Tozasertib  (Synonyms: VX 680; MK-0457)

The consumption of ATP is coupled via the pyruvate kinase/lactic dehydrogenase enzyme pair to the oxidation of NADH, which can be monitored through the decrease in absorption at 340 nm. Reactions contains 100 mM Tris (pH 8), 10 mM MgCl₂, 2.2 mM ATP, 1 mM phosphoenolpyruvate, 0.6 mg/mL NADH, 75 units/mL pyruvate kinase, 105 units/mL lactate dehydrogenase, and 0.5 mM substrate peptide (sequence: EAIYAAPFAKKK). Reactions (75 μL) are started by adding sufficient kinase to bring the reactions to 30 nM kinase concentration and the decrease in absorbance is monitored over 30 minutes at 30°C in a microtiter plate spectrophotometer. Inhibitory constants are obtained through addition of 3.75 μL Tozasertib in 100% DMSO or DMSO alone. Ki values are calculated as follows, K_i=IC₅₀/(1+[S]/K_d), where [S]=[ATP]=2.2 mM, and K_d (of ATP to Abl)=70 μM. These values are calculated assuming a K_d (ATP) of 70 μM for wild type and H396P Abl kinase domain.

MCE has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

The CAL-62 cells are cultured in the absence (dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) or the presence of 500  nM Tozasertib for different periods of time (1-5 days). The dose-dependent effects of Tozasertib on cell proliferation are evaluated by treating the different ATC cells for 4 days with different concentrations of the Aurora inhibitor (5-500 nM). The cells are pulse labeled with 30 mM BrdU for 2  hours before the end of the incubation time. The BrdU incorporation is analyzed by means of a colorimetric immunoassay using the cell proliferation ELISA kit. The results from Tozasertib-treated cells are compared with those observed in control cells and expressed as a fold of variation versus control.

MCE has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

For the HL-60 study, female athymic NCr-nu mice are inoculated subcutaneously with 107 HL-60(TB) leukemia cells into the right axillary area. Treatment is administered i.p. b.i.d. after tumors reached 150−200 mm³. Tozasertib is prepared in a vehicle of 50% PEG 300 in 50 mM phosphate buffer. Cisplatin, formulated in saline, is administered i.p. q.4.d. for a total of three injections, at a dose of 5.4 mg/kg. For the MIA PaCa-2 studies, female MF1 nude mice are inoculated with 10⁷ MIA PaCa-2 cells into the dorsal flank. Treatment is administered i.p. b.i.d. after tumors reach 175 mm³. Tozasertib is prepared in a vehicle of 50% PEG 300 in 50 mM phosphate buffer. 5-fluorouracil, formulated in saline, is administered i.v. q.4.d. at a dose of 50 mg/kg. For the HCT116 study, female Hsd RH rnu/nu rats are inoculated with 10⁷ HCT116 cells into the right flank. Treatment is administered once the tumors reached 700−950 mm³. Tozasertib is administered continuously through an indwelling femoral catheter, followed by a saline infusion for 4 d before repeating the dose cycle. For all studies, tumor volume is determined by caliper measurements three times a week.

MCE has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

• [1]. Harrington EA, et al. VX-680, a potent and selective smallmolecule inhibitor of the Aurora kinases, suppresses tumor growth in vivo. Nat Med. 2004; 10:262-7.  [Content Brief]

  [2]. Salah E, et al. Crystal structures of ABL-related gene (ABL2) in complex with imatinib, tozasertib (VX-680), and a type I inhibitor of the triazole carbothioamide class.J Med Chem. 2011 Apr 14;54(7):2359-67. Epub 2011 Mar 18.  [Content Brief]

  [3]. Arlot-Bonnemains Y, et al. Effects of the Aurora kinase inhibitor VX-680 on anaplastic thyroid cancer-derived cell lines. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2008 Jun;15(2):559-68  [Content Brief]