Molecular insights into antibiofilm inhibitors of Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferases through in silico approaches

Streptococcus mutans, a primary cariogenic bacterium, plays a central role in dental caries, one of the most widespread chronic diseases globally. Glucosyltransferases (GTFs) are key virulence factors in this process, as they synthesize extracellular polysaccharides that contribute to biofilm formation and pathogenicity. Targeting GTFs has emerged as a promising strategy for preventing dental caries, with previous studies demonstrating its potential efficacy. This study builds on our prior work by providing detailed molecular insights into the binding modes of previously identified GTF inhibitors. Using computational tools, including density functional theory, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, we examined the binding interactions and structural stability of selected inhibitors. All investigated candidates demonstrated superior binding behavior compared to the reference ligand, acarbose, as indicated by multiple structural parameters. Structural dynamics analysis revealed significant stability in the binding interactions of Complex III and V, with average deviations of 2.06 ± 0.38 and 2.07 ± 0.30 Å, respectively. Similarly, a trend in structural compactness was observed, with gyration values of 32.98 ± 0.23 and 33.01 ± 0.24 Å, respectively. Principal component analysis indicated that the constructed pattern approaches zero with the achievement of a global energy minimum, particularly for Complex III and V. Furthermore, MM/PBSA free energy calculations identified Compound V as the most favorable binder, with a binding free energy of -24.20 kcal/mol. Our findings provide valuable molecular-level insights into the inhibitory mechanisms of GTF-targeting compounds, strengthening their potential as anti-cariogenic agents. By elucidating key binding interactions, this study contributes to the ongoing search for improved scaffolds that may hinder biofilm-mediated infections and advance therapeutic strategies against dental caries.

A Promising 1,3,5-Triazine-Based Anion Exchanger for Perrhenate Binding: Crystal Structures of Its Chloride, Nitrate and Perrhenate Salts

The reaction of pyridine with cyanuric chloride was studied under microwave activation as well as in the presence of silver nitrate. The product of hydrolysis containing two pyridinium rings and chloride anion was isolated. The structures of these anion exchanger salts with chloride, nitrate and perrhenate anions are discussed.

Functionalized Triazines and Tetrazines: Synthesis and Applications

The molecules possessing triazine and tetrazine moieties belong to a special class of heterocyclic compounds. Both triazines and tetrazines are building blocks and have provided a new dimension to the design of biologically important organic molecules. Several of their derivatives with fine-tuned electronic properties have been identified as multifunctional, adaptable, switchable, remarkably antifungal, anticancer, antiviral, antitumor, cardiotonic, anti-HIV, analgesic, anti-protozoal, etc. The objective of this review is to comprehensively describe the recent developments in synthesis, coordination properties, and various applications of triazine and tetrazine molecules. The rich literature demonstrates various synthetic routes for a variety of triazines and tetrazines through microwave-assisted, solid-phase, metal-based, [4+2] cycloaddition, and multicomponent one-pot reactions. Synthetic approaches contain linear, angular, and fused triazine and tetrazine heterocycles through a combinatorial method. Notably, the triazines and tetrazines undergo a variety of organic transformations, including electrophilic addition, coupling, nucleophilic displacement, and intramolecular cyclization. The mechanistic aspects of these heterocycles are discussed in a detailed way. The bioorthogonal application of these polyazines with various strained alkenes and alkynes provides a new prospect for investigations in chemical biology. This review systematically encapsulates the recent developments and challenges in the synthesis and possible potential applications of various triazine and tetrazine systems.

Triazine based chemical entities for anticancer activity

Triazine is a six-membered aromatic nitrogen heterocyclic moiety that was extensively investigated because of its biological properties and, in particular anticancer potentials. Kinases play a crucial role in cancer cell proliferation and metabolism. Triazine derivatives show anticancer activity by inhibiting the lipid kinases like phosphoinositide 3-kinases, mammalian target of rapamycin, receptor tyrosine kinases, like focal adhesion kinase, cyclin-dependent kinases, Rho-associated protein kinases, p21-activated kinases, carbonic anhydrases, enolase inhibitors, microtubules inhibitors, and histone deacetylases. The present chapter highlights the synthesis of triazine-based derivatives, their characterization, evaluation of anticancer properties, and their journey towards possible medicine for cancer.

