New tanshinone I derivatives S222 and S439 similarly inhibit topoisomerase I/II but reveal different p53-dependency in inducing G2/M arrest and apoptosis.

Tanshinone I (Tanshinone-1), a major active principle of the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza, possesses excellent anticancer properties, including inhibiting proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis and overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR). However, its direct anticancer molecular target(s) remain unknown. Here we report that tanshinone-1 and its two new derivatives, S222 and S439, directly inhibit DNA topoisomerase I/II (Top1/2).

Dual targeting of microtubule and topoisomerase II by α-carboline derivative YCH337 for tumor proliferation and growth inhibition.

Both microtubule and topoisomerase II (Top2) are important anticancer targets and their respective inhibitors are widely used in combination for cancer therapy. However, some combinations could be mutually antagonistic and drug resistance further limits their therapeutic efficacy. Here we report YCH337, a novel α-carboline derivative that targets both microtubule and Top2, eliciting tumor proliferation and growth inhibition and overcoming drug resistance.