SYSTEM FOR SCREENING COMPOUNDS WITH ANTITUMORAL, ANTIVIRAL, ANTIPARASITIC AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY

摘要

Phosphorylcholine (PCho) participates in the transmission of intracellular signals involved in tumoral proliferation. The inhibition of the production of phosphorylcholine (PCho) can be achieved through inhibiting the choline kinase enzyme (Chok). The present invention discloses various alternative and reliable methods for the determination of the activity of the choline kinase ex vivo (in an assay tube, free of cells) or the determination of intracellular levels of Pcho, analysis in vitro (in intact living cells) in the presence or absence of potential compounds having antitumoral activity. The inhibition of the enzyme Chok and the reduction of the levels Pcho would identify said compounds as an antitumoral substance.