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Thakur R, Paul K. Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Sequential C-H/N-H Alkene Annulation Cascade of Phenanthroimidazoles: Synthesis and Photophysical Studies. J Org Chem 2024; 89:6016-6026. [PMID: 38625682 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
We report ruthenium(II)-catalyzed sequential C-H/N-H alkenylation cascade of phenanthroimidazole and alkenes to form novel phenanthroimidazoisoindol acrylates via dual C-H activation and aza-Michael reaction. The two nitrogen atoms of the imidazole ring act as directing groups for regioselective dual sequential ortho C-H activation. These polycyclic N-heterocycles were evaluated for their photophysical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Thakur
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India
| | - Kamaldeep Paul
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147004, Punjab, India
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2
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Liu J, Chao T, Liu Y, Gong C, Zhang Y, Xiong H. Heterocyclic Molecular Targeted Drugs and Nanomedicines for Cancer: Recent Advances and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1706. [PMID: 37376154 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a top global public health concern. At present, molecular targeted therapy has emerged as one of the main therapies for cancer, with high efficacy and safety. The medical world continues to struggle with the development of efficient, extremely selective, and low-toxicity anticancer medications. Heterocyclic scaffolds based on the molecular structure of tumor therapeutic targets are widely used in anticancer drug design. In addition, a revolution in medicine has been brought on by the quick advancement of nanotechnology. Many nanomedicines have taken targeted cancer therapy to a new level. In this review, we highlight heterocyclic molecular-targeted drugs as well as heterocyclic-associated nanomedicines in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxia Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Tengfei Chao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Chen Gong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Huihua Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
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Bahls B, Aljnadi IM, Emídio R, Mendes E, Paulo A. G-Quadruplexes in c-MYC Promoter as Targets for Cancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030969. [PMID: 36979947 PMCID: PMC10046398 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a societal burden demanding innovative approaches. A major problem with the conventional chemotherapeutic agents is their strong toxicity and other side effects due to their poor selectivity. Uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells is due to mutations, deletions, or amplifications in genes (oncogenes) encoding for proteins that regulate cell growth and division, such as transcription factors, for example, c-MYC. The direct targeting of the c-MYC protein has been attempted but so far unsuccessfully, as it lacks a definite binding site for the modulators. Meanwhile, another approach has been explored since the discovery that G-quadruplex secondary DNA structures formed in the guanine-rich sequences of the c-MYC promoter region can downregulate the transcription of this oncogene. Here, we will overview the major achievements made in the last decades towards the discovery of a new class of anticancer drugs targeting G-quadruplexes in the c-MYC promoter of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Bahls
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Israa M Aljnadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Emídio
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Paulo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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4
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Wang Z, Liu W, Li G, Wang J, Zhao B, Huang P, Mei W. Ruthenium(II) Complexes Coupled by Erianin via a Flexible Carbon Chain as a Potential Stabilizer of c-myc G-Quadruplex DNA. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041529. [PMID: 36838516 PMCID: PMC9958891 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, two novel ruthenium(II) complexes coupled by erianin via a flexible carbon chain, [Ru(phen)2(L1-(CH2)4-erianin)](ClO4)2 (L1 = 2-(2-(tri-fluoromethyphenyl))-imidazo [4,5f][1-10]phenanthroline (1) and [Ru(phen)2(L2-(CH2)4-eria)](ClO4)2 (L2 = 2-(4-(tri-fluoromethyphenyl))-imidazo [4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline (2), have been synthesized and investigated as a potential G-quadruplex(G4) DNA stabilizer. Both complexes, especially 2, can bind to c-myc G4 DNA with high affinity by electronic spectra, and the binding constant calculated for 1 and 2 is about 15.1 and 2.05 × 107 M-1, respectively. This was further confirmed by the increase in fluorescence intensity for both complexes. Moreover, the positive band at 265 nm in the CD spectra of c-myc G4 DNA decreased treated with 2, indicating that 2 may bind to c-myc G4 DNA through extern groove binding mode. Furthermore, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay indicated that the melting point of c-myc G4 DNA treated with 1 and 2 increased 15.5 and 16.5 °C, respectively. Finally, molecular docking showed that 1 can bind to c-myc G4 DNA in the extern groove formed by base pairs G7-G9 and G22-A24, and 2 inserts into the small groove of c-myc G4 DNA formed by base pairs T19-A24. In summary, these ruthenium(II) complexes, especially 2, can be developed as potential c-myc G4 DNA stabilizers and will be exploited as potential anticancer agents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wentao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guohu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiacheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Southern Pharmacy, Guangdong Jiangmen Chinese Medical, Jiangmen 510047, China
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (W.M.)
