MK138

MK138 is a small molecule, 4-anilino-α-carboline derivative that acts as a selective inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6, also known as breast tumor kinase or Brk). Developed by researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and the University of Greifswald, MK138 is a potent derivative of Tilfrinib. It selectively inhibits PTK6 kinase activity, thereby suppressing downstream STAT3 phosphorylation and activation. In preclinical studies, MK138 has demonstrated the ability to significantly impair both non-directional and directed migration of breast cancer cells (such as MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) and induce cell death in non-adherent breast cancer cells.

Other names

4-anilino-alpha-carboline derivative MK138Tilfrinib derivative MK138