Synthesis of Monofluorinated 7-Hydroxycoumarin-3-Carboxamides as Cell-Permeable Fluorescent Molecular Probes.

To facilitate studies of engagement of protein targets by small molecules in living cells, we synthesized fluorinated derivatives of the fluorophore 7-hydroxycoumarin-3-carboxylic acid (7OHCCA). Compared to the related difluorinated coumarin Pacific Blue (PB), amide derivatives of 6-fluoro-7-hydroxycoumarin-3-carboxylic acid (6FC) exhibited substantially brighter fluorescence. When linked to the anticancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol) via gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the acidity of the phenol of these coumarins profoundly affected cellular efflux and binding to microtubules in living cells. In contrast to the known fluorescent taxoid PB-GABA-Taxol, the less acidic 6FC-GABA-Taxol was more cell-permeable due to a lower susceptibility to active efflux. In living cells, this facilitated the imaging of microtubules by confocal microscopy and enabled quantification of binding to microtubules by flow cytometry without added efflux inhibitors. The photophysical, chemical, and biological properties of 6FC derivatives make these compounds particularly attractive for the construction of fluorescent molecular probes suitable for quantitative analysis of intracellular small molecule-protein interactions.

Paralogue-selective degradation of the lysine acetyltransferase EP300.

The transcriptional coactivators EP300 and CREBBP are critical regulators of gene expression that share high sequence identity but exhibit non-redundant functions in basal and pathological contexts. Here, we report the development of a bifunctional small molecule, MC-1, capable of selectively degrading EP300 over CREBBP. Using a potent aminopyridine-based inhibitor of the EP300/CREBBP catalytic domain in combination with a VHL ligand, we demonstrate that MC-1 preferentially degrades EP300 in a proteasome-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies reveal that selective degradation cannot be predicted solely by target engagement or ternary complex formation, suggesting additional factors govern paralogue-specific degradation. MC-1 inhibits cell proliferation in a subset of cancer cell lines and provides a new tool to investigate the non-catalytic functions of EP300 and CREBBP. Our findings expand the repertoire of EP300/CREBBP-targeting chemical probes and offer insights into the determinants of selective degradation of highly homologous proteins.

Dopamine D3/D2 Receptor Ligands Based on Cariprazine for the Treatment of Psychostimulant Use Disorders That May Be Dual Diagnosed with Affective Disorders.

Highly selective dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) partial agonists/antagonists have been developed for the treatment of psychostimulant use disorders (PSUD). However, none have reached the clinic due to insufficient potency/efficacy or potential cardiotoxicity. Cariprazine, an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is a high-affinity D3R partial agonist (Ki = 0.22 nM) with 3.6-fold selectivity over the homologous dopamine D2 receptor (D2R). We hypothesized that compounds that are moderately D3R/D2R-selective partial agonists/antagonists may be effective for the treatment of PSUD. By systematically modifying the parent molecule, we discovered partial agonists/antagonists, as measured in bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based assays, with high D3R affinities (Ki = 0.14-50 nM) and moderate selectivity (<100-fold) over D2R. Cariprazine and two lead analogues, 13a and 13e, decreased cocaine self-administration (FR2; 1-10 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats, suggesting that partial agonists/antagonists with modest D3R/D2R selectivity may be effective in treating PSUD and potentially comorbidities with other affective disorders.

A highly D3R-selective and efficacious partial agonist (S)-ABS01-113 compared to its D3R-selective antagonist enantiomer (R)-ABS01-113 as potential treatments for opioid use disorder.