| | - Peishan Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenjie Mei
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-Medical Imaging, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (W.M.)
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Arene Ru(II) Complexes Acted as Potential KRAS G-Quadruplex DNA Stabilizer Induced DNA Damage Mediated Apoptosis to Inhibit Breast Cancer Progress. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27103046. [PMID: 35630522 PMCID: PMC9146995 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A series of arene Ru(II) complexes, [(η6-MeC6H5)Ru(L)Cl]Cl, (L=o-ClPIP, 1; m-ClPIP, 2 and p-ClPIP, 3) (o-ClPIP=2-(2-chlorophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline; m-ClPIP=2-(3-chlorophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline; p-ClPIP=2-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) was synthesized and investigated as a potential apoptosis inducer in chemotherapy. Spectroscopy and molecular docking simulations show that 1 exhibits moderated binding affinity to KRAS G-quadruplex DNA by groove mode. Further, in vitro studies reveal that 1 displays inhibitory activity against MCF-7 growth with IC50 = 3.7 ± 0.2 μM. Flow cytometric analysis, comet assay, and immunofluorescence confirm that 1 can induce the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells and G0/G1 phase arrest through DNA damage. In summary, the prepared arene Ru(II) complexes can be developed as a promising candidate for targeting G-quadruplex structure to induce the apoptosis of breast cancer cells via binding and stabilizing KRAS G-quadruplex conformation on oncogene promoter.
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Wang Z, Su W, Zheng H, Yang S, Yang T, Han T, Dessie W, He X, Jiang Y, Hao Y. Two phenanthroimidazole turn-on probes for the rapid detection of selenocysteine and its application in living cells imaging. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 267:120585. [PMID: 34782266 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.120585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Detection of selenocysteine (Sec) content in cells by fluorescence probe is of great significance for the identification of human related diseases. To achieve fast and sensitive detection of Sec, two isomers A4 and B4 as turn-on fluorescent probes to detect Sec were designed and synthesized. Both A4 and B4 display fast turn-on response, high selectivity and sensitivity toward Sec, which can be applied for fluorescence imaging of Sec in living cells. Compared with B4, A4 has a larger Stokes shift (125 nm), wider pH range (5-10) and lower detection limit (65.4 nM) due to its ESIPT (excited state intramolecular proton transfer) effect. In view of the detection performance of these two probes, they can be used as effective tools for detecting Sec in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongcheng Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou 425199, China
| | - Weikang Su
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou 425199, China
| | - Huihuang Zheng
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou 425199, China
| | - Shun Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Ting Han
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Wubliker Dessie
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou 425199, China
| | - Xingrui He
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou 425199, China
| | - Yuren Jiang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Yuanqiang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical Organic Chemistry and Function Molecule of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China.
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Szłapa-Kula A, Palion-Gazda J, Ledwon P, Erfurt K, Machura B. A fundamental role of solvent polarity and remote substitution of 2-(4-R-phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline framework in controlling of ground- and excited-state properties of Re(I) chromophores [ReCl(CO) 3(R-C 6H 4-imphen)]. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:14466-14481. [DOI: 10.1039/d2dt02439j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A series of Re(I) carbonyl chromophores with 1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (imphen) ligand functionalized with electron-donating amine groups attached to the imidazole ring via phenylene linkage was designed to investigate the impact of...
