Structure-activity relationships of benzimidazoles and related heterocycles as topoisomerase I poisons

The Effect of 5-Substitution on the Cytotoxicity of 2-(p-Methoxyphenyl)-1H-Benzimidazoles in Human Cancer Cell Lines

A series of 5-substituted 2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazoles was synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity against 4 human cancer cell lines, HCT 15, PC-3, A549, and ACHN. Except for the 5-chloro analogue, most of the 5-substituted compounds showed significant cytotoxicities in these cell lines. However, the structure activity relationship study revealed that neither the electronic nor the lipophilic parameters of the 5-substituents were related to cytotoxicity. Moreover, none of the analogues showed significant NF к-β inhibition activity implying that cytotoxicity was not related to this mechanism. The 5-methyl analogue was the most potent compound in this series with a GI50 of 0.9 µM in the A549 cell line.

Camptothecin: current perspectives

This review provides a detailed discussion of recent advances in the medicinal chemistry of camptothecin, a potent antitumor antibiotic. Two camptothecin analogues are presently approved for use in the clinic as antitumor agents and several others are in clinical trials. Camptothecin possesses a novel mechanism of action involving the inhibition of DNA relaxation by DNA topoisomerase I, and more specifically the stabilization of a covalent binary complex formed between topoisomerase I and DNA. This review summarizes the current status of studies of the mechanism of action of camptothecin, including topoisomerase I inhibition and additional cellular responses. Modern synthetic approaches to camptothecin and several of the semi-synthetic methods are also discussed. Finally, a systematic evaluation of novel and important analogues of camptothecin and their contribution to the current structure-activity profile are considered.

Synthesis and study of antibacterial and antifungal activities of Novel 2-[[(benzoxazole/benzimidazole-2-yl)sulfanyl] acetylamino]thiazoles

Several 2-[[(benzoxazole/benzimidazole-2-yl)sulfanyl]acetylamino]thiazoles derivatives were synthesized by reacting 4-substituted-2-(chloroacetylamino)thiazoles with benzoxazole/benzimidazole-2-thioles in acetone and in the presence of K2CO3. The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by IR, 1H-NMR, and FAB(+)-MS spectral data. Their antimicrobial activities against Micrococcus luteus (NRLL B-4375), Bacillus cereus (NRRL B-3711), Proteus vulgaris (NRRL B-123), Salmonella typhimurium (NRRL B-4420), Staphylococcus aureus (NRRL B-767), Escherichia coli (NRRL B-3704), Candida albicans and Candida globrata (isolates obtained from Osmangazi Uni. Fac.of Medicine) were investigated and in this investigation, a significant level of activity was illustrated.

Synthesis of C8-linked pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine–benzimidazole conjugates with remarkable DNA-binding affinity

Two types of benzimidazoles have been synthesized and linked to DC-81 at C8-position through different alkyl chain spacers. These PBD conjugates have exhibited remarkable DNA-binding affinity, and a representative compound shows promising in vitro anticancer activity.

Synthesis and study of antibacterial and antifungal activities of novel 1-[2-(benzoxazol-2-yl)ethoxy]- 2,6-diarylpiperidin-4-ones

Some novel benzoxazolylethoxypiperidones have been synthesized and their antibacterial activity against streptococcus faecalis, bacillus subtilis, escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus aand pseudomonas aeruginosa and antifungal activity against Candida-6, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Candida-51 and Aspergillus flavus were evaluated. Compounds 37, 38 and 39 exerted potent in vitro antibacterial activity against Streptococcus faecalis while compounds 40 and 41 exhibited potent in vitro antifungal activity against Candida-51.

Synthesis of some 2-[(benzazole-2-yl)thioacetylamino]thiazole derivatives and their antimicrobial activity and toxicity

Some 2-[(benzazole-2-yl)thioacetylamino]thiazole derivatives (III) were synthesized by reacting 4-methyl-2-(chloroacetylamino)thiazole derivatives (I) with benzazol-2-thiole (II) in acetone in the presence of K(2)CO(3). The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by (1)H NMR and FAB(+)-MS spectral data. The prepared compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity and toxicity.

Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of new antimicrobial active multisubstituted benzazole derivatives

A series of multisubstituted benzoxazoles, benzimidazoles, and benzothiazoles (5-7) as non-nucleoside fused isosteric heterocyclic compounds was synthesized and tested for their antibacterial activities against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and antifungal activity against the fungus Candida albicans. Microbiological results indicated that the synthesized compounds possessed a broad spectrum of activity against the tested microorganisms at MIC values between 100 and 3.12 microg/ml. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) studies revealed that benzothiazole ring system enhanced the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. In these sets of non-nucleoside fused heterocyclic compounds electron withdrawing groups at position 5 of the benzazoles increased the activity against C. albicans.

