Synthesis and evaluation of a bis-3-chloropiperidine derivative incorporating an anthraquinone pharmacophore.

ABSTRACT

With the aim to attain an alkylating agent with enhanced DNA-affinity, we have successfully synthesised lysine-linked bis-3-chloropiperidine 1 bearing an anthraquinone moiety known to bind double-stranded DNA. Consistent with our expectations, compound 1 appears to intercalate into the DNA double helix, which can be observed by conformational changes of plasmid DNA suggesting alkylation and intercalation-induced DNA unwinding. The results of this work can provide a meaningful starting point for investigating the molecular mechanism of action of this novel DNA alkylating conjugate 1 with improved affinity for DNA.