Synthesis, antitumor activity, molecular modeling, and DNA binding properties of a new series of imidazonaphthalimides.

ABSTRACT

A series of mono and bisintercalators based on the 5,8-dihydrobenz[de]imidazo[4,5-g]isoquinoline-4,6-dione system were synthesized and evaluated for growth inhibitory properties in several human cell lines. All target compounds showed activity in the micromolar range. Representative compounds were evaluated using UV--vis spectroscopy and viscosimetric determinations, showing that they behave as DNA intercalators. Molecular modeling techniques were used in order to rationalize the moderate activity observed for bisnaphthalimides.