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In this study, we synthesized a series of dihydropyrazole sulfonamide derivatives containing 2-hydroxyphenyl moiety as antitumor agents to target the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). All of the synthesized compounds were examined by bioactivity assays, in which compound 4c turned out as a potential antagonist of MMP-2 along with potent anticancer activity against four tumor cell lines. Structure-activity relationship analysis was also performed to examine how structural changes impacted the bioactivity. Suggested to be caused by the induction of apoptosis, the antitumor mechanism of 4c was further confirmed by PI combining with annexin V-FITC staining assay using flow cytometry analysis. These new findings along with molecular docking observations suggested that compound 4c could be developed as a potential anticancer agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interference with dynamic equilibrium of microtubule-tubulin has proven to be a useful tactics in the clinic. Based on investigation into the structure-activity relationship ( SAR) studies of tubulin polymerization inhibitors obtained from several worldwide groups, we attempted to design 691 compounds covering several main heterocyclic scaffolds as novel colchicine-site inhibitors ( CSIs). Evaluated by a series of combination of commonly used computer methods such as molecular docking, 3D- QSAR, and pharmacophore model, we can obtain the ultimate 16 target compounds derived from five important basic scaffolds in the field of medicinal chemistry. Among these compounds, compound A-132 with in silico moderate activity was synthesized, and subsequently validated for preliminary inhibition of tubulin polymerization by immunofluorescence assay. In additional, the work of synthesis and validation of biological activity for other 15 various structure compounds will be completed in our laboratory. This study not only developed a hierarchical strategy to screen novel tubulin inhibitors effectively, but also widened the spectrum of chemical structures of canonical CSIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Ni(II) Schiff-base complex, Ni(C14H10NOBr2)2, was synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Its inhibitory activity against Helicobacter pylori urease was evaluated in vitro and showed strong inhibitory activity against H. pylori urease compared with acetohydroxamic acid (IC50 = 42.12 µmol L-1), which is a positive reference. A docking analysis using the autodock 4.0 program could explain the inhibitory activity of the complex against urease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Compounds of novel cinnamic acyl sulfonamide derivatives as tubulin polymerization inhibitors were designed, synthesized and evaluated for the inhibitory activity against tubulin polymerization and cancer cell inhibitory activity. Docking simulation and 3D-QSAR of these compounds were also conducted. Highlights • 15 novel cinnamic acyl sulfonamide derivatives have been synthesized. • Their biological activities were as potential tubulin polymerization inhibitors. • Compound 5a showed the most inhibitory activity against tubulin and cancer cells. • Crystal structures of compounds 5b and 6c were determined. Abstract A new series of novel cinnamic acyl sulfonamide derivatives were designed and synthesized and evaluated their anti-tubulin polymerization activities and anticancer activities. One of these compounds, compound 5a with a benzdioxan group, was observed to be an excellent tubulin inhibitor (IC 50 = 0.88 µM) and display the best antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 with an IC 50 value of 0.17 μg/mL. Docking simulation was performed to insert compound 5a into the crystal structure of tubulin at colchicine binding site to determine the probable binding model. 3D-QSAR model was also built to provide more pharmacophore understanding that could be used to design new agents with more potent anti-tubulin polymerization activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent progress in the development of small molecular skeleton-derived polo-like kinase (PLK1) catalytic domain (K D ) inhibitors has led to the synthesis of multiple ligands with high binding affinity. However, few systematic analyses have been conducted to identify key PLK1-PBD domain and characterize their interactions with potent PLK1 inhibitors. Therefore, we designed a series of PLK1-PBD inhibitors with an in silico scaffold modification strategy. A docking simulation combined with a primary screen in vitro were performed to filter for the lead compound, which was then substituted, synthesized and evaluated by a variety of bioassays. The biological profile of 4v suggests that this compound may be developed as a potential anticancer agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasingly acquired resistance to vemurafenib and side effects of known inhibitors motivate the search for new and more effective anti-melanoma drugs. In this Letter, virtual screening and scaffold growth were combined together to achieve new molecules as BRAF V600E inhibitors. Along with docking simulation, a primary screen in vitro was performed to filter the modifications for the lead compound, which was then substituted, synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against BRAF V600E and several melanoma cell lines. Out of the obtained compounds, derivative 3l was identified as a potent BRAF V600E inhibitor and exerted an anticancer effect through BRAF V600E inhibition. The following biological evaluation assays confirmed that 3l could induce cell apoptosis and marked DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, 3l could arrest the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase in melanoma cells. The docking simulation displayed that 3l could tightly bind