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8
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Wang T, Zou J, Wu Q, Wang R, Yuan CL, Shu J, Zhai BB, Huang XT, Liu NZ, Hua FY, Wang XC, Mei WJ. Tanshinone IIA derivatives induced S-phase arrest through stabilizing c-myc G-quadruplex DNA to regulate ROS-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 912:174586. [PMID: 34710368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Herein, a derivate from tanshinone IIA, 1,6,6-trimethyl-11-phenyl-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6H-furo[2',3':1,2]phenanthro[3,4-d]imidazole (TA25), has been synthesized and investigated as potential inhibitor against the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. MTT assay and cell colony formation assay results showed that TA25 exhibits acceptable inhibitory effect against the proliferation of lung cancer A549 cells, and the value of IC50 was about 17.9 μM. This result was further confirmed by the inhibition of TA25 against the growth of xenograft lung cancer cells on zebrafish bearing tumor (A549 lung cancer cells). The results of wound-healing assay and FITC-gelatin invasion assay displayed that TA25 could inhibit the migration and invasion of lung cancer A549 cells. Moreover, the studies on the binding properties of TA25 interact with c-myc G-quadruplex DNA suggested that TA25 can bind in the G-quarter plane formed from G7, G11, G16 and G20 with c-myc G-quadruplex DNA through π-π stacking. Further study of the potential anti-cancer mechanism indicated that TA25 can induce S-phase arrest in lung cancer A549 cells, and this phenomenon resulted from the promotion of the production of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in A549 cells under the action of TA25. Further research revealed that TA25 could inhibit the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway and increase the expression of p53 protein. Overall, TA25 can be developed into a promising inhibitor against the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells and has potential clinical application in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jun Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- The First Affiliation Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510062, China
| | - Chan-Ling Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jing Shu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bing-Bing Zhai
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Huang
- Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ning-Zhi Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Feng-Yang Hua
- The First Affiliation Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510062, China
| | - Xi-Cheng Wang
- The First Affiliation Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510062, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Wen-Jie Mei
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Bai MJ, Liu NZ, Zhou YL, Liu J, Zou J, Tan WJ, Huang XT, Mei WJ. Synthesis of Fluorinated Imidazole[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of Liver Cancer Cell Proliferation by Inducing Apoptosis via DNA Damage. ChemMedChem 2021; 17:e202100537. [PMID: 34713586 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Phenanthroline derivatives containing fluorinated imidazole ring are effective anti-neoplastic agents. Herein, a series of four fluorinated imidazole[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline derivatives were synthesized and investigated as potential inhibitors to fight against the growth of liver cancer cells. The in vitro antitumor activity of targeted compounds have been evaluated by using MTT assay, and results showed that compound 4 (2-(2,3-difluorophenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) exhibited excellent inhibitory effect against the growth of various tumor cells, particularly for HepG2 cells, with IC50 value of approximately 0.29 μM. This result has been further confirmed by colony formation assay, showing that compound 4 suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 cells. Moreover, cell apoptosis (AO/PI dual staining and flow cytometry) analyses as well as comet assay showed that compound 4 may induce apoptosis of HepG2 cells through triggering DNA damage. Furthermore, the in vivo anti-tumor activity were evaluated on zebrafish bearing HepG2 cells showed that compound 4 can observably block the growth of liver cancer cells. All in together, these compounds, particularly compound 4, may be developed as a potential agent to treat liver cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Jun Bai
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510430, China
| | - Ning-Zhi Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yu-Ling Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510430, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510430, China
| | - Jun Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wei-Jun Tan
- School of Food, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wen-Jie Mei
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.,Guangdong Province Engineering Technology Centre for Molecular Probe and Bio-Medicine Imaging, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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10
