An NBD Derivative of the Selective Rat Toxicant Norbormide as a New Probe for Living Cell Imaging.

Norbormide (NRB) is a unique compound that acts directly on rat vascular myocytes to trigger a contractile process, through an as yet unknown mechanism, which results in the selective contraction of rat peripheral arteries. To gain insight into the mechanisms involved in NRB rat-selective activity, we investigated the subcellular distribution of NRB-AF12, a nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)-derivative of NRB, in living NRB-sensitive and NRB-insensitive cells. In both cell types, NRB-AF12 localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosomes, and endosomes; however, in NRB-sensitive cells, the fluorescence also extended to the plasma membrane. NRB-AF12 was rapidly internalized into the cells, could easily be washed out and then reloaded back into the same cells, all with a high degree of reproducibility. Cells exposed for 24 h to NRB-AF12 did not show apparent signs of toxicity, even at concentrations of the dye (10 µM) much higher than those required for fluorescence labeling (500 ηM). The distribution pattern of NRB-AF12 fluorescence was near identical to that of ER-Tracker® (Er-Tr), a fluorescent derivative of glibenclamide, a known KATP channel blocker. Displacement tests did not demonstrate, but at the same time did not rule out the possibility of a common target for ER-Tr, NRB-AF12, NRB, and glibenclamide. On the basis of these results we hypothesize a common target site for NRB-AF12 and ER-Tr, and a similar target profile for NRB and glibenclamide, and propose NRB-AF12 as an alternative fluorescence probe to ER-Tracker. Furthermore, NRB-based fluorescence derivatives could be designed to selectively label single cellular structures.

Label-free fluorescence detection of kinase activity using a gold nanoparticle based indicator displacement assay.

A straightforward indicator-displacement assay (IDA) has been developed for the quantitative analysis of ATP→ADP conversion. The IDA relies on the use of gold nanoparticles passivated with a monolayer of thiols terminating with a 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN)·Zn(2+) head group. The analytes ATP and ADP compete to a different extent with a fluorescent probe for binding to the monolayer surface. In the presence of ATP the fluorescent probe is free in solution, whereas in the presence of ADP the fluorescent probe is captured by the nanoparticles and its fluorescence is quenched. The linear response of the fluorescence signal towards different ratios of ATP : ADP permitted the detection of protein kinase activity simply by adding aliquots of the enzyme solution to the assay solution followed by measurement of the fluorescent intensity. The assay poses no restrictions on the target kinase nor does it require labeling of the kinase substrate. The assay was tested on the protein kinases PIM-1 and Src and validated through a direct comparison with the classical radiometric assay using the [γ-(32)P]-labeled ATP.

Detection of phospho-sites generated by protein kinase CK2 in CFTR: mechanistic aspects of Thr1471 phosphorylation.

By mass spectrometry analysis of mouse Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane-conductance Regulator (mCFTR) expressed in yeast we have detected 21 phosphopeptides accounting for 22 potential phospho-residues, 12 of which could be unambiguously assigned. Most are conserved in human CFTR (hCFTR) and the majority cluster in the Regulatory Domain, lying within consensus sequences for PKA, as identified in previous mammalian studies. This validates our yeast expression model. A number of phospho-residues were novel and human conserved, notably mouse Ser670, Ser723, Ser737, and Thr1467, that all lie in acidic sequences, compatible with their phosphorylation by protein kinase CK2. Thr1467 is localized in the C-terminal tail, embedded in a functionally important and very acidic sequence (EETEEE) which displays an optimal consensus for protein kinase CK2. Herein, we show that Thr1467, homologous to human Thr1471 is readily phosphorylated by CK2. Indeed a 42 amino acid peptide encompassing the C-terminal segment of human CFTR is readily phosphorylated at Thr1471 with favorable kinetics (Km 1.7 µM) by CK2 holoenzyme, but neither by its isolated catalytic subunit nor by other acidophilic Ser/Thr kinases (CK1, PLK2/3, GCK/FAM20C). Our finding that by treating CFTR expressing BHK cells with the very specific CK2 inhibitor CX4945, newly synthesized wild type CFTR (and even more its Phe508del mutant) accumulates more abundantly than in the absence of CK2 inhibitor, supports the conclusion that phosphorylation of CFTR by CK2 correlates with decreased stability of the protein.

