| abstract |
Provided herein provided herein are novel analogs and derivatives of betulinic acid. Also provided is a method for inhibiting an activity of one or more specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors cells associated with a neoplastic disease using betulinic acid, betulinic acid analog(s) and/or derivative(s) effective to decrease expression of a microRNA with concomitant increase in Sp suppressor gene expession. The betulinic acid analogs and derivatives also are effective in methods provided herein for inhibiting proliferation of cells associated with a neoplastic disease for treating a cancer or for reducing toxicity of a cancer therapy in a subject via administration of an analog or derivative of betulinic acid and, optionally, another anticancer drug. |