VEGFR-2 Kinase Research Articles

PhosphazeneTripeptide Conjugates: Design, Synthesis,In VitroCytotoxicity and Genotoxicity, Molecular Interactions in Binding Pockets on Human Breast and Colon Cancer Cell Lines.

The biological activity of both cyclophosphazenes and peptides makes these compounds important for new studies in medicinal chemistry. For this purpose, five different phosphazene-peptide conjugates synthesized from dichlorocyclotriphosphazene and tyrosine-containing tripeptides. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activities against human breast (MCF-7) and colon (Caco-2) cancer cell lines using MTT assay. The derivatives induced cell death through DNA damage, with notable effects in Caco-2 cell lines. Specifically, DTVV, DTVG, and DTVA were cytotoxic at 50 and 100 µM, while DTVP and DTVM were effective at 25, 50, and 100 µM. DTVM outperformed Tamoxifen at 50 µM in the MCF-7 cell line. DNA damage studies of the compounds were performed using the comet assay method.The findings indicated that cell death occurred via a DNA damage mechanism. The molecular intricacies of DTVA, DTVG, DTVM, DTVP and DTVV within the VEGFR2 kinase domainand Cyclophilin_CeCYP16-Like Domainbinding pockets and various interactions, docking scores and potential activities of these derivatives were investigated. The differences in docking scores and interaction profiles highlight the potential efficacy and specificity of these compounds in targeting breast and colon cancer cells. These findings highlight the potential of phosphazene-peptide derivatives as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment.

Design and Development of [1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazines as Potential Anticancer Agents with Genotoxicity and Apoptotic Activity

Aims: In this current study, a new series of triazolo-triazine derivatives were designed and synthesized as potential anticancer agents. Methods: The antiproliferative activity of the new compounds was evaluated against three different cancerous cell lines (MDA-MB-231, HCT-116, A549, and HT-29) using an MTT assay. To evaluate the mechanism of action, the ability of the best compound in apoptosis induction and DNA damage was evaluated using the flow cytometry technique and comet assays. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation was used to investigate their interactions with the two targets, VEGFR2 and c-Met kinases. Results: Results showed that 6-(4- bromophenyl)-3-((4-methoxybenzyl)thio)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazine (8c) demonstrated the best anti-proliferative activity against the human colorectal carcinoma cells HCT-116 with an IC50 value of 38.7 ± 1.7 μM. In silico evaluations showed that the triazolo-triazine scaffold, along with the methoxy substitution of compound 8c, was involved in creating effective H-bond interactions in the active site of both targets. Conclusion: Our results showed that compound 8c significantly increased cell death through apoptosis induction and caused a significant increase in genotoxicity. Furthermore, it was found that the tested compound 8c, with a selectivity index of 1.74, possessed selective antiproliferative activity towards the colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116 compared to the normal fibroblast cell line. These findings could be useful in the development of novel VEGFR2/c-Met dual-targeted inhibitors in the future.

Synthesis, pharmacological evaluation, and modeling of novel quaternary ammonium salts derived from β-carboline containing an imidazole moiety as angiogenesis inhibitors

In this study, a series of novel β-carboline condensed imidazolium derivatives (7a-7y) were designed and synthesized by incorporating imidazolium salt structures into β-carboline. The cytotoxicity of compounds 7a-7y was evaluated in various cancer cell lines, including lung cancer (A549), gastric cancer (BGC-823), mouse colon cancer (CT-26), liver cancer (Bel-7402), and breast cancer (MCF-7), using the MTT assay. Most compounds exhibited significant activity against one or more of the cancer cell lines. Notably, compounds 7 g, 7o, 7r, 7 s, 7u, 7v, 7x, and 7w showed the highest cytotoxic activity (IC50 < 2 μM) in the tested tumor cell lines. Compound 7x demonstrated cytotoxic activities of 1.3 ± 0.3 μM (for BGC-823), 2.4 ± 0.4 μM (against A549), 7.8 ± 0.9 μM (for Bel-7402), and 9.8 ± 1.4 μM (against CT-26). The chick chorioallantoic membrane assay revealed significant anti-angiogenic potential of compound 7x. Molecular imprinting studies suggested the anti-angiogenic effect of compound 7x might be attributed to inhibition of VEGFR2 kinase. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics further indicate that its activity may be primarily associated with the potential inhibition of VEGFR2. Our research outcomes have provided valuable lead compounds for the development of novel antitumor drugs and have offered beneficial insights for subsequent drug design and optimization.

