In-vitro anticancer evaluation of newly designed and characterized tri/tetra-substituted imidazole congeners- maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase inhibitors: Molecular docking and MD simulation approaches

Our cascading attempt to develop new potent molecules now involves designing a series of imidazole derivatives and synthesizing two sets of 2,4,5- tri-substituted (4a-4d) and 1,2,4,5-tetra-substituted (6a-6d) imidazole by the principle of Debus-Radziszewski multicomponent synthesis reaction. The structures of the obtained compounds were confirmed by 1H/13C NMR, FT-IR, elemental analysis, purity and the retention time was analyzed by HPLC. Based upon the binding affinity in the molecular docking studies, we have synthesized different imidazole derivatives from which compound 6c have been found to show more anti-proliferative activity by inducing apoptosis at a higher rate than the other compounds corroborating the in-silico prediction. The structure and crystallinity of compound 4d have been confirmed by single XRD analysis. The synthesized molecules were screened for their in vitro anti-cancer properties in triple negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), pancreatic cancer cell lines (MIA PaCa-2) and oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (H357) and results indicated that all the compounds inhibited the cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner at different time points. The compounds 4b and 6d were found to be effective against the S. aureus bacterial strain whereas only compound 4d fairly inhibited the fungal strain of T. rubrum with a MIC 12.5 μg/mL. Molecular docking study reveals good interaction of the synthesized compounds with known target MELK involved in oncogenesis having high binding profiles. The lead compound 6c was further analyzed by the detailed molecular dynamics study to establish the stability of the ligand-enzyme complex.

3D-QSAR modeling and molecular docking studies on a series of 2, 4, 5-trisubstituted imidazole derivatives as CK2 inhibitors

Protein case in kinase II alpha subunit (CK2) plays an imperative function in treating cancer disease. Herein, we have performed a three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR), and molecular docking analysis on a novel series of 2, 4, 5-trisubstituted imidazole derivatives in order to design potent kinase II alpha subunit (CK2) inhibitors. The 3D-QSAR methods such as comparative molecular similarity indexes analysis (COMSIA), and the comparative molecular field analysis (COMFA) were investigate using twenty-four molecules of 2, 4, 5-trisubstituted imidazole derivatives as anticancer agent. The best COMFA and COMSIA models exhibit excellent Q2 values of 0.66 and 0.75 and R2 values of 0.98 and 0.99 respectively. To check the validity of the selected COMFA and COMSIA models, a variety of validation tests were utilized: Internal validation analyses, and externally validation beside Y-randomization according to the principles of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Golbraikh and Tropsha's criteria for the validation of 3D-QSAR models. The proposed models for COMFA and COMSIA analysis have been successful. The developed models, indicating that they were reliable for activity prediction. Based on the preceding results, we designed several new potent molecules. Such outcome can proffer helpful theoretical references for future experimental studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Imidazole-pyridine hybrids as potent anti-cancer agents

In the current investigation, fifteen novel imidazole-pyridine-based molecules were synthesized and tested against cell lines of the lung (H1299) and colon (HCT116) adenocarcinomas by proliferation assay. The results demonstrated that compounds 5a, 5d, 5e, and 5f were the most active (IC₅₀<30 µM). Based on recent literature and the current results, the glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) protein was investigated in-silico as a possible target. The molecular docking and QSAR revealed an excellent binding affinity of the selected imidazole-pyridine compounds to GSK-3β. Notably, GSK-3β protein levels were significantly upregulated in hepatocellular liver carcinoma (LIHCs) tissues and negatively affected patient prognosis. Consequently, the compounds were evaluated on liver cancer cell lines (HepG2, HUH-7, and PLC/PRF/5) by the MTT assay, and 5d showed the highest antitumor activity. This study offers new compounds with interesting biological activity on GSK-3β as a target, exhibiting a potential therapeutic impact for hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Design and Synthesis of Tri-substituted Imidazole Derivatives as CD73 Inhibitors for Their Anticancer Activity

Background:

Monoclonal antibodies licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) target diverse biological targets relevant to immuno-oncology, and small compounds in clinical trials target various aspects of immuno-oncology. Several small compounds that target CD73 are at various stages of clinical studies. Several imidazoles are currently being utilized to treat malignancies, including Dacarbazine, Zoledronic acid, Mercaptopurine, and others. As a result, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of modified tri-phenyl imidazoles against breast cancer cell lines, as well as conducted virtual tests.

