Quinoline as a privileged scaffold in cancer drug discovery

Identification of key genes and pathways in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and asthma comorbidity using bioinformatics approaches

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and asthma comorbidity (ACRSwNP) present severe symptoms and are more likely to relapse. However, the pathogenesis of ACRSwNP is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying pathogenesis of ACRSwNP using bioinformatics approaches. ACRSwNP-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the analysis of the GSE23552 dataset. The clusterProfiler R package was used to carry out functional and pathway enrichment analysis. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was built using the STRING database to explore key genes in the pathogenesis of ACRSwNP. The bioinformatics analysis results were verified through qRT-PCR. The Connectivity Map (CMap) database was used to predict potential drugs for the treatment of ACRSwNP. A total of 36 DEGs were identified, which were mainly enriched in terms of regulation of immune response and detection sensory perception of taste. Thirteen hub genes including AZGP1, AQP9, GAPT, PIP, and PRR4 were identified as potential hub genes in ACRSwNP from the PPI network. Analysis of the GSE41861 dataset showed that upregulation of CST1 in nasal mucosa was associated with asthma. qRT-PCR detection confirmed the bioinformatics analysis results. Tacrolimus and spaglumic acid were identified as potential drugs for the treatment of ACRSwNP from the CMap database. The findings of this study provide insights into the pathogenesis of ACRSwNP and may provide a basis for the discovery of effective therapeutic modalities for ACRSwNP.

Arylselenyl Radical-Mediated Cyclization of N-(2-Alkynyl)anilines: Access to 3-Selenylquinolines

An efficient and novel approach to accessing 3-selenylquinolines from diaryl diselenides and acyclic, selenium-free substrates is described. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the combination of CuCl₂ and air affords an appropriate environment for producing arylselenyl radicals that initiate the cascade cyclization of N-(2-alkynyl)anilines, forming key Se-C and C-C bonds in a single step. Using this chemistry, a wide variety of 3-selenylquinolines were produced in moderate to excellent yield under mild conditions, highlighting the versatility and usefulness of this new method.

Quinoline, with the active site of 8-hydroxyl, efficiently inhibits Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV) infection in vitro and in vivo

Micropterus salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV) is an significant pathogen that causes high mortality and related economic losses in bass aquaculture. There is no effective or approved therapy to date. In this study, we evaluated the anti-MSRV effects of 22 quinoline derivatives in grass carp ovary (GCO) cells. Among these compounds, 8-hydroxyquinoline exhibited valid inhibition in decreasing MSRV nucleoprotein gene expression levels of 99.3% with a half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀ ) value of 4.66 μM at 48 h. Moreover, 8-hydroxyquinoline significantly enhanced a protective effect in GCO cells by reducing the cytopathic effect (CPE). By comparing the anti-MSRV activity of 22 quinoline derivatives, we found that 8-hydroxyquinoline possessed the efficient active site of 8-hydroxyl and inhibited MSRV infection in vitro. For in vivo studies, 8-hydroxyquinoline via intraperitoneal injection exhibited an antiviral effect in MSRV-infected largemouth bass by substantially enhancing the survival rate by 15.0%. Importantly, the viral loads in the infected largemouth bass notably reduced in the spleen on the third days post-infection. Overall, 8-hydroxyquinoline was considered to be an efficient agent against MSRV in aquaculture.