The non-medical use of opioids has become a national crisis in the USA. Developing non-opioid pharmacotherapies for controlling this opioid epidemic is urgent. Dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) antagonists and low efficacy partial agonists have shown promising profiles in animal models of opioid use disorders (OUD). However, to date, advancement to human studies has been limited. Here we report the effects of (S)- and (R)-enantiomers of (±)-ABS01-113, structural analogs of the D3R partial agonist, (±)-VK4-40, in which the 3-OH in the linking chain is replaced by 3-F group. (S)- and (R)-ABS01-113 are identical in chemical structure but with opposite chirality. In vitro receptor binding and functional assays indicate that (S)-ABS01-113 is an efficacious (55%) and potent (EC50 = 7.6 ± 3.9 nM) D3R partial agonist, while the (R)-enantiomer is a potent D3R antagonist (IC50 = 11.4 nM). Both (S)- and (R)-ABS01-113 bind with high affinity to D3R (Ki = 0.84 ± 0.16 and 0.37 ± 0.06 nM, respectively); however, the (S)-enantiomer is more D3/D2-selective (>1000-fold). Pharmacokinetic analyses indicate that both enantiomers display excellent oral bioavailability and high brain penetration. Systemic administration of (S)- or (R)-ABS01-113 alone failed to alter open-field locomotion in male rats and mice. Interestingly, pretreatment with (S)- or (R)-ABS01-113 attenuated heroin-enhanced hyperactivity, heroin self-administration, and (heroin + cue)-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. Together, these findings reveal that both enantiomers, particularly the highly selective and efficacious D3R partial agonist (S)-ABS01-113, demonstrate promising translational potential for the treatment of OUD.

Structure Activity Relationships for a Series of Eticlopride-Based Dopamine D2/D3 Receptor Bitopic Ligands.

The crystal structure of the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) in complex with eticlopride inspired the design of bitopic ligands that explored (1) N-alkylation of the eticlopride's pyrrolidine ring, (2) shifting of the position of the pyrrolidine nitrogen, (3) expansion of the pyrrolidine ring system, and (4) incorporation of O-alkylations at the 4-position. Structure activity relationships (SAR) revealed that moving the N- or expanding the pyrrolidine ring was detrimental to D2R/D3R binding affinities. Small pyrrolidine N-alkyl groups were poorly tolerated, but the addition of a linker and secondary pharmacophore (SP) improved affinities. Moreover, O-alkylated analogues showed higher binding affinities compared to analogously N-alkylated compounds, e.g., O-alkylated 33 (D3R, 0.436 nM and D2R, 1.77 nM) vs the N-alkylated 11 (D3R, 6.97 nM and D2R, 25.3 nM). All lead molecules were functional D2R/D3R antagonists. Molecular models confirmed that 4-position modifications would be well-tolerated for future D2R/D3R bioconjugate tools that require long linkers and or sterically bulky groups.

Identification, characterization and evaluation of novel antifungal cyclic peptides from Neobacillus drentensis.

Marine microbes secrete exopolymeric substances (EPS), which surrounds the biofilm and inhibits the fungal growth. Elucidation of the structure and function of the extracellular exopolymeric substances is of vital relevance therapeutically. The active compound responsible for bioactivity was purified and characterized using TLC, LC/MS/MS, GC/MS and FT-IR. Bioactivity of the characterized cyclic peptides (CLPs) against azole resistant and susceptible Candida strains were examined for growth and biofilm formation using scanning electron microscopy, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy. In the present study we identified bioactive cyclic peptides from marine isolated Neobacillus drentensis that exhibited promising tensio-active properties and antifungal efficacy against azole resistant and susceptible Candida albicans. The cluster is composed of five CLP isoforms which were sequenced and identified as new peptides with compositional and structural variations in the amino acid sequence and fatty acid chain. In vitro cytotoxic activity of CLPs was tested in human fibroblast normal cells. We have observed that the CLPs repressed the Candida albicans growth and multiplication by inhibiting the biofilm formation and disruption of branching filamentous hyphae. CLPs have been found to arrest the C. albicans cell cycle by a block at G1-S transition followed by apoptotic cell death. The current studies suggest these natural marine derived CLPs function as potential anti-biofilm agents against azole C. albicans resistant strains.

Novel Dual-Target µ-Opioid Receptor and Dopamine D3 Receptor Ligands as Potential Nonaddictive Pharmacotherapeutics for Pain Management.

