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The chapter titled “Eight-membered Rings with two Heteroatoms 1,2” deals with heterocine rings with two heteroatoms in a 1,2 relationship, namely 1,2-diazocine, 2H-1,2-oxazocine, 2H-1,2-thiazocine, 1,2-dioxocin, 1,2-oxathiocin and 1,2-dithiocin. This article covers the literature from 2007 to 2019 and reports the chemistry of uncondensed derivatives, heterocines fused to carbocycles and heterocycles, as well as bridged heterocines. As usual, in the case that a particular section is not mentioned, it means that no chemistry has been reported. In this article, the “Biosynthesis” paragraph was additionally introduced, since in the latest years the contribution of Nature to the synthesis of diheterocines became important, especially for biologically active compounds. Following this approach, the natural sources will be analyzed, as well as the biosynthetic pathway whenever available. In this edition, as happened in the previous one, the interest in 1,2-heterocines has been driven by the pharmacological activity shown by several derivatives or some potentially important industrial applications.

A series of [1, 2, 4triazino[4,3-a]indoles was prepared in good yield by reacting 2-diazo-3-ethoxycarbonylindole with methylene active compounds. Derivatives of the title ring system were tested against a panel of 60 human tumor cell lines, and showed inhibitory activity against a wide range of cancer cell lines at micromolar concentration.

The enzyme glutaminase-1 (GLS-1) has shown a clear and coherent implication in the progression and exacerbation of different aggressive tumors such as glioblastoma, hepatocarcinoma, pancreas, bone, and triple-negative breast cancer. Few chemotypes are currently available as selective GLS-1 inhibitors, and still, fewer of them are at the clinical stage. In the present paper, starting from a naturally-inspired antitumor compound library, metabolomics has been used to putatively identify the molecular mechanism underlying biological activity. GLS-1 was identified as a potential target. Biochemical analysis confirmed the hypothesis leading to the identification of a new hit compound acting as a GLS-1 selective inhibitor (IC50 = 3.96 ± 1.05 μM), compared to the GLS-2 isoform (IC50 = 12.90 ± 0.87 μM), with remarkable antitumor potency over different aggressive tumor cell lines. Molecular modelling studies revealed new insight into the drug-target interaction providing robust SAR clues for the rational hit-to-lead development. The approach undertaken underlines the wide potential of metabolomics applied to drug discovery, particularly in target identification and hit discovery following phenotype screening.

This chapter titled “Eight-membered Rings with two Heteroatoms 1,5” deals eight-membered rings with two heteroatoms in a 1,5-relationship, namely 1,5-diazocine, 1,5-oxazocine, 1,5-thiazocine, 1,5-dioxocin, 1,5-oxathiocin, and 1,5-dithiocin and covers the literature from 2007 to October 2020 (SciFindern search) reporting the chemistry of uncondensed derivatives, diheterocines fused to carbocycles and heterocycles, as well as bridged diheterocines. Among them, the 1,5-diazocine ring system is by far the largest class, based on the number of publications which constituted the 87% of the total amount of the references reported in the range of interest of CHEC IV. Thus, 1,5-diazocines were divided in three different sub-chapters: Tröger's bases and related compounds, bispidines and related compounds and other uncondensed and fused 1,5-diazocines. The main change in this chapter, with respect to CHEC-III, is related to “Experimental Structural Methods” paragraph in which it was avoided reporting the spectroscopic data (NMR, IR, UV etc.) as in the previous edition they were extensively provided and, in the latest period, they remained in the same range. Analogously, the same behavior was maintained for physical properties (solubility, melting points, chromatographic behavior, conformational issues) thanks to the coverage in “Thermodynamic Aspects” paragraph of CHEC-III, which remained substantially unchanged to-date. Actually, in this edition, the inclusion of a paragraph on biosynthesis was envisaged since Nature, in recent years, has made a significant contribution to the synthesis of secondary metabolites, especially for biologically active ones. However, no 1,5-diheterocine derivative has been reported to be synthesized by Nature. In this chapter, as happened in the previous CHEC editions, the interest in 1,5-diheterocines has been driven by the pharmacological activities shown by several derivatives or some potentially important industrial applications.

