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Acar Çevik U, Celik I, Görgülü Ş, Şahin Inan ZD, Bostancı HE, Özkay Y, Kaplacıklı ZA. New benzimidazole-oxadiazole derivatives as potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors: Synthesis, anticancer evaluation, and docking study. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22218. [PMID: 38825827 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
We report herein, the design and synthesis of benzimidazole-oxadiazole derivatives as new inhibitors for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). The designed members were assessed for their in vitro anticancer activity against three cancer cell lines and two normal cell lines; A549, MCF-7, PANC-1, hTERT-HPNE and CCD-19Lu. Compounds 4c and 4d were found to be the most effective compounds against three cancer cell lines. Compounds 4c and 4d were then tested for their in vitro VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity, safety profiles, and selectivity indices using the normal hTERT-HPNE and CCD-19Lu cell lines. It was determined that compound 4c was the most effective and safe member of the produced chemical family. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) immunolocalizations of compounds 4c and 4d were evaluated relative to control by VEGFA immunofluorescence staining. Compounds 4c and 4d inhibited VEGFR-2 enzyme with half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of 0.475 ± 0.021 and 0.618 ± 0.028 µM, respectively. Molecular docking of the target compounds was carried out in the active site of VEGFR-2 (Protein Data Bank: 4ASD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulviye Acar Çevik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Ismail Celik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Şennur Görgülü
- Medicinal Plant, Drug and Scientific Research and Application Center (AUBIBAM), Eskişehir, Turkey
| | | | - Hayrani Eren Bostancı
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Özkay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Zafer Asım Kaplacıklı
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Turkey
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Elgammal WE, Elkady H, Mahdy HA, Husein DZ, Alsfouk AA, Alsfouk BA, Ibrahim IM, Elkaeed EB, Metwaly AM, Eissa IH. Rationale design and synthesis of new apoptotic thiadiazole derivatives targeting VEGFR-2: computational and in vitro studies. RSC Adv 2023; 13:35853-35876. [PMID: 38116168 PMCID: PMC10728955 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07562a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This work presents the synthesis and in vitro, and in silico analyses of new thiadiazole derivatives that are designed to mimic the pharmacophoric characteristics of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) inhibitors. A comprehensive evaluation of the inhibitory properties of the synthesized thiadiazole derivatives against the cancer cell lines MCF-7 and HepG2 identified several auspicious candidates. Among them, compound 14 showed remarkably low IC50 values of 0.04 μM and 0.18 μM against MCF-7 and HepG2, respectively. VEGFR-2 inhibitory evaluation of compound 14 revealed a promising IC50 value in the nanomolar range (103 nM). Further examination of the cell cycle revealed that compound 14 has the ability to stop the progression of the cell cycle in MCF-7 cells via G0-G1 phase arrest. Interestingly, compound 14 also demonstrated a noteworthy pro-apoptotic effect in MCF-7 cells, with notable increases in early apoptosis (16.53%) and late apoptosis (29.57%), along with a slight increase in the population of necrotic cells (5.95%). Furthermore, compound 14 showed a significant drop in MCF-7 cells' ability to migrate and heal wounds. Additionally, compound 14 promoted apoptosis by boosting BAX (6-fold) while lowering Bcl-2 (6.2-fold). The binding affinities of the synthesized candidates to their target (VEGFR-2) were confirmed by computational investigations, including molecular docking, principal component analysis of trajectories (PCAT), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Additionally, compound 14's stability and reactivity were investigated using density functional theory (DFT). These thorough results highlight compound 14's potential as a lead contender for additional research in the creation of anticancer drugs that target VEGFR-2. This work establishes a foundation for promising thiadiazole derivatives for future therapeutic developments in anticancer- and angiogenesis-related scientific fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid E Elgammal
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University Nasr City Cairo Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Hazem A Mahdy
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University El-Kharja 72511 Egypt
| | - Aisha A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University P.O. Box 84428 Riyadh 11671 Saudi Arabia
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University P.O. Box 84428 Riyadh 11671 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University Giza 12613 Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University Riyadh 13713 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City) Alexandria Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University Cairo 11884 Egypt
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Eissa IH, Yousef RG, Sami M, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk BA, Ibrahim IM, Husein DZ, Elkady H, Metwaly AM. Exploring the anticancer properties of a new nicotinamide analogue: Investigations into in silico analysis, antiproliferative effects, selectivity, VEGFR-2 inhibition, apoptosis induction, and migration suppression. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 252:154924. [PMID: 37956639 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study focuses on the development and evaluation of (E)-N-(3-(1-(2-(4-bromobenzoyl)hydrazono)ethyl)phenyl)nicotinamide (BHEPN) as a potential inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). METHODS Computational investigations as density function theory (DFT), docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and ADMET) in addition to in vitro (VEGFR-2 inhibition, cytotoxicity against HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, selectivity index, cells cycle analysis, apoptosis investigation, and cells migration assay) studies were conducted. RESULTS DFT calculations determined the three-dimensional structure and indicated the reactivity of BHEPN. Molecular docking, and MD simulations analysis showed the BHEPN's binding affinity and its potential as a VEGFR-2 inhibitor. ADMET assessments predicted BHEPN's safety and drug-like characteristics. In vitro investigations confirmed the inhibition of VEGFR-2 with an IC50 value of 0.320 ± 0.012 µM. BHEPN also exhibited remarkable cytotoxic effects against HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 0.19 ± 0.01 µM and 1.18 ± 0.01 µM, respectively, outperforming Sorafenib's IC50 values (2.24 ± 0.06 µM and 3.17 ± 0.01 µM), respectively. Notably, BHEPN displayed a higher IC50 value of 4.11 ± 0 µM against the non-carcinogenic Vero cell lines, indicating selectivity index values of 21.6 and 3.4 against the tested cancer cell lines, respectively. In a flow cytometry assay, BHEPN induced HepG2 cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase. Moreover, BHEPN increased the incidence of early and late apoptosis in HepG2 cell lines (from 1.38% and 0.22%) in control cells to (4.11-26.02%) in the treated cells, respectively. Additionally, the percentage of necrosis raised to 13.39%, in contrast to 0.62% in control cells. Finally, BHEPN was able to reduce the migration and wound healing abilities in HepG2 cells to 38.89% compared to 87.92% in untreated cells after 48 h. These in vitro results aligned with the computational predictions, providing strong evidence of BHEPN's efficacy and safety in anticancer applications. CONCLUSIONS BHEPN is a promising candidate for the development of novel anticancer agents through further in vitro and in vivo investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Reda G Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Sami
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja 72511, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt; Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt.
