Antitumor Potential of Crown Ethers: Structure−Activity Relationships, Cell Cycle Disturbances, and Cell Death Studies of a Series of Ionophores

New Polyether Macrocycles as Promising Antitumor Agents-Targeted Synthesis and Induction of Mitochondrial Apoptosis

A series of previously unknown aromatic polyether macrodiolides containing a cis,cis-1,5-diene moiety in the molecule were synthesized in 47-74% yields. Macrocycle compounds were first obtained by intermolecular esterification of aromatic polyether diols with α,ω-alka-nZ,(n+4)Z-dienedioic acids mediated by N-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC·HCl) and 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP). For the synthesized compounds, studies of cytotoxicity on tumor (Jurkat, K562, U937), conditionally normal (HEK293) cell lines, and normal fibroblasts were carried out. CC50 was determined, and the therapeutic selectivity index of cytotoxic action (SI) in comparison with normal fibroblasts was evaluated. With the involvement of modern methods of flow cytometry for the most promising macrocycles, their effect on mitochondria and the cell cycle was investigated. It was found that a new macrocycle exhibits pronounced apoptosis-inducing activity toward Jurkat cells and can retard cell division by blocking at the G1/S checkpoint. Also, it was shown that the synthesized macrodiolides influence mitochondria due to their high ability to penetrate the mitochondrial membrane.

Novel benzodioxatriaza and dibenzodioxadiazacrown compounds carrying 1,2,4-oxadiazole moiety

A series of benzo (dibenzo)dioxadiaza and triazamacrocyclic ether compounds carrying 1,2,4-oxadiazole group has been successfully synthesized through N-substitution with 3-p-phenylsubstituted-5-chloromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles. The structures of all the novel macrocycles were confirmed by spectral/physical data including HRMS measurements.

Interaction of crown ethers with the ABCG2 transporter and their implication for multidrug resistance reversal

Overexpression of ABC transporters, such as ABCB1 and ABCG2, plays an important role in mediating multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer. This feature is also attributed to a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs), having enhanced tumourigenic potential. ABCG2 is specifically associated with the CSC phenotype, making it a valuable target for eliminating aggressive and resistant cells. Several natural and synthetic ionophores have been discovered as CSC-selective drugs that may also have MDR-reversing ability, whereas their interaction with ABCG2 has not yet been explored. We previously reported the biological activities, including ABCB1 inhibition, of a group of adamantane-substituted diaza-18-crown-6 (DAC) compounds that possess ionophore capabilities. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of ABCG2-inhibitory activity of DAC compounds and the natural ionophores salinomycin, monensin and nigericin. We used a series of functional assays, including real-time microscopic analysis of ABCG2-mediated fluorescent substrate transport in cells, and docking studies to provide comparative aspects for the transporter-compound interactions and their role in restoring chemosensitivity. We found that natural ionophores did not inhibit ABCG2, suggesting that their CSC selectivity is likely mediated by other mechanisms. In contrast, DACs with amide linkage in the side arms demonstrated noteworthy ABCG2-inhibitory activity, with DAC-3Amide proving to be the most potent. This compound induced conformational changes of the transporter and likely binds to both Cavity 1 and the NBD-TMD interface. DAC-3Amide reversed ABCG2-mediated MDR in model cells, without affecting ABCG2 expression or localization. These results pave the way for the development of new crown ether compounds with improved ABCG2-inhibitory properties.

Recent Updates on Supramolecular-Based Drug Delivery - Macrocycles and Supramolecular Gels

Supramolecules-based drug delivery has attracted significant recent research attention as it could enhance drug solubility, retention time, targeting, and stimuli responsiveness. Among the different supramolecules and assemblies, the macrocycles and the supramolecular hydrogels are the two important categories investigated to a greater extent. Here, we provide the most recent advancements in these categories. Under macrocycles, reports on drug delivery by cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, calixarenes/pillararenes, crown ethers and porphyrins are detailed. The second category discusses the supramolecular hydrogels of macrocycles/polymers and low molecular weight gelators. The updated information provided could be helpful to advance R & D in this vital area.

