AK37: The first pyridoacridine described capable of stabilizing the topoisomerase I cleavable complex

Kathryn M. Marshall, Joseph A. Holden, Avi Koller, Yoel Kashman, Brent R. Copp, Louis R. Barrows*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pyridoacridines are marine natural products that contain planar structures. Almost all are cytotoxic and capable of DNA intercalation. Several pyridoacridines have demonstrated anti-cancer activity, being able to generate reactive oxygen species or to inhibit topoisomerase (Topo) II. Synthetic pyridoacridines were characterized and compared to other pyridoacridines as well as the Topo-inhibiting drugs (etoposide, 9-aminocamptothecin and wakayin) in a series of in vitro enzyme systems. We found AK37 was able to stabilize a DNA-Topo I cleavable complex, but not a DNA-Topo II cleavable complex. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a DNA-Topo I cleavable complex stabilizing pyridoacridine. Structure comparison studies demonstrated that this activity was lost when an extra 'F' ring was added, but activity was not affected when the 'D' ring was removed. AK37 inhibited the catalytic activity of both human Topo I and II.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)907-913
Number of pages7
JournalAnti-Cancer Drugs
Volume15
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2004

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Cancer InstituteR01CA036622

    Keywords

    • 9-aminocamptothecin
    • AK37
    • Cleavable complex
    • Pyridoacridine
    • Topoisomerase I
    • Wakayin

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