Definition

An orally available small molecule inhibitor of perinucleolar compartment (PNC), with potential antineoplastic activities. Although the exact mechanisms(s) through which this agent exerts its effects have yet to be fully elucidated, upon oral administration, metarrestin disrupts the structure of PNC and inhibits RNA polymerase (Pol) I transcription. This leads to the reduction in the prevalence of PNC in cancer cells and decrease in tumor growth and spread. PNC is a subnuclear structure and a phenotypic marker of metastatic cancer cells. A high PNC prevalence has been associated with disease progression and poor patient outcomes.