Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel benzylidene-succinimide derivatives as noncytotoxic antiangiogenic inhibitors with anticolorectal cancer activity in vivo

Novel anticancer drug discovery strategies targeting hypoxia-inducible factors

INTRODUCTION

Hypoxia is a key feature of solid tumors, associated with aggressive behaviors such as radiation and chemotherapy resistance, increased metastasis, and poor prognosis. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are essential transcription factors that help tumor cells adapt to hypoxic environments by promoting the expression of pro-oncogenic genes. Reducing HIF activity presents a promising strategy for advancing cancer treatment.

AREA COVERED

In this paper, the authors present an overview of recent studies on the development of HIF-1/2 inhibitors as potential anticancer drugs. The article offers a comprehensive analysis of the structural characteristics of these inhibitors and explores their relationship with anticancer activity, focusing on research conducted over the past decade, from 2015 to 2024.

EXPERT OPINION

Because they play a big role in medicinal chemistry and the discovery of anticancer drugs, HIF inhibitors have always gotten a lot of attention and have been used to make a lot of important molecules with different biological effects, especially in the field of cancer research. Several techniques and chemical scaffolds have successfully targeted HIF-1α. However, additional research is required to sustain HIF-1α inhibition while maintaining anticancer activity. The FDA approval of Belzutifan provided researchers with an opportunity to conduct broader HIF-2 studies.

Spirocyclization and Michael addition of 3-benzylidene succinimides: route to spirocyclopentapyrrolidine-tetraones and benzylidene N-arylpyrrolidine-diones

Reactions of 3-benzylidene succinimides with 2-substituted 2-hydroxy-indane-1,3-diones and unsaturated pyrazolones are carried out under basic conditions to afford spirocyclized derivatives and Michael adducts, respectively, with high regio- and stereo-selectivities. The most notable aspect of the reaction is the ability of highly reactive benzylidene succinimide to act as both an electrophile and a nucleophile causing spirocyclization. The reaction proceeded under mild and metal-free conditions and products were isolated in good to high yields. The current strategy utilizes simple and easily accessible precursors, and provides functionally rich products of medicinal interest with two to four contiguous stereogenic centres and complete regioselectivity with excellent diastereoselectivity.

Suppression of migration and invasion by taraxerol in the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 via the ERK/Slug axis

As one of the triterpene extracts of Taraxacum, a traditional Chinese plant, taraxerol (TRX) exhibits antitumor activity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TRX on the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, analyzed the molecular mechanism through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and finally verified it by in vitro experiments. The results showed that TRX could inhibit the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, while MAPK3 was the most promising target and could stably combine with TRX. In addition, the relative protein expression levels were detected by Western blot, and we observed that TRX could inhibit the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells via the ERK/Slug axis. Moreover, an ERK activator (tert-butylhydroquinone, tBHQ) partially reversed the suppressive effect of TRX on MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, TRX inhibited the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells via the ERK/Slug axis.

Pyrrolidinedione-thiazolidinone hybrid molecules with potent cytotoxic effect in squamous cell carcinoma SCC-15 cells

The hybrid heterocyclic molecules are perspective materials in the development of anticancer drugs. Here, the pyrrolidinedione-thiazolidinone hybrid molecules were designed as potent anticancer agents. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of three derivatives 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-, 1-(4-chlorophenyl)- and 1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-[5-[2-chloro-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-enylidene]-4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidine-3-yl]pyrrolidine-2,5-diones (Les-6287, Les-6294, and Les-6328, respectively), their effect on the production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis induction, and expression of genes - PPARγ, AHR, and NRFL2 - whose products are important in metabolism in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells of SCC-15 line. The results of resazurin reduction and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays proved the toxicity of the tested derivatives for the SCC-15 cells. Les-6287, Les-6294, and Les-6328 inhibited the viability of SCC-15 cells with the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) in the range of 10.18-32.75 µM at 24 and 48 h treatment. These derivatives reduced the metabolism of SCC-15 cells with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 6.72-39.85 µM at 24 and 48 h treatment. Les-6287, Les-6294, and Les-6328 reduced the metabolism of normal human keratinocytes of HaCaT line murine fibroblasts of Balb/c 3T3 line to a lesser extent. The compounds used in a range from 50 to 100 µM concentrations decreased ROS production in the SCC-15 cells. The derivatives Les-6287 and Les-6328 decreased the level of expression of mRNA of PPARγ, AHR, and NRFL2 genes in these cells at PPARγ siRNA knockdown and without it. Thus, the anticancer effect of studied hybrid pyrrolidinedione-thiazolidinones in the SCC-15 carcinoma cells is accompanied by a reduction of their metabolic activity and ROS level, and increase in caspase 3 activity. However, these changes are not the result of direct interaction of Les-6287, Les-6294, and Les-6328 with the PPARγ molecule.