CFTR mutations altering CFTR fragmentation.

Most CF (cystic fibrosis) results from deletion of a phenylalanine (F508) in the CFTR {CF transmembrane-conductance regulator; ABCC7 [ABC (ATP-binding cassette) sub-family C member 7]} which causes ER (endoplasmic reticulum) degradation of the mutant. Using stably CFTR-expressing BHK (baby-hamster kidney) cell lines we demonstrated that wild-type CTFR and the F508delCFTR mutant are cleaved into differently sized N- and C-terminal-bearing fragments, with each hemi-CFTR carrying its nearest NBD (nucleotide-binding domain), reflecting differential cleavage through the central CFTR R-domain. Similar NBD1-bearing fragments are present in the natively expressing HBE (human bronchial epithelial) cell line. We also observe multiple smaller fragments of different sizes in BHK cells, particularly after F508del mutation (ladder pattern). Trapping wild-type CFTR in the ER did not generate a F508del fragmentation fingerprint. Fragments change their size/pattern again post-mutation at sites involved in CFTR's in vitro interaction with the pleiotropic protein kinase CK2 (S511A in NBD1). The F508del and S511A mutations generate different fragmentation fingerprints that are each unlike the wild-type; yet, both mutants generate new N-terminal-bearing CFTR fragments that are not observed with other CK2-related mutations (S511D, S422A/D and T1471A/D). We conclude that the F508delCFTR mutant is not degraded completely and there exists a relationship between CFTR's fragmentation fingerprint and the CFTR sequence through putative CK2-interactive sites that lie near F508.

Structural features underlying the selectivity of the kinase inhibitors NBC and dNBC: role of a nitro group that discriminates between CK2 and DYRK1A.

8-hydroxy-4-methyl-9-nitrobenzo(g)chromen-2-one (NBC) has been found to be a fairly potent ATP site-directed inhibitor of protein kinase CK2 (Ki = 0.22 µM). Here, we show that NBC also inhibits PIM kinases, especially PIM1 and PIM3, the latter as potently as CK2. Upon removal of the nitro group, to give 8-hydroxy-4-methyl-benzo(g)chromen-2-one (here referred to as "denitro NBC", dNBC), the inhibitory power toward CK2 is almost entirely lost (IC(50) > 30 µM) whereas that toward PIM1 and PIM3 is maintained; in addition, dNBC is a potent inhibitor of a number of other kinases that are weakly inhibited or unaffected by NBC, with special reference to DYRK1A whose IC(50) values with NBC and dNBC are 15 and 0.60 µM, respectively. Therefore, the observation that NBC, unlike dNBC, is a potent inducer of apoptosis is consistent with the notion that this effect is mediated by inhibition of endogenous CK2. The structural features underlying NBC selectivity have been revealed by inspecting its 3D structure in complex with the catalytic subunit of Z. mays CK2. The crucial role of the nitro group is exerted both through a direct electrostatic interaction with the side chain of Lys68 and, indirectly, by enhancing the acidic dissociation constant of the adjacent hydroxyl group which interacts with a conserved water molecule in the deepest part of the cavity. By contrast, the very same nitro group is deleterious for the binding to the active site of DYRK1A, as disclosed by molecular docking. This provides the rationale for preferential inhibition of DYRK1A by dNBC.

Understanding protein kinase CK2 mis-regulation upon F508del CFTR expression.

We review areas of overlap between nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK; nm23) and two proteins manifesting an equivalent diversity of action, each with many thousands of publications. The first is a constitutively active protein kinase, CK2 (formerly casein kinase 2), that includes NDPK amongst its hundreds of targets. The second is an enigmatic member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family of membrane pumps that normally hydrolyse ATP to transport substrates. Yet our unusual family member (ABCC7) is not a pump but, uniquely, acts as a regulated anion channel. ABCC7 is the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and we discuss the highly prevalent CFTR mutation (F508del CFTR) in terms of the uncertainties surrounding the molecular basis of cystic fibrosis that cloud approaches to corrective therapy. Using lysates from cells stably expressing either wild-type or F508del CFTR, incubated with the CK2 substrate GTP, we show that the phosphoproteome of F508del CFTR-expressing cells both differs from wild-type CFTR-expressing cells and is significantly enhanced in intensity by ∼1.5-fold (p < 0.05, paired t test with Bonferroni correction, n = 4). Phosphorylation is about 50% attenuated with a specific CK2 inhibitor. We propose that a new function may exist for the CFTR region that is commonly mutated, noting that its sequence (PGTIKENIIF(508)GVSYDEYRYR) is not only highly conserved within the C sub-family of ABC proteins but also a related sequence is found in NDPK. We conclude that a latent path may exist between mutation of this conserved sequence, CK2 hyperactivity and disease pathogenesis that might also explain the heterozygote advantage for the common F508del CFTR mutant.

Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) phosphorylation at serine-269 is HIPK2-dependent and affects PDX1 subnuclear localization.

Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) regulates pancreatic development and mature beta-cell function. We demonstrate by mass spectrometry that serine residue at position 269 in the C-terminal domain of PDX1 is phosphorylated in beta-cells. Besides we show that the degree of phosphorylation, assessed with a phospho-Ser-269-specific antibody, is decreased by elevated glucose concentrations in both MIN6 beta-cells and primary mouse pancreatic islets. Homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) phosphorylates PDX1 in vitro; phosphate incorporation substantially decreases in PDX1 S269A mutant. Silencing of HIPK2 led to a 51+/-0.2% decrease in Ser-269 phosphorylation in MIN6 beta-cells. Mutation of Ser-269 to phosphomimetic residue glutamic acid (S269E) or de-phosphomimetic residue alanine (S269A) exerted no effect on PDX1 half-life. Instead, PDX1 S269E mutant displayed abnormal changes in subnuclear localization in response to high glucose. Our results suggest that HIPK2-mediated phosphorylation of PDX1 at Ser-269 might be a regulatory mechanism connecting signals generated by changes in extracellular glucose concentration to downstream effectors via changes in subnuclear localization of PDX1, thereby influencing islet cell differentiation and function.

The pleiotropic protein kinase CK2 phosphorylates HTLV-1 Tax protein in vitro, targeting its PDZ-binding motif.

The HTLV-1 transactivator Tax is an oncoprotein capable of deregulating the expression of many cellular genes and interfering with signalling pathways. Here we show that Tax-1 is phosphorylated in vitro by the pleiotropic human serine/threonine kinase CK2 at three residues, Ser-336, Ser-344 and Thr-351, close to and within its C-terminal PDZ-binding motif. We also show that the mutation of Thr-351 to aspartate abolishes Tax-1 binding to the scaffold protein hDlg, a tumour suppressor factor, while having no effect on transactivation. These results suggest that CK2, whose constitutive activity is often hijacked by viruses to sustain their vital cycle, could modulate Tax-1 oncogenic interactions.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator fragments with the Phe508 deletion exert a dual allosteric control over the master kinase CK2.

Cystic fibrosis mostly follows a single Phe508 deletion in CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator) (CFTRDeltaF508), thereby causing premature fragmentation of the nascent protein with concomitant alterations of diverse cellular functions. We show that CK2, the most pleiotropic protein kinase, undergoes allosteric control of its different cellular forms in the presence of short CFTR peptides encompassing the Phe508 deletion: these CFTRDeltaF508 peptides drastically inhibit the isolated catalytic subunit (alpha) of the kinase and yet up-regulate the holoenzyme, composed of two catalytic and two non-catalytic (beta) subunits. Remarkable agreement between in silico docking and our biochemical data point to different sites for the CFTRDeltaF508 peptide binding on isolated CK2alpha and on CK2beta assembled into the holoenzyme, suggesting that CK2 targeting may be perturbed in cells expressing CFTRDeltaF508; this could shed light on some pleiotropic aspects of cystic fibrosis disease.

Lyn-mediated mitochondrial tyrosine phosphorylation is required to preserve mitochondrial integrity in early liver regeneration.

Functional alterations in mitochondria such as overproduction of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and overloading of calcium, with subsequent change in the membrane potential, are traditionally regarded as pro-apoptotic conditions. Although such events occur in the early phases of LR (liver regeneration) after two-thirds PH (partial hepatectomy), hepatocytes do not undergo apoptosis but continue to proliferate until the mass of the liver is restored. The aim of the present study was to establish whether tyrosine phosphorylation, an emerging mechanism of regulation of mitochondrial function, participates in the response to liver injury following PH and is involved in contrasting mitochondrial pro-apoptotic signalling. Mitochondrial tyrosine phosphorylation, negligible in the quiescent liver, was detected in the early phases of LR with a trend similar to the events heralding mitochondrial apoptosis and was attributed to the tyrosine kinase Lyn, a member of the Src family. Lyn was shown to accumulate in an active form in the mitochondrial intermembrane space, where it was found to be associated with a multiprotein complex. Our results highlight a role for tyrosine phosphorylation in accompanying, and ultimately counteracting, mitochondrial events otherwise leading to apoptosis, hence conveying information required to preserve the mitochondrial integrity during LR.