Autophagic and apoptotic cell death induced by the quinoline derivative 2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)quinolin-4-amine in pancreatic cancer cells is via ER stress and inhibition of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the most lethal cancers and is resistant to existing therapies, which highlights the need for new and alternative therapeutic treatments. Autophagy is emerging as one of the alternative cell death mechanisms and is well known to cross-talk with apoptosis. Autophagy can act as a viable option to treat highly resistant PC. The current study investigates and provides insight into the autophagic and apoptotic cell death induced by quinoline derivative 2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)quinolin-4-amine (6MN-4-AQ) in PC cell lines PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2. Treatment with 6MN-4-AQ reduced cell viability in concentration dependent manner (2-16 μM) and inhibited the clonogenic potential of PC cells at a concentration of 4 μM for 24 h. Further, we found that 6MN-4-AQ induced both apoptosis and autophagic cell death simultaneously. We identified that 6MN-4-AQ induced autophagic cell death by forming cytoplasmic vacuoles, the elevation of autophagy flux, increase in LC3-II, Beclin-1 protein expression, and degradation of p62. Moreover, 6MN-4-AQ induced apoptosis via Caspase-3 activation and cleavage of PARP in PC cells. Upon investigating the underlying mechanism associated with 6MN-4-AQ induced cell death, it was observed that 6MN-4-AQ treatment is able to suppress the Akt/mTOR pathway and induced ER stress leading to the induction of autophagy. Also, 6MN-4-AQ treatment suppressed epithelial to mesenchymal transition by reducing the protein expression of SLUG, snail, and vimentin. Subsequently, 6MN-4-AQ inhibited cell migration and invasion by down regulating MMP-7 and MMP-9 protein expression, suggesting that 6MN-4-AQ may serve as a plausible therapeutic agent for PC.

Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Anti-Proliferative Potential of the Pyrazole Scaffold in the Design of Anticancer Agents

The current work presents an objective overview of the impact of one important heterocyclic structure, the pyrazole ring, in the development of anti-proliferative drugs. A set of 1551 pyrazole derivatives were extracted from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) database, together with their growth inhibition effects (GI%) on the NCI’s panel of 60 cancer cell lines. The structures of these derivatives were analyzed based on the compounds’ averages of GI% values across NCI-60 cell lines and the averages of the values for the outlier cells. The distribution and the architecture of the Bemis–Murcko skeletons were analyzed, highlighting the impact of certain scaffold structures on the anti-proliferative effect’s potency and selectivity. The drug-likeness, chemical reactivity and promiscuity risks of the compounds were predicted using AMDETlab. The pyrazole ring proved to be a versatile scaffold for the design of anticancer drugs if properly substituted and if connected with other cyclic structures. The 1,3-diphenyl-pyrazole emerged as a useful scaffold for potent and targeted anticancer candidates.

Synthesis, SAR studies, and insecticidal activities of certain N-heterocycles derived from 3-((2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)methylene)-5-phenylfuran-2(3H)-one against Culex pipiens L. larvae

An acid hydrazide derivative was synthesized and transformed into a variety of valuable N-heterocycles such as pyridazinone, oxadiazole, triazolopyridazinone, and triazole derivatives via reactions with certain carbon electrophiles such as 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, indole-3-carbaldehyde, pentan-2,4-dione, and carbon disulfide. The chemical structures of all prepared compounds were verified via their analytical and spectroscopic data. The insecticidal activity of the N-heterocycles was evaluated against field and lab strains of the third larval instar of Culex pipiens. All tested compounds exhibited higher larvicidal activity against the lab strains compared to the field strains, with dissimilar ratios. The obtained results demonstrate that the high toxicity achieved by oxadiazole followed the order of furanone, pyridazinone and hydrazide, with lower LC50 values of the hydrazone and N-acetylpyridazinone derivatives compared to that of imidacloprid. Interestingly, these compounds are promising agents for insect pest control, especially since they are insoluble in water and can overcome the disadvantages of neonicotinoid applications in pest management programs.

Synthesis, Molecular and Supramolecular Structure Aspects, and Antimicrobial Activity of the Centrosymmetric [Ag(5-Nitroquinoline)2]ClO4 Complex

The new homoleptic [Ag(5-nitroquinoline)2]ClO4 centrosymmetric complex was synthesized and its structure aspects were investigated. It crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 10.0279(2) Å, b = 13.2295(3) Å, c = 14.7552(3) Å and β = 102.1050(10)° while V = 1913.96(7) Å3 and half molecule as asymmetric formula. The Ag(I) is coordinated with two symmetrically related 5-nitroquinoline ligand units via the heterocyclic nitrogen atom with Ag-N distance of 2.146(6) Å and N1-Ag-N1 angle of 173.0(3)°. The two coordinated 5-nitroquinoline have anti configuration to one another and the perchlorate anion is set freely uncoordinated. The only Ag…O interactions are Ag1…O2 (3.110 Å) and Ag1…O1 (3.189 Å) which occur between the Ag(I) in one complex unit and the O-atoms from the NO2 groups in the neighbouring complex units. Hence, Ag(I) has coordination number 2 and its coordination geometry is slightly bent. Hirshfeld analysis indicated that the O…H (51.1%), C…H (11.8%), H…H (10.8%) and C…C (8.9%) contacts are the most common. Exclusively, the O…H, C…O, N…O, O…O and Ag…O contacts are the only shorter contacts than the vdWs radii sum of the interacting atoms. The studied Ag(I) complex showed good antimicrobial activity. It has comparable antibacterial activity against P. vulgaris (MIC = 9.7 μg/mL) and S. aureus (39.1 μg/mL) to Gentamycin (4.8 and 9.7 μg/mL, respectively) while better antifungal activity against A. fumigatus (MIC = 39.1 μg/mL) than Ketoconazole (156.2 μg/mL).

