Michael adducts of ascorbic acid as inhibitors of protein phosphatase 2A and inducers of apoptosis

Michael adducts of ascorbic acid with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds have been shown to be potent inhibitors of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) without affecting cell viability at the respective concentrations. Here we were able to show that higher concentrations can partially inhibit PP2A activity and concomitantly induce apoptotic cell death. A nitrostyrene adduct of ascorbic acid proved to be a more potent and effective inhibitor of PP2A as well as a stronger inducer of apoptosis. These adducts only slightly lost their cytotoxic potential in multidrug resistant cells that were 10-fold less sensitive to apoptosis induction by okadaic acid and vinblastine.