Acylated and alkylated benzo(crown-ethers) form ion-dependent ion channels in biological membranes

Synthetic ion channels based on benzo(crown-ether) compounds have been previously reported to function as ion-selective channels in planar lipid bilayers, with hydrogen bonding networks implicated in the formation of self-aggregated complexes. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of two new families of benzo(crown-ether) compounds, termed monoacylated and monoalkylated benzo(crown-ethers) (MABCE), both of which lack hydrogen bond donors. Depending on the length of alkyl chain substituent and the size of macrocycle, MABCE compounds inhibit bacterial growth and transport ions across biological membranes. Single-channel recordings show that the activity is higher in the presence of K+ as compared with Na+; however, under bionic conditions, open channels do not exhibit any preference between the two ions. These findings reveal that the ionic preference of benzo(crown-ether) compounds is either due to the regulation of assembly of ion-conducting supramolecular complexes or its membrane insertion by cations, as opposed to ion-selective transport through these scaffolds. Furthermore, our data show that the H-bonding network is not needed to form these assemblies in the membrane.

Heterocyclic Crown Ethers with Potential Biological and Pharmacological Properties: From Synthesis to Applications

Cyclic organic compounds with several ether linkages in their structure are of much concern in our daily life applications. Crown ethers (CEs) are generally heterocyclic and extremely versatile compounds exhibiting higher binding affinity. In recent years, due to their unique structure, crown ethers are widely used in drug delivery, solvent extraction, cosmetics manufacturing, material studies, catalysis, separation, and organic synthesis. Beyond their conventional place in chemistry, this review article summarizes the synthesis, biological, and potential pharmacological activities of CEs. We have emphasized the prospects of CEs as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal agents and have explored their amyloid genesis inhibitory activity, electrochemical, and potential metric sensing properties. The central feature of these compounds is their ability to form selective and stable complexes with various organic and inorganic cations. Therefore, CEs can be used in gas chromatography as the stationary phase and are also valuable for cation chromatographic to determine and separate alkali and alkaline-earth cations.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Modeling of Aza-Crown Ethers

Synthetic and natural ionophores have been developed to catalyze ion transport and have been shown to exhibit a variety of biological effects. We synthesized 24 aza- and diaza-crown ethers containing adamantyl, adamantylalkyl, aminomethylbenzoyl, and ε-aminocaproyl substituents and analyzed their biological effects in vitro. Ten of the compounds (8, 10–17, and 21) increased intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) in human neutrophils, with the most potent being compound 15 (N,N’-bis[2-(1-adamantyl)acetyl]-4,10-diaza-15-crown-5), suggesting that these compounds could alter normal neutrophil [Ca²⁺]_i flux. Indeed, a number of these compounds (i.e., 8, 10–17, and 21) inhibited [Ca²⁺]_i flux in human neutrophils activated by N-formyl peptide (fMLF). Some of these compounds also inhibited chemotactic peptide-induced [Ca²⁺]_i flux in HL60 cells transfected with N-formyl peptide receptor 1 or 2 (FPR1 or FPR2). In addition, several of the active compounds inhibited neutrophil reactive oxygen species production induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and neutrophil chemotaxis toward fMLF, as both of these processes are highly dependent on regulated [Ca²⁺]_i flux. Quantum chemical calculations were performed on five structure-related diaza-crown ethers and their complexes with Ca²⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ to obtain a set of molecular electronic properties and to correlate these properties with biological activity. According to density-functional theory (DFT) modeling, Ca²⁺ ions were more effectively bound by these compounds versus Na⁺ and K⁺. The DFT-optimized structures of the ligand-Ca²⁺ complexes and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis showed that the carbonyl oxygen atoms of the N,N’-diacylated diaza-crown ethers participated in cation binding and could play an important role in Ca²⁺ transfer. Thus, our modeling experiments provide a molecular basis to explain at least part of the ionophore mechanism of biological action of aza-crown ethers.

