Recent evidence suggests atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) isoforms are required for both TNF-and VEGF-induced breakdown of the blood–retinal barrier (BRB) and endothelial permeability to 70kDa dextran or albumin. A chemical library screen revealed a series of novel small molecule phenylthiophene based inhibitors of aPKC isoforms that effectively block permeability in cell culture and in vivo. In an effort to further elucidate the structural ...