Eight-membered rings with two heteroatoms in a 1,3-relationship, namely 1,3-diazocine, 2H-1,3-oxazocine, 2H-1,3-thiazocine, 4H-1,3-dioxocin, 4H-1,3-oxathiocin, and 4H-1,3-dithiocin, are discussed in this chapter, that covers the literature from 2007 to October 2020 (SciFindern search) and reports the chemistry of uncondensed derivatives, heterocines fused to carbocycles and heterocycles, as well as bridged heterocines. Among eight-membered 1,3-diheterocines, 1,3-diazocines and 1,3-oxazocines are the two largest classes, based on the number of publications, mostly due to the studies of the synthesis of these cyclic systems, their pharmacological properties and/or their important industrial applications. The main change in this chapter, with respect to CHEC-III, is related to the introduction of “Biosynthesis” section, since Nature in recent years has made a significant contribution to the synthesis of secondary metabolites, especially for biologically active ones. In this paragraph, the natural sources and the proposed biosynthetic pathways are reported. “Experimental Structural Methods” paragraph it was avoided reporting the spectroscopic data (NMR, IR, UV etc.) as in the previous edition they were extensively provided and, in the latest period, they remained in the same range. Analogously, the same behavior was maintained for physical properties (solubility, melting points, chromatographic behavior, conformational issues) thanks to the coverage in “Thermodynamic Aspects” paragraph of CHEC-III, which remained substantially unchanged to-date. Some section headings (for example, ‘Reactivity of fully conjugated rings’) are missing, in the cases where no advances have been reported since 2007.

There is urgent need for new therapeutic strategies to fight the global threat of antibiotic resistance. The focus of this Perspective is on chemical agents that target the most common mechanisms of antibiotic resistance such as enzymatic inactivation of antibiotics, changes in cell permeability, and induction/activation of efflux pumps. Here we assess the current landscape and challenges in the treatment of antibiotic resistance mechanisms at both bacterial cell and community levels. We also discuss the potential clinical application of chemical inhibitors of antibiotic resistance mechanisms as add-on treatments for serious drug-resistant infections. Enzymatic inhibitors, such as the derivatives of the β-lactamase inhibitor avibactam, are closer to the clinic than other molecules. For example, MK-7655, in combination with imipenem, is in clinical development for the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are difficult to treat. In addition, other molecules targeting multidrug-resistance mechanisms, such as efflux pumps, are under development and hold promise for the treatment of multidrug resistant infections.

A series of 22 derivatives of the [1,2]oxazolo[5,4-e]isoindole system were synthesized through an efficient and versatile procedure that involves the annelation of the [1,2]oxazole moiety to the isoindole ring, producing derivatives with a wide substitution pattern. The structure-activity relationship indicates that the N-4-methoxybenzyl group appears crucial for potent activity. In addition, the presence of a 6-phenyl moiety is important and the best activity is reached with a 3,4,5-trimethoxy substituent. The most active compound, bearing both the structural features, was able to inhibit tumor cell proliferation at nanomolar concentrations when tested against the full NCI human tumor cell line panel. Interestingly, this compound was effective in reducing in vitro and in vivo cell growth, impairing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis, as a consequence of the inhibition of tubulin polymerization, in experimental models of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM), a rapidly lethal disease, poorly responsive to conventional therapeutic strategies.

The synthesis, the antitumor activity, the SAR and, whenever described, the possible mode of action of 1,2,4-triazine derivatives, their N-oxides, N,. N'-dioxides as well as the benzo- and hetero-fused systems are reported. Herein are treated derivatives disclosed to literature from the beginning of this century up to 2016. Among the three possible triazine isomers, 1,2,4-triazines are the most studied ones and many derivatives having remarkable antitumor activity have been reported in the literature and also patented reaching advanced phases of clinical trials.