Further Approaches in the Design of Antitumor Agents with Response to Cell Resistance: Looking toward Aza Crown Ether-dtc Complexes

The dianionic aza crown ether-dtc N,N'-bis(dithiocarbamate)-1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 (L^2-) is a versatile ligand capable of yielding binuclear complexes with group 10 elements, also known as Ni-triade, [μ-(κ²-S,-S'-L)M₂(PPh₃)₄]Cl₂ (M = Pd (1), Pt (2)), [μ-(κ²-S,-S'-L)M₂(PPh₃)₄](BPh₄)₂ (M = Pd (3), Pt (4)), and μ-(κ-S,-S'-L)Ni₂(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ (5), and has proven to be an excellent option to the design of metal-based drugs able to provide multiple response to cell resistance. Palladium and platinum complexes, 1 and 2, were tested for cytotoxicity in the human cervix carcinoma cell line HeLa-229, the human ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780, and the cisplatin-resistant mutant A2780cis, finding significant activity toward all three cancer cell lines, with low micromolar IC₅₀ values, comparable to cisplatin. Markedly, against the cisplatin resistant cell line A2780cis, compound 2 exhibits better cytotoxic activity than the clinical drug (IC₅₀ = 2.3 ± 0.2 μM for 2 versus 3.6 ± 0.5 μM for cisplatin). Moreover, an enhancement of the antitumor response is achieved when adding an equimolar amount of alkali metal chloride (NaCl or KCl) to the medium, for instance, testing compound 1 against the cisplatin-resistant A2780cis cells, the IC₅₀ decreases from 9.3 ± 0.4 to 7.4 ± 0.3 and 5.4 ± 0.1 μM, respectively, after addition of the salt solution. For the platinum derivative 2, the IC₅₀ improves by ca. 40% reaching 1.3 ± 0.1 μM when potassium chloride is added. Likewise, the resistant factor found for 2 (RF = 1) confirms that this complex circumvents cisplatin-resistance in A2780cis and is improved with the addition of potassium chloride (RF = 0.65). The presence of the aza crown ether moiety as linker in the systems studied herein is a key point since, in addition to allowing and facilitating interaction with alkali metal ions, this unit is flexible enough to adapt to a variety of environments, as confirmed by the X-ray crystal structures described, where different conformations and ways to fold in are found. In order to gain insight into the electronic and structural facts involved in the interaction of complex 2 with the alkali metal ions, a DFT study was performed, and the description of the molecular electrostatic potentials (MEPs) is also presented.

The crown ether size and stereochemistry affect the self-assembly, hydrogelation, and cellular interactions of crown ether/peptide conjugates

Crown ether ring size affects nanofiber morphology of hydrogels upon conjugation with D- and L-phenylalanine dipeptides. Random nanofibers showed enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation whereas twisted nanofibers displayed weak cell attachments.

A Helical Polypeptide-Based Potassium Ionophore Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis by Perturbing Ion Homeostasis

Perturbation of potassium homeostasis can affect various cell functions and lead to the onset of programmed cell death. Although ionophores have been intensively used as an ion homeostasis disturber, the mechanisms of cell death are unclear and the bioapplicability is limited. In this study, helical polypeptide-based potassium ionophores are developed to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis. The polypeptide-based potassium ionophores disturb ion homeostasis and then induce prolonged ER stress in the cells. The ER stress results in oxidative environments that accelerate the activation of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, ER stress-mediated apoptosis is triggered in a tumor-bearing mouse model that suppresses tumor proliferation. This study provides the first evidence showing that helical polypeptide-based potassium ionophores trigger ER stress-mediated apoptosis by perturbation of potassium homeostasis.

Penetration Enhancers in Ocular Drug Delivery

There are more than 100 recognized disorders of the eye. This makes the development of advanced ocular formulations an important topic in pharmaceutical science. One of the ways to improve drug delivery to the eye is the use of penetration enhancers. These are defined as compounds capable of enhancing drug permeability across ocular membranes. This review paper provides an overview of anatomical and physiological features of the eye and discusses some common ophthalmological conditions and permeability of ocular membranes. The review also presents the analysis of literature on the use of penetration-enhancing compounds (cyclodextrins, chelating agents, crown ethers, bile acids and bile salts, cell-penetrating peptides, and other amphiphilic compounds) in ocular drug delivery, describing their properties and modes of action.

