Synthesis, thymidine phosphorylase inhibition and molecular modeling studies of 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione derivatives

1,3,4-Oxadiazoles as Anticancer Agents: A Review

Among the deadliest diseases, cancer is characterized by tumors or an increased number of a specific type of cell because of uncontrolled divisions during mitosis. Researchers in the current era concentrated on the development of highly selective anticancer medications due to the substantial toxicities of conventional cytotoxic drugs. Several marketed drug molecules have provided resistance against cancer through interaction with certain targets/growth factors/enzymes, such as Telomerase, Histone Deacetylase (HDAC), Methionine Aminopeptidase (MetAP II), Thymidylate Synthase (TS), Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), STAT3, Thymidine phosphorylase, and Alkaline phosphatase. The molecular structure of these drug molecules contains various heterocyclic moieties that act as pharmacophores. Recently, 1,3,4- oxadiazole (five-membered heterocyclic moiety) and its derivatives attracted researchers as these have been reported with a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer. 1,3,4- oxadiazoles have exhibited anti-cancer potential via acting on any of the above targets. The presented study highlights the synthesis of anti-cancer 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, their mechanism of interactions with targets, along with structure-activity relationship concerning anti-cancer potential.

A combined crystallographic and theoretical investigation of noncovalent interactions in 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione-N-Mannich derivatives: in vitro bioactivity and molecular docking

Two 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione-N-Mannich derivatives, specifically 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-[(2-trifluoromethylphenylamino)methyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione (1) and 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-[(2,5-difluorophenylamino)methyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione (2), were synthesized and then characterized by elemental analysis and NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy and the single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The formed weak intermolecular interactions in the solid-state structures of these derivatives were thoroughly investigated utilizing a variety of theoretical tools such as Hirshfeld surface analysis and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). Furthermore, the CLP-PIXEL and density functional theory calculations were used to study the energetics of molecular dimers. Numerous weak intermolecular interactions such as C-H⋯S/Cl/F/π interactions, a directional C-Cl⋯Cl halogen bond, π-stacking, type C-F⋯F-C contact and a short F⋯O interaction, help to stabilize the crystal structure of 1. Crystal structure 2 also stabilizes with several weak intermolecular contacts, including N-H⋯S, C-H⋯N//Cl/F interactions, a highly directional C1-Cl1⋯C(π) halogen bond and C(π)⋯C(π) interaction. In vitro antimicrobial potency of compounds 1 and 2 was assessed against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and the pathogenic yeast-like Candida albicans. Both compounds showed marked activity against all tested Gram-positive bacteria and weak activity against Escherichia coli and lacked inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 displayed good in vitro anti-proliferative activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) and mammary gland breast cancer (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. Molecular docking studies revealed the binding modes of title compounds at the active sites of prospective therapeutic targets.

Investigation of novel bis-thiadiazole bearing schiff base derivatives as effective inhibitors of thymidine phosphorylase: Synthesis, in vitro bioactivity and molecular docking study

Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is an angiogenic enzyme. It is crucial for the development, invasion and metastasis of tumors as well as angiogenesis. In our current research, we examine how structurally changing bis-thiadiazole bearing bis-schiff bases affects their ability to inhibit TP. Through the oxidative cyclization of pyridine-based bis-thiosemicarbazone with iodine, a series of fourteen analogs of bis-thiadiazole-based bis-imines with pyridine moiety were developed. Newly synthesized scaffolds were assessed in vitro for their thymidine phosphorylase inhibitory potential and showed moderate to good inhibition profile. Eleven scaffolds such as 4a-4d,4f-4 h and 4j-4 m were discovered to be more effective than standard drug at inhibiting the thymidine phosphorylase enzyme with IC50 values of 1.16 ± 1.20, 1.77 ± 1.10, 2.48 ± 1.30, 12.54 ± 1.60, 14.63 ± 1.70, 15.53 ± 1.80, 17.47 ± 1.70, 18.98 ± 1.70, 19.53 ± 1.50, 22.73 ± 2.40 and 24.87 ± 2.80 respectively, while remaining three analogs such as 4n, 4i and 4ewere found to be more potent, but they were less potent than the standard drug. All analogs underwent SAR studies based on the pattern of substitutions around the aryl part of the bis-thiadiazole skeleton. The most active analogs in the synthesized series were then molecular docking study performed to investigate their interactions of active part of enzyme. The results showed that remarkable interactions were exhibited by these analogs with the targeted enzymes active sites. Furthermore, to confirm the structure of synthesized analogs by employing spectroscopic tools such as HREI-MS and NMR.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Dihydropyridine and Pyridine Analogs as Potent Human Tissue Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase Inhibitors with Anticancer Activity: ROS and DNA Damage-Induced Apoptosis

