ABSTRACT
IMB5046 is a newly discovered nitrobenzoate functioning as a microtubule inhibitor. Here we report its synthesis and in vitro anti-angiogenic activity. IMB5046 was synthesized by conjugation of 2-morpholin-4-yl-5-nitrobenzoic acid with 4-(methylthio)benzyl alcohol via two-step reactions. The structure of the end product was verified using 1H NMR and HR-MS spectroscopy. The effect of these compounds on cell proliferation was determined using MTT assay, and their impact on cytoskeleton was investigated using fluorescence assay. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the effect of IMB5046 on cell cycle. Cell wound scratch assay and Transwell assay were performed to examine cell migration. Endothelial tube formation assay was used to evaluate the anti-angiogenic activity of IMB5046. The results indicated that IMB5046 induced endothelial cell contraction and microtubule depolymerization, and inhibited the proliferation of endothelial cells and tumor cells, while two raw materials showed no obvious effects. IMB5046 arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase, even at low-cytotoxic concentrations it significantly inhibited the motility of endothelial cells. IMB5046 inhibited the tube formation of endothelial cells according to the number of tubes and junctions. In conclusion, IMB5046 is a promising microtubule-targeting drug with anti-angiogenic activity.