Abstract 4768: Design and development of selective sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors

Abstract

Abstract Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been recently implicated to play a vital role in regulating a variety of physiological and pathological processes including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and cell survival. S1P is produced endogenously by sphingosine kinases (SKs) and the balance of the levels of S1P, its precursor sphingosine, and ceramide, referred to as the “sphingosine rheostat,” is important for normal cellular functions. To date, two isoforms of SPKs have been reported, sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) and sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2). Many efforts have been invested to study the roles of SK1 and SK1 has been indicated in the regulation of cancer progression and development. However, much is still remain unknown for SK2 and current results of the function of SK2 are complex and controversial. This is also reflected in the development of SK inhibitors. Several potent selective SK1 inhibitors have been reported and tested as potential cancer treatment agents. However, no potent and selective SK2 inhibitors have been developed to date. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop SK2 selective inhibitors as pharmacological tools to help unravel the roles of SK2. Recently, we discovered that a series of thiazolidine-2,4-dione analogs selectively inhibit SK2 and one lead compound was identified to inhibit SK2 with sub-µM potency but no activity to SK1 with a concentration up to 10 µM. Herein, we will report the structure activity relationship (SAR) studies of this newly identified lead SK2 inhibitor to optimize its potency and selectivity towards SK2. Furthermore, these analogs will be biologically characterized in human leukemia U937 cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4768. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4768