with the crystal structure of BRAF V600E at the active site. Overall, the biological profile of 3l suggests that this compound may be developed as a potential anticancer agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of 2-styryl-5-nitroimidazole derivatives containing 1,4-benzodioxan moiety (3a–3r) has been designed, synthesized and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential antiproliferation and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors. Among all the compounds, 3p showed the most potent activity in vitro which inhibited the growth of A549 with IC50 value of 3.11μM and Hela with IC50 value of 2.54μM respectively. Compound 3p also exhibited significant FAK inhibitory activity (IC50 =0.45μM). Docking simulation was performed for compound 3p into the FAK structure active site to determine the probable binding model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of new 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives (6a–6x) containing pyridine and acylhydrazone moieties were synthesized and developed as potential telomerase inhibitors. The bioassay tests demonstrated that compounds 6n, 6o, 6q, 6s and 6t exhibited significant broad-spectrum anticancer activity with IC50 range from 0.76 to 9.59μM against the four cancer cell lines (HEPG2, MCF7, SW1116 and BGC823). Moreover, all the title compounds were assayed for telomerase inhibition using the TRAP-PCR-ELISA assay. Compound 6s showed the highest anticancer activity with IC50 of 0.76–1.54μM against the tested cancer cell lines and exhibited the most potent telomerase inhibitory activity with IC50 of 1.18±0.14μM. The docking simulation was carried out to investigate a possible binding mode of compound 6s into the active site of telomerase (pdb. 3DU6) while the QSAR model was built to check the previous work as well as to introduce new directions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 1,3,4-Oxadiazole derivatives have drawn continuing interest over the years because of their varied biological activities. In order to search for novel anticancer agents, we designed and synthesized a series of new 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives containing benzotriazole moiety as potential focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors. All the synthesized compounds were firstly reported. Among the compounds, compound 4 shows the most potent inhibitory activity against MCF-7 and HT29 cell lines with IC50 values of 5.68μg/ml and 10.21μg/ml, respectively. Besides, all the compounds were assayed for FAK inhibitory activity using the TRAP–PCR–ELISA assay. The results showed compound 4 exhibited the most potent FAK inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 1.2±0.3μM. Docking simulation by positioning compound 4 into the FAK structure active site was performed to explore the possible binding mode. Apoptosis which was analyzed by flow cytometry, demonstrated that compound 4 induced apoptosis against MCF-7 cells. Therefore, compound 4 may be a potential anticancer agent against MCF-7 cancer cell. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives containing 1,4-benzodioxan moiety (7a–7q) have been designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antitumor activity. Most of the synthesized compounds were proved to have potent antitumor activity and low toxicity. Among them, compound 7a showed the most potent biological activity against Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial cells, which was comparable to the positive control. The results of apoptosis and flow cytometry (FCM) demonstrated that compound 7a induce cell apoptosis by the inhibition of MetAP2 pathway. Molecular docking was performed to position compound 7a into MetAP2 binding site in order to explore the potential target. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of quinoline derivatives (4a–4o) have been synthesized and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential telomerase inhibitors. Bioassay tests demonstrated that most of the compounds exhibited substantial broad-spectrum antitumor activity against the three cancer cell lines (HepG2, SGC-7901 and MCF-7). Moreover, all the title compounds were assayed for telomerase inhibition using the TRAP-PCR-ELISA assay. Compounds 4d and 4i displayed the most potent anticancer activities, which were comparable to the positive control. Docking simulation was performed to position compounds 4d and 4i into the telomerase structure active site to determine the probable binding model. Compounds 4d and 4i with potent inhibitory activity in tumor growth inhibition may be potential anticancer agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of novel thiazolyl-pyrazoline derivatives containing benzodioxole (C1–C20) have been designed and synthesized. Among of the synthesized compounds, 2-(5-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-3-(4-bromophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)thiazole (C6) displayed the most potent inhibitory activity for HER-2 (IC50 =0.18μM for HER-2). Antiproliferative assay results indicated that compound C6 owned high antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 and B16-F10 in vitro, with IC50 value of 0.09 and 0.12μM, respectively, being comparable with the positive control Erlotinib. Docking simulation was further performed to determine the probable binding model. Based on the preliminary results, compound C6 with potent inhibitory activity in tumor growth would be a potential anticancer agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of N-((1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)aniline derivatives (5a–8d) have been designed and synthesized, and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential antitumor and cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitors. Among all the compounds, compound 5a displayed the most