Multilayered polymer coating modulates mucoadhesive and biological properties of camptothecin-loaded lipid nanocapsules

Lipid core nanocapsules (NCs) coated with multiple polymer layers were rationally designed as a potential approach for the colonic delivery of camptothecin (CPT). Chitosan (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA) and hypromellose phthalate (HP) were selected as coating materials, to modulate the mucoadhesive and permeability properties of CPT regarding the improvement of local and targeted action in the colon cancer cells. NCs were prepared by emulsification/solvent evaporation method and coated with multiple polymer layers by polyelectrolyte complexation technique. NCs exhibited spherical shape, negative zeta potential, and size ranged from 184 to 252 nm. The high efficiency of CPT incorporation (>94%) was evidenced. The ex vivo permeation assay showed that nanoencapsulation reduced the permeation rate of CPT through the intestinal mucosa by up to 3.5 times, and coating with HA and HP reduced the permeation percentage by 2 times when compared to NCs coated only with CS. The mucoadhesive capacity of NCs was demonstrated in gastric and enteric pH. Nanoencapsulation did not reduce the antiangiogenic activity of CPT and, additionally, it was observed that nanoencapsulation resulted in localized antiangiogenic action of CPT.

Iodo-sulphonylation of 1,6-enynones: a metal-free strategy to synthesize N-substituted succinimides

An iodine-mediated radical cyclization of 1,6-enynones with sulphonyl hydrazides using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant has been developed for the synthesis of iodo-sulphonylated-succinimide derivatives. The notable advantages of the developed method are metal-free conditions, broad functional group tolerance, column chromatography-free purification, high stereoselectivity (E isomer), shorter reaction times, and the cascade construction of three new bonds (C-S, C-I, and C-C). The synthetic application of the iodo-functionality has been extended to the Heck coupling reaction with acrylonitrile and to the Suzuki coupling reaction with benzene boronic acid.

A diastereoselective three-component reaction for the assembly of succinimide and isatin hybrid molecules with potent anticancer activities

A Rh₂(OAc)₄ catalyzed three-component reaction of vinyl diazosuccinimides with alcohols and isatins has been reported, which provides a practical assess to the direct assembly of succinimide and isatin hybrid molecules in good-to-high yields with excellent stereoselectivity. The antiproliferation activity of these synthesized succinimide and isatin hybrid products has been tested via the CCK8 assay in different cancer cell lines, and compounds 4g (SJSA-1, IC₅₀ = 3.82 μM) and 4r (HCT-116, IC₅₀ = 9.02 μM) exhibit higher anticancer potency than other tested compounds.

Palladium-Catalyzed Domino Aminocarbonylation of Alkynols: Direct and Selective Synthesis of Itaconimides

The first direct and selective synthesis of substituted itaconimdes by palladium-catalyzed aminocarbonylation of alkynols is reported. Key to the success of this transformation is the use of a novel catalyst system involving ligand L11 and appropriate reaction conditions. In the protocol here presented, easily available propargylic alcohols react with N-nucleophiles including aryl- and alkylamines as well as aryl hydrazines to provide a broad variety of interesting heterocycles with high catalyst activity and excellent selectivity. The synthetic utility of the protocol is demonstrated in the synthesis of natural product 11 with aminocarbonylation as the key step. Mechanistic studies and control experiments reveal the crucial role of the hydroxyl group in the substrate for the control of selectivity.

