Novel Glycopyrrolidine Compounds Inhibit Human Cancer Cell Proliferation and Induce Apoptotic Mode of Cell Death.

Spirocyclic compounds, present in a number of bioactive natural alkaloids, are cyclic systems containing one carbon atom common to two rings. A highly regioselective glycopyrrolidine compound library was synthesized using 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition method, and its efficacy was tested on cell lines representing most commonly occurring cancers and the molecular mechanism of cell death deciphered. Results showed that among the 16 compounds screened, RPRR210 showed the most potent anticancer activity and induced cell cycle arrest, inhibited migration, caused cell death by inducing apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway, and were nontoxic to normal cells.