The need for safer pain-management therapies with decreased abuse liability inspired a novel drug design that retains µ-opioid receptor (MOR)-mediated analgesia, while minimizing addictive liability. We recently demonstrated that targeting the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) with highly selective antagonists/partial agonists can reduce opioid self-administration and reinstatement to drug seeking in rodent models without diminishing antinociceptive effects. The identification of the D3R as a target for the treatment of opioid use disorders prompted the idea of generating a class of ligands presenting bitopic or bivalent structures, allowing the dual-target binding of the MOR and D3R. Structure-activity relationship studies using computationally aided drug design and in vitro binding assays led to the identification of potent dual-target leads (23, 28, and 40), based on different structural templates and scaffolds, with moderate (sub-micromolar) to high (low nanomolar/sub-nanomolar) binding affinities. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer-based functional studies revealed MOR agonist-D3R antagonist/partial agonist efficacies that suggest potential for maintaining analgesia with reduced opioid-abuse liability.

Investigation of Novel Primary and Secondary Pharmacophores and 3-Substitution in the Linking Chain of a Series of Highly Selective and Bitopic Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonists and Partial Agonists.

Dopamine D3 receptors (D3R) play a critical role in neuropsychiatric conditions including substance use disorders (SUD). Recently, we reported a series of N-(3-hydroxy-4-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)butyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide analogues as high affinity and selective D3R lead molecules for the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD). Further optimization led to a series of analogues that replaced the 3-OH with a 3-F in the linker between the primary pharmacophore (PP) and secondary pharmacophore (SP). Among the 3-F-compounds, 9b demonstrated the highest D3R binding affinity (Ki = 0.756 nM) and was 327-fold selective for D3R over D2R. In addition, modification of the PP or SP with a 3,4-(methylenedioxy)phenyl group was also examined. Further, an enantioselective synthesis as well as chiral HPLC methods were developed to give enantiopure R- and S-enantiomers of the four lead compounds. Off-target binding affinities, functional efficacies, and metabolic profiles revealed critical structural components for D3R selectivity as well as drug-like features required for development as pharmacotherapeutics.

Newly Developed Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonists, R-VK4-40 and R-VK4-116, Do Not Potentiate Cardiovascular Effects of Cocaine or Oxycodone in Rats.

Opioid and cocaine abuse are major public health burdens. Existing medications for opioid use disorder are limited by abuse liability and side effects, whereas no treatments are currently approved in the United States for cocaine use disorder. Dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) antagonists have shown promise in attenuating opioid and cocaine reward and mitigating relapse in preclinical models. However, translation of D3R antagonists to the clinic has been hampered by reports that the D3R antagonists GSK598,809 (5-(5-((3-((1S,5R)-1-(2-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-yl)propyl)thio)-4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-4-methyloxazole) and SB-277,011A (2-(2-((1r,4r)-4-(2-oxo-2-(quinolin-4-yl)ethyl)cyclohexyl)ethyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-6-carbonitrile) have adverse cardiovascular effects in the presence of cocaine. Recently, we developed two structurally novel D3R antagonists, R-VK4-40 and R-VK4-116, which are highly selective for D3R and display translational potential for treatment of opioid use disorder. Here, we tested whether R-VK4-40 ((R)-N-(4-(4-(2-Chloro-3-ethylphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-3-hydroxybutyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide) and R-VK4-116 ((R)-N-(4-(4-(3-Chloro-5-ethyl-2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-3-hydroxybutyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide) have unwanted cardiovascular effects in the presence of oxycodone, a prescription opioid, or cocaine in freely moving rats fitted with surgically implanted telemetry transmitters. We also examined cardiovascular effects of the D3R antagonist, SB-277,011A, and L-741,626 (1-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperidin-4-ol), a dopamine D2 receptor-selective antagonist, for comparison. Consistent with prior reports, SB-277,011A increased blood pressure, heart rate, and locomotor activity alone and in the presence of cocaine. L-741,626 increased blood pressure and heart rate. In contrast, R-VK4-40 alone dose-dependently reduced blood pressure and heart rate and attenuated oxycodone-induced increases in blood pressure and oxycodone or cocaine-induced increases in heart rate. Similarly, R-VK4-116 alone dose-dependently reduced cocaine-induced increases in blood pressure and heart rate. These results highlight the safety of new D3R antagonists and support the continued development of R-VK4-40 and R-VK4-116 for the treatment of opioid and cocaine use disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Opioid and cocaine abuse are major public health challenges and new treatments that do not adversely impact the cardiovascular system are needed. Here, we show that two structurally novel dopamine D3 receptor antagonists, R-VK4-40 and R-VK4-116, do not potentiate, and may even protect against, oxycodone- or cocaine-induced changes in blood pressure and heart rate, supporting their further development for the treatment of opioid and/or cocaine use disorders.