Diversity-oriented and diastereoselective synthesis of diverse polycyclic thieno(2,3-b)-quinoline derivatives using a synergistic strategy

A cascade spiroannulation of 2-mercaptoquinoline-3-carbaldehydes with α,α-dicyanoalkenes as well as a cascade spiroannulation of 2-mercaptoquinoline-3-carbaldehydes aldehydes with α-bromocarbonyl compounds was investigated based on a synergistic strategy, providing a series of diverse spiro-fused heterocyclic compounds containing more different functional groups. The features of this strategy directed towards molecular complexity and diversity include step economy, mild conditions, and high bond-forming efficiency, but important polycyclic heterocyclic products, which could be transformed into potential biologically interesting heterocyclic structures.

Paired electrolysis enabled annulation for the quinolyl-modification of bioactive molecules

A paired electrolysis enabled cascade annulation that enables the efficient synthesis of highly functionalized quinoline-substituted bioactive molecules from readily available starting materials is reported. Using this methodology, two goals, namely, the direct synthesis of quinolines and the introduction of quinoline moieties to bioactive molecules, can be simultaneously achieved in one simple operation. The use of electroreduction for the activation of isatin, together with the further anodic oxidation of KI to catalytically result in a cascade annulation, highlight the unique possibilities associated with electrochemical activation methods. This transformation can tolerate a wide range of functional groups and can also be used as a functionalization tactic in pharmaceutical research as well as other areas.

Electrochemical-Oxidation-Promoted Direct N-ortho-Selective Difluoromethylation of Heterocyclic N-Oxides

An efficient and green electrochemical N-ortho-selective difluoromethylation method of various quinoline and isoquinoline N-oxides has been developed. In this method, sodium difluoromethanesulfinate (HCF₂SO₂Na) was used as the source of the difluoromethyl moiety, and various N-ortho-selective difluoromethylation quinoline and isoquinoline N-oxides were obtained in good to excellent yields under a constant current. In addition, the reaction was easy to scale up and maintained a good yield. Preliminary mechanism studies suggested that the reaction undergoes a free-radical addition and hydrogen elimination pathway.

Remote Selective Decarboxylative Difluoroarylmethylation of 8-Aminoquinolines under Transition Metal-Free Conditions

A facile transition metal-free decarboxylative C4 selective C-H difluoroarylmethylation of 8-aminoquinolines has been developed. This strategy proceeds under simple aqueous conditions and displays a broad substrate scope and excellent functional...

Recent advances in the synthesis of cyclic compounds using α,α-dicyanoolefins as versatile vinylogous nucleophiles

This article provides a review of the applications of α,α-dicyanoolefins as versatile vinylogous nucleophiles in the synthesis of various cyclic compounds, covering the literature from the past 13 years.

A review on synthetic chalcone derivatives as tubulin polymerisation inhibitors

Microtubules play an important role in the process of cell mitosis and can form a spindle in the mitotic prophase of the cell, which can pull chromosomes to the ends of the cell and then divide into two daughter cells to complete the process of mitosis. Tubulin inhibitors suppress cell proliferation by inhibiting microtubule dynamics and disrupting microtubule homeostasis. Thereby inducing a cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and interfering with the mitotic process. It has been found that a variety of chalcone derivatives can bind to microtubule proteins and disrupt the dynamic balance of microtubules, inhibit the proliferation of tumour cells, and exert anti-tumour effects. Consequently, a great number of studies have been conducted on chalcone derivatives targeting microtubule proteins. In this review, synthetic or natural chalcone microtubule inhibitors in recent years are described, along with their structure-activity relationship (SAR) for anticancer activity.