Small molecules with nitrogen-containing scaffolds have gained much attention due to their biological importance in the development of new anticancer agents. The present paper reports the synthesis of a library of new dihydropyridine and pyridine analogs with diverse pharmacophores. All compounds were tested against the human tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (h-TNAP) enzyme. Most of the compounds showed excellent enzyme inhibition against h-TNAP, having IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.49 ± 0.025 to 8.8 ± 0.53 µM, which is multi-fold higher than that of the standard inhibitor (levamisole = 22.65 ± 1.60 µM) of the h-TNAP enzyme. Furthermore, an MTT assay was carried out to evaluate cytotoxicity against the HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Among the analogs, the most potent dihydropyridine-based compound 4d was selected to investigate pro-apoptotic behavior. The further analysis demonstrated that compound 4d played a significant role in inducing apoptosis through multiple mechanisms, including overproduction of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damaging, and arrest of the cell cycle at the G1 phase by inhibiting CDK4/6. The apoptosis-inducing effect of compound 4d was studied through staining agents, microscopic, and flow cytometry techniques. Detailed structure–activity relationship (SAR) and molecular docking studies were carried out to identify the core structural features responsible for inhibiting the enzymatic activity of the h-TNAP enzyme. Moreover, fluorescence emission studies corroborated the binding interaction of compound 4d with DNA through a fluorescence titration experiment.

Synthesis, in vitro cholinesterase inhibition, molecular docking, DFT and ADME studies of novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole 2-thiol derivatives

A sequence of 1,3,4-oxadiazole 2-thiol derivatives bearing various alkyl or aryl moieties was designed, synthesized, and characterized by modern spectroscopic methods to yield 17 compounds ( 6a - 6q ) which were screened for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes in search of 'lead' compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD). The compounds 6q, 6p, 6k, 6o, and 6l showed inhibitory capability against AChE and BChE, with IC 50 values ranging from 11.730.49 to 27.360.29 µM for AChE and 21.830.39 to 39.430.44 µM for BChE, inhibiting both enzymes within a limited range. The SAR ascertained that the substitution of the aromatic moiety had a profound effect on the AChE and BChE inhibitory potential as compared to the aliphatic substitutions which were supported by the molecular docking studies. In silico ADME studies reinforced the drug-likeness of most of the synthesized molecules. These results were additionally supplemented by the molecular orbital analysis (HOMO-LUMO) and electrostatic potential maps got from DFT calculations. ESP maps expose that on all structures, there are two potential binding sites conquered by the most positive and most negative districts.

Design, synthesis, modelling studies and biological evaluation of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as potent anticancer agents targeting thymidine phosphorylase enzyme

A series of novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives with substituted phenyl ring were designed and synthesized with an objective of discovering newer anti-cancer agents targeting thymidine phosphorylase enzyme (TP). The 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives were synthesized by simple and convenient methods in the lab. Chemical structure of the all the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and mass spectral methods and evaluated for cytotoxicity by MTT method against two breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Further, results of TP assay identified that 1,3,4-oxadiazole molecules displayed anti-cancer activity partially by inhibition of phosphorylation of thymidine. The TP assay identified SB8 and SB9 as potential inhibitors with anti-cancer activity against both the cell lines. The molecular docking studies recognized the orientation and binding interaction of molecule at the active site amino acid residues of TP (PDB: 1UOU). Acute toxicity studies of compound SB8 at the dose of 5000 mg/kg has identified no signs of clinical toxicity was observed. The SARs study of synthesized derivatives revealed that the substitution of phenyl ring with electron withdrawing group at ortho position showed significant TP inhibitory activity compared to para substitution. The experimental data suggests that 1,3,4-oxadiazole with substituted phenyl can be taken as a lead for the design of efficient TP inhibitors and active compounds which can be taken up for further studies.

