Abstract: Disclosed herein are analogs of Salinosporamide A, having the Formulae Ia-IVa as follows: Like Salinosporamide A, the compounds of the present invention will inhibit the proteasome, an intracellular enzyme complex that destroys proteins the cell no longer needs. Without the proteasome, proteins would build up and clog cellular machinery. Fast-growing cancer cells make especially heavy use of the proteasome, so thwarting its action is a compelling drug strategy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a total synthesis of a biologically active ?-Lactam—Compound 3, which is related to Salinosporamide A and Omuralide, both structurally and by its activity as a proteasome inhibitor. Also disclosed are proteasome inhibiting compounds having the formula: wherein: R1 is a cyclolower alkyl group; or R1 is a lower alkyl group; and R2 is either hydrogen or a lower alkyl group; R3 is either hydrogen or a lower alkyl group; R4 a halo-lower alkyl group; and R5 is either hydrogen or a lower alkyl group.

Abstract: A simple and effective stereocontrolled synthesis of salinosporamide A (1) has been developed which follows the pathway outlined in the Figure. The process, the first total synthesis of salinosporamide A, is capable of providing the compound in substantial quantities for further biological studies. In addition to the method of Scheme I, the present invention also includes several novel synthetic intermediate compounds, several intermediate steps of the preferred synthetic process; and the uses of these compounds in the preparation of synthetic derivatives of the compound Salinosporamide A. Salinosporamide A is of special interest as a synthetic target because of its protein in vitro cytotoxic activity against many tumor cell lines (IC50 values of 10 nM or less).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the detection of colon cancer by a blood test for elevated levels of peptide YY (PYY), a hormone which is produced in the gut, secreted into blood and transported into the brain where it regulates appetite. Other body fluids can also be evaluated in the same way. The use of PYY measurement as part of the periodic medical examination together with other screening tests such as fecal hemoccult and carcinoembryonic antigen could substantially improve the possibility of diagnosis of colon cancer at an early stage when surgery is likely to be curative.