ERK2 Modulator

Pheophytin a is a multi-target inhibitor, anticancer agent, antioxidant and antiviral agent. Pheophytin a directly binds to and inhibits HCV-NS3/4A protease (IC₅₀=0.89 μM) to block viral replication. Pheophytin a also scavenges free radicals, reduces ferric ions, and exhibits cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells. Pheophytin a effectively inhibits LPS-induced production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, NOS2 and COX-2, as well as various pro-inflammatory cytokines, by downregulating the transcription levels of inflammatory mediators and blocking the ERK1/2 and STAT-1 pathways. In a low nerve growth factor environment, Pheophytin a also enhances ERK1/2 phosphorylation and synergistically promotes neurite outgrowth through MAPK pathway. Pheophytin a can be used to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of diseases including chronic hepatitis C, sepsis, breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Physalin B is an orally active anti-inflammatory and anticancer agent. Physalin B can be isolated from Physalis alkekengi L. var. Franchetii. Physalin B inhibits the activation of the NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, STAT3, PI3K/Akt and Hedgehog signaling pathways, regulates the phosphorylation levels of GSK-3β, p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK, and promotes the nuclear translocation of NRF2. Physalin B reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and factors, induces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mito-ROS) production, Apoptosis, G2/M cell cycle arrest and incomplete Autophagy, alters cytoskeleton structure and alleviates oxidative stress. Physalin B reduces cancer cell viability, ameliorates liver and lung tissue damage and alleviates liver fibrosis. Physalin B can be used in research related to ulcerative colitis, breast cancer, acute lung injury, colon cancer, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, lymphoma, ovarian cancer, sarcoma and leukemia.