Oncogene signal transduction inhibitors from Chinese medicinal plants

Authors Chang, CJ; Ashendel, CL; Chan, TCK; Geahlen, RL; McLaughlin, J; Waters, DJ

Journal PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY , JUN 1999,6:71

DOI 10.1351/pac199971061101

Abstract Oncogene modulated signal transduction based on intracellular phosphorylation of protein tyrosine or serine/threonine has been utilized as a target for oncogene-based anti-cancer drug discovery. Inhibition of protein-tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C directed prescreen has identified numerous potential anti-tumor Chinese medicinal plants. Further bioassay guided fractionation and separation have led to the discovery of novel protein kinase inhibitors, anthraquinones, stilbenes and polythiophenes as potential anti-tumor agents.