(A) upper panel, the structure of ML100 and its structurally related analogs. Lower panel, effect of ML100 and its structurally related analogs on TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells and human hepatocytes. Subconfluent prostate carcinoma PPC-1 and PC3, glioma U251 cells, and human primary hepatocytes in a 96-well plate were pre-incubated for 4 h with the indicated concentrations of compounds followed by TRAIL treatment at the constant concentration of 0.1 ng/ml (PPC-1), 1 ng/ml (PC-3 and U-251), and 1000 ng/ml (hepatocytes) for an additional 24 h. At the end of the treatment, the ratio of dead cells was determined by an ATPLite reagent. Open and closed circles refer to compound sole and compound/TRAIL combined treatment, respectively. (B) isobologram analysis of the combined treatment of TRAIL and ML100 in cancer cells. Subconfluent melanoma MDA-MB-435, prostate carcinoma DU145 and PC-3, and leukemia THP1 cells in a 96-well plate were treated with TRAIL and ML100 at a ratio of 1 ng/ml of TRAIL: 0.1 μM of ML100 (1: 0.1). Cells were pre-incubated with chemicals for 4 h followed by addition of TRAIL and incubation for an additional 24 h. At the end of the treatment, the ratio of dead cells was determined by an ATPLite reagent. T, TRAIL; C, compound.