Crown ethers reverse P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance in cancer cells

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a widespread phenomenon exhibited by many cancers and represents a fundamental obstacle for successful cancer treatments. Tumour cells commonly achieve MDR phenotype through overexpression and/or increased activity of ABC transporters. P-glycoprotein transporter (P-gp, ABCB1) is a major cause of MDR and therefore represents a valuable target for MDR reversal. Several naturally occurring potassium ionophores (e.g. salinomycin) were shown to inhibit P-gp effectively. We have previously shown antitumour activity of a number of 18-crown-6 ether compounds that transport potassium ions across membranes. Here we present data on P-gp inhibitory activity of 16 adamantane-substituted monoaza- and diaza-18-crown-6 ether compounds, and their effect on MDR reversal in model cell lines. We show that crown ether activity depends on their lipophilicity as well as on the linker to adamantane moiety. The most active crown ethers were shown to be more effective in sensitising MDR cells to paclitaxel and adriamycin than verapamil, a well-known P-gp inhibitor. Altogether our data demonstrate a novel use of crown ethers for inhibition of P-gp and reversal of MDR phenotype.

Electrophilic Cyclization and Intermolecular Acetalation of 2-(4-Hydroxybut-1-yn-1-yl)benzaldehydes: Synthesis of Diiodinated Diepoxydibenzo[c,k][1,9]dioxacyclohexadecines

An expedient strategy for the preparation of diiodinated diepoxydibenzo[c,k][1,9]dioxacyclohexadecines from readily available 2-(4-hydroxybut-1-yn-1-yl)benzaldehydes through electrophile-triggered tandem cyclization/intermolecular acetalation sequence has been presented. The electrophilic macrocyclization can be performed under mild conditions and in up to gram quantities. Moreover, palladium-catalyzed coupling and reduction reactions of the resulting iodides could efficiently afford oxa-macrocycles.

Vibrational analysis of dibenzo-18-crown-6. Effect of dispersion correction on the calculated vibrational spectra

We report for the first time a detailed vibrational analysis of dibenzo-18-crown-6, db18c6. The experimental IR and Raman spectra of db18c6 were measured. The assignment of the fundamental vibrational frequencies of db18c6 was aided by using scaled quantum mechanical force fields calculated at the B3LYP/6-311G** and CAM-B3LYP/6-311G** levels. Comparison between the experimental and calculated spectra of some of the important conformations of db18c6 led to the conclusion that db18c6 in the solid phase exists in a C₂ conformation that is similar to that predicted by X-ray, for also the solid phase. The effect of inclusion of the atom pair-wise dispersion correction to the B3LYP method, known as the B3LYP-D3 method, on the calculated IR and Raman spectra of db18c6 at the B3LYP level was also investigated. It was concluded that the effect of inclusion of the dispersion correction on the calculated vibrational frequencies and intensities is negligible.

Crown Ethers: Novel Permeability Enhancers for Ocular Drug Delivery?

Crown ethers are cyclic molecules consisting of a ring containing several ether groups. The most common and important members of this series are 12-crown-4 (12C4), 15-crown-5 (15C5), and 18-crown-6 (18C6). These container molecules have the ability to sequester metal ions, and their complexes with drugs are able to traverse cell membranes. This study investigated 12C4, 15C5, and 18C6 for their ability to increase solubility of ocular drugs and enhance their penetration into the cornea. Phase solubility analysis determined crown ethers' ability to enhance the solubility of riboflavin, a drug used for the therapy of keratoconus, and these solutions were investigated for ocular drug permeation enhancing properties. Atomic absorption spectroscopy demonstrated crown ether solutions' ability to sequester Ca²⁺ from corneal epithelia, and crown ether mediated adsorption of riboflavin into the stroma was investigated. Induced corneal opacity studies assessed potential toxicity of crown ethers. Crown ethers enhanced riboflavin's aqueous solubility and its penetration into in vitro bovine corneas; the smaller sized crown ethers gave greatest enhancement. They were shown to sequester Ca²⁺ ions from corneal epithelia; doing so loosens cellular membrane tight junctions thus enhancing riboflavin penetration. Induced corneal opacity was similar to that afforded by benzalkonium chloride and less than is produced using polyaminocarboxylic acids. However, in vivo experiments performed in rats with 12C4 did not show any statistically significant permeability enhancement compared to enhancer-free formulation.

