Investigation of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-2′,3′-benzochalcone binding to tubulin by using NMR and in silico docking

Abstract

Hydroxychalcones act as autophagy inducers and methoxy chalcones induce apoptosis. Additionally, benzoflavones inhibit the hepatitis C virus. Based on these findings, a chalcone derivative, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-2′,3′-benzochalcone, was prepared. It showed antimitotic activity through its inhibitory effect on tubulin polymerization. Its molecular binding mode with tubulin was elucidated using in silico docking and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, the three-dimensional structure of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-2′,3′-benzochalcone was determined by X-ray crystallography.