1,2,3-Triazines are a class of biologically active compounds that exhibit a broad spectrum of activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiproliferative, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This review, which covers the literature from the end of last century to 2016, treats, through a comprehensive, systematic approach, the 1,2,3-triazine and related benzo- and hetero-fused derivatives possessing antitumor activity. Their efficacy, combined with a simple synthesis confers to these molecules a great potential as scaffold for the development of antitumor compounds.

A new series of thiazole nortopsentin analogues was conveniently synthesized with fair overall yields. The antiproliferative activity of the new derivatives was tested against different human tumor cell lines of the NCI full panel. Four of them showed good antitumor activity with GI(50) values from micro to nanomolar level. The mechanism of the antiproliferative effect of these derivatives, was pro-apoptotic, being associated with externalization of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine and DNA fragmentation. The most active and selective of the new thiazoles confined viable cells in G2/M phase and markedly inhibited in vitro CDK1 activity. (C) 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS.

La presente invenzione riguarda composti che presentano nella loro struttura il sistema eterociclico [1,2]Ossazolo[5,4-e]isoindolo, un procedimento per la oro produzione e il loro impiego per la cura di patologie a carattere iperproliferativo comprese quelle di natura neoplastica. I nuovi derivati saggiati al National Cancer Institute di Bethesda su un 60 linee cellulari umane divise in 9 sottopannelli (mammella, ovaie, polmone, colon, SNC, melanoma, leucemia, rene, prostata), hanno mostrato attività antiproliferativa da micro a nanomolare, rivelando alcuni derivati particolarmente promettenti.

Derivatives of the new ring systems bispyrido[4',3':4,5]pyrrolo[1,2-a:1',2'-d] pyrazine-6,13-dione and its deaza analogue pyrido[4'',3'':4',5']pyrrolo-[1',2':4,5]pyrazino [1,2-a]indole-6,13-dione were conveniently synthesized through a four-step sequence. Symmetrical derivatives of the former ring system were obtained through self condensation. On the other hand, condensation of 6-azaindole carboxylic acid with indole 2-carboxylic acid afforded the deaza analogue ring system. Derivatives of the title ring system were tested by the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD, USA) and four of them exhibited modest activity against MCF7 (a breast cancer cell line) and/or UO-31 (a renal cancer cell line).

The synthesis of a novel class of tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-g]indazoles is reported, by annelation of the pyrazole ring on the isoindole moiety by means of 5-hydroxymethylene tetrahydroisoindole-4-ones key intermediates, with good regioselectivity. Dihydroderivatives were also obtained by oxidation with DDQ of the corresponding tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-g]indazoles. The growth inhibitory effect was evaluated at the National Cancer Institute of Bethesda and some derivatives showed modest activity.

2,5-bis(3′-Indolyl)pyrroles, analogues of the marine alkaloid nortopsentin, were conveniently prepared through a three step procedure in good overall yields. Derivatives 1a and 1b exhibited concentration-dependent antitumor activity towards a panel of 42 human tumor cell lines with mean IC50 values of 1.54 μM and 0.67 μM, respectively. Investigating human tumor xenografts in an ex-vivo clonogenic assay revealed selective antitumor activity, whereas sensitive tumor models were scattered among various tumor histotypes.

A new series of pyrrolo[3′,2′:6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-d]pyrimidin-2-amines, was conveniently prepared using a versatile and high yielding multistep sequence. A good number of derivatives was obtained and the cellular photocytotoxicity was evaluated invitro against three different human tumor cell lines with EC50 (0.08–4.96μM) values reaching the nanomolar level. Selected compounds were investigated by laser flash photolysis. The most photocytotoxic derivative, exhibiting a fairly long-lived triplet state (τ ∼ 7μs) and absorbance in the UV–Vis, was tested in the photo-oxidations of 9,10-anthracenedipropionic acid (ADPA) by singlet oxygen. The photosentizing properties are responsible for the compounds’ ability to photoinduce massive cell death with involvement of mitochondria.