Methods:

We used Accelrys Drug Discovery Studio 3.5 software to undertake molecular docking, ADMET, and molecular properties studies on 68 proposed imidazole derivatives. The synthesized compounds' binding mechanisms were investigated against the CD73 protein (PDB Code: 4H1S). To find the drugs with the best pharmacokinetics, researchers assessed ADMET solubility, BBB penetration, hepatotoxicity, PPB binding, and polar surface area. The MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was treated with these produced compounds, and the MTT test method was used to determine the IC50 values.

Results:

The selected 14 compounds showed good binding in the active site of CD73 by forming Hbonds with amino acid residues, according to molecular docking studies. Breast cancer cell lines were treated with substituted tri-phenyl imidazole derivatives, which displayed anticancer activity. Compounds 3a and 3h, which had an electron-donating group at the 2nd and 3rd positions and p-substitutions of the chloro and nitro groups, respectively, showed considerable anticancer action.

Conclusion:

Fourteen imidazole derivatives were produced and tested against breast cancer cell lines based on in-silico research. The MDA-MB-231 cell line was strongly suppressed by compounds 3a and 3h. In-vitro enzyme inhibition experiments revealed that only 3h demonstrated considerable inhibition.

Anticancer effects of imidazole nucleus in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines via the inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Imidazole nucleus has been used efficiently in the development of many drug molecules due to its therapeutic effects. Many derivatives of it have been produced particularly for use in cancer treatment. However, the anti-cancer effects of imidazole nucleus in liver cancer cells are as yet unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-cancer effects of imidazole nucleus in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Anti-cancer effect of imidazole nucleus was investigated using cell viability assay, apoptosis analysis, cell migration analysis, cell morphology analysis, colony formation assay and 3D cell culture techniques in HuH-7 and Mahlavu cell lines. Also, effect of imidazole on AKT and ERK1/2 pathways were determined using by western blot analysis. Imidazole decreased cell viability in both HCC cell lines in a dose and time-dependent manner and also suppressed the colony forming ability of the cells (p < 0.05). Imidazole increased the cleaved caspase 3 protein levels and thus induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). Imidazole induced morphological alterations and autophagy by increasing intracellular vacuolization. Also, imidazole decreased the viability and dimensions of HCC cell tumor spheroids produced in 3D cell cultures (p < 0.05). Moreover, it was observed that all of these effects, are defined above, appeared in parallel with suppression of AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways by imidazole nucleus.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this present study established the anti-cancer effects of imidazole nucleus in HCC cell lines and showed that it could be a potential molecule in the treatment of HCC via inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

Synthesis and In Vitro Study of Artemisinin/Synthetic Peroxide Based Hybrid Compounds against SARS‐CoV‐2 and Cancer

The newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) cause life‐threatening diseases in millions of people worldwide, in particular, in patients with cancer, and there is an urgent need for antiviral agents against this infection. While in vitro activities of artemisinins against SARS‐CoV‐2 and cancer have recently been demonstrated, no study of artemisinin and/or synthetic peroxide‐based hybrid compounds active against both cancer and SARS‐CoV‐2 has been reported yet. However, the hybrid drug's properties (e. g., activity and/or selectivity) can be improved compared to its parent compounds and effective new agents can be obtained by modification/hybridization of existing drugs or bioactive natural products. In this study, a series of new artesunic acid and synthetic peroxide based new hybrids were synthesized and analyzed in vitro for the first time for their inhibitory activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 and leukemia cell lines. Several artesunic acid‐derived hybrids exerted a similar or stronger potency against K562 leukemia cells (81–83 % inhibition values) than the reference drug doxorubicin (78 % inhibition value) and they were also more efficient than their parent compounds artesunic acid (49.2 % inhibition value) and quinoline derivative (5.5 % inhibition value). Interestingly, the same artesunic acid‐quinoline hybrids also show inhibitory activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 in vitro (EC₅₀ 13–19 μm) and no cytotoxic effects on Vero E6 cells (CC₅₀ up to 110 μM). These results provide a valuable basis for design of further artemisinin‐derived hybrids to treat both cancer and SARS‐CoV‐2 infections.