EFFECTS OF TOPOISOMERASES INHIBITORS PROTOBERBERINE ON LEISHMANIA DONOVANI GROWTH, MACROPHAGE FUNCTION, AND INFECTION

DNA topoisomerases play a pivotal role in the regulation of cell division. Inhibition of Leishmania spp. topoisomerases represents an alternative to control parasite growth. Cancer research led to the development of several potent topoisomerase inhibitors such as topoisomerase I, topoisomerase II, or both (monobenzimidazole, terbenzimidazole, and protoberberine alkaloid-related compounds) that are effective antitumor agents. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of these compounds against Leishmania spp. growth in vitro. Some protoberberine compounds showed pronounced antileishmanial activity and were selected for further analysis in macrophages. These compounds did not affect macrophage viability and only slightly reduced macrophage nitric oxide generation in response to interferon-gamma. Moreover, exposure of infected macrophages to these compounds significantly reduced parasite loads. Collectively, our data suggest that protoberberine-related compounds have powerful antileishmania action and that minor structural variations among them can substantially improve their activity to restrict Leishmania spp. infection in vitro.

Some new bi- and ter-benzimidazole derivatives as topoisomerase I inhibitors

The discovery of DNA topoisomerases has added a new dimension to the study of anticancer drugs. In the last years detailed investigation of bi- and ter-benzimidazole derivatives revealed that these compounds are a new class of topoisomerase I inhibitors that poisons mammalian topoisomerase I. In this context a survey about topoisomerase I poisoning activity and cytotoxicity of bi- and ter-benzimidazoles is given. Moreover some recent results about new derivatives, some structure-activity relationships and comparison of activity of various functional groups are discussed.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some novel 2-(p-substituted-phenyl)-5-substituted-carbonylaminobenzoxazoles

A series of 2-(p-substituted-phenyl)-5-substituted-carbonylamino benzoxazole derivatives (5-22) was synthesized and their antimicrobial activities determined in comparison to several control drugs. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis as Gram-positive, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli as Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans. Microbiological results showed that the compounds possessed a diffuse spectrum of antibacterial activity against these microorganisms. Compound 9 which bears a phenylacetamido moiety at position 5 and a 4-fluorophenyl group at the 2-position of benzoxazole ring was the most active derivative against S. aureus, S. faecalis and P. aeruginosa with a MIC value of 12.5 microg/ml. Compound 11 provided higher potency than the other tested compounds against B. subtilis at a MIC value of 12.5 microg/ml. Compounds 5-22 showed antifungal activity against C. albicans with MIC values between 50 and 12.5 microg/ml.

Comparative QSAR studies on bibenzimidazoles and terbenzimidazoles inhibiting topoisomerase I

Terbenzimidazoles that inhibit topoisomerase are of interest as anticancer drugs. We have reviewed the literature and have developed 13 quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) on cleaving DNA or inhibiting the growth of tumor cell cultures. The results are correlated with octanol/water partition coefficients or molecular refractivity. Suggestions have been made for the development of improved derivatives.

Synthesis and microbiological activity of some novel 5-benzamido- and 5-phenylacetamido-substituted 2-phenylbenzoxazole derivatives

The synthesis and microbiological activity of a new series of 5-benzamido- and 5-phenylacetamidosubstituted-2-phenylbenzoxazole derivatives (1-26) were described. The in vitro microbiological activity of the compounds was determined against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans in comparison with standard drugs. Microbiological results indicated that the synthesized compounds possessed a broad spectrum of activity against the tested microorganisms. The compounds 1, 21, 25 showed higher activity than tetracycline and streptomycin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some novel 2,5- and/or 6-substituted benzoxazole and benzimidazole derivatives

A new series of 2,5- and/or 6-substituted benzoxazoles (7a-f), benzimidazoles (8a-g) holding cyclohexyl or cyclopentyl moieties at position 2 and 5- or 6-substituted-2-cyclohexylaminomethylbenzoxazoles (9a, b) was synthesized in order to determine their antimicrobial activities and feasible structure-activity relationships. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro against three Gram-positive, two Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans in comparison with several control drugs. Microbiological results showed that the synthesized compounds were possessing a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms. 5-Chloro-2-(2-cyclohexylethyl)benzimidazole (8g) was found as the most active compound against the screened Gram-positive bacteria strains at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 12.5 microg/ml. However, it exhibited lower antibacterial potency than the compared control drugs. On the other side, compounds 7-9 indicated significant antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative enterobacter Pseudomonas aeruginosa having MIC values of 50 microg/ml, providing either the same effect as tetracycline or higher activity than streptomycin, but showing less potency than the compared control drug gentamycin. Moreover, the synthesized compounds also possessed antimycotic activity against the yeast C. albicans showing MIC values between 25-50 microg/ml.

