Anti-proliferative evaluation of monoterpene derivatives against leukemia

• A focused-compound library based on the monoterpene, bakuchiol was synthesized.
• Compound 31 was identified as a potential lead against leukemia.
• Compound 31 induces caspase-3 dependent apoptotic pathway.

The cure rate of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has significantly improved in the past thirty years, however not all patient cohorts respond well to current chemotherapy regimens. Among the high risk patient cohort is infants with MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) B-ALL, which remains dismal with an overall survival rate <35%. Our program is interested in identifying new molecular scaffolds to better understand the underlying mechanisms and ultimately provide new targeted treatments. Based on a phenotypic screen, phenolic natural products were identified as promising scaffolds for further chemical evaluation. Herein we disclose the effects of a potent anti-proliferative compound 31 against human ALL leukemia cellular models.

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