Synthesis of novel star-shaped molecules based on a 1,3,5-triazine core linked to different heterocyclic systems as novel hybrid molecules

The synthesis of novel star-shaped compounds based on an s-triazine core and linked to hexahydroacridinediones, pyrimido[4,5-b]quinolones, 1H-isoquinolino[2,1-a]quinolines, tetrahydro-4H-chromenes, dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles, thiazole, or benzothiazole as new hybrid molecules through Michael and Hantzsch reactions is reported. For this purpose, 2,4,6-tris(4-formylphenoxy)benzaldehyde was used as a versatile precursor.

The synthesis of novel star-shaped compounds based on an s-triazine core and linked to different heterocycles as new hybrid molecules through Michael and Hantzsch reactions is reported.

In vivo acute toxicity evaluation and in vitro molecular mechanism study of antiproliferative activity of a novel indole Schiff base β-diiminato manganeseIII complex in hormone-dependent and triple negative breast cancer cells

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the anticancer effects of transition metal complexes of indole Schiff bases. β-diiminato Manganese^III complex has shown promising cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In this study, time- and dose- dependent inhibitory activity were evaluated using MTT assay after 48 h and 72 h exposure time. In addition, median effect analysis was conducted according to Chou-Talalay method to investigate whether Mn^III complex has synergistic effect in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs on inhibiting breast cancer cell growth. The molecular mechanisms underlying its potent antiproliferative effect was determined through bioluminescent caspase-3/7, -8 and -9 activity assays and quantitative expression analysis of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related genes. Furthermore, safety evaluation of Mn^III complex was assessed through the acute oral toxicity test in in vivo model. The MTT assay results revealed that it potently reduced the viability of MCF-7 (IC₅₀ of 0.63 ± 0.07 µg/mL for 48 h and 0.39 ± 0.08 µg/mL for 72 h) and MDA-MB-231 (1.17 ± 0.06 µg/mL for 48 h, 1.03 ± 0.15 µg/mL for 72 h) cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. Combination treatment also enhanced the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin but not tamoxifen on inhibiting breast cancer cell growth. The involvement of intrinsic and extrinsic pathway in apoptosis induction was exhibited through the increased activity of caspase-9 and caspase-8, respectively, leading to enhanced downstream executioner caspase-3/7 activity in treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, gene expression analysis revealed that Mn^III complex exerts its antiproliferative effect via up-and down-regulation of p21 and cyclin D1, respectively, along with increased expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, TNF-α, initiator caspase-8 and -10 and effector caspase-3 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. However, the results did not show increased caspase-8 activity in treated MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, in vivo acute oral toxicity test revealed no signs of toxicity and mortality in treated animal models compared to the control group. Collectively, the promising inhibitory effect and molecular and mechanistic evidence of antiproliferative activity of Mn^III complex and its safety characterization have demonstrated that it may have therapeutic value in breast cancer treatment worthy of further investigation and development.

Hybrid Molecules Composed of 2,4-Diamino-1,3,5-triazines and 2-Imino-Coumarins and Coumarins. Synthesis and Cytotoxic Properties

A series of 2-imino-2H-chromen-3-yl-1,3,5-triazine compounds 5⁻12, which are namely hybrids of 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazines and 2-imino-coumarins, was synthesized by reacting 2-(4,6-diamine-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)acetonitriles 1⁻4 with 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes. After this, upon heating in aqueous DMF, 2-imino-2H-chromen-3-yl-1,3,5-triazines 10 and 12 were converted into the corresponding 2H-chromen-3-yl-1,3,5-triazines 13 and 14, which are essentially hybrids of 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazines and coumarins. The in vitro anticancer activity of the newly prepared compounds was evaluated against five human cancer cell lines: DAN-G, A-427, LCLC-103H, SISO and RT-4. The greatest cytotoxic activity displayed 4-[7-(diethylamino)-2-imino-2H-chromen-3-yl]-6-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (11, IC₅₀ in the range of 1.51⁻2.60 μM).