Design and synthesis of 2-Substituted-4-benzyl-5-methylimidazoles as new potential Anti-breast cancer agents to inhibit oncogenic STAT3 functions

Targeting JAK2/STAT3 for the treatment of cancer: A review on recent advancements in molecular development using structural analysis and SAR investigations

Cancer is indeed considered a hazardous and potentially life-threatening disorder. The JAK/STAT pathway is an important intracellular signaling cascade essential for many physiological functions, such as immune response, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of this pathway aids in the progression and development of cancer. The downstream JAK2/STAT3 signaling cascades are legitimate targets against which newer anticancer drugs can be developed to prevent and treat cancer. Understanding the mechanisms behind JAK2/STAT3 participation in cancer has paved the way for developing innovative targeted medicines with the potential to improve cancer treatment outcomes. This article provides information on the current scenario and recent advancements in the design and development of anticancer drugs targeting JAK2/STAT3, including structural analysis and SAR investigations of synthesized molecules. Numerous preclinical and clinical trials are ongoing on these inhibitors, which are highlighted to gain more insight into the broader development prospects of inhibitors of JAK2/STAT3.

Design, synthesis, anti-inflammatory evaluation, and molecular modelling of new coumarin-based analogs combined curcumin and other heterocycles as potential TNF-α production inhibitors via upregulating Nrf2/HO-1, downregulating AKT/mTOR signalling pathways and downregulating NF-κB in LPS induced macrophages

Persistent inflammation contributes to various inflammatory conditions. Inflammation-related diseases may be treated by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Curcumin and coumarin derivatives can target signalling pathways and cellular factors to address immune-related and inflammatory ailments. This study involved designing and synthesising three series of coumarin-based analogs that incorporated curcumin and other heterocycles. These analogs were evaluated for their potential as anti-inflammatory agents in LPS-induced macrophages. Among the fourteen synthesised coumarin derivatives, compound 14b, which contained 3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene hydrazinyl, demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory activity with an EC50 value of 5.32 μM. The anti-inflammatory effects of 14b were achieved by modulating signalling pathways like AKT/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1, and downregulating NF-kβ, resulting in reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. The modelling studies revealed that 14b and dexamethasone bind to the same TNF-α pocket, suggesting that 14b has potential as a therapeutic agent superior to dexamethasone for TNF-α.

Synthesis of 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as inhibitors for STAT3 enzymes of breast cancer

Disubstituted five-membered heterocycles (1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4 oxadiazole) were synthesized and investigated as inhibitors for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) enzyme of breast cancer. 3-(Benzylthio)-5-(4-chlorobenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine (12d) was found to be the most active among the synthesized compounds with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) value of 1.5 µM on MCF7 cells and was found to show a great inhibitory effect on the STAT3 enzyme. Compounds 9a,b,d,e,f, 11, and 12a,b,f,e show IC50 values in the range of 3-12 µM for the MCF7 cell line. Molecular modeling was used to investigate the biological results of the synthesized compounds.

Design and synthesis of new trimethoxylphenyl-linked combretastatin analogues loaded on diamond nanoparticles as a panel for ameliorated solubility and antiproliferative activity

A new series of vinyl amide-, imidazolone-, and triazinone-linked combretastatin A-4 analogues have been designed and synthesised. These compounds have been evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The triazinone-linked combretastatin analogues (6 and 12) exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity, in sub-micromolar concentration compared with combretastatin A-4 as a reference standard. The results of β-tubulin polymerisation inhibition assay appear to correlate well with the ability to inhibit β-tubulin polymerisation. Additionally, these compounds were subjected to biological assays relating to cell cycle aspects and apoptosis induction. In addition, the most potent compound 6 was loaded on PEG-PCL modified diamond nanoparticles (PEG-PCL-NDs) and F4 was picked as the optimum formula. F4 exhibited enhanced solubility and release over the drug suspension. In the comparative cytotoxic activity, PEG-PCL modified F4 was capable of diminishing the IC50 by around 2.89 times for nude F4, while by 3.48 times relative to non-formulated compound 6.