Targeting cellular senescence in cancer by plant secondary metabolites: A systematic review

Senescence suppresses tumor growth, while also developing a tumorigenic state in the nearby cells that is mediated by senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). The dual function of cellular senescence stresses the need for identifying multi-targeted agents directed towards the promotion of cell senescence in cancer cells and suppression of the secretion of pro-tumorigenic signaling mediators in neighboring cells. Natural secondary metabolites have shown favorable anticancer responses in recent decades, as some have been found to target the senescence-associated mediators and pathways. Furthermore, phenolic compounds and polyphenols, terpenes and terpenoids, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds have shown to be promising anticancer agents through the regulation of paracrine and autocrine pathways. Plant secondary metabolites are potential regulators of SASPs factors that suppress tumor growth through paracrine mediators, including growth factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix components/enzymes, and proteases. On the other hand, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related, extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, nuclear factor-κB, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and receptor tyrosine kinase-associated mediators are main targets of candidate phytochemicals in the autocrine senescence pathway. Such a regulatory role of phytochemicals on senescence-associated pathways are associated with cell cycle arrest and the attenuation of apoptotic/inflammatory/oxidative stress pathways. The current systematic review highlights the critical roles of natural secondary metabolites in the attenuation of autocrine and paracrine cellular senescence pathways, while also elucidating the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic capabilities of these compounds. Additionally, we discuss current challenges, limitations, and future research indications.

Electrochemical synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles from enamines and benzylamines

An electrochemical method for synthesizing 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles was developed under undivided electrolytic conditions. This synthesis was specifically realized based on electrochemical C(sp3)-H amination via enamines and amines. Readily available starting materials were used, avoiding the use of both transition metals and oxidants. The practicability of the method lies in its broad substrate adaptability and in its ability to provide a simple green pathway for synthesizing GABAA receptor analogs.

Synthesis and Structure-Chirality Relationship Analysis of Steroidal Quinoxalines to Design and Develop New Chiral Drugs

Of the utmost importance of chirality in organic compounds and drugs, the present work reports structure-chirality relationship of three steroidal quinoxalines, which were synthesised by condensing diaminobenzenes with cholestenone. All the compounds were purified and characterised by varying analytical tools prior to their chiroptical analysis by circular dichroism (CD) technique. The substituent groups on quinoxalines contributed to determining the chiroptical properties of the compounds. The positive Cotton effects have been observed in the CD spectra of unsubstituted and methyl-substituted quinoxalines, which indicated their P helicity. Importantly, chloro-substituent on quinoxalines produced different CD behaviour, which can be attributed to the presence of three lone pairs of electrons on Cl atom. The present work provides guidelines for determining the chiral properties of steroidal quinoxalines, which can be useful to design and develop potential molecules of biological importance.

Antitumor Effect of Zwitterions of Imidazolium Derived from L-methionine in BALB/c Mice with Lymphoma L5178Y

BACKGROUND

In the therapy of cancer, several treatments have been designed using nanomaterials, among which gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been featured as a promising antitumoral agent. Our research group has developed the synthesis of gold nanoparticles L-AuNPs and D-AuNPs stabilized with zwitterions of imidazolium (L-1 and D-1) derived from L-methionine and D-methionine. Because the stabilizer agent is chiral, we observed through circular dichroism that AuNPs also present chirality; such chirality as well as the fact that the stabilizing agent contains fragments of methionine and imidazolium that are commonly involved in biological processes, opens up the possibility that this system may have biological compatibility. Additionally, the presence of methionine in the stabilizing agent opens the application of this system as a possible antitumor agent because methionine is involved in methylation processes of molecules such as DNA.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research is the evaluation of the antitumor activity of gold nanoparticles stabilized with zwitterions of imidazolium (L-AuNPs) derived from L-methionine in the model of BALB/c mice with lymphoma L5178Y.

METHODS

Taking as a parameter cell density, the evaluation of the inhibitory effect of L-AuNPs was carried out with a series of in vivo tests in BALB/c type mice; three groups of five mice each were formed (Groups 1, 2 and 3); all mice were i.p. inoculated with the lymphoblast murine L5178Y. Group 1 consisted of mice without treatment. In the Groups 2 and 3 the mice were treated with L-AuNPs at 0.3 mg/Kg on days 1, 7 and 14 by orally and intraperitonally respectively.

RESULTS

These results show low antitumor activity of these gold nanoparticles (L-NPsAu) but interestingly, the imidazolium stabilizing agent of gold nanoparticle (L-1) displayed promising antitumor activity. On the other hand, the enantiomer of L-1, (D-1) as well as asymmetric imidazole derivate from L-methionine (L-2), do not exhibit the same activity as L-1.

CONCLUSION

The imidazolium stabilizing agent (L-1) displayed promising antitumor activity. Modifications in the structure of L-1 showed that, the stereochemistry (like D-1) and the presence of methionine fragments (like L-2) are determinants in the antitumor activity of this compound.

Acid-Catalyzed 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of 2H-Azirines with Nitrones: An Unexpected Access to 1,2,4,5-Tetrasubstituted Imidazoles

The first 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 2H-azirines with nitrones, a straightforward approach toward the regioselective synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles, is reported. This trifluoroacetic acid-catalyzed protocol tolerates a broad range of aliphatic and aromatic substrates, offering an efficient access to highly diverse, multisubstituted imidazoles in isolated yields up to 83% under mild conditions.

Current Advances in the Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pharmacologically Relevant 1,2,4,5-Tetrasubstituted-1H-Imidazole Derivatives

:

In recent years, the synthesis and evaluation of the biological properties of 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted-1H-imidazole derivatives have been the subject of a large number of studies by academia and industry. In these studies it has been shown that this large and highly differentiated class of heteroarene derivatives includes high valuable compounds having important biological and pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, antifibrotic, antiuricemic, antidiabetic, antileishmanial and antiulcer activities.

:

The present review with 411 references, in which we focused on the literature data published mainly from 2011 to 2017, aims to update the readers on the recent developments on the synthesis and biological evaluation of pharmacologically relevant 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted-1H-imidazole derivatives with an emphasis on their different molecular targets and their potential use as drugs to treat various types of diseases. Reference was also made to substantial literature data acquired before 2011 in this burgeoning research area.

Cytotoxic RuII-p-cymene complexes of an anthraimidazoledione: halide dependent solution stability, reactivity and resistance to hypoxia deactivation

RuII-(η6-p-cymene) complexes of anthraimidazoldione (PAIDH) based ligand bearing the formula [RuII(η6-p-cymene)(PAIDH)(X)]+ (where, X = Cl, Br and I) showed excellent in vitro antiproliferative activity (IC50 range 1-2 μM) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), human pancreatic carcinoma (MIA PaCa-2) and triple negative human metastatic breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231). The ESI-MS and 1H NMR data show that the complexes are stable in aqueous solution at pH 7.4 (4 mM NaCl) with less than 10% hydrolysis in 24 h. However, when the coordinated halide is bromo (2) or iodo (3), the complex exchanges the halide with chloride in solution. The exchange is dependent on chloride concentration. Fastest chloride exchange was observed for the bromo complex 2 and slowest for the iodo complex 3 showing the higher kinetic inertness of the latter. Complex 3 exhibits the weakest interaction with glutathione (GSH) and 9-ethylguanine (9-EtG) in the series. ESI-MS studies of a 20% methanolic solution of 3 in 4 mM aqueous NaCl showed 80% intact complex even after 24 h of incubation with 9-EtG or GSH. 1-3 show similar in vitro cytotoxicity profile, but based on combined results from solution stability and cytotoxicity, the iodo complex 3 seems to be the best one in the series. There is no deterioration of toxicity under hypoxia or by induction of GSH in HepG2 cells. The low cytotoxicity of the complexes against difficult to treat triple negative breast carcinoma viz. MDA-MB-231 in vitro (IC50 = 1.5 ± 0.1 μM) is very encouraging, compared with cytotoxicity of clinical drug cisplatin (IC50 = 37.2 ± 2.5 μM). The complexes can alter mitochondrial membrane potential, arrest the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase and kill cells via apoptosis. They inhibit migration of the metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells at IC20 dose.

