Mechanistic differences between in vitro assays for hydrazone-based small molecule inhibitors of anthrax lethal factor

A systematically generated series of hydrazones were analyzed as potential inhibitors of anthrax lethal factor. The hydrazones were screened using one UV-based and two fluorescence-based in vitro assays. The study identified several inhibitors with IC50 values in the micromolar range, and importantly, significant differences in the types of inhibition were observed with the different assays.

Graphical abstractStructure–activity study of hydrazones as inhibitors of anthrax lethal factor using three in vitro assays.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide