Design, synthesis and bioevaluation of novel prenylated chalcones derivatives as potential antitumor agents

Synthesis and Antitumor Evaluation of a Novel Class of Chalcone Mannich Base Derivatives

A novel class of chalcone Mannich base derivatives I1-9 and II1-11 was synthesized, which exhibited significant antiproliferation activities in five different cancer cells. The activities of most compounds were superior to those of the positive control drug 5-FU. Moreover, compared with the intermediate chalcone, their water solubility was also significantly enhanced. Among them, the most prospective compound I4 (IC50 = 3.09-5.08 μM for the tested cancer cells) can effectively inhibit the proliferation of A549/DDP cells (IC50 = 4.69 μM). Further mechanistic studies revealed that it can induce apoptosis of A549 and A549/DDP cells by arresting the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Although the selectivity of compound I4 between tumor cells and normal cells was not obvious, it might be a promising lead compound for lung cancer and is worthy of further investigation.

Advances in chalcone-based anticancer therapy: mechanisms, preclinical advances, and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide with traditional treatments like chemotherapy, and radiotherapy becoming less effective due to multidrug resistance (MDR). This highlights the necessity for novel chemotherapeutics like chalcone-based compounds, which demonstrate broad anti-cancer properties and target multiple pathways. These compounds hold promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes compared to existing therapies.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a comprehensive synopsis of the recent literature (2018-2024) for anti-proliferative/anti-cancer activity of chalcones. It includes the identification of potential targets, their mechanisms of action, and possible modes of binding. Additionally, chalcone derivatives in preclinical trials are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Chalcones mark a significant stride in anticancer therapies due to their multifaceted approach in targeting various cellular pathways. Their ability to simultaneously target multiple pathways enables them to overcome drug resistance as compared to traditional therapies. With well-defined mechanisms of action, these compounds can serve as lead molecules for designing new, more promising treatments. Continued progress in synthesis and structural optimization, along with promising results from preclinical trials, offers hope for the development of more potent molecules, heralding a new era in cancer therapeutics.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Quinazoline Derivatives Possessing a Trifluoromethyl Moiety as Potential Antitumor Agents

A novel series of trifluoromethyl-containing quinazoline derivatives with a variety of functional groups was designed, synthesized, and tested for their antitumor activity by following a pharmacophore hybridization strategy. Most of the 20 compounds displayed moderate to excellent antiproliferative activity against five different cell lines (PC3, LNCaP, K562, HeLa, and A549). After three rounds of screening and structural optimization, compound 10 b was identified as the most potent one, with IC50 values of 3.02, 3.45, and 3.98 μM against PC3, LNCaP, and K562 cells, respectively, which were comparable to the effect of the positive control gefitinib. To further explore the mechanism of action of 10 b against cancer, experiments focusing on apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and cell migration assay were conducted. The results showed that 10 b was able to induce apoptosis and prevent tumor cell migration, but had no effect on the cell cycle of tumor cells.