Thienopyridine ureas as dual inhibitors of the VEGF and Aurora kinase families

In an effort to identify multi-targeted kinase inhibitors with a novel spectrum of kinase activity, a screen of Abbott proprietary KDR inhibitors against a broad panel of kinases was conducted and revealed a series of thienopyridine ureas with promising activity against the Aurora kinases. Modification of the diphenyl urea and C7 moiety of these compounds provided potent inhibitors with good pharmacokinetic profiles that were efficacious in mouse tumor models after oral dosing. Compound 2 (ABT-348) of this series is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials in solid and hematological cancer populations.     

Genotype-dependent sulphite tolerance of Australian Dekkera (Brettanomyces) bruxellensis wine isolates

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine sulphite tolerance for a large number of Dekkera bruxellensis isolates and evaluate the relationship between this phenotype and previously assigned genotype markers. Methods and Results: A published microplate‐based method for evaluation of yeast growth in the presence of sulphite was benchmarked against culturability following sulphite treatment, for the D. bruxellensis type strain (CBS 74) and a reference wine isolate (AWRI 1499). This method was used to estimate maximal sulphite tolerance for 41 D. bruxellensis isolates, which was found to vary over a fivefold range. Significant differences in sulphite tolerance were observed when isolates were grouped according to previously assigned genotypes and ribotypes. Conclusions: Variable sulphite tolerance for the wine spoilage yeast D. bruxellensis can be linked to genotype markers. Significance and Impact of the Study: Strategies to minimize risk of wine spoilage by D. bruxellensis must take into account at least a threefold range in effective sulphite concentration that is dependent upon the genotype group(s) present. The isolates characterized in this study will be a useful resource for establishing the mechanisms conferring sulphite tolerance for this industrially important yeast species.     

Modifying effects of IL-6 polymorphisms on body size-associated breast cancer risk

Objective: The association between obesity and breast cancer risk is complex. We examined whether the association between body size and breast cancer risk is modified by interleukin‐6 (IL6) genotype. Methods and Procedures: Five polymorphisms in the IL‐6 gene (rs1800797/‐596A>G, rs1800796/‐572G>C, rs1800795/‐174G>C, rs2069832/IVS2G>A, and rs2069849 exon 5 C>T) were studied. We investigated IL6 genotypes and haplotypes with indicators of body size among non‐Hispanic white (NHW) and Hispanic/American Indian (AI) breast cancer cases and controls living in the Southwestern United States. Results: We observed lower mean levels of BMI among NHW women who carried one or two copies of the GGCAC haplotype (in order: rs1800797, rs1800796, rs1800795, rs2069832, and rs2069849; P trend 0.02). This haplotype, with an estimated frequency of 43% in NHW study controls, was considerably less common in Hispanic/AI controls (19%). We did not detect significant interactions between IL6 genotypes or haplotypes and BMI categorized as low/normal (<25), overweight (25 to <30), or obese (≥30) and breast cancer risk in either NHW or Hispanic/AI women. However, we detected consistent and significant interactions between waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) and IL6 rs1800795/‐174 G>C genotype for breast cancer risk. These associations were restricted to postmenopausal NHW women. Among women without recent hormone exposure, those with a WHR >0.9 and the rs1800795 GG genotype had a greater than threefold increased risk of breast cancer (odds ratios (ORs) 3.22, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.27, 817) when compared with women with a WHR <0.8 and the rs1800795 GG genotype (P interaction 0.01). Discussion: These data suggest that IL‐6 genotypes may influence breast cancer risk in conjunction with central adiposity.     

Amino acid catabolism in cheese-related bacteria: selection and study of the effects of pH, temperature and NaCl by quadratic response surface methodology

AIMS: To screen the cystathionine lyase and L-methionine aminotransferase activities of cheese-related bacteria (lactococci, non-starter lactobacilli and smear bacteria) and to determine the individual and interactive effects of temperature, pH and NaCl concentration on selected enzyme activities. METHODS AND RESULTS: A subcellular fractionation protocol and specific enzyme assays were used, and a quadratic response surface methodology was applied. The majority of the strains, 21 of 33, had detectable cystathionine lyase activity which differed in the specificity. Aminotransferase activity on L-methionine was observed in only three strains. The cystathionine lyase activities of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM20016, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris MG1363, Brevibacterium linens 10 and Corynebacterium ammoniagenes 8 and the L-methionine aminotransferase activity of Lact. reuteri DSM20016 had temperature and pH optima of 30-45 degrees C, and 7.5-8.0, respectively. As shown by the quadratic response surface methodology these enzymes retained activities in the range of temperature, pH and NaCl concentration which characterized the cheeses from which the bacteria originated. CONCLUSION: The enzyme activities may have a role in flavour development during cheese ripening. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The findings of this work contribute to the knowledge about the amino acid catabolic enzymes in order to improve cheese ripening.     

A novel series of histone deacetylase inhibitors incorporating hetero aromatic ring systems as connection units

A series of structurally novel HDAC inhibitors, in which a hetero aromatic ring connects the spacer with the hydrophobic group, has been designed and synthesized. These new inhibitors are very potent in in vitro enzymatic assays and display antiproliferation activity against two human cancer cell lines.