Artemisinin-indole and artemisinin-imidazole hybrids: Synthesis, cytotoxic evaluation and reversal effects on multidrug resistance in MCF-7/ADR cells

A series of artemisinin derivatives with MDR reversal activity were designed and synthesized. All hybrids were screened to anticancer activities against four human cancer cell lines (A549, MCF-7, HepG-2, MDA-MB-231) and normal human hepatic cell (L02) in vitro. Most of the new compounds showed higher anticancer activities than artemisinin, among which compounds 11a and 11c displayed superior potency with IC₅₀ 6.78 μM and 5.25 μM against MCF-7, respectively. The further research indicated that the most potent 11c induced cell cycle arrest at G2 phase in MCF-7. Additionally, compound 11c showed remarkable MDR reversal activity which reversed adriamycin against MCF-7/ADR cells with IC₅₀ 0.76 μM.

Understanding the cytotoxic effects of new isovanillin derivatives through phospholipid Langmuir monolayers

Twenty-one isovanillin derivatives were prepared in order to evaluate their cytotoxic properties against the cancer cell lines B16F10-Nex2, HL-60, MCF-7, A2058 and HeLa. Among them, seven derivatives exhibited cytotoxic activity. We observed that for obtaining smaller IC₅₀ values and for increasing the index of selectivity, two structural features are very important when compared with isovanillin (1); a hydroxymethyl group at C-1 and the replacement of the hydroxyl group at C-3 by different alkyl groups. As the lipophilicity of the compounds was changed, we decided to investigate the interaction of the cytotoxic isovallinin derivatives on cell membrane models through Langmuir monolayers by employing the lipids DPPC (1,2-diplamitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocoline) and DPPS (1,2-diplamitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine). The structural changes on the scaffold of the compounds modulated the interaction with the phospholipids at the air-water interface. These results were very important to understand the biophysical aspects related to the interaction of the cytotoxic compounds with the cancer cell membranes.

Synthesis of 1,2,4-Trisubstituted-(1H)-imidazoles through Cu(OTf)2-/I2-Catalyzed C-C Bond Cleavage of Chalcones and Benzylamines

1,2,4-Trisubstituted-(1H)-imidazoles have been synthesized by the Cu(OTf)₂- and I₂-catalyzed unusual C-C bond cleavage of chalcones and benzylamines. After the α,β-unsaturated C-C bond cleavage, the β-portion is eliminated from the reaction. Various aryl- and heteroaryl-substituted chalcones and benzylamines were well tolerated in this unusual transformation to yield the trisubstituted-(1H)-imidazoles.

Signal amplification strategy for biomarkers: Structural origins of epitaxial-growth twinned nanocrystals and D-π-A type polymers

