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This paper describes the rational development of a series of novel spiroindoline derivatives endowed with selective inhibitory activity on the HDAC6 isoform. A convenient multicomponent one-pot protocol was applied for the assembly of the desired N1-substituted spiroindoline core which allowed a straightforward analoging. Computational studies and in vitro determination of inhibitory potency for the developed compounds against HDAC6 and HDAC1 isoforms were flanked by cell-based studies on histone H3 and α-tubulin acetylation. The effects on cancer cell cycle and apoptosis of the best performing derivatives were assessed on cancer cell lines highlighting a promising antitumor potential. In view of cell-based data and calculated drug-like properties, the selective HDAC6 inhibitor 5b, with a spiroindoline-based hydroxamate bearing a tert-butyl carbamate functionality, was selected to be further investigated for its potential in inhibiting tumor cells migration. It was able to potently inhibit cell migration in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and did not display toxicity in NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts. Taken together, these data foster further investigation and optimization for this class of compounds as novel anticancer agents.

Aim: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate the expression and activity of numerous proteins involved in the initiation and progression of cancer. Currently, three hydroxamate-containing HDAC pan-inhibitors have been approved as antitumor agents. Results: We herein present the development of a series of novel phenylpyrrole-based derivatives stemmed from combined computational and medicinal chemistry efforts to rationally modulate HDAC1/6 isoform selectivity. In vitro activity on HDAC1 and HDAC6 isoforms and the effects of selected analogs on histone H3 and α-tubulin acetylation levels were determined. Cell-based data evidenced, for selected compounds, a promising antitumor potential and low toxicity on normal cells. Conclusion: The newly developed compounds represent a valuable starting point for the development of novel anticancer agents.

Most nucleoside kinases, besides the catalytic domain, feature an allosteric domain which modulates their activity. Generally, non-substrate analogs, interacting with allosteric sites, represent a major opportunity for developing more selective and safer therapeutics. We recently developed a series of non-nucleoside non-competitive inhibitors of human adenosine kinase (hAK), based on a pyrrolobenzoxa(thia)zepinone scaffold. Based on computational analysis, we hypothesized the existence of a novel allosteric site on hAK, topographically distinct from the catalytic site. In this study, we have adopted a multidisciplinary approach including molecular modeling, biochemical studies, and site-directed mutagenesis to validate our hypothesis. Based on a three-dimensional model of interaction between hAK and our molecules, we designed, cloned, and expressed specific, single and double point mutants of hAK (Q74A, Q78A, H107A, K341A, F338A, and Q74A-F338A). Kinetic characterization of recombinant enzymes indicated that these mutations did not affect enzyme functioning; conversely, mutated enzymes are endowed of reduced susceptibility to our non-nucleoside inhibitors, while maintaining comparable affinity for nucleoside inhibitors to the wild-type enzyme. This study represents the first characterization and validation of a novel allosteric site in hAK and may pave the way to the development of novel selective and potent non-nucleoside inhibitors of hAK endowed with therapeutic potential.