Mechanism of action of eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I and drugs targeted to the enzyme

DNA topoisomerase I is essential for cellular metabolism and survival. It is also the target of a novel class of anticancer drugs active against previously refractory solid tumors, the camptothecins. The present review describes the topoisomerase I catalytic mechanisms with particular emphasis on the cleavage complex that represents the enzyme's catalytic intermediate and the site of action for camptothecins. Roles of topoisomerase I in DNA replication, transcription and recombination are also reviewed. Because of the importance of topoisomerase I as a chemotherapeutic target, we review the mechanisms of action of camptothecins and the other topoisomerase I inhibitors identified to date.

Synthesis and microbiological activity of some novel 5- or 6-methyl-2-(2,4-disubstituted phenyl) benzoxazole derivatives

The synthesis of a new series of 5-or 6-methyl-2-(2,4-disubstituted phenyl) benzoxazoles (4, 5) is described in order to determine their antimicrobial activities and feasible structure-activity relationships. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro against three Gram-positive bacteria, three Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans, in comparison with several control drugs. Microbiological results exhibited that the synthesized compounds possess a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms. The compounds 4b and 4c indicated some antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus having a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 micrograms/ml. Moreover, the compound 5a revealed a significant antibacterial activity against the enterobacter Pseudomonas aeruginosa showing a MIC value of 25 micrograms/ml, i.e. more potent than the control drugs tetracycline and streptomycin. For the antimycotic activity against the yeast C. albicans, the derivative 4c was found to be more active than the other synthesized compounds with a MIC value of 12.5 micrograms/ml, but one-fold less potent than the control drugs oxiconazole and haloprogin.

Diversity of DNA topoisomerases I and inhibitors

The present review first describes the different type I topoisomerases found in eukaryotic cells: nuclear topoisomerase I (top1), topoisomerase 3 (top3), mitochondrial topoisomerase I and viral topoisomerases I. The second part of the review provides extensive information on the topoisomerase I inhibitors identified to date. These drugs can be grouped in two categories: top1 poisons and top1 suppressors. Both inhibit enzyme catalytic activity but top1 poisons trap the top1 catalytic intermediates ('cleavage complexes') while top1 suppressors prevent or reverse top1 cleavage complexes. The molecular interactions of camptothecin with the top1 cleavage complexes are discussed as well as the mechanisms of selective killing of cancer cells.

A terbenzimidazole that preferentially binds and conformationally alters structurally distinct DNA duplex domains: a potential mechanism for topoisomerase I poisoning

The terbenzimidazoles are a class of synthetic ligands that poison the human topoisomerase I (TOP1) enzyme and promote cancer cell death. It has been proposed that drugs of this class act as TOP1 poisons by binding to the minor groove of the DNA substrate of TOP1 and altering its structure in a manner that results in enzyme-mediated DNA cleavage. To test this hypothesis, we characterize and compare the binding properties of a 5-phenylterbenzimidazole derivative (5PTB) to the d(GA4T4C)2 and d(GT4A4C)2 duplexes. The d(GA4T4C)2 duplex contains an uninterrupted 8-bp A.T domain, which, on the basis of x-ray crystallographic data, should induce a highly hydrated "A-tract" conformation. This duplex also exhibits anomalously slow migration in a polyacrylamide gel, a feature characteristic of a noncanonical global conformational state frequently described as "bent." By contrast, the d(GT4A4C)2 duplex contains two 4-bp A.T tracts separated by a TpA dinucleotide step, which should induce a less hydrated "B-like" conformation. This duplex also migrates normally in a polyacrylamide gel, a feature further characteristic of a global, canonical B-form duplex. Our data reveal that, at 20 degrees C, 5PTB exhibits an approximately 2. 3 kcal/mol greater affinity for the d(GA4T4C)2 duplex than for the d(GT4A4C)2 duplex. Significantly, we find this sequence/conformational binding specificity of 5PTB to be entropic in origin, an observation consistent with a greater degree of drug binding-induced dehydration of the more solvated d(GA4T4C)2 duplex. By contrast with the differential duplex affinity exhibited by 5PTB, netropsin and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), two AT-specific minor groove binding ligands that are inactive as human TOP1 poisons, bind to both duplexes with similar affinities. The electrophoretic behaviors of the ligand-free and ligand-bound duplexes are consistent with 5PTB-induced bending and/or unwinding of both duplexes, which, for the d(GA4T4C)2 duplex, is synergistic with the endogenous sequence-directed electrophoretic properties of the ligand-free duplex state. By contrast, the binding to either duplex of netropsin or DAPI induces little or no change in the electrophoretic mobilities of the duplexes. Our results demonstrate that the TOP1 poison 5PTB binds differentially to and alters the structures of the two duplexes, in contrast to netropsin and DAPI, which bind with similar affinities to the two duplexes and do not significantly alter their structures. These results are consistent with a mechanism for TOP1 poisoning in which drugs such as 5PTB differentially target conformationally distinct DNA sites and induce structural changes that promote enzyme-mediated DNA cleavage.