Sparfosic acid is a DNA antimetabolite agent and a potent inhibitor of aspartate transcarbamoyl transferase. Sparfosic acid has anti-tumor activity. Aspartate transcarbamoyl transferase catalyzes the second step of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis[1][2].
Sparfosic acid (PALA) causes apoptosis in the resistant Br1 cells[1].Sparfosic acid (300 µM) shows progressive accumulation of cells in S phase and activation of an apoptotic pathway leading to cell death[1].
[1]. Wang J, et al. Elevated cyclin A associated kinase activity promotes sensitivity of metastatic human cancer cells to DNA antimetabolite drug. Int J Oncol. 2015 Aug;47(2):782-90.
[2]. Angela D. Morris, et al. A New, Efficient, Two Step Procedure for the Preparation of the Antineoplastic Agent Sparfosic Acid.