Synthesis of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as potent antiproliferative agents via a hybrid pharmacophore approach

Imiquimod (1-isobutyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine) is efficacious in topical therapy for certain types of skin cancers. Structurally similar EAPB0203 (N-methyl-1-(2-phenethyl)imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxalin-4-amine) has been shown higher in vitro potency than imiquimod. Besides, triazole, oxadiazole, and thiadiazole rings are privileged building blocks in drug design. A series of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1,3,4-oxadiazole and [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives were therefore synthesized by incorporation of these rings into the structure of EAPB0203 and assessed their antiproliferative effects against various cancer cell lines. The 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives demonstrated the superior effectiveness compared to imiquimod and EAPB0203. Our findings highlight the excellent potential of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxaline-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as anticancer agents.

Synthesis, evaluation of thymidine phosphorylase and angiogenic inhibitory potential of ciprofloxacin analogues: Repositioning of ciprofloxacin from antibiotic to future anticancer drugs

Over expression of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) in various human tumors compared to normal healthy tissue is associated with progression of cancer and proliferation. The 2-deoxy-d-ribose is the final product of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) catalyzed reaction. Both TP and 2-deoxy-d-ribose are known to promote unwanted angiogenesis in cancerous cells. Discovery of potent inhibitors of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) can offer appropriate approach in cancer treatment. A series of ciprofloxacin 2, 3a-3c, 4a-4d, 5a-5b, 6 and 7 has been synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic techniques. Afterwards, inhibitory potential of synthesized ciprofloxacin 2, 3a-3c, 4a-4d, 5a-5b, 6 and 7 against thymidine phosphorylase enzyme was assessed. Out of these twelve analogs of ciprofloxacin nine analogues 3a-3c, 4a-4c, 5a-5b and 6 showed good inhibitory activity against thymidine phosphorylase. Inhibitory activity as presented by their IC₅₀ values was found in the range of 39.71 ± 1.13 to 161.89 ± 0.95 μM. The 7-deazaxanthine was used as a standard inhibitor with IC₅₀ = 37.82 ± 0.93 μM. Furthermore, the chick chorionic allantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to investigate anti-angiogenic activity of the most active ciprofloxacin-based inhibitor 3b. To enlighten the important binding interactions of ciprofloxacin derivatives with target enzyme, the structure activity relationship and molecular docking studies of chosen ciprofloxacin analogues was discussed. Docking studies revealed key π-π stacking, π-cation and hydrogen bonding interactions of ciprofloxacin analogues with active site residues of thymidine phosphorylase enzyme.

Design, synthesis, in-vitro thymidine phosphorylase inhibition, in-vivo antiangiogenic and in-silico studies of C-6 substituted dihydropyrimidines

Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is an angiogenic enzyme. It plays an important role in angiogenesis, tumour growth, invasion and metastasis. In current research work, we study the effect of structural modification of dihydropyrimidine-2-ones (DHPM-2-ones) on TP inhibition. A series of eighteen new derivatives of 3,4-dihydropyrimidone-2-one were designed and synthesized through the structural modification at C-6 position. All these new derivatives were then assessed for in-vitro inhibition of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) from E. coli. Oxadiazole derivatives 4a-e exhibited excellent TP-inhibition at low micromolar concentration levels better than standard drug 7-deazaxanthine (7-DX). Among all these compounds, 4b was found to be the most potent with IC₅₀ = 1.09 ± 0.004 μM. Anti-angiogenesis potential of representative compounds were also studied in a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Here again, compound 4b was found to be the potent anti-angiogenesis compound in a CAM assay. Docking studies were also performed with Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) to further analyse the mode of inhibition of these compounds. Binding mode analysis of the most active inhibitors showed that these are well accommodated into the binding site of enzyme though stable hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions.