[A semi-synthetic nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) derivative and transcriptional inhibitor with potential antiviral and antitumor activity. Tetra-O-methyl nordihydroguaiaretic acid competes with the transcription factor Sp1 for specific Sp1 DNA binding domains within gene promoter regions during DNA synthesis. In viral-infected cells, blocking of the Sp1 binding site suppresses Sp1-regulated viral promoter activity and gene expression, thereby inhibiting viral transcription and replication. In tumor cells, blockage of Sp1 binding sites by this agent interferes with the transcription of the Sp1-dependant genes cyclin-dependant kinase (Cdc2) and survivin, both overexpressed in many cancers. By suppressing Sp1-regulated transcription, tetra-O-methyl nordihydroguaiaretic acid inhibits the production of cdc2 and survivin leading to a reduction of tumor cell proliferation and an induction of apoptosis. ( NCI )]
UMLS (NCI) C0654036 - Organic Chemical
- Pharmacologic Substance