Introduction: Molecular alterations in neurotrophic tyrosine kinase (NTRK) genes have been identified in several solid tumors including lung cancer. Pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggested their potential role as oncogenic drivers and predictive biomarkers for targeted inhibition, leading to the clinical development of a new class of compounds blocking the NTRK molecular pathway, which are currently undner early clinical investigation. Area covered: This review describes the biology of the NTRK pathway and its molecular alterations in lung cancer. It focuses on the pre-clinical and clinical development of emerging NTRK inhibitors, which have shown very promising activity in early phase I studies. Expert opinion: Among the several NTRK-inhibitors, entrectinib and LOXO-101 are those in more advanced stage of clinical development. Both agents have shown encouraging activity along with a tolerable safety profile in patients with different solid tumors harboring NTRK-fusions, emerging as new promising therapeutic options for molecularly selected patients with advanced Trk-driven lung cancers. Results from ongoing phase II basket trials are eagerly awaited.

A ditalini pasta with a mixture of durum wheat and beta-glucan enriched barley flour (BF) (60/40%, w/w) was found to have a final content of 5% beta-glucan (BF-ditalini). Main quality parameters of BF-ditalini, water uptake and starch-protein texture, were comparable with those of 100% durum wheat ditalini (control). After in vitro simulated intestinal digestion, the content of beta-glucan in the post intestinal (PI) supernatant of BF-ditalini processed with its cooking water (soup) was six fold higher than that of pasta asciutta. BF-ditalini soup, but not pasta asciutta, strongly delayed the hydrolysis of the starch, without difference of viscosity between PI supernatant and control. PI supernatant from BF-ditalini showed total phenol content and antioxidant capacity significantly higher (p < 0.001) than control. In conclusion, ditalini pasta fortified with 40% BF may be considered a dietary product with high quality indexes and of functional interest for the abundance of antioxidant phenols, and for the hypoglicemic effect of beta-glucan when ingested as a soup. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

La presente invenzione riguarda derivati a struttura 4,5,6,9- tetraidropirrolo[2',3':3,4]cicloepta[1,2-d]isossazolica, procedimenti per la loro produzione e il loro uso per la cura di patologie a carattere iperproliferativo comprese quelle di natura neoplastica. I nuovi derivati saggiati al National Cancer Institute di Bethesda su un pannello di circa 60 linee cellulari umane divise in 9 sottopannelli (mammella, ovaie, polmone, colon, SNC, melanoma, leucemia, rene, prostata), hanno mostrato attività antiproliferativa da micro a nanomolare, rivelando alcuni derivati particolarmente promettenti

The present invention concerns the synthesis of compounds bearing the PYRROLO[2',3'-3,4]CYCLOEPTA[1,2-d]ISOSSAZOLE structure, and their use for the treatment of pathologies having hyperproliferative features included those having neoplastic nature.

La presente invenzione si riferisce al campo dei composti pirazolo[3,4-h]chinolinici, loro preparazione ed uso medico, in particolare per la cura di patologie a carattere iperproliferativo comprese quelle di natura neoplastica.

Heteroanalogues of angelicin, pyrrolo[3,2-h]quinazolines, were synthesized with the aim of obtaining new potent photochemotherapeutic agents. Many derivatives caused a significant decrease in cell proliferation in several human tumor cell lines after irradiation with UVA light (GI(50) =15.2-0.2 μM). Their phototoxicity effected apoptosis in Jurkat cells with the involvement of mitochondria (as determined by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and production of reactive oxygen species) and lysosomes. The phototoxicity of these compounds could be explained by lipid peroxidation.

