Characterization of selected bis-pyrithiones with anticancer properties

This thesis describes the synthesis of several strapped pyrithione compounds and their antiproliferative effects in A549 and PC3 cells. Herein, additional structure-function studies reveal effects of strap length on antiproliferative activity. A dependence on adjacent thiol and N-oxide groups within the pyrithione cores also suggests a cation dependent mechanism of action. The ability to perturb intracellular levels of Na+, K+, Zn2+, and ATP are also described.