Design, Development of Pyrazole-Linked Spirocyclopropyl Oxindole-Carboxamides as Potential Cytotoxic Agents and Type III Allosteric VEGFR-2 Inhibitors.

Tumor progression depends on angiogenesis, which is stimulated by growth factors like VEGF, targeting VEGFR kinase with small molecules is an effective anti-angiogenic therapeutic approach. The rational modification of sunitinib (VEGFR-2 inhibitor) to spirocyclopropyloxindoline carboxamides have been performed and their in vitro cytotoxic profiling was evaluated. The molecular modelling studies enabled the screening of designed analogues and identifying the possible interactions within the type III allosteric inhibitor binding site of VEGFR-2. The biological screening of synthesized compounds 15 a-y, revealed the ability of compound 15 w to inhibit the cell growth in MCF-7 cell line with IC50 value of 3.87±0.19 μM and alongside inhibition of VEGFR-2 kinase at a IC50 concentration of 4.34±0.13 μM was observed. Also, VEGFR-2 inhibition was validated through HUVEC tube formation inhibition assay. The qualitative assessment of apoptosis induction by 15 w in MCF-7 cells was evaluated through staining studies such as AO/EB and DAPI staining, whereas quantification of apoptosis and cell cycle analysis were performed through FACS analysis. The metastatic ability of the cancer cells was evaluated through inhibition of cell migration by a scratch wound healing assay. The current study strives to sequentially optimize the structural attributes of the 3-alkenyl oxindole core to surpass the existing challenges of well-known VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The findings observed from this study highlights that compound 15 w to be a prominent lead towards the development of clinical drug candidates.

Novel 1,2,3-triazole derivatives containing benzoxazinone scaffold: Synthesis, docking study, DFT analysis and biological evaluation

In order to address the drastic demand for novel broad-spectrum antibacterial and anticancer medicines with enhanced activity, computer modelling was utilized to rationally develop newer anticancer triazole based drugs. A unique series of benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-4-one linked 1,2,3-triazoles was synthesised in five steps, with good yields and an assessment of their antibacterial and anticancer activities. IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry were used to characterize the synthesis of triazole compounds. From antibacterial screening, the prepared derivatives namely, 8a, 8e, 8h and 8k showed excellent inhibitory potential against S. aureus with ZI of 28 ± 0.48, 30 ± 0.42, 30 ± 0.11, 35 ± 0.23 mm respectively, compared to moxifloxacin (33 ± 0.15 mm). Compared to doxorubicin (IC50 = 2.45 ± 0.14 μM), compounds 8h and 8k demonstrated superior and exceptional cytotoxicity against the A549 cell line (IC50 = 2.30 ± 0.26 and 1.90 ± 0.30 μM, respectively). Latter All the derivatives were further subjected to in silico docking studies against human lung (PDB: 2P85), VEGFR2 kinase domain (PDB: 3CP9) and could serve as ideal leads for additional modification in the field of anticancer research. Based on docking results, 8e showed that the amino acids Arg373(A), Gly113(A), Glu103(A), Asp108(A), Ser119(A), Asn375(A), Val374(A), Lys387(A), and Asn120(A) exhibited highly stable binding to cytochrome P4502A13 receptor of lung cancer. Furthermore, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations are performed to support the molecular docking studies. Compounds 8e, 8h, and 8k were discovered to have estimated energy gaps (eV) of 3.181, 4.034, and 3.539 eV, respectively. Triazole 8h exhibited the lowest chemical hardness (1.962 eV) and the highest chemical softness (0.252 eV), which also suggests that it is more reactive than all the other compounds under study. Moreover, these scaffolds physicochemical characteristics, filtration molecular properties, assessment of toxicity, and bioactivity scores were assessed in relation to ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion). In conclusion, we discovered a novel benzoxazinone linked 1,2,3-triazoles with promising antimicrobial and anticancer activity and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of indazole derivatives as VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors with anti-angiogenic properties

