Design and synthesis of CK2 inhibitors.

A series of new polybrominated benzimidazoles and benzotriazoles has been synthesized and their influence on the activity of protein kinase CK2 was evaluated. It was revealed that the most active inhibitors are those with methyl or ethyl substituent at benzene ring, namely 5,6,7-tribromo-4-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (38, IC(50) 0.51 µM) and 5,6,7-tribromo-4-ethyl-1H-benzotriazole (40, IC(50) 0.16 µM). The derivatives with large aromatic or heterocyclic substituents connected to benzimidazole or benzotriazole scaffold appeared to be less potent inhibitors.