MRT68921 dihydrochloride is a potent inhibitor of ULK1 and ULK2 , with IC 50 values of 2.9 nM and 1.1 nM, respectively.
In Vitro
ULK1, a serine/threonine protein kinase, is essential for the initial stages of autophagy. MRT68921 inhibits ULK1 and ULK2 in vitro and block autophagy in cells. MRT68921 is the most potent inhibitor of both ULK1 and ULK2, with greater than a 15-fold reduction in the IC 50 for ULK1 (2.9 nm) and greater than a 30-fold reduction for ULK2 (1.1 nm). Autophagy-inhibiting capacity of the compounds is specifically through ULK1. ULK1 inhibition results in accumulation of stalled early autophagosomal structures, indicating a role for ULK1 in the maturation of autophagosomes as well as initiation. MCE has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.