Ca2+ Selective Host Rotaxane Is Highly Toxic Against Prostate Cancer Cells

New therapies are needed to eradicate androgen resistant, prostate cancer. Prostate cancer usually metastasizes to bone where the concentration of calcium is high, making Ca²⁺ a promising toxin. Ionophores can deliver metal cations into cells, but are currently too toxic for human use. We synthesized a new rotaxane (CEHR2) that contains a benzyl 15-crown-5 ether as a blocking group to efficiently bind Ca²⁺. CEHR2 transfers Ca²⁺ from an aqueous solution into CHCl₃ to greater extent than alkali metal cations and Mg²⁺. It also transfers Ca²⁺ to a greater extent than CEHR1, which is a rotaxane with an 18-crown-6 ether as a blocking group. CEHR2 was more toxic against the prostate cancer cell lines PC-3, 22Rv1, and C4-2 than CEHR1. This project demonstrates that crown ether rotaxanes can be designed to bind a targeted metal cation, and this selective cation association can result in enhanced toxicity.

Discovery of a new class of 16-membered (2Z,11Z)-3,11-di(aryl/naphthyl)-1,13-dioxa-5,9-dithia-2,12-diazacyclohexadeca-2,11-dienes as anti-tumor agents

A series of new 16-membered macrocyclic compounds were synthesized and evaluation of in vitro anti-tumor activities on MDAMB-231 cell lines reveal that the macrocycles, 1a, 1f, 1g, 1i and 1k are promising anti-tumor agents.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Valinomycin Analog Bearing a Pentafluorophenyl Active Ester Moiety

A valuable analog of the K(+)-ionophore valinomycin (1), bearing a pentafluorophenyl ester moiety, has been obtained by selective reaction between the tertiary hydroxyl moiety of analog 2 (available from valinomycin hydroxylation) and the isocyanate group of pentafluorophenyl N-carbonyl glycinate (3) catalyzed by bis(N,N-dimethylformamide)dichlorodioxomolybdenum(VI). LC-HRMS studies show that analog 4 undergoes easy derivatization under mild conditions by reaction with OH- and NH2-containing compounds. Mitochondrial depolarization assays suggest that 4 acts as a K(+)-ionophore, provided that the glycine carboxyl group is appropriately masked.

Remarkable conformational flexibility of aqueous 18-crown-6 and its strontium(II) complex-ab initio molecular dynamics simulations

Ab initio QMCF-MD simulations of aqueous 18-crown-6 (18C6) and strontium(II)-18-crown-6 (18C6-Sr) were performed to gather insight into their hydration properties. Strongly different characteristics were found for the two solutes in terms of structure and dynamics such as H-bonding. They, however, have in common that their backbone shows high flexibility in aqueous medium, adopting structures significantly differing from idealized gas phase geometries. In particular, planar oxyethylene units stable in the picosecond range occurred in 18C6, while the strontium complex readily exhibits a bent structure. Detailed analysis of this high flexibility was done via two dimensional root mean square deviation plots as well as the evolution of dihedral angles and angles within the simulation trajectory. The vibrational spectra obtained from the QMCF-MD simulations are in excellent agreement with experimental data and show a pronounced blueshift upon complexation of the strontium(II) ion in 18C6.

Synthesis, photophysical and electrochemical properties of chiral and achiral thiadiazolophanes

One pot synthesis of chiral and achiral 2:2 oligomeric thiadiazolophane 1 and 3 and 3:3 oligomeric thiadiazolophane 2 and 4 with (S)-BINOL and methylene bis-naphthyl spacer unit has been achieved. The photophysical and electrochemical properties revealed higher degree of aggregation in 2:2 oligomor than 3:3 oligomer. Energy minimized calculations show that 3:3 oligomer has less heat of formation than 2:2 oligomer.

Antitumor potential of conjugable valinomycins bearing hydroxyl sites: in vitro studies

Following our pioneering studies on the direct and efficient introduction of derivatizable hydroxyl handles into the valinomycin (VLM, 1) structure, a K(+)-ionophore with potent antitumor activity, the ensuing conjugable analogues (HyVLMs 2, 3, and 4) have herein been compared to the parent macrocycle for their potential antiproliferative effects on a panel of cancer cell lines, namely, human MCF-7, A2780, and HepG2, as well as rat C6 cells. On the basis of IC50 values, we find that hydroxyl analogues 3 and 4 are only moderately less active than 1, while analogue 2 experiences a heavily diminished activity. Cytofluorimetric analyses of MCF-7 cells treated with HyVLMs suggest that the latter depolarize mitochondria, thus retaining the typical VLM behavior. It is likely that C6 cells, for which the exceptionally potent cytotoxicity of VLM has never reported previously, follow the same fate, as evidenced by alteration of mitochondrial morphology upon incubation with each ionophore.