Quinoline-based thiazolidinone derivatives as potent cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing agents through EGFR inhibition

Quinoline-based thiazolidinone heterocycles exhibited potent activity in the field of cancer therapy. Hence, ten quinoline-based thiazolidinone derivatives were evaluated for their anticancer activity through cytotoxic activity, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition pathway, apoptosis investigation through flow cytometric analyses, RT-PCR gene expression, in vivo solid-Ehrlich carcinoma model, and finally in silico approach for highlighting the interaction pose. Results revealed that compound 7 exhibited cytotoxic activity against HCT-116 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 7.43 µM compared to 5-FU (IC₅₀  = 11.36 µM) with moderate cytotoxic activity against the FHC (IC₅₀  = 35.27 µM), and it exhibited remarkable inhibition activity of EGFR with IC₅₀ value of 96.43 nM compared to Erlotinib (IC₅₀  = 78.65 nM). Moreover, it significantly stimulated apoptotic colon cancer cell death with 171.58-fold arresting cell cycle at G2 and S-phases. Additionally, it ameliorated both biochemical and histochemical structures near normal with tumor inhibition ratio of 52.92% compared to 5-FU of 57.16%, with immunohistochemical examinations of EGFR inhibition in the treated group compared to control. Finally, molecular docking study highlighted its good binding affinity through good interactive binding pose inside the EGFR protein. In conclusion, the potent EGFR inhibitory activity of compound 7 was investigated using three integrated approaches in vitro, in vivo, and in silico, so it worth be validated and developed as a chemotherapeutic anticancer agent.

Discovery of novel quinoline-based analogues of combretastatin A-4 as tubulin polymerisation inhibitors with apoptosis inducing activity and potent anticancer effect

A new series of quinoline derivatives of combretastatin A-4 have been designed, synthesised and demonstrated as tubulin polymerisation inhibitors. These novel compounds showed significant antiproliferative activities, among them, 12c exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against different cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HL-60, HCT-116 and HeLa) with IC50 ranging from 0.010 to 0.042 µM, and with selectivity profile against MCF-10A non-cancer cells. Further mechanistic studies suggest that 12c can inhibit tubulin polymerisation and cell migration, leading to G2/M phase arrest. Besides, 12c induces apoptosis via a mitochondrial-dependant apoptosis pathway and caused reactive oxygen stress generation in MCF-7 cells. These results provide guidance for further rational development of potent tubulin polymerisation inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.HighlightsA novel series of quinoline derivatives of combretastatin A-4 have been designed and synthesised.Compound 12c showed significant antiproliferative activities against different cancer cell lines.Compound 12c effectively inhibited tubulin polymerisation and competed with [3H] colchicine in binding to tubulin.Compound 12c arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phase, effectively inducing apoptosis and inhibition of cell migration.

Highly Diastereoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydroquinoline Derivatives via [4 + 2] Annulation of Ortho-Tosylaminophenyl-Substituted Para-Quinone Methides and Cyanoalkenes

As a privileged structural motif, tetrahydroquinoline skeletons widely exist in biologically active natural products and pharmaceuticals. In this protocol, a highly diastereoselective [4 + 2] annulation of ortho-tosylaminophenyl-substituted p-QMs and cyanoalkenes to construct tetrahydroquinoline derivatives has been successfully achieved. This strategy proceeds efficiently under mild condition, offering straightforward route to a variety of 4-aryl-substituted tetrahydroquinolines with high yields, excellent diastereoselectivities, broad functional group tolerance as well as gram-scale capacity. Moreover, a one-pot reaction sequence utilizing in situ generated p-QMs under the similar condition to build tetrahydroquinoline framework is smoothly conducted with good reaction performance as well as step and atom economy.