A modified KESTREL search reveals a basophilic substrate consensus for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Npr1 protein kinase.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae nitrogen permease reactivator Npr1 is a hyperphosphorylated protein that belongs to a family of Ser/Thr protein kinases dedicated to the regulation of plasma membrane transporters. Its activity is regulated by the Tor (target of rapamycin) signaling pathway. Inhibition of the Tor proteins by treating yeast cells with the immunosuppressant drug rapamycin promotes rapid dephosphorylation of Npr1. As an alternative to peptide arrays, the substrate requirement of Npr1 was probed with a peptide library that was generated by cleaving yeast cell extracts with CNBr, and after reverse-phase chromatography, the individual fractions were phosphorylated in vitro with recombinant Npr1. In this way, the ribosomal protein Rpl24a was found to be an excellent in vitro substrate for Npr1. Synthetic peptides tailored around the phosphorylation site of Rpl24a show that Npr1 is a Ser/Thr protein kinase with an absolute requirement for a basic residue at the P-3 position and a strong preference for basic P + 1 residues, whereas proline at P + 1 is strongly disfavored. The results obtained with synthetic peptides suggest a (K/R)-X-X-S-(K/R) consensus sequence for Npr1. The availability of a consensus sequence allows a targeted search for physiologically relevant Npr1 substrates involved in the regulation of yeast amino acid permeases.

Quinalizarin as a potent, selective and cell-permeable inhibitor of protein kinase CK2.

Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone) is a moderately potent and poorly selective inhibitor of protein kinase CK2, one of the most pleiotropic serine/threonine protein kinases, implicated in neoplasia and in other global diseases. By virtual screening of the MMS (Molecular Modeling Section) database, we have now identified quinalizarin (1,2,5,8-tetrahydroxyanthraquinone) as an inhibitor of CK2 that is more potent and selective than emodin. CK2 inhibition by quinalizarin is competitive with respect to ATP, with a Ki value of approx. 50 nM. Tested at 1 microM concentration on a panel of 75 protein kinases, quinalizarin drastically inhibits only CK2, with a promiscuity score (11.1), which is the lowest ever reported so far for a CK2 inhibitor. Especially remarkable is the ability of quinalizarin to discriminate between CK2 and a number of kinases, notably DYRK1a (dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylated and -regulated kinase), PIM (provirus integration site for Moloney murine leukaemia virus) 1, 2 and 3, HIPK2 (homeodomain-interacting protein kinase-2), MNK1 [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)-interacting kinase 1], ERK8 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 8) and PKD1 (protein kinase D 1), which conversely tend to be inhibited as drastically as CK2 by commercially available CK2 inhibitors. The determination of the crystal structure of a complex between quinalizarin and CK2alpha subunit highlights the relevance of polar interactions in stabilizing the binding, an unusual characteristic for a CK2 inhibitor, and disclose other structural features which may account for the narrow selectivity of this compound. Tested on Jurkat cells, quinalizarin proved able to inhibit endogenous CK2 and to induce apoptosis more efficiently than the commonly used CK2 inhibitors TBB (4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzotriazole) and DMAT (2-dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzimidazole).

Geldanamycin-induced Lyn dissociation from aberrant Hsp90-stabilized cytosolic complex is an early event in apoptotic mechanisms in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Lyn, a tyrosine kinase belonging to the Src family, plays a key role as a switch molecule that couples the B-cell receptor to downstream signaling. In B-CLL cells, Lyn is overexpressed, anomalously present in the cytosol, and displays a high constitutive activity, compared with normal B lymphocytes. The aim of this work was to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these aberrant properties of Lyn, which have already been demonstrated to be related to defective apoptosis in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells. Herein, Lyn is described to be in an active conformation as integral component of an aberrant cytosolic 600-kDa multiprotein complex in B-CLL cells, associated with several proteins, such as Hsp90 through its catalytic domain, and HS1 and SHP-1L through its SH3 domain. In particular, Hsp90 appears tightly bound to cytosolic Lyn (CL), thus stabilizing the aberrant complex and converting individual transient interactions into stable ones. We also demonstrate that treatment of B-CLL cells with geldanamycin, an Hsp90 inhibitor already reported to induce cell death, is capable of dissociating the CL complex in the early phases of apoptosis and thus inactivating CL itself. These data identify the CL complex as a potential target for therapy in B-CLL.