The Significance of Chirality in Drug Design and Synthesis of Bitopic Ligands as D3 Receptor (D3R) Selective Agonists.

Because of the large degree of homology among dopamine D2-like receptors, discovering ligands capable of discriminating between the D2, D3, and D4 receptor subtypes remains a significant challenge. Previous work has exemplified the use of bitopic ligands as a powerful strategy in achieving subtype selectivity for agonists and antagonists alike. Inspired by the potential for chemical modification of the D3 preferential agonists (+)-PD128,907 (1) and PF592,379 (2), we synthesized bitopic structures to further improve their D3R selectivity. We found that the (2S,5S) conformation of scaffold 2 resulted in a privileged architecture with increased affinity and selectivity for the D3R. In addition, a cyclopropyl moiety incorporated into the linker and full resolution of the chiral centers resulted in lead compound 53 and eutomer 53a that demonstrate significantly higher D3R binding selectivities than the reference compounds. Moreover, the favorable metabolic stability in rat liver microsomes supports future studies in in vivo models of dopamine system dysregulation.

The highly selective dopamine D3R antagonist, R-VK4-40 attenuates oxycodone reward and augments analgesia in rodents.

Prescription opioid abuse is a global crisis. New treatment strategies for pain and opioid use disorders are urgently required. We evaluated the effects of R-VK4-40, a highly selective dopamine (DA) D3 receptor (D3R) antagonist, on the rewarding and analgesic effects of oxycodone, the most commonly abused prescription opioid, in rats and mice. Systemic administration of R-VK4-40 dose-dependently inhibited oxycodone self-administration and shifted oxycodone dose-response curves downward in rats. Pretreatment with R-VK4-40 also dose-dependently lowered break-points for oxycodone under a progressive-ratio schedule. To determine whether a DA-dependent mechanism underlies the impact of D3 antagonism in reducing opioid reward, we used optogenetic approaches to examine intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) maintained by optical activation of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons in DAT-Cre mice. Photoactivation of VTA DA in non-drug treated mice produced robust ICSS behavior. Lower doses of oxycodone enhanced, while higher doses inhibited, optical ICSS. Pretreatment with R-VK4-40 blocked oxycodone-enhanced brain-stimulation reward. By itself, R-VK4-40 produced a modest dose-dependent reduction in optical ICSS. Pretreatment with R-VK4-40 did not compromise the antinociceptive effects of oxycodone in rats, and R-VK4-40 alone produced mild antinociceptive effects without altering open-field locomotion or rotarod locomotor performance. Together, these findings suggest R-VK4-40 may permit a lower dose of prescription opioids for pain management, potentially mitigating tolerance and dependence, while diminishing reward potency. Hence, development of R-VK4-40 as a therapy for the treatment of opioid use disorders and/or pain is currently underway. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'New Vistas in Opioid Pharmacology'.

Synthesis of new bis-pyrazole linked hydrazides and their in vitro evaluation as antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agents: A mechanistic role on ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition in Candida albicans.

Literature reports suggest that pyrazoles and hydrazides are potential antimicrobial pharmocophores. Considering this fact, a series of nineteen conjugates containing hybrids of bis-pyrazole scaffolds joined through a hydrazide linker were synthesized and further evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria along with Candida albicansMTCC 3017 strain. Although the derivatives exhibited good antibacterial activity, some of the derivatives (13d, 13j, 13l, 13p, and 13r) showed excellent anti-Candida activity with MICs values of 3.9 µg/ml, which was equipotent to that of the standard Miconazole (3.9 µg/ml), which has inspired us to further explore their anti-Candida activity. The same compounds were also tested for anti-biofilm studies against various Candida strains and among them, compounds 13l and 13r efficiently inhibited the formation of fungal biofilms. Field emission scanning electron micrographs revealed that one of the promising compound 13r showed cell damage and in turn cell death of the Candida strain. These potential conjugates (13l and 13r) also demonstrated promising ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition against some of the strains C. albicans, which were further validated through molecular docking studies. In silico computational studies were carried out to predict the binding modes and pharmacokinetic parameters of these conjugates.

