DNA-binding properties of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine N10-C11 amidines

Novel (S)-1,3,4,12a-tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-6,12(2H,11H)-dione derivatives: Selective inhibition of MV-4-11 biphenotypic B myelomonocytic leukemia cells' growth is accompanied by reactive oxygen species overproduction and apoptosis

A series of optically pure (R)- and (S)-1,3,4,12a-tetrahydropyrazino[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-6,12(2H,11H)-dione derivatives was designed and synthesized as novel anthramycin analogues in a three-step, one-pot procedure, and tested for their antiproliferative activity on nine following cell lines: MV-4-11, UMUC-3, MDA-MB-231, MCF7, LoVo, HT-29, A-549, A2780 and BALB/3T3. The key structural features responsible for exhibition of cytotoxic effect were determined: the (S)-configuration of chiral center and the presence of hydrophobic 4-biphenyl substituent in the side chain. Introduction of bromine atom into the 8 position (8g) or substitution of dilactam ring with benzyl group (8m) further improved the activity and selectivity of investigated compounds. Among others, compound 8g exhibited selective cytotoxic effect against MV-4-11 (IC₅₀ = 8.7 μM) and HT-29 (IC₅₀ = 17.8 μM) cell lines, while 8m showed noticeable anticancer activity against MV-4-11 (IC₅₀ = 10.8 μM) and LoVo (IC₅₀ = 11.0 μM) cell lines. The cell cycle arrest in G₁/S checkpoint and apoptosis associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species was also observed for 8e and 8m.

Naphthalene-fused (α-alkoxycarbonyl)methylene-γ-butyrolactones: antiproliferative activity and binding to bovine serum albumin and DNA

A naphthalene-fused (α-alkoxycarbonyl)methylene-γ-butyrolactone (methyl 2-[7-hydroxy-2-oxonaphtho[1,2-b]furan-3(2H)-yliden]acetate) has been prepared as a representative compound of a potential class of cytotoxic agents. In vitro cytotoxicity has been evaluated against HCT-15 colon and MCF-7 breast cancer cells and IC(50) was 64-66 μM, causing morphological changes in cells, such as loss of adhesion, rounding, cell shrinkage, and detachment from the substratum. The binding constant K of the complex between the naphthyl lactone with bovine serum albumin (8 × 10(3) M(-1)) suggests a minor change in protein folding. The K of the binding with DNA (1.06 × 10(4) M(-1)) suggests nonspecific electrostatic interactions with DNA and this was confirmed by melting point data (Tm<0.6 °C). Therefore, naphthalene-fused (α-alkoxycarbonyl)methylene-γ-butyrolactone should not be able to intercalate with DNA but its interaction should occur at the level of DNA surface.

Studies on DNA binding to metal complexes of Sal2trien

The complexes [Fe(Sal2trien)]NO3 and Cu(Sal2trien) have been synthesized and their interaction with calf thymus DNA has been investigated for the first time using UV spectra, fluorescence spectra, thermal denaturation, and viscosity measurements. The experimental results show conformably that the mode of binding of the complex [Fe(Sal2trien)]NO3 to DNA is nonclassical electrostatic action, but the mode of binding of the complex Cu(Sal2trien) to DNA is classical intercalation.