Modulation of protein kinase CK2 activity by fragments of CFTR encompassing F508 may reflect functional links with cystic fibrosis pathogenesis.

Deletion of F508 in the first nucleotide binding domain (NBD1) of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein (CFTR) is the commonest cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). Functional interactions between CFTR and CK2, a highly pleiotropic protein kinase, have been recently described which are perturbed by the F508 deletion. Here we show that both NBD1 wild type and NBD1 DeltaF508 are phosphorylated in vitro by CK2 catalytic alpha-subunit but not by CK2 holoenzyme unless polylysine is added. MS analysis reveals that, in both NBD1 wild type and DeltaF508, the phosphorylated residues are S422 and S670, while phosphorylation of S511 could not be detected. Accordingly, peptides encompassing the 500-518 sequence of CFTR are not phosphorylated by CK2; rather they inhibit CK2alpha catalytic activity in a manner which is not competitive with respect to the specific CK2 peptide substrate. In contrast, 500-518 peptides promote the phosphorylation of NBD1 by CK2 holoenzyme overcoming inhibition by the beta-subunit. Such a stimulatory efficacy of the CFTR 500-518 peptide is dramatically enhanced by deletion of F508 and is abolished by deletion of the II507 doublet. Kinetics of NBD1 phosphorylation by CK2 holoenzyme, but not by CK2alpha, display a sigmoid shape denoting a positive cooperativity which is dramatically enhanced by the addition of the DeltaF508 CFTR peptide. SPR analysis shows that NBD1 DeltaF508 interacts more tightly than NBD1 wt with the alpha-subunit of CK2 and that CFTR peptides which are able to trigger NBD1 phosphorylation by CK2 holoenzyme also perturb the interaction between the alpha- and the beta-subunits of CK2.

The regulatory beta subunit of protein kinase CK2 contributes to the recognition of the substrate consensus sequence. A study with an eIF2 beta-derived peptide.

CK2 is a ubiquitous and pleiotropic Ser/Thr-specific protein kinase that phosphorylates more than 300 protein substrates at sites specified by an acidic consensus sequence in which positions n + 3 and n + 1 are particularly important. Recognition of substrates by CK2 is known to rely on basic residues located in the catalytic site of the alpha subunit which make electrostatic contacts with the negative charges in the substrate consensus sequence, thereby assuring optimal binding; the regulatory beta subunit is believed to play a protective and stabilizing role. We describe a biochemical and structural analysis of CK2-mediated phosphorylation of a 22-mer synthetic peptide corresponding to the N-terminal tail of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF2beta. Results demonstrate that this peptide still displays phosphorylation features similar to full-length eIF2beta and the CK2 beta subunit also contributes to recognition of the protein substrate by establishing both polar and hydrophobic interactions with specificity determinants located downstream from the phosphoacceptor site. In particular, the N-terminal domain of the beta subunit appears to be of crucial importance for optimizing high-affinity phosphorylation of the eIF2beta peptide. This domain includes an acidic cluster whose electrostatic contacts with basic residues of the substrate attenuate intrasteric pseudosubstrate inhibition while strengthening substrate-kinase binding.

The selectivity of inhibitors of protein kinase CK2: an update.