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Alghamdi SS, Suliman RS, Almutairi K, Kahtani K, Aljatli D. Imidazole as a Promising Medicinal Scaffold: Current Status and Future Direction. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:3289-3312. [PMID: 34354342 PMCID: PMC8329171 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s307113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Various imidazole-containing compounds have been tested for their medical usefulness in clinical trials for several disease conditions. The rapid expansion of imidazole-based medicinal chemistry suggests the promising and potential therapeutic values of imidazole-derived compounds for treating incurable diseases. Imidazole core scaffold contains three carbon atoms, and two nitrogen with electronic-rich characteristics that are responsible for readily binding with a variety of enzymes, proteins, and receptors compared to the other heterocyclic rings. Herein, we provide a thorough overview of the current research status of imidazole-based compounds with a wide variety of biological activities including anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and their potential mechanisms including topoisomerase IIR catalytic inhibition, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibition, c-MYC G-quadruplex DNA stabilization, and aurora kinase inhibition. Additionally, a great interest was reported in the discovery of novel imidazole compounds with anti-microbial properties that break DNA double-strand helix and inhibit protein kinase. Moreover, anti-inflammatory mechanisms of imidazole derivatives include inhibition of COX-2 enzyme, inhibit neutrophils degranulation, and generation of reactive oxygen species. This systemic review helps to design and discover more potent and efficacious imidazole compounds based on the reported derivatives, their ADME profiles, and bioavailability scores that together aid to advance this class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar S Alghamdi
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rasha S Suliman
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khlood Almutairi
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawla Kahtani
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Dimah Aljatli
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Sharma P, LaRosa C, Antwi J, Govindarajan R, Werbovetz KA. Imidazoles as Potential Anticancer Agents: An Update on Recent Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26144213. [PMID: 34299488 PMCID: PMC8307698 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic rings are common structural components of marketed drugs. Among these heterocycles, imidazole/fused imidazole rings are present in a wide range of bioactive compounds. The unique properties of such structures, including high polarity and the ability to participate in hydrogen bonding and coordination chemistry, allow them to interact with a wide range of biomolecules, and imidazole-/fused imidazole-containing compounds are reported to have a broad spectrum of biological activities. This review summarizes recent reports of imidazole/fused imidazole derivatives as anticancer agents appearing in the peer-reviewed literature from 2018 through 2020. Such molecules have been shown to modulate various targets, including microtubules, tyrosine and serine-threonine kinases, histone deacetylases, p53-Murine Double Minute 2 (MDM2) protein, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), G-quadraplexes, and other targets. Imidazole-containing compounds that display anticancer activity by unknown/undefined mechanisms are also described, as well as key features of structure-activity relationships. This review is intended to provide an overview of recent advances in imidazole-based anticancer drug discovery and development, as well as inspire the design and synthesis of new anticancer molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Sharma
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (P.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Chris LaRosa
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (P.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Janet Antwi
- Division of Mathematics, Computer & Natural Sciences Division, Ohio Dominican University, Columbus, OH 43219, USA;
| | - Rajgopal Govindarajan
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Karl A. Werbovetz
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (P.S.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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G-quadruplex stabilization via small-molecules as a potential anti-cancer strategy. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111550. [PMID: 33831835 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4) are secondary four-stranded DNA helical structures consisting of guanine-rich nucleic acids, which can be formed in the promoter regions of several genes under proper conditions. Several cancer cells have been shown to emerge from genomic changes in the expression of crucial growth-regulating genes that allow cells to develop and begin to propagate in an undifferentiated state. Recent attempts have focused on producing treatments targeted at particular protein products of genes that are abnormally expressed. Many of the proteins found are hard to target and considered undruggable due to structural challenges, protein overexpression, or mutations that affect treatment resistance. The utilization of small molecules that stabilize secondary DNA structures existing in several possible oncogenes' promoters and modulate their transcription is a new strategy that avoids some of these problems. In this review, we outline the function of G-quadruplex stabilization in cancer by small-molecules with the aim to improve cancer therapy.
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