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Eissa IH, Yousef RG, Elkady H, Elkaeed EB, Alsfouk BA, Husein DZ, Asmaey MA, Ibrahim IM, Metwaly AM. Anti-breast cancer potential of a new xanthine derivative: In silico, antiproliferative, selectivity, VEGFR-2 inhibition, apoptosis induction and migration inhibition studies. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154894. [PMID: 37857034 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overexpression of VEGFR-2 receptors in breast cancer provides a valuable approach to anticancer strategies. Targeting VEGFR-2, a new semisynthetic compound (T-1-MCPAB) has been designed. METHODS Computational methods (ADMET, toxicity, DFT, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, MM-GBSA, PLIP, and PCAT) were conducted. In addition to the semi-synthesis, in vitro studies (anti-VEGFR-2, anti-proliferative, flow cytometry, and wound scratch assay) were employed. RESULTS ADME and toxicity profiles of T-1-MCPAB studies indicated its overall drug-likeness showing results much better than Sorafenib. Then, T-1-MCPAB's exact 3D structure, stability, and reactivity were evoked by the DFT calculations. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, MM-GPSA, PLIP, and PCAT studies denoted the correct binding and inhibiting potential of T-1-MCPAB, towards VEGFR-2 protein. After the semisynthesis, T-1-MCPAB inhibited VEGFR-2 with an IC50 of 0.135 µM, which was comparable to sorafenib's IC50 of 0.0591 µM. T-1-MCPAB also showed a notable performance against MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 30.95 µM and 63.64 µM, respectively, and had high selectivity index values of 3.7 and 1.8, respectively. Furthermore, T-1-MCPAB influenced early and late apoptosis and significantly decreased the potential of MCF7 cells to heal and migrate. CONCLUSION T-1-MCPAB is a promising VEGFR-2 inhibitor with potential for breast cancer treatment. Further chemical and biological studies are needed to explore its potential as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
| | - Reda G Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja 72511, Egypt.
| | - Mostafa A Asmaey
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, 71524 Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University. Cairo 12613, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt; Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt.
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Eissa IH, Elkaeed EB, Elkady H, Yousef RG, Alsfouk BA, Elzahabi HSA, Ibrahim IM, Metwaly AM, Husein DZ. Design, Molecular Modeling, MD Simulations, Essential Dynamics, ADMET, DFT, Synthesis, Anti-proliferative, and Apoptotic Evaluations of a New Anti-VEGFR-2 Nicotinamide Analogue. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2902-2920. [PMID: 38031271 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128274870231102114858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to design and evaluate (in silico and in vitro) a new nicotinamide derivative as an inhibitor of VEGFR-2, a major mediator of angiogenesis Methods: The following in silico studies were performed; DFT calculations, molecular modelling, MD simulations, MM-GBSA, PLIP, and PCAT studies. The compound's in silico (ADMET) analysis was also conducted. Subsequently, the compound ((E)-N-(4-(1-(2-(4-(4-Chlorobenzamido)benzoyl)hydrazono)ethyl) phenyl)nicotinamide) was successfully synthesized and designated as compound X. In vitro, VEGFR-2 inhibition and cytotoxicity of compound X against HCT-116 and A549 cancer cell lines and normal Vero cell lines were conducted. Apoptosis induction and migration assay of HCT-116 cell lines after treatment with compound X were also evaluated. RESULTS DFT calculations assigned stability and reactivity of compound X. Molecular docking and MD simulations indicated its excellent binding against VEGFR-2. Furthermore, MM-GBSA analysis, PLIP experiments, and PCAT studies confirmed compound X's correct binding with optimal dynamics and energy. ADMET analysis expressed its general likeness and safety. The in vitro assays demonstrated that compound X effectively inhibited VEGFR-2, with an IC50 value of 0.319 ± 0.013 μM and displayed cytotoxicity against HCT-116 and A549 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 57.93 and 78.82 μM, respectively. Importantly, compound X exhibited minimal toxicity towards the non-cancerous Vero cell lines, (IC50 = 164.12 μM). Additionally, compound X significantly induced apoptosis of HCT-116 cell lines and inhibited their potential to migrate and heal. CONCLUSION In summary, the presented study has identified compound X as a promising candidate for the development of a novel apoptotic lead anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Eslam B Elkaeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Reda G Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Bshra A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba S A Elzahabi
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Metwaly
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Biopharmaceutical Products Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Dalal Z Husein
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharja 72511, Egypt
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