The size of the aryl linker between two polyaza-cyclophane moieties controls the binding selectivity to ds-RNA vs. ds-DNA

Aryl-linked (pyridine- vs. phenanthroline-) bis-polyaza pyridinophane scorpiands PYPOD and PHENPOD strongly bind to the double stranded DNA and RNA, whereby very intriguing RNA over DNA selectivity is finely tuned by aryl-linker length and aromatic surface. Moreover, PYPOD and PHENPOD dimer formation at high compound/polynucleotide ratios is highly sensitive to the fine interplay between the steric and binding properties of compound-dimers and the DNA minor groove/RNA major groove. That is demonstrated by significantly different induced CD spectra, which allow spectroscopic differentiation between various DNA/RNA secondary structures. A significantly higher (micromolar) antiproliferative effect of PYPOD and PHENPOD on human cell lines with respect to previously reported pyridine-based tripodal aliphatic polyamines is attributed to masked positive charges and increased hydrophobicity of novel compounds, resulting in more efficient membrane permeation and cellular uptake.

Crown Ether Host-Rotaxanes as Cytotoxic Agents

Highly toxic bacterial ionophores are commonly used in veterinary medicine, but their therapeutic index is too narrow for human usage. With the goal of developing ionophores with a broader therapeutic index, we constructed highly derivatized synthetic ionophores. The toxicities of crown ether host-rotaxanes (CEHR's) against the SKOV-3 cell line were measured. The effect of Mg²⁺ or Ca²⁺ on toxicity was explored because changes in the intracellular concentration of these cations can cause cell death through apoptosis. We found Boc-CEHR is highly toxic and Arg-CEHR is slightly less toxic with IC₅₀ values of 0.5 μM and 6 μM, respectively, in standard growth medium. Increasing the concentration of Ca²⁺ resulted in greater toxicity of the CEHRs, whereas increasing the concentration of Mg²⁺ was less effective on reducing IC₅₀. Cell death occurs mainly through apoptosis. Although preliminary, these results suggest that the CEHRs deliver Ca²⁺ and perhaps Mg²⁺ into cells inducing apoptosis.

BINOL Macrocycle Derivatives: Synthesis of New Dinaphthyl Sulfide Aza Oxa Thia Crowns (Lariats)

In this research work, dinaphthyl sulfide diester was prepared from the reaction of 1,1′-thiobis (2-hydroxy naphthalene) and methylchloroacetate. Its aza-macrocyclic derivative was synthesized from the reaction of dinaphthyl sulfide diester and diethylenetriamine. Lariats were prepared from the reaction of chloroamides (four derivatives) and initial macrocycle. Chloroamides were synthesized from the reaction of amines (aniline, benzylamine, 8-amino quinoline and 4-amino azobenzene) and chloroacetyl chloride. All the materials were identified by IR,1H NMR,13C NMR, and mass spectroscopies, and elemental analysis.

Could LogP be a principal determinant of biological activity in 18-crown-6 ethers? Synthesis of biologically active adamantane-substituted diaza-crowns

18-crown-6 ethers are known to exert their biological activity by transporting K(+) ions across cell membranes. Using non-linear Support Vector Machines regression, we searched for structural features that influence antiproliferative activity in a diverse set of 19 known oxa-, monoaza- and diaza-18-crown-6 ethers. Here, we show that the logP of the molecule is the most important molecular descriptor, among ∼1300 tested descriptors, in determining biological potency (R(2)(cv) = 0.704). The optimal logP was at 5.5 (Ghose-Crippen ALOGP estimate) while both higher and lower values were detrimental to biological potency. After controlling for logP, we found that the antiproliferative activity of the molecule was generally not affected by side chain length, molecular symmetry, or presence of side chain amide links. To validate this QSAR model, we synthesized six novel, highly lipophilic diaza-18-crown-6 derivatives with adamantane moieties attached to the side arms. These compounds have near-optimal logP values and consequently exhibit strong growth inhibition in various human cancer cell lines and a bacterial system. The bioactivities of different diaza-18-crown-6 analogs in Bacillus subtilis and cancer cells were correlated, suggesting conserved molecular features may be mediating the cytotoxic response. We conclude that relying primarily on the logP is a sensible strategy in preparing future 18-crown-6 analogs with optimized biological activity.

