Abstract: Compounds and related methods for synthesis, and the use of compounds and combination therapies for the treatment of cancer and modulation of apoptosis in cells are disclosed. The generation of synthetic combinatorial libraries and the evaluation of library member compounds regarding induction of apoptosis selectively in cancer cells are disclosed. Compounds, methods of making the compounds, and therapeutic methods with application against breast cancer cells, melanoma cancer cells, colon cancer cells, and other cancer cells are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods capable of facilitating the detection and measurement of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerases (PARP enzymes). PARP enzyme activity can be monitored using a novel calorimetric substrate, ADP-ribose-para-nitrophenol. The substrate can be synthesized from beta nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (?-NAD+) and para-nitrophenol. In an embodiment, a continuous assay was developed to detect and kinetically monitor activity for PARP enzymes such as PARP-1, tankyrase-1 (PARP-5), and VPARP (PARP-4). The compositions and methods are particularly useful in the screening and identification of specific PARP inhibitors.