IC50: 1 μM for cyclin-dependent kinase

A highly conserved array of mechanisms regulating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), which govern the timing of cell cycle progression and division, has developed in eukaryotes. CDK inhibitors have been shown to play an key regulatory role in cell proliferation, differentiation, senescence, as well as programmed death.

In vitro: Bohemine was applied to cultures of mouse hybridoma cells in order to evaluate its capacity of cell growth and the production of monoclonal antibody. Results showed that addition of bohemine at concentrations in the range of 1-10 μM led to a short-term arrest of growth and monoclonal antibody production. Such short-term suppression of cell functions was followed by a significant temporary increase of specific growth rate and specific production rate. In semicontinuous cultures, the steady-state viable cell density values showed a certain stimulation of cell growth in the presence of bohemine at micromolar concentrations, and growth inhibition at 10 and 30 μM [1].

In vivo: In mice, bohemine was found to be rapidly and completely metabolized and disappeared from circulation during the first 60 min following i.v. administration. Moreover, the metabolites were eliminated by the hepatobiliary tract and also by renal excretion [2].

Clinical trial: Up to now, bohemine is still in the preclinical development stage.

References:
[1] Franek F,Strnad M,Havlícek L,Siglerová V,Fismolová I,Eckschlager T.  Diverse effects of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor bohemine: Concentration- and time-dependent suppression or stimulation of hybridoma culture. Cytotechnology.2001 Jul;36(1-3):117-23.
[2] Chmela Z,Vesel J,Lemr K,Rypka M,Hanus J,Havlícek L,Krystof V,Michnová L,Fuksová K,Lukes J.  In vivo metabolism of 2,6,9-trisubstituted purine-derived cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor bohemine in mice: glucosidation as the principal metabolic route. Drug Metab Dispos.2001 Mar;29(3):326-34.