CK2 (casein kinase 2) is a very pleiotropic serine/threonine protein kinase whose abnormally high constitutive activity has often been correlated to pathological conditions with special reference to neoplasia. The two most widely used cell permeable CK2 inhibitors, TBB (4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzotriazole) and DMAT (2-dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzimidazole), are marketed as quite specific CK2 blockers. In the present study we show, by using a panel of approx. 80 protein kinases, that DMAT and its parent compound TBI (or TBBz; 4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzimidazole) are potent inhibitors of several other kinases, with special reference to PIM (provirus integration site for Moloney murine leukaemia virus)1, PIM2, PIM3, PKD1 (protein kinase D1), HIPK2 (homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2) and DYRK1a (dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylated and -regulated kinase 1a). In contrast, TBB is significantly more selective toward CK2, although it also inhibits PIM1 and PIM3. In an attempt to improve selectivity towards CK2 a library of 68 TBB/TBI-related compounds have been tested for their ability to discriminate between CK2, PIM1, HIPK2 and DYRK1a, ending up with seven compounds whose efficacy toward CK2 is markedly higher than that toward the second most inhibited kinase. Two of these, K64 (3,4,5,6,7-pentabromo-1H-indazole) and K66 (1-carboxymethyl-2-dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-benzimidazole), display an overall selectivity much higher than TBB and DMAT when tested on a panel of 80 kinases and display similar efficacy as inducers of apoptosis.

Mass spectrometry analysis of a protein kinase CK2beta subunit interactome isolated from mouse brain by affinity chromatography.

CK2, an acronym derived from the misnomer "casein kinase 2", denotes a ubiquitous and extremely pleiotropic Ser/Thr protein kinase, the holoenzyme of which is composed of two catalytic (alpha and/or alpha') and two noncatalytic beta subunits acting as a docking platform and the multifarious functions of which are still incompletely understood. By combining affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry, we have identified 144 mouse brain proteins that associate with immobilized CK2beta. A large proportion (60%) of the identified proteins had been previously reported to be functionally related to CK2, and a similar proportion have been classified as phosphoproteins with approximately half of these having the features of CK2 targets. A large number of the identified proteins ( approximately 40%) either are nuclear or shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm, and the biggest functional classes of CK2beta interactors are committed to protein synthesis and degradation (32 proteins) and RNA/DNA interaction (20 proteins). Also well represented are the categories of cytoskeletal/structural proteins (19), trafficking proteins (17), and signaling proteins (14). The identified proteins are examined in relation to their functions and potential as targets and/or regulators of CK2, disclosing in some cases unanticipated links between this kinase and a variety of biochemical events.

Linear motifs in the C-terminus of D. melanogaster cryptochrome.

The C-terminus of cryptochrome (CRY) regulates light responses in Drosophila. These include the light-dependent binding of Drosophila dCRY to the clock proteins PERIOD and TIMELESS in a yeast two-hybrid system, which we proved to be a convenient and reliable readout of the behavior of dCRY in vivo. In this study, we present a combination of in silico analysis and experimental validation in yeast, to identify novel functional motifs in the C-terminal region of dCRY. Our results suggest that linear motifs are present in this small region, which is a likely hotspot for molecular interactions.

Tetrabromocinnamic acid (TBCA) and related compounds represent a new class of specific protein kinase CK2 inhibitors.

Abnormally high constitutive activity of protein kinase CK2, levels of which are elevated in a variety of tumours, is suspected to underlie its pathogenic potential. The most widely employed CK2 inhibitor is 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole (TBB), which exhibits a comparable efficacy toward another kinase, DYRK1 a. Here we describe the development of a new class of CK2 inhibitors, conceptually derived from TBB, which have lost their potency toward DYRK1 a. In particular, tetrabromocinnamic acid (TBCA) inhibits CK2 five times more efficiently than TBB (IC50 values 0.11 and 0.56 microM, respectively), without having any comparable effect on DYRK1 a (IC50 24.5 microM) or on a panel of 28 protein kinases. The usefulness of TBCA for cellular studies has been validated by showing that it reduces the viability of Jurkat cells more efficiently than TBB through enhancement of apoptosis. Collectively taken, the reported data support the view that suitably derivatized tetrabromobenzene molecules may provide powerful reagents for dissecting the cellular functions of CK2 and counteracting its pathogenic potentials.

Identification of ellagic acid as potent inhibitor of protein kinase CK2: a successful example of a virtual screening application.

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous, essential, and highly pleiotropic protein kinase whose abnormally high constitutive activity is suspected to underlie its pathogenic potential in neoplasia and other diseases. Using a virtual screening approach, we have identified the ellagic acid, a naturally occurring tannic acid derivative, as a novel potent CK2 inhibitor. At present, ellagic acid represents the most potent known CK2 inhibitor (K(i) = 20 nM).