Enantioselective assembly of 3,3-disubstituted succinimides via three-component reaction of vinyl diazosuccinimides with alcohols and imines

An enantioselective three-component reaction of vinyl diazosuccinimdes with alcohols and imines has been realized by a cooperative catalysis of Rh2(OAc)4 and a chiral phosphoric acid, leading to chiral 3,3-disubstituted succinimides in good to high yields with high to excellent enantioselectivity. The generated product with an alkenyl species could be converted to the chiral tricyclic structure under mild conditions.

Silver-Catalyzed Radical Cascade Sulfonation/Cycloaddition for the Construction of Multifunctional Succimides Containing Separable Z/E-Isomers

A silver-catalyzed cascade cycloaddition of aza-1,6-enynes, affording multifunctional succimide frameworks initiated by the arylsulfonyl radical addition, has been developed. This process shows mild reaction conditions, excellent structural selectivity, and broad functional group tolerance. In addition, the Z/E-isomers can be easily separated, which provides an efficient method for obtaining pure Z/E-configuration products.

Research progress in biological activities of succinimide derivatives

Succinimides are well recognized heterocyclic compounds in drug discovery which produce diverse therapeutically related applications in pharmacological practices. Researches in medicinal chemistry field have isolated and synthesized succinimide derivatives with multiple medicinal properties including anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antimicrobial agents, 5-HT receptor ligands and enzyme inhibitors. Simultaneously, SAR (Structure-Activity Relationship) analysis has been gradually possessed, along with a great deal of derivatives have been derived for potential targets. In this article, we comprehensively summarize the biological activities and SAR for succinimide derivatives, along with the featuring bioactive molecules reported in patents, wishing to provide an overall retrospect and prospect on the succinimide analogues.

(E)-3-Arylidene-4-diazopyrrolidine-2,5-diones: Preparation and Use in RhII-Catalyzed X–H Insertion Reactions towards Novel, Medicinally Important Michael Acceptors

The use of readily available 1-aryl-3-arylidenepyrrolidine-2,5-diones in high yielding direct diazo-transfer reactions and subsequent involvement of the resulting diazo compounds in RhII-catalyzed O–H, S–H, and N–H insertion reactions delivered 4-substituted 1-aryl-3-arylidenepyrrolidine-2,5-diones of defined regiochemistry and geometrical configuration. These products are intended to be studied as Michael acceptors capable of inhibiting thioredoxin reductase, a promising cancer target.

Discovery of a Novel Benzenesulfonamide Analogue That Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis Against Ovarian Cancer OVCAR-8 Cells

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer has been a salient public health concern in the world. It is necessary to develop novel antitumor drugs to treat ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE

This study investigated the synthesis, antiproliferation ability, antitumor mechanisms in vitro and in vivo of a novel benzenesulfonamide derivative.

METHODS

The novel benzenesulfonamide-1,2,3-triazole hybrid 7c was synthesized from 4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride, prop-2-yn-1-amine and 1-(azidomethyl)-3-phenoxybenzene. The structure of this benzenesulfonamide-1,2,3-triazole hybrid 7c was confirmed by 13C NMR, and 1H NMR. Compound 7c was evaluated for its antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo against ovarian cancer OVCAR-8 cells.

RESULTS

We discovered that the benzenesulfonamide hybrid 7c potently inhibited cell proliferation against ovarian cancer. Especially, it inhibited cell proliferation with an IC50 value of 0.54μM against OVCAR-8 cells. It could inhibit migration and invasion against OVCAR-8 cells in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. In addition, compound 7c affected the Wnt/β-catenin/GSK3β pathway against ovarian cancer OVCAR-8 cells. In vivo study suggested that compound 7c inhibited tumor growth remarkably without obvious toxicity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, benzenesulfonamide hybrid 7c could be a lead compound for further antitumor drug discovery to treat ovarian cancer.