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Published on: January 22, 2019
Protein kinase C inhibitors as novel anticancer drugs
1Laboratoire Chimie Organique II/UMR 5622, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1; Bat. 308-CPE, 3 Rue Victor Grignard, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France. goekjian@univ-lyon1.fr
Abstract:
The role of PKC isoforms in signal transduction pathways involved in regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, differentiation, invasiveness, senescence and drug efflux are reviewed, along with the clinical results on the current crop of PKC inhibitors, including midostaurin (PKC-412, CGP 41251, N -benzoylstaurosporine), UCN-01 (7-hydroxystaurosporine), bryostatin 1, perifosine, ilmofosine, Ro 31-8220, Ro 32-0432, GO 6976, ISIS-3521 (CGP 64128A) and the macrocyclic bis (indolyl) maleimides (LY-333531, LY-379196, LY-317615). An appreciation of the complex, often contradictory roles of PKC isoforms in signal transduction pathways involved in cancer is important for interpreting the clinical results observed with PKC inhibitors of varying selectivity. An antisense oligonucleotide, ISIS-3521 and two orally available small molecule inhibitors, LY 333531 and midostaurin, have now advanced to latter stage development for cancer and/or other indications. These compounds have varying levels of selectivity for the PKC isoforms and for the kinase and initial safety and early clinical efficacy have been encouraging. At this stage, the potential of PKC inhibition for the treatment of cancer has not been fully realised. The concurrent inhibition of multiple PKC isoforms may yet provide an improved clinical outcome in treating cancers in view of the complex interrelated roles of the PKC isoforms.
Insights
Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors show promise for cancer treatment, with several advancing to late-stage development. Further research into concurrent inhibition of multiple PKC isoforms may improve clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms play complex roles in cancer-related signaling pathways, including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and drug efflux.
- Understanding these intricate roles is crucial for interpreting clinical data from PKC inhibitors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PKC isoforms in cancer signaling.
- To analyze the clinical results of various PKC inhibitors.
- To assess the potential of PKC inhibition as a cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on PKC isoforms and their functions in cancer.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for selected PKC inhibitors, including midostaurin, UCN-01, and others.
- Evaluation of inhibitor selectivity for PKC isoforms and kinases.
Main Results:
- Several PKC inhibitors, such as midostaurin and LY 333531, have reached later stages of clinical development.
- Initial safety and efficacy data for these inhibitors are encouraging.
- PKC inhibitors exhibit varying selectivity profiles for different PKC isoforms and kinases.
Conclusions:
- The full therapeutic potential of PKC inhibition in cancer treatment is yet to be realized.
- Targeting multiple PKC isoforms concurrently may offer improved clinical benefits due to their interconnected roles.
- Further investigation into selective and multi-isoform PKC inhibitors is warranted.
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