Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for about 15% of all lung cancers. The prognosis of SCLC patients is devastating and no biologically targeted therapeutics are active in this tumor type. To develop a framework for development of specific SCLC-targeted drugs we conducted a combined genomic and pharmacological vulnerability screen in SCLC cell lines. We show that SCLC cell lines capture the genomic landscape of primary SCLC tumors and provide genetic predictors for activity of clinically relevant inhibitors by screening 267 compounds across 44 of these cell lines. We show Aurora kinase inhibitors are effective in SCLC cell lines bearing MYC amplification, which occur in 3-7% of SCLC patients. In MYC-amplified SCLC cells Aurora kinase inhibition associates with G2/M-arrest, inactivation of PI3-kinase (PI3K) signaling, and induction of apoptosis. Aurora dependency in SCLC primarily involved Aurora B, required its kinase activity, and was independent of depletion of cytoplasmic levels of MYC. Our study suggests that a fraction of SCLC patients may benefit from therapeutic inhibition of Aurora B. Thus, thorough chemical and genomic exploration of SCLC cell lines may provide starting points for further development of rational targeted therapeutic intervention in this deadly tumor type.

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The best of 40 000: Detailed structure–activity‐relationship studies revealed key structural elements of indolin‐2‐on‐3‐spirothiazolidinones (see example) and their appropriate configuration for strong inhibitory activity against the pathophysiologically relevant title protein.

Combining the core structure of neopeltolide, lactone 16 a, with the oxazole-containing side chain 23 via a Mitsunobu reaction provided the cytotoxic natural product neopeltolide (2). The side chain 23 was prepared from oxazolone 24 via the corresponding triflate. Key steps in the preparation of 23 were a Sonogashira coupling, an enamine alkylation, and a Still-Gennari Horner-Emmons reaction. By changing the Leighton reagent in the allylation step, the 11-epimer of lactone 16 a, compound 50 was prepared. This led to 11-epi-neopeltolide 51. The 5-epimer of neopeltolide, compound 52, could be obtained from the minor isomer of the Prins cyclization. Furthermore, a range of analogues with modifications in the side chain were prepared. All derivatives were checked for toxicity effects on mammalian cell cultures and inhibitory effects on NADH oxidation in submitochondrial particles of bovine heart. Modifications in the lactone part are tolerated to some degree. On the other hand, shortening the distance between the oxazole and the lactone causes a significant drop in activity. Analogue 65 with an additional double bond is equally or even more active than neopeltolide itself.

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