Design, synthesis, in silico pharmacokinetics prediction and biological evaluation of 1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazole chalcone as EGFR /Akt pathway inhibitors.

In an attempt to develop potent and selective anticancer agents, a series of 15 conjugates of 1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazole chalcone (12a-o) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against MCF7, A549, MDA-MB-231, HCT116 and SKBR3 human cancer cell lines. Among them, 12h, 12l and 12m showed IC50 values: 3.82, 5.33 and 4.21 µM, respectively, on A549 cell with respect to the positive control, Erlotinib (IC50 value: 10.26 µM). Detailed biological assays showed accumulation of mitotic cells in G2/M phase. In addition, Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence study revealed inhibition of EGFR and Akt pathways. In silico computational studies were also carried out to predict the binding modes and pharmacokinetic parameters of these conjugates.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 1, 4-dihydro indeno[1,2-c] pyrazole linked oxindole analogues as potential anticancer agents targeting tubulin and inducing p53 dependent apoptosis.

A series of 1, 4-dihydroindeno-[1,2-c] pyrazole linked oxindole conjugates have been synthesized by using Knoevenagel condensation method and further evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against HeLa, A549 and MDA-MB-231 human cancer cell lines along with HEK-293 (normal human embryonic kidney cells). Among the derivatives, compounds 12a, 12b, and 12d showed excellent cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging between 1.33 to 4.33 µM. Furthermore, detailed biological assays showed that there was accumulation of mitotic cells in G2/M phase, disruption of microtubule network and increase in the G2/M checkpoint proteins (Cyclin B1 and CDK1). Moreover, compound 12d with IC50 value of 1.33 µM showed significant upregulation of tumor suppressor proteins like p53, p21 and pro-apoptotic Bax. The molecular docking analysis demonstrated that these congeners occupy the colchicine binding pocket of the tubulin.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrazolochalcones as potential modulators of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and inducers of apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

Cancer has been established as the "Emperor of all maladies". In recent years, medicinal chemistry has focused on identifying novel anti-cancer compounds; though discovery of these compounds appears to be a herculean task. In present study, we synthesized forty pyrazolochalcone conjugates and explored their cytotoxic activity against a panel of sixty cancer cell lines. Fifteen conjugates of the series showed excellent growth inhibition (13b-e, 13h-j, 14c-d, 15 a, 15 c-d, 16b, 16d and 18f; GI50 for MCF-7: 0.4-20 µM). Conjugates 13b, 13c, 13d, 16b and 14d were also evaluated for their cytotoxic activity in human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The promising candidates induced cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells at a 2 µM concentration. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway-regulators such as PI3K, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and mTOR were observed; as well as upregulation of p-GSK3ß and tumor-suppressor protein, PTEN. Our study indicates that pyrazolochalcone conjugates could serve as potential leads in the development of tailored cancer therapeutics.

Statistical optimization of production conditions of ß-glucosidase from Bacillus stratosphericus strain SG9.

The present study illustrates the optimization and characterization of ß-glucosidase from a bacterial isolate, strain SG9. Sixty-eight different variables were first screened by one factor at a time method. The screened variable optimization was then performed by Plackett-Burman design followed by Box-Behnken response surface methodology. Thirty-one variables were screened, of which five variables were found to be significant. Box-Behnken design was then performed using the most significant variables, viz., esculin, K2HPO4 and MgSO4. The maximum enzyme activity was observed with an optimal medium composition of esculin (1.9 g/L), K2HPO4 (0. 5 g/L) and MgSO4 (0.3 g/L) with a predicted value of 3392.01 IU. The maximum ß-glucosidase production achieved was 3340 IU. The bacterial strain was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence and biochemical characterization. The strain was identified as Bacillus stratosphericus and is a first report of its kind.

Design and synthesis of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole linked triazole conjugates: Microtubule-destabilizing agents.