Ligand-based virtual screening procedure for the prediction and the identification of novel β-amyloid aggregation inhibitors using Kohonen maps and Counterpropagation Artificial Neural Networks

In this work we have developed an in silico model to predict the inhibition of β-amyloid aggregation by small organic molecules. In particular we have explored the inhibitory activity of a series of 62 N-phenylanthranilic acids using Kohonen maps and Counterpropagation Artificial Neural Networks. The effects of various structural modifications on biological activity are investigated and novel structures are designed using the developed in silico model. More specifically a search for optimized pharmacophore patterns by insertions, substitutions, and ring fusions of pharmacophoric substituents of the main building block scaffolds is described. The detection of the domain of applicability defines compounds whose estimations can be accepted with confidence.

Guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole-aryl conjugates as nucleic acid sensors: switch of binding mode and spectroscopic responses by introducing additional binding sites into the linker

Two novel guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole-pyrene conjugates 3 and 4 as spectroscopic probes for ds-polynucleotides were synthesized and their interaction with different ds-DNAs/RNAs studied. Compared to a previously reported first set of conjugates (1 and 2) the significant extension and increased rigidity of the central part of the structure resulted in a switch of DNA binding mode from intercalative (previously studied derivatives 1 and 2 with a nonbinding and flexible linker) to minor groove binding of the two novel guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole-pyrene conjugates 3 and 4. These two compounds interact strongly with ds-DNAs, but only weakly with ds-RNA. The newly incorporated heterocyclic moieties within the central part of the structure of 3 and 4 were able to control by steric and hydrogen-bonding effects the alignment of the molecules within various, structurally different forms of DNA minor grooves, whereby even small differences in the position of the attached pyrene within the groove were reflected in different fluorimetric responses. In addition, 3 and 4 revealed intriguing in vitro selectivity among various human tumour cell lines.

Guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole-aryl derivatives: structure tuning for spectrophotometric recognition of specific DNA and RNA sequences and for antiproliferative activity

We present a systematic study of different guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole-aryl derivatives designed to interact with DNA or RNA both through intercalation of an aromatic moiety into the base stack of the nucleotide and through groove binding of a guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole cation. We varied 1) the size of the aromatic ring (benzene, naphthalene, pyrene and acridine), 2) the length and flexibility of the linker connecting the two binding groups, and 3) the total number of positive charges present at different pH values. The compounds and their interactions with DNA and RNA were studied by UV/Vis, fluorescence and CD spectroscopy. Antiproliferative activities against human tumour cell lines were also determined. Our studies show that efficient interaction with, for example, DNA requires a significantly large aromatic ring (pyrene) connected through a flexible linker to the pyrrole moiety. However, a positive charge, as in 12, is also needed. Compound 12 allows for base-pair-selective recognition of ds-DNA at physiological pH values. The antiproliferative activities of these compounds correlate with their binding affinities towards DNA, suggesting that their biological effects are most probably due to DNA binding.

Biomedical potentials of crown ethers: prospective antitumor agents

Crown ethers are of enormous interest and importance in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, catalysis, separation, transport and encapsulated processes, as well as in the design and synthesis of various synthetic systems with specific properties, diverse capabilities, and programmable functions. Classical crown ethers are macrocyclic polyethers that contain 3-20 oxygen atoms separated from each other by two or more carbon atoms. They are exceptionally versatile in selectively binding a range of metal ions and a variety of organic neutral and ionic species. Crown ethers are currently being studied and used in a variety of applications beyond their traditional place in chemistry. This review presents additional applications and the ever-increasing biomedical potentials of these intriguing compounds, with particular emphasis on the prospects of their relevance as anticancer agents. We believe that further research in this direction should be encouraged, as crown compounds could either induce toxicities that are different from those of conventional antitumor drugs, or complement drugs in current use, thereby providing a valuable adjunct to therapy.