Pyrrolo[3,4- h ]quinolin-2-ones were synthesized as nitrogen isosters of the angular furocoumarin angelicin, with the aim of obtaining new photochemotherapeutic agents with increased antiproliferative activity and lower undesired toxic effects. A versatile synthetic pathway was approached to allow the isolation of derivatives of the new ring system with a good substitution pattern on the pyrrole moiety. Photobiological screenings of the new compounds revealed a potent phototoxic effect and a great UVA dose dependence, reaching IC 50 values at submicromolar level. The induced cellular photocytotoxicity was related to apoptosis with the involvement of mitochondria and lysosomes, alteration of cell cycle profile and membrane lipid peroxidation.

A series of derivatives of new ring system pyrido[4’,3’:4,5]pyrrolo[2,1-d] [1,2,3,5]tetrazine was obtained from moderate to excellent yields by reaction of 2-diazo-3-ethoxycarbonyl-pyrrolo[2,3- c]pyridine with alkyl- or aryl-isocyanates in dichlorometane at room temperature or at 50 °C under microwave irradiation.

A convenient synthesis of the pyrano[2,3-e]isoindol-2-one ring system, an heteroanalogue of angelicin, is reported. Our synthetic approach consists of the annelation of the pyran ring on the isoindole moiety using 5-dialkylamino- or 5-hydroxymethylene intermediates as building blocks. The photoantiproliferative activity of the new derivatives was studied. Some of them bearing the benzyl group at the 8 position were active with IC(50) in the micromolar range. Cell cytotoxicity involves apoptosis, alteration of cell cycle profile and membrane photodamage.

Twelve derivatives of new ring system pyrido[2’,3’:4,5]pyrrolo[2,1-d][1,2,3,5]tetrazine were prepared in good yields by reaction of 2-diazo-3-ethoxycarbonyl-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridine with alkyl- or aryl-isocyanates. Nine derivatives, screened by the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD) for the in vitro one dose primary anticancer assay against a panel of about 60 human tumor cell lines, showed no significant activity.

A novel synthetic approach for the synthesis of 3-substituted indoles by nucleophilic substitution of 3-bromo derivatives under phase transfer catalysis (PTC) was reported.

A new series of pyrazolo[3,4-h]quinolines, heteroanalogues of angelicin was conveniently prepared with a broad substitution pattern. A large number of derivatives was obtained and the cellular photocytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro against 5 different human tumor cell lines with GI50 values reaching the nanomolar level (14.52e0.04 mM). Selected compounds were able to photoinduce a massive cell death with the involvement of mitochondria. Their photodamage cellular targets were proteins and lipids and they did not cause any kind of DNA photodamage. This latter event is of considerable importance in the modulation of long term side effects, generally associated with the use of classical furocoumarins.

A new series of nortopsentin analogues, in which the imidazole ring of the natural product was replaced by thiazole and the indole unit bound to position 2 of the thiazole ring was substituted by a 7-azaindole moiety, was efficiently synthesized. Two of the new nortopsentin analogues showed good antiproliferative effect against the totality of the NCI full panel of human tumor cell lines (~60) having GI50 values ranging from low micromolar to nanomolar level. The mechanism of the antiproliferative effect of these derivatives, investigated on human hepatoma HepG2 cells, was pro-apoptotic, being associated with externalization of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, the compounds induced a concentration-dependent accumulation of cells in the subG0/G1phase, while confined viable cells in G2/M phase.

Water-soluble isoindoloquinoxalin (IIQ) imines and the corresponding acetates were conveniently prepared from the key intermediates 2-(2′-aminophenyl)-2H-isoindole-1-carbonitriles obtained by a Strecker reaction between substituted 1,2-dicarbaldehydes and 1,2-phenylenediamines. Both series were screened by the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD) and showed potent antiproliferative activity against a panel of 60 human tumor cell lines. Several of the novel compounds showed GI50 values at a nanomolar level on the majority of the tested cell lines. Among IIQ derivatives, methoxy substituents at positions 3 and 8 or/and 9 were especially effective in impairing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. These effects were associated to IIQ-mediated impairment of tubulin polymerization at pharmacologically significant concentrations of tested compounds. In addition, impaired DNA topoisomerase I functions and perturbation in telomere architecture were observed in cells exposed to micromolar concentrations of IIQ derivatives. The above results suggest that IIQ derivatives exhibit multi-target cytotoxic activities.

