Synthesis and biological evaluation of cis-restrained carbocyclic combretastatin A-4 analogs: Influence of the ring size and saturation on cytotoxic properties

Christina Nowikow, Rita Fürst, Maria Kauderer, Christian Dank, Walther Schmid, Marian Hajduch, Jiri Rehulka, Sona Gurska, Olena Mokshyna, Pavel Polishchuk, Istvan Zupko, Petr Dzubak*, Uwe Rinner*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) is a highly cytotoxic natural product and several derivatives have been prepared which underwent clinical trial. These investigations revealed that the cis-stilbene moiety of the natural product is prone to undergo cis/trans isomerization under physiological conditions, reducing the overall activity of the drug candidates. Herein, we report the preparation of cis-restrained carbocyclic analogs of CA-4. The compounds, which differ by the size and hybridization of the carbocyclic ring have been evaluated for their cytotoxic properties and their ability to inhibit tubulin polymerization. Biological data, supported by molecular docking studies, identified cyclobutenyl and cyclobutyl derivatives of the natural product as highly promising drug candidates.
Original languageEnglish
Article number115032
JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Volume27
Issue number19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2019

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