The combination of nanoparticles and biomarkers yields functional nanostructured biointerface, which is playing a notable role in biotechnology development. Due to the 5-fold twined structure in the Au-Pt star-shaped decahedra not only allowed it to act as efficient scaffold for immobilization of antibody, but it also exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity toward H₂O₂ reduction, the nanocrystal as the efficient signal transduction label is first employed to construct an electrochemical immunosensor. Donor-π-Acceptor (D-π-A) linking fashion generates a dipolar push-pull system and assures superior intramolecular charge transfer. It is considered as a suitable π-conjugated backbone for conducting polymer on biointerface application. Under a D-π-A architecture which imidazole as the π-bridge and amino phenyl/phenyl groups as peripheral electron-donating/withdrawing functional groups, 4-(2,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl) aniline (TPIDA) is designed and synthesized for good biocompatibility and high conductivity. In this proposal, we attempt to integrate the above-mentioned two features from nanobiotechnology and organic bioelectronics. Then, a novel nonenzymatic sandwich-type immunosensor is performed by Au-Pt core-shell with surface-engineered twinning as a label and π-conjugated D-π-A polymers as the signal amplification platform. Human IgG (HIgG) as the model target protein can be detected with a wide linear range from 0.1 pg mL^-1 to 100 ng mL^-1. The detection limit is down to 0.06 pg mL^-1 (S/N = 3). Moreover, as a practical application, the prepared biosensor is used to monitor HIgG level in human serum with desirable results obtained.

EGFR, HER2 target based molecular docking analysis, in vitro screening of 2, 4, 5-trisubstituted imidazole derivatives as potential anti-oxidant and cytotoxic agents

In our endeavor towards the development of potent molecules for cancer diseases, we have designed and synthesized a series of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazole derivatives (B1-B24) and characterized by using various spectroscopic techniques. All these compounds are further evaluated for their in vitro anti-cancer, anti-oxidant activities and molecular docking studies against EGFR, HER2 protein receptors. The in vitro anti-cancer activity analysis reveals that compounds B11 and B16 were found to be effective scaffolds against the tested human cancer cell lines IMR-32, A549 and HeLa. Particularly, B16 and B11 showed effective cytotoxicity against A549 and IMR-32 with IC₅₀ values of 09.521±0.54μM and 10.294±0.43μM, respectively. Moreover, compounds B17, B18 and B23 showed potent activity towards the anti-oxidant screening with IC₅₀ values of 5.87±1.73μM, 6.29±1.27μM and 4.95±1.81μM, respectively compared to standard ascorbic acid. Molecular docking was performed against the EGFR, HER2 protein receptors to provide more insight into their mechanism of interaction by comparing with standard EGFR, HER2 inhibitors like Gefitinib (EFGR), Lapatanib (EGFR), Afitinib (HER2) and Canertinib (HER2). Compounds B15, B16, B11 and B10 were exhibiting their minimum binding energies. Out of the aforementioned docked molecules, B15 and B16 showed the best binding energies of -11.15kcalmol^-1, -10.70kcalmol^-1 and -10.49kcalmol^-1, -10.12kcalmol^-1 against EGFR and HER2 protein receptors, respectively. The molecular docking results are well corroborated with the in vitro anti-cancer activity finding.

Alteration of steric hindrance modulates glutathione resistance and cytotoxicity of three structurally related RuII-p-cymene complexes

Three structurally related Ru^II-p-cymene complexes of imidazole based Schiff bases show steric hindrance influences, hypoxia reactivity, cell cycle arrest and resistance to glutathione. The complexes show anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects.

Heterocyclic Anticancer Compounds: Recent Advances and the Paradigm Shift towards the Use of Nanomedicine's Tool Box

The majority of heterocycle compounds and typically common heterocycle fragments present in most pharmaceuticals currently marketed, alongside with their intrinsic versatility and unique physicochemical properties, have poised them as true cornerstones of medicinal chemistry. Apart from the already marketed drugs, there are many other being investigated for their promising activity against several malignancies. In particular, anticancer research has been capitalizing on the intrinsic versatility and dynamic core scaffold of these compounds. Nevertheless, as for any other promising anticancer drugs, heterocyclic compounds do not come without shortcomings. In this review, we provide for a concise overview of heterocyclic active compounds and families and their main applications in medicine. We shall focus on those suitable for cancer therapy while simultaneously addressing main biochemical modes of action, biological targets, structure-activity relationships as well as intrinsic limitation issues in the use of these compounds. Finally, considering the advent of nanotechnology for effective selective targeting of drugs, we shall discuss fundamental aspects and considerations on nanovectorization of such compounds that may improve pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of heterocycles.