Palladium-Catalyzed Three-Component Cascade Reaction of Nitriles: Synthesis of 2-Arylquinoline-4-carboxylates

A new method for converting easy availability starting materials 2-(2-oxoindolin-3-yl)acetonitrile, arylboronic acids, and alcohols into 2-arylquinoline-4-carboxylates is reported. The procedure involves a three-component addition/ring expansion/esterification reaction in the presence of Pd(II) catalyst with high functional group tolerance under mild conditions. In addition, the photophysical properties of the resulting product were investigated and exhibited excellent polarity-sensitive fluorescence properties and AIE property.

Discovery of Quinoline-Derived Trifluoromethyl Alcohols as Antiepileptic and Analgesic Agents That Block Sodium Channels

The discovery of novel analgesic agents with high potency, low toxicity and low addictive properties remain a priority. This study aims to identify the analgesic potential of quinoline derived α-trifluoromethylated alcohols (QTA) and their mechanism of action. We synthesized and characterized several compounds of QTAs and screened them for antiepileptic and analgesic activity using zebrafish larvae in high thorough-put behavior analyses system. Toxicity and behavioral screening of 9 compounds (C1-C9) identified four candidates (C2, C3, C7 and C9) with antiepileptic properties that induces specific and reversible reduction in photomotor activity. Importantly, compounds C2 and C3 relieved the thermal pain response in zebrafish larvae indicating analgesic property. Further, using novel in vivo CoroNa green assay, we show that compounds C2 and C3 block sodium channels and reduce inflammatory sodium signals released by peripheral nerve and tissue damage. Thus, we have identified novel QTA compounds with antiepileptic and analgesic properties which could alleviate neuropathic pain.

Synthesis of 7-Chloroquinoline Derivatives Using Mixed Lithium-Magnesium Reagents

We have prepared a library of functionalized quinolines through the magnesiation of 7-chloroquinolines under mild conditions, employing both batch and continuous flow conditions. The preparation involved the generation of mixed lithium-magnesium intermediates, which were reacted with different electrophiles. Mixed lithium-zinc reagents allowed the synthesis of halogenated and arylated derivatives. Some of the synthesized 4-carbinol quinolines have shown interesting antiproliferative properties, their hydroxyl group being a suitable amino group bioisostere. We also report a two-step approach for optically active derivatives.

Design, Synthesis, and Anticancer Activity Studies of Novel Quinoline-Chalcone Derivatives

The chalcone and quinoline scaffolds are frequently utilized to design novel anticancer agents. As the continuation of our work on effective anticancer agents, we assumed that linking chalcone fragment to the quinoline scaffold through the principle of molecular hybridization strategy could produce novel compounds with potential anticancer activity. Therefore, quinoline-chalcone derivatives were designed and synthesized, and we explored their antiproliferative activity against MGC-803, HCT-116, and MCF-7 cells. Among these compounds, compound 12e exhibited a most excellent inhibitory potency against MGC-803, HCT-116, and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 1.38, 5.34, and 5.21 µM, respectively. The structure-activity relationship of quinoline-chalcone derivatives was preliminarily explored in this report. Further mechanism studies suggested that compound 12e inhibited MGC-803 cells in a dose-dependent manner and the cell colony formation activity of MGC-803 cells, arrested MGC-803 cells at the G2/M phase and significantly upregulated the levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase3/9 and cleaved-PARP) in MGC-803 cells. In addition, compound 12e could significantly induce ROS generation, and was dependent on ROS production to exert inhibitory effects on gastric cancer cells. Taken together, all the results suggested that directly linking chalcone fragment to the quinoline scaffold could produce novel anticancer molecules, and compound 12e might be a valuable lead compound for the development of anticancer agents.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Sequential C-H Activation and Cyclization from N-Methoxyarylamides and 3-Diazooxindoles for the Synthesis of Isochromenoindolones

An efficient synthetic method for structurally various isochromenoindolones has been demonstrated through Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation followed by a cyclization reaction of N-methoxyarylamides with 3-diazooxindoles. The sequential reaction involves the streamlined formation of C-C and C-O bonds in one pot. The present method provides a broad range of isochromenoindolones as a new privileged scaffold in moderate to good yields with the release of methoxyamine and molecular nitrogen and has the benefits of a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance.