potent CDK2/cyclin E inhibitory activity in vitro, with an IC50 of 0.98±0.06μM. Antitumor assays indicated that compound 5a owned high antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 and B16-F10 cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 1.88±0.11 and 2.12±0.15μM, respectively. Docking simulation was performed to insert compound 5a into the crystal structure of CDK2 at active site to determine the probable binding model. Based on the preliminary results, compound 5a with potent inhibitory activity in tumor growth may be a potential anticancer agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of N,1,3-triphenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide derivatives have been designed, synthesized and evaluated for their potential antiproliferation activity and Aurora-A kinase inhibitory activity. Among all the compounds, compound 10e possessed the most potent biological activity against HCT116 and MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 values of 0.39±0.06μM and 0.46±0.04μM, respectively, which were comparable to the positive control. Compound 10e also exhibited significant Aurora-A kinase inhibitory activity (IC50 =0.16±0.03μM). Docking simulation was performed to position compound 10e into the active site of Aurora-A kinase, in order to get the probable binding model for further study. The results of Western-blot assay demonstrated that compound 10e possessed good Aurora-A kinase inhibitory activity against HCT116. Based on the preliminary results, it is deduced that compound 10e with potent Aurora-A kinase inhibitory activity may be a potential anticancer agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amide derivatives (5a–5y) have been designed and synthesized, and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential antiproliferation and FAK inhibitors. Among all the compounds, 5h showed the most potent activity in vitro, which inhibited the growth of MCF-7 and B16-F10 cell lines with IC50 values of 0.45 and 0.31μM, respectively. Compound 5h also exhibited significant FAK inhibitory activity (IC50 =5.32μM). Docking simulation was performed to position compound 5h into the FAK structure active site to determine the probable binding model. The results of antiproliferative and Western-blot assay demonstrated that compound 5h possessed good antiproliferative activity. Therefore, compound 5h with potent FAK inhibitory activity may be a potential anticancer agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of cinnamic acyl 1,3,4-thiadiazole amide derivatives (6a–10e) have been designed and synthesized, and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential antiproliferation and tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Among all the compounds, 10e showed the most potent activity in vitro, which inhibited the growth of MCF-7 and A549 cell lines with IC50 values of 0.28 and 0.52μg/mL, respectively. Compound 10e also exhibited significant tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity (IC50 =1.16μg/mL). Docking simulation was performed to insert compound 10e into the crystal structure of tubulin at colchicine binding site to determine the probable binding model. Based on the preliminary results, compound 10e with potent inhibitory activity in tumor growth may be a potential anticancer agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A type of novel 4,6-substituted-(diaphenylamino)quinazolines, which designed based on the 4-(phenylamino)quinazoline moiety, have been discovered as potential EGFR inhibitors. These compounds displayed good antiproliferative activity and EGFR-TK inhibitory activity. Especially, 4-((4-(3-bromophenylamino)quinazolin-6-ylamino)methyl)phenol (5b), showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50 =0.28μM for Hep G2, IC50 =0.59μM for A16-F10 and IC50 =0.87μM for EGFR) and effectively induces apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in the Hep G2 cell line. Molecular docking of 5b into EGFR TK active site was also performed. This inhibitor nicely fitting the active site might well explain its excellent inhibitory activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of pyridine acyl sulfonamide derivatives (1–24) have been designed and synthesized and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. Among all the compounds, compound 23 displayed the most potent COX-2 inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 0.8μM. Antitumor and anti-inflammatory assays indicated that compound 23 owned high antiproliferative activity against B16-F10, HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines as well as COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibitory activity of murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line with IC50 values of 2.8, 1.2, 1.8 and 0.15μM, respectively. Docking simulation was performed to position compound 23 into the COX-2 active site to determine the probable binding model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In present study, a series of new 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives containing 1,4-benzodioxan moiety (6a–6s) as potential telomerase inhibitors were synthesized. The bioassay tests demonstrated that compounds 6k, 6l, 6m, 6n and 6s exhibited broad-spectrum antitumor activity with IC50 concentration range from 7.21μM to 25.87μM against the four cancer cell lines, HEPG2, HELA, SW1116 and BGC823. Moreover, all the title compounds were assayed for telomerase inhibition using the TRAP-PCR-ELISA assay. The results showed compound 6k possessed the most potent telomerase activity (IC50 =1.27±0.05μM). Docking simulation was performed to position compound 6k into the active site of telomerase (3DU6) to determine the probable binding model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of novel metronidazole derivatives were recently reported as potent anticancer agents targeting EGFR and HER-2 by our group [Qian, Y.; Zhang, H. J.; Zhang, H.; Xu, C.; Zhao, J.; Zhu, H. L. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2010, 18, 4991]. Based on the previous results, we designed and synthesized a new series of metronidazole acid acyl sulfonamide derivatives and a new series of phenylacetyl benzenesulfonamide derivatives and their anticancer activities were evaluated as potential EGFR and HER-2 kinase inhibitors. Among all the compounds, compound 12 displayed the most potent inhibitory activity EGFR and HER-2 (IC50 =0.39μM for EGFR and IC50 =1.53μM for HER-2) and it also showed the most potent growth inhibitory activity against A549 and B16-F10 cancer cell line in vitro, with an IC50 value of 1.26μg/mL for A549 and 0.35μg/mL for B16-F10. Docking simulation was further performed to position compound 12 into the EGFR active site to determine the probable binding model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fourty-two thiazolyl-pyrazoline derivatives were synthesized to screen for their EGFR kinase inhibitory activity. Compound 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5-p-tolyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)thiazole (11) displayed the most potent EGFR TK inhibitory activity with IC50 of 0.06μM, which was comparable to the positive control. Molecular docking results indicated that compound 11 was nicely bound to the EGFR kinase. Compound 11 also showed significant antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 with IC50 of 0.07μM, which would be a potential anticancer agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of novel cinnamic acyl sulfonamide derivatives (9a–16e) have been designed and synthesized and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Among all the compounds, 10c showed the most potent growth inhibitory activity against B16-F10 cancer cell line in vitro, with an IC50 value of 0.8μg/mL. Docking simulation was performed to insert compound 10c into the crystal structure of tubulin at colchicine binding site to determine the probable binding model. Based on the preliminary results, compound 10c with potent inhibitory activity in tumor growth may be a potential anticancer agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Twenty-three resveratrol derivatives possessing chalcone moiety were synthesized and characterized, and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential antiproliferation and tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Compound C19 exhibited the most potent activity in vitro, which inhibited the growth of HepG2, B16-F10, and A549 cell lines with IC50 values of 0.2, 0.1, and 1.4μg/mL, respectively. Compound C19 also exhibited significant tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity (IC50 =2.6μg/mL). Docking simulation was performed to position compound C19 into the tubulin–colchicine binding site to determine the probable binding mode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of new 2-chloropyridine derivatives possessing 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety were synthesized. Antiproliferative assay results indicated that compounds 6o and 6u exhibited the most potent activity against gastric cancer cell SGC-7901, which was more potent than the positive control. Especially, compound 6o exhibited significant telomerase inhibitory activity (IC50 =2.3±0.07μM), which was comparable to the positive control ethidium bromide. Docking simulation was performed to position compound 6o into the active site of telomerase (3DU6) to determine the probable binding model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of novel coumarin derivatives containing 4,5-dihydropyrazole moiety as potential telomerase inhibitors were synthesized. The bioassay tests show that compound 3d exhibited potentially high activity against human gastric cancer cell SGC-7901 with IC50 value of 2.69±0.60μg/mL. All title compounds were assayed for telomerase inhibition by a modified TRAP assay, the results show that compounds 3d and 3f can strongly inhibit telomerase with IC50 values of 2.0±0.07 and 1.8±0.35μM, respectively. Docking simulation was performed to position compound 3d into the telomerase (3DU6) active site to determine the probable binding model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of novel 2-chloro-pyridine derivatives containing flavone, chrome or dihydropyrazole moieties as potential telomerase inhibitors were synthesized. The bioassay tests showed that compounds 6e and 6f exhibited some effect against gastric cancer cell SGC-7901 with IC50 values of 22.28±6.26 and 18.45±2.79μg/mL, respectively. All title compounds were assayed for telomerase inhibition by a modified TRAP assay, the results showed that compound 6e can strongly inhibit telomerase with IC50 value of 0.8±0.07μM. Docking simulation was performed to position compound 6e into the active site of telomerase (3DU6) to determine the probable binding model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of amide-coupled benzoic nitrogen mustard derivatives as potential EGFR and HER-2 kinase inhibitors were synthesized and reported for the first time. Some of them exhibited significant EGFR and HER-2 inhibitory activity. Of all the studied compounds, compounds 5b and 5t exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity, which was comparable to the positive control erlotinib. Docking simulation was performed to position compounds 5b and 5t into the EGFR active site to determine the probable binding model. Antiproliferative assay results indicated that some of the benzoic nitrogen mustard derivatives possessed high antiproliferative activity against MCF-7. In particular, compounds 5b and 5t with potent inhibitory activity in tumor growth inhibition may function as potential antitumor agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]