| abstract |
Based on the discovery that celastrol and gedunin are Hsp90 inhibitors, the present invention provides novel inhibitors of Hsp90. and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, derivatives, and compositions thereof. The invention provides two classes of compounds. One class includes celastrol and its derivatives. The other class includes gedunin and its derivatives. The present invention further provides methods for treating disorders wherein Hsρ90 inhibition is desired (e.g., proliferative diseases, cancer, inflammatory diseases, fungal infections, etc.) comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an inventive compound to a subject in need thereof. Celastrol, gedunin, and derivatives thereof are particularly useful in the treatment of prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. |