Anti-cancer compositions and methods are described herein. In particular, compositions including one or more of leelamine, a leelamine derivative, abietylamine, an abietylamine derivative, and an abietic acid derivative are described. Methods for treatment of pathological conditions particularly cancer, in a subject using one or more of leelamine, a leelamine derivative, abietylamine, an abietylamine derivative, and an abietic acid derivative are described herein.

The present disclosure relates to a compound of formula (I) ##STR00001##
where R.sub.1 is as defined herein. The compound of formula I is an inhibitor of the dephosphorylation of phosphorylated elF2. The phosphorylation of elF2 affects the quiescence and self renewal properties of stem cells such as muscle stem cells. The compound of formula (I) can thus be used to expand stem cells populations and treat degenerative diseases that have a quiescence regulation affected or mediated by the phosphorylation of elF2.

The present disclosure relates to a compound of formula (I) ##STR00001##
where R.sub.1 is as defined herein. The compound of formula I is an inhibitor of the dephosphorylation of phosphorylated elF2. The phosphorylation of elF2 affects the quiescence and self renewal properties of stem cells such as muscle stem cells. The compound of formula (I) can thus be used to expand stem cells populations and treat degenerative diseases that have a quiescence regulation affected or mediated by the phosphorylation of elF2.