Method for identifying tyrphostin-like inhibitors of eukaryotic cell processes

摘要

Tyrphostins or tyrphostin-like compounds can be assayed for activity as an inhibitor of post-translational protein phosphorylation by adding the material to a growing culture of a prokaryotic organism such as a streptomycete; allowing the culture to grow for a period of time in the presence of the material; and observing the culture for altered development relative to development of the prokaryotic organism grown in the absence of the tyrphostin or tyrphostin-like compound. Observation of altered development is indicative that the tyrphosting or tyrphostin-like compound has activity as an inhibitor of post-translational protein phosphorylation. In particular, the tyrphostin or tyrphostin-like compound to be tested can be added to a growing culture of the prokaryotic organism by placing a carrier disk bearing the tyrphostin or tyrphostin-like compound on a freshly seeded plate. Inhibition of the development of aerial mycelia and spore formation is an indicator that the tyrphostin or tyrphostin-like compound has activity as an inhibitor of post-translational protein phosphorylation.