This book describes biosynthetic methods to synthesize heterocyclic compounds, offering a guide for the development of new drugs based on natural products. The authors explain the role of natural products in chemistry and their formation along with important analytical methods and techniques for working with heterocycles. • Covers methods and techniques: isotopic labelling, enzymes and mutants, and pathway identification • Provides a thorough resource of information specifically on heterocyclic natural products and their practical biosynthetic relevance • Explains the role of natural products in chemistry and their formation • Discusses gene cluster identification and the use of biogenetic engineering in pharmaceutical application

Two new series of nortopsentin analogues, in which the imidazole ring of the natural product was replaced by thiazole and indole units were both substituted by 7-azaindole moieties or one indole unit was replaced by a 6-azaindole portion, were efficiently synthesized. Compounds belonging to both series inhibited the growth of HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells at low micromolar concentrations, whereas they did not affect the viability of normal-like intestinal cells. A compound of the former series induced apoptosis, evident as externalization of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine (PS), and changes of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential, while blocking the cell cycle in G2/M phase. In contrast, a derivative of the latter series elicited distinct responses in accordance with the dose. Thus, low concentrations (GI30) induced morphological changes characteristic of autophagic death with massive formation of cytoplasmic acid vacuoles without apparent loss of nuclear material, and with arrest of cell cycle at the G1 phase, whereas higher concentrations (GI70) induced apoptosis with arrest of cell cycle at the G1 phase. © 2015 by the authors licensee MDPI Basel Switzerland.

A new series of pyrrolo[3,4- h ]quinazolines was conveniently prepared with a broad substitution pattern. A large number of derivatives was obtained and the cellular cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro against 5 different human tumor cell lines with GI 50 values reaching the low micromolar level (1.3–19.8 μM). These compounds were able to induce cell death mainly by apoptosis through a mitochondrial dependent pathway. Selected compounds showed antimitotic activity and a reduction of tubulin polymerization in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, they showed anti-angiogenic properties since reduced in vitro endothelial cell migration and disrupted HUVEC capillary-like tube network in Matrigel.

A large number of indolyl-4-azaindolyl thiazoles, nortopsentin analogues, were conveniently synthesized. The antiproliferative activity of the new derivatives was examined against four human tumor cell lines with different histologic origin. Seven derivatives consistently reduced the growth of the experimental models independently of TP53 gene status and exhibited the highest activity against the malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (STO) cell line. The most active compound of this series acts as a CDK1 inhibitor, and was found to cause cell cycle arrest at G 2 /M phase, to induce apoptosis by preventing the phosphorylation of survivin in Thr 34 and to increase the cytotoxic activity of paclitaxel in STO cells.

‘Interrupted’ diazotization of 3-aminoindoles and 3-aminopyrroles, achieved by quenching with cold water immediately after the addition of nitrite, led, in good yields, to stable compounds whose structures were identified to be the diazonium species with nitrate as the counter ion, which show no saline character.

New thiazole nortopsentin analogs in which one of the two indole units was replaced by a naphthyl and/or 7-azaindolyl portion, were conveniently synthesized. Among these, three derivatives showed good antiproliferative activity, in particular against MCF7 cell line, with GI50 values in the micromolar range. Their cytotoxic effect on MCF7 cells was further investigated in order to elucidate their mode of action. Results showed that the three compounds act as pro-apoptotic agents inducing a clear shift of viable cells towards early apoptosis, while not exerting necrotic effects. They also caused cell cycle perturbation with significant decrease in the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 and S phases, accompanied by a concomitant percentage increase of cells in the G2/M phase, and appearance of a subG1-cell population.

