing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to common anti-malaria agents calls for the urgent identification of new drugs. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) represents a potential screening target for the identification of such new compounds. We have cloned PfGSK-3, the P. falciparum gene homologue of GSK-3 beta. It encodes a 452-amino-acid, 53-kDa protein with an unusual N-terminal extension but a well-conserved catalytic domain. A PfGSK-3 tridimensional homology model was generated on the basis of the recently crystallised human GSK-3 beta. It illustrates how the regions involved in the active site, in substrate binding (P+4 phosphate binding domain) and in activity regulation are highly conserved. Recombinant PfGSK-3 phosphorylates GS-1, a GSK-3-specific peptide substrate, glycogen synthase, recombinant axin and the microtubule-binding protein tau. Neither native nor recombinant PfGSK-3 binds to axin. Expression and intracellular localisation of PfGSK-3 were investigated in the erythrocytic stages. Although PfGSK-3 mRNA is present in similar amounts at all stages, the PfGSK-3 protein is predominantly expressed at the early trophozoite stage. Once synthesized, PfGSK-3 is rapidly transported to the erythrocyte cytoplasm where it associates with vesicle-like structures. The physiological functions of PfGSK-3 for the parasite remain to be elucidated. A series of GSK-3 beta inhibitors were tested on both PfGSK-3 and mammalian GSK-3beta. Remarkably these enzymes show a partially divergent sensitivity to the compounds, suggesting that PfGSK-3 selective compounds might be identified.

Generation of New Protein Kinase Inhibitors Utilizing Cytochrome P450 Mutant Enzymes for Indigoid Synthesis

Indigoids, a class of bis-indoles, represent a promising protein kinase inhibitor scaffold. Oxidation of indole by cytochrome P450 (P450) has been shown to generate species (indoxyl, isatin) that couple to yield indigo and indirubin. Escherichia coli-expressed human P450 2A6 mutants isolated from a randomized library were incubated with 27 substituted indole derivatives. Extracts of the cultures were screened for inhibition of human cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK)-1 and -5 and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). The extracts from cultures incubated with 5-methoxyindole were the most inhibitory. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation yielded a mixture of seven colored indigoids. These indigoids included indigo, indirubin, the di(5-methoxy) derivatives of indigo and indirubin, and both of the possible mono 5-methoxy derivatives of indirubin, which were all identified by visible, mass, and NMR spectra. Cultures with 5-methylindole added to the media also yielded inhibitory material, and 5- and 5'-methylindirubin were characterized. The most inhibitory of these indigoids were the monosubstituted indirubins and 5,5'-dimethoxyindirubin, which was > or =10x more active than indirubin. Thus, the overall approach involves the use of a library of randomized enzyme mutants to activate component moieties of a desired set of larger molecules, thus yielding a library of drug candidates that can be screened and characterized. The general strategy may have additional applications.

Structural basis for the synthesis of indirubins as potent and selective inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 and cyclin-dependent kinases

Pharmacological inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and cyclin-dependent kinases have a promising potential for applications against several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Indirubins, a family of bis-indoles isolated from various natural sources, are potent inhibitors of several kinases, including GSK-3. Using the cocrystal structures of various indirubins with GSK-3beta, CDK2 and CDK5/p25, we have modeled the binding of indirubins within the ATP-binding pocket of these kinases. This modeling approach provided some insight into the molecular basis of indirubins' action and selectivity and allowed us to forecast some improvements of this family of bis-indoles as kinase inhibitors. Predicted molecules, including 6-substituted and 5,6-disubstituted indirubins, were synthesized and evaluated as CDK and GSK-3 inhibitors. Control, kinase-inactive indirubins were obtained by introduction of a methyl substitution on N1.

Meridianins, a new family of protein kinase inhibitors isolated from the Ascidian Aplidium meridianum

Meridianins are brominated 3-(2-aminopyrimidine)-indoles which are purified from Aplidium meridianum, an Ascidian from the South Atlantic (South Georgia Islands). We here show that meridianins inhibit various protein kinases such as cyclin-dependent kinases, glycogen synthase kinase-3, cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinases and casein kinase 1. Meridianins prevent cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, a demonstration of their ability to enter cells and to interfere with the activity of kinases important for cell division and cell death. These results suggest that meridianins constitute a promising scaffold from which more potent and selective protein kinase inhibitors could be designed.