Visible-Light-Mediated Oxidative Cyclization of 2-Aminobenzyl Alcohols and Secondary Alcohols Enabled by an Organic Photocatalyst

This paper describes a visible-light-mediated oxidative cyclization of 2-aminobenzyl alcohols and secondary alcohols to produce quinolines at room temperature. This photocatalytic method employed anthraquinone as an organic small-molecule catalyst and DMSO as an oxidant. According to this present procedure, a series of quinolines were prepared in satisfactory yields.

Switch From Pauli-Lowering to LUMO-Lowering Catalysis in Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Aza-Diels-Alder Reactions

Brønsted acid-catalyzed inverse-electron demand (IED) aza-Diels-Alder reactions between 2-aza-dienes and ethylene were studied using quantum chemical calculations. The computed activation energy systematically decreases as the basic sites of the diene progressively become protonated. Our activation strain and Kohn-Sham molecular orbital analyses traced the origin of this enhanced reactivity to i) "Pauli-lowering catalysis" for mono-protonated 2-aza-dienes due to the induction of an asynchronous, but still concerted, reaction pathway that reduces the Pauli repulsion between the reactants; and ii) "LUMO-lowering catalysis" for multi-protonated 2-aza-dienes due to their highly stabilized LUMO(s) and more concerted synchronous reaction path that facilitates more efficient orbital overlaps in IED interactions. In all, we illustrate how the novel concept of "Pauli-lowering catalysis" can be overruled by the traditional concept of "LUMO-lowering catalysis" when the degree of LUMO stabilization is extreme as in the case of multi-protonated 2-aza-dienes.

Synthesis of new 7-amino-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one-peptide derivatives and their carbonic anhydrase enzyme inhibition, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities

Six new monopeptides, seven new dipeptides, and two deprotected monopeptide dihydroquinolinone conjugates were prepared by the benzothiazole-mediated method and their structures were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance, mass, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis methods. The human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) I and hCA II enzyme inhibition activities of the compounds were determined using the stopped-flow instrument. The synthesized peptide-dihydroquinolinone conjugates 2, 3, 6, 10, 13, and 15 showed inhibition against the hCA II enzyme in the range of 15.7-65.7 µM. However, none of the compounds showed inhibition of hCA I at a concentration of 100 µM. The antioxidant activities of the compounds were also examined using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging method at concentrations of 12.5-125 µg/ml, but when compared with the standard antioxidant compounds α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), weak antioxidant activities were detected. The cytotoxic effects of four compounds against the A549 and BEAS-2B cell lines were also investigated. Among the compounds studied, compound 7 was found to be most effective, with the IC₅₀ values on the A549 cells for 48 and 72 h being 26.87 and 9.979 µg/ml, respectively, and the IC₅₀ values on the BEAS-2B cells being >100 µg/ml. None of the tested compounds showed antimicrobial activity in the concentration range (800-1.56 µg/ml) studied.

Environmentally Friendly Nafion-Catalyzed Synthesis of Substituted 2-Ethyl-3-Methylquinolines from Aniline and Propionaldehyde under Microwave Irradiation

Herein, we report a facile synthetic methodology for the preparation of 2,3-dialkylquinolines from anilines and propionaldehydes. This cyclization involved environmentally friendly Nafion® NR50 as an acidic catalyst with microwave irradiation as the heating source. A series of substituted 2-ethyl-3-methylquinolines were prepared from various anilines and propionaldehyde derivatives through this protocol with good to excellent yields. Some new chemical structures were confirmed by X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis and the related data were provided. The plausible reaction mechanism studies are also discussed.

Quinoline-based Compounds with Potential Activity against Drugresistant Cancers

Drug resistance is the major cause of the failure of cancer chemotherapy, so one of the most important features in developing effective cancer therapeutic strategies is to overcome drug resistance. Quinoline moiety has become one of the most privileged structural motifs in anticancer agent discovery since its derivatives possess potent activity against various cancers including drug-resistant cancers. Several quinoline-based compounds which are represented by Anlotinib, Bosutinib, Lenvatinib, and Neratinib have already been applied in clinical practice to fight against cancers, so quinoline-based compounds are potential anticancer agents. The present short review article provides an overview of the recent advances of quinoline-based compounds with potential activity against drug-resistant cancers. The structure-activity relationship and mechanisms of action are also discussed.