A series of 40 derivatives of the [1,2]oxazolo[5,4-e]indazoles ring system have been prepared with good yields using a versatile and convenient route. Annelation of the [1,2]oxazole ring on the indazole-4-one system was achieved by reaction of the corresponding enaminoketones with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Derivatives of the title ring system were tested by the National Cancer Institute of Bethesda and one of them (13t) showed growth-inhibitor activity against all the 54 human tumour cell lines generally at low micromolar concentrations.

In this study, we describe the synthesis of new nortopsentin analogues, 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives and their biological effects in experimental models of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM), a rare and rapidly fatal disease, poorly responsive to conventional therapies. The three most active compounds, 1f (3-[2-(5-fluoro-1-methyl-1H-indol-3- yl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine), 3f (3-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1,3- thiazol-4-yl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine), and 1l (3-[2-(5-fluoro-1- methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b] pyridine), which were shown to act as cyclin-dependent kinase 1 inhibitors, consistently reduced DMPM cell proliferation and induced a caspase-dependent apoptotic response, with a concomitant reduction of the expression of the active Thr34-phosphorylated form of the antiapoptotic protein survivin. Moreover, the combined treatment of DMPM cells with 3f derivative and paclitaxel produced a synergistic cytotoxic effect, which was paralleled by an enhanced apoptotic response. In the mouse model, i.p. administration of 1f, 3f, and 1l derivatives was effective, resulting in a significant tumor volume inhibition of DMPM xenografts (range, 58−75%) at well-tolerated doses, and two complete responses were observed in each treatment group.

Brand new ring: A series of 27 derivatives of the new ring system [1,2]oxazolo[4,5-g]indole were conveniently prepared and tested at the NCI for antiproliferative studies. Several of them showed good inhibitory activity toward all tested cell lines, reaching GI50 values generally at the micromolar and sub-micromolar levels and in some cases at nanomolar concentrations. The mean GI50 values, calculated on the full panel, were in the range 0.25-7.08 μM.

A series of pyrrolo[3′,2′:4,5]thiopyrano[3,2- b ]pyridin-2-ones 4 was prepared in good yields by reacting enaminoketones with cyanomethylene active compounds such as phenylsulfonylacetonitrile, benzoylacetonitrile, and malononitrile. Derivatives of the title ring system were tested by the National Cancer Institute of Bethesda against a panel of about 60 human tumor cell lines, and one of them showed inhibitory activity against all cancer cell lines reaching on 48% of them GI 50 values at submicromolar level and on the majority of the remaining ones in the low micromolar concentration.

Pancreatic cancer is a complex malignancy arising from the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic defects in the affected cells. Standard chemotherapy for patients with advanced disease shows only modest effects and is associated with considerable toxicity. Overexpression or aberrant activation of members of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase family, which includes EGFR and HER-2, occurs frequently and is associated with multiple drug resistance and decreased patient survival. In this study, we have investigated the therapeutic potential of AS104, a novel compound of the triazene class, with potential inhibitory effects on EGFR. We found that treatment of cells with AS104 causes significant reduction of cell growth and metabolic activity in four human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we show that the AS104-mediated induction of apoptotic cell death is associated with stimulation of autophagy in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of cells with AS104 results in significant down-regulation of EGFR and HER-2 expression and activity and subsequent inhibition of downstream signaling proteins. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis and assays with proteasome inhibitors revealed that AS104 regulates the expression of EGFR and HER-2 at the transcriptional level. These findings provide for the first time experimental evidence for efficacy of AS104 in the simultaneous transcriptional repression of EGFR and HER-2 genes and suggest that AS104 may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of pancreatic cancers that express high levels of the aforementioned receptor tyrosine kinases.

A novel synthetic approach to the synthesis of 3-substituted isoindoles through nucleophilic substitution of 3-halo derivatives by charged carbon, and neutral nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur nucleophiles, assisted by a 1-acyl group, is reported. Aryl-thio-isoindoles, obtained through a direct nucleophilic substitution with sulfur nucleophiles, showed cytotoxic activity, with GI50 values from micromolar to sub-micromolar concentrations, against the total number of cell lines investigated.