Identification of chemical inhibitors of protein-kinase CK2 subunit interaction

Protein kinase CK2 is a multi-subunit complex whose dynamic assembly appears as a crucial point of regulation. The ability to interfere with specific protein-protein interactions has already provided powerful means of influencing the functions of selected proteins within the cell. CK2 beta-derived cyclopeptides that target a well-defined hydrophobic pocket on CK2 alpha have been previously characterized as potent inhibitors of CK2 subunit assembly [9]. As a first step toward the rational design of low molecular weight CK2 antagonists, we have in the present study screened a collection of podophyllotoxine indolo-analogues to identify chemical inhibitors of the CK2 subunit interaction. We report the identification of a podophyllotoxine indolo-analogue as a chemical ligand that binds to the CK2 alpha/CK2 beta interface inducing selective disruption of the CK2 alpha/CK2 beta assembly and concomitant inhibition of CK2 alpha activity.