Metal-free C8-H functionalization of quinoline N-oxides with ynamides

The metal-free C8-H functionalization of quinoline N-oxides with ynamides is unveiled for the first time by the intramolecular Friedel-Crafts-type reaction of quinolyl enolonium intermediates generated from Brønsted acid-catalyzed addition of quinoline N-oxides to ynamides. Various quinoline N-oxides and terminal ynamides prove to be suitable substrates for this method. A one-pot protocol was then developed for the metal-free direct C8-H functionalization of quinolines.

NH4I-mediated sp3 C-H cross-dehydrogenative coupling of benzylamines with 2-methylquinoline for the synthesis of E-2-styrylquinolines

Without any metal catalyst, a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of E-2-styrylquinolines through sp3 C-H cross-dehydrogenative coupling of benzylamines with 2-methylquinolines mediated by NH4I under air is successfully developed. The oxidative olefination proceeded through deamination and sp3 C–H bond activation. A plausible mechanism is proposed for the construction of E-2-styrylquinolines.

Biological activity and molecular docking studies of some new quinolines as potent anticancer agents

The objective of this study is to investigate the antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties and the action mechanism of substituted quinoline and tetrahydroquinolines 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 against rat glioblastoma (C6), human cervical cancer (HeLa), human adenocarcinoma (HT29) cancer cell lines by BrdU Cell Proliferation ELISA, Lactate Dehydrogenase, DNA laddering and Topoisomerase I assays. The results of the study showed that 6,8-dibromotetrahydroquinoline 3 possess in vitro antiproliferative activity against C6, HeLa, and HT29 cell lines while morpholine/piperazine substituted quinoline 7 and 8 showed selective antiproliferative activity on C6 cell line with IC₅₀ values 47.5 and 46.3 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, 6,8-dibromoTHQ 3 caused DNA fragmentation while it did not inhibit the Topoisomerase I (Topo I) enzyme. On the other hand, compound 8 did not cause DNA laddering while 8 inhibited the Topo I enzyme. According to these results, 6,8-dibromoTHQ 3 stimulates apoptosis on the C6 cell line while 6,8-dibromo-3-morhonilylquinoline (8) inhibits the Topo I enzyme to cause antiproliferative activity.

Employing Arylacetylene as a Diene Precursor and Dienophile: Synthesis of Quinoline via the Povarov Reaction

A novel I₂-mediated Povarov reaction of arylacetylenes and anilines for the synthesis of 2,4-substituted quinolines has been developed, in which arylacetylene first acts as both a diene precursor and dienophile. This work further develops the Povarov reaction to expand the types of diene precursors. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the I₂/DMSO system realized the oxidative carbonylation of C(sp)-H of arylacetylene and then undergoes a [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction.

Novel 6-hydroxyquinolinone derivatives: Design, synthesis, antimicrobial evaluation, in silico study and toxicity profiling

Infectious diseases of bacteria and fungi have become a major risk to public health because of antibiotic and antifungal resistance. However, the availability of effective antibacterial and antifungal agents is becoming increasingly limited with growing resistance to existing drugs. In response to that, novel agents are critically needed to overcome such resistance. A new series of 6-hydroxyquinolinone 3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b bearing different side chains were synthesized and evaluated as antimicrobials against numbers of bacteria and fungi, using inhibition zone technique. As one of these derivatives, compound 3 was identified as a potent antibacterial and antifungal agent against all tested microorganisms with good minimum inhibitory concentration values comparable to reference drugs. Molecular docking studies were performed on antibacterial and antifungal targets; microbial DNA gyrase B of Staphylococcus aureus (PDB ID: 4URO); N-myristoyltransferase of Candida albicans (PDB ID: 1IYK), respectively, to predict the most probable type of interaction at the active site of the target protein in addition to binding affinities and orientations of docked ligands. Additionally, in silico prediction in terms of detailed physicochemical ADME and toxicity profile relating drug-likeness as well as medicinal chemistry friendliness was performed to all synthesized compounds. The results indicated that a novel 4,6-dihydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one (3) is likely to be a newly synthesized drug candidate, indicating low toxicity in addition to good in silico absorption. In order to pave the way for more logical production of such compounds, structure-activity and toxicity relationships are also discussed.