CRT0066101 dihydrochloride is a potent and specific PKD inhibitor with IC50 values of 1, 2.5 and 2 nM for PKD1, 2, and 3 respectively. PKD1|1 nM (IC50)|PKD3|2 nM (IC50)|PKD2|2.5 nM (IC50)

CRT0066101 specifically blocks PKD1/2 activity and does not suppress PKCα/PKCβ/PKCε activity in multiple cancer cell types including A549 (lung) and MiaPaCa-2 (pancreas). CRT0066101 significantly inhibits Panc-1 cell proliferation with an IC50 value of 1 µM. Treatment with CRT0066101 results in a 6-10 fold induction of apoptosis in Panc-1 cells. CRT0066101 significantly reduces cell proliferation of Colo357, Panc-1, MiaPaCa-2, and AsPC-1 cells but has a modest effect in Capan-2 cells. CRT0066101 (5 µM) blocks both the basal and NT-induced pS916-PKD1/2 (activated PKD1/2) in Panc-1 and Panc-28 cells. CRT0066101 reduces PKD-dependent NF-κB activation and NF-κB-dependent gene expressions in Panc-1[1].

Optimal therapeutic concentrations (8 µM) of CRT0066101 are detectable 6 h after oral administration of this drug. CRT0066101 given orally (80 mg/kg/day) for 28 days significantly abrogates PaCa growth in Panc-1 subcutaneous xenograft model. Activated PKD1/2 expression in the treated tumor-explants is significantly inhibited with peak tumor concentration (12 µM) of CRT0066101 achieved within 2 h after oral administration. Further, CRT0066101 given orally (80 mg/kg/day) for 21 days in Panc-1 orthotopic model potently blocks tumor growth in vivo. CRT0066101 significantly reduces Ki-67+ proliferation index, increases TUNEL+ apoptotic cells (p<0.05), and abrogates expression of NF-κB-dependent proteins including cyclin D1, survivin, and cIAP-1[1].

[1]. Harikumar KB, et al. A novel small-molecule inhibitor of protein kinase D blocks pancreatic cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Mol Cancer Ther. 2010 May;9(5):1136-46.