The invention provides a method of inhibiting atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) comprising contacting an aPKC with a compound having a structure selected from the group consisting of structural formulas (I) to (IX). The invention further provides a method of inhibiting or reducing vascular permeability. The method comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising an amount of a compound having a structure selected from the group consisting of structural formulas (I) to (IX) effective to inhibit or reduce vascular permeability. A method of treating or preventing a disease or disorder characterized by abnormal vascular permeability, a method of inhibiting angiogenesis, a method of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, a formulation, and a method of preparing a formulation also are provided.