A series of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole linked triazole conjugates were synthesized by using Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cyclo-addition reaction (click chemistry approach) and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against some human cancer cell lines like, HeLa (cervical), DU-145 (prostate), A549 (lung), MCF-7 (breast) and HepG2 (liver). Among them, Conjugates 4g and 4h demonstrated a significant antiproliferative effect against human lung cancer cells (A549) with IC50 values of 0.92 and 0.78 µM respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that these conjugates induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase in A549 lung cancer cells. The tubulin polymerization assay and immunofluorescence analysis showed that these conjugates effectively inhibit microtubule assembly in cell free and cell based (A549) experiment respectively. Moreover, the apoptosis inducing properties were evaluated by Hoechst staining, mitochondrial membrane potential and Annexin V-FITC assay. Further, western blot analysis was performed for proapoptotic protein Bax and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the results demonstrated that there was up regulation of Bax and down regulation of Bcl-2 suggesting that these compounds induced apoptosis in human lung cancer cells, A549.

Design, synthesis of phenstatin/isocombretastatin-oxindole conjugates as antimitotic agents.

A series of phenstatin/isocombretastatin-oxindole conjugates was synthesized and tested for their cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cells such as prostate (DU-145), lung (A549), colon (HT-29), breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2) cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 0.049 to 38.90 µM. Amongst them, two conjugates (5c and 5d) showed broad spectrum of antiproliferative efficacy on lung cancer cells with an IC50 value of 79 nM and 93 nM, respectively, whereas on colon cancer cells with an IC50 values 45 nM and 49 nM, respectively. In addition, cell cycle assay revealed that these conjugates (5c and 5d) arrest at the G2/M phase and leads to apoptotic cell death which was confirmed by Annexin V-FITC and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Further, the tubulin polymerization assay analysis results suggest that these conjugates particularly 5c and 5d exhibit significant inhibitory effect on the tubulin assembly with an IC50 value of 1.23 µM and 1.01 µM, respectively. Molecular docking studies indicated that these compounds (5c and 5d) occupy the colchicine binding site of the tubulin.

Discovery of pyrrolospirooxindole derivatives as novel cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitors by catalyst-free, green approach.

Aiming to develop a new target for the anticancer treatment, a series of 5'H-spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyrrolo [1,2-a]quinoxalin]-2-ones has been synthesized by simple, highly efficient and environmentally friendly method in excellent yields under catalyst-free conditions using ethanol as a green solvent. A simple filtration of the reaction mixture and subsequent drying affords analytically pure products. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against five different human cancer cell lines, among the congeners compound 3n showed significant cytotoxicity against the human prostate cancer (DU-145). Flow cytometric analysis revealed that this compound induces cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and Western blot analysis suggested that reduction in Cdk4 expression level leads to apoptotic cell death. This was further confirmed by mitochondrial membrane potential ((ΔΨm), Annexin V-FITC assay and docking experiments. Furthermore, it was observed that there is an increase in expression levels of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors like Cip1/p21 and Kip1/p27.

Design and synthesis of pyrazole/isoxazole linked arylcinnamides as tubulin polymerization inhibitors and potential antiproliferative agents.

As pyrazole and isoxazole based derivatives are well-known for displaying a considerable biological profile, an attempt has been made to unravel their cytotoxic potential. In this context, a number of pyrazole/isoxazole linked arylcinnamide conjugates (15a-o and 21a-n) have been synthesized by employing a straight forward route. The basic structure comprised three ring scaffolds (A, B and C): methoxyphenyl rings as A and C rings and a five membered heterocyclic ring (pyrazole or isoxazole) as the B-ring. To achieve clear understanding, these derivatives are categorized as pyrazole-phenylcinnamides (PP) and isoxazole-phenylcinnamides (IP). These compounds have been evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of various human cancer cell lines such as HeLa, DU-145, A549 and MDA-MB231 and most of them exhibit considerable cytotoxic effects. Some of them like 15a, 15b, 15e, 15i and 15l exhibit promising cytotoxicity in HeLa cells (IC50 = 0.4, 1.8, 1.2, 2.7 and 1.7 µM). Amongst them 15a, 15b and 15e were taken up for detailed biological studies, they were found to arrest the cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, they were investigated for their effect on the microtubular cytoskeletal system by using a tubulin polymerization assay, immunofluroscence and molecular docking studies; interestingly they demonstrate a significant inhibition of tubulin polymerization.