The strategy of inhibiting angiogenesis, specifically by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), has been proven effective in tumor treatment. In this study, we designed several VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors based on an indazole scaffold. Among them, the most potent compound, 30, inhibits VEGFR-2 (IC50 = 1.24 nM) with subtle selectivity over other kinases. It demonstrates significant inhibitory activity against HUVEC angiogenesis and inhibits cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, it exhibits low acute toxicity in mice. In vivo studies, compound 30 demonstrates favorable pharmacokinetic profiles. It suppresses tumor angiogenesis in the zebrafish subintestinal vessel model, indicating that it may be a potential angiogenesis inhibitor for further development.

SAFFRON-104: a phase Ib/II study of sitravatinib alone or with tislelizumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancer/gastroesophageal junction cancer

BackgroundSitravatinib is a spectrum-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MER), VEGFR-2, KIT, and MET. SAFFRON-104 (NCT03941873) was a multicohort phase Ib/II study investigating sitravatinib with/without tislelizumab, an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody, in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or gastric cancer/gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC).MethodsEligible patients had histologically/cytologically confirmed advanced HCC or GC/GEJC. Phase I determined the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of sitravatinib with/without tislelizumab. Phase II evaluated sitravatinib monotherapy in patients with pretreated HCC, and sitravatinib plus tislelizumab in anti-PD-(L)1–naïve or –treated HCC and anti-PD-(L)1–naïve GC/GEJC. Primary endpoints were safety/tolerability (phase I) and objective response rate (ORR) (phase II).ResultsAt data cutoff (March 31, 2023), 111 patients were enrolled; 102 were efficacy-evaluable (median study follow-up 9.1 months [range: 0.7–36.9]). The RP2D of sitravatinib was determined as 120 mg orally once daily. In patients receiving sitravatinib monotherapy and sitravatinib in combination with tislelizumab, grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 14 (51.9%) and 42 (50.0%) patients, respectively. The ORR was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.7–49.1) in patients with pretreated HCC receiving sitravatinib monotherapy. In patients receiving sitravatinib with tislelizumab, the ORR was 11.5% (95% CI 2.4–30.2) with anti-PD-(L)1–naïve HCC, 9.5% (95% CI 1.2–30.4) with anti-PD-(L)1–treated HCC, and 16.1% (95% CI 5.5–33.7) in patients with anti-PD-(L)1–naïve GC/GEJC.ConclusionsSitravatinib with/without tislelizumab was generally well tolerated and showed preliminary antitumor activity in patients with advanced HCC and GC/GEJC.

Design, Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel 4-Phenoxyquinoline Derivatives as VEGFR2 Kinase Inhibitors for Tumor Treatment

Design, Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel 4-Phenoxyquinoline Derivatives as VEGFR2 Kinase Inhibitors for Tumor Treatment

Novel benzenesulfonamides as dual VEGFR2/FGFR1 inhibitors targeting breast cancer: Design, synthesis, anticancer activity and in silico studies

In the current study, a new series of benzenesulfonamides 6a-r was designed and synthesized as dual VEGFR-2 and FGFR1 kinase inhibitors with anti-cancer activity. The 4-trifluoromethyl benzenesulfonamide 6l exhibited the highest dual VEGFR-2/FGFR1 inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 0.025 and 0.026 µM, respectively. It showed a higher activity than sorafenib and staurosporine by 1.8- and 1.3-fold, respectively. Furthermore, compound 6l was further tested on EGFR and PDGFR-β kinases showing IC50 values of 0.106 and 0.077 µM, respectively. The target compounds were tested for their anticancer activity against NCI-60 panel of cancer cell lines at 10 µM concentration, where compound 6l displayed the highest mean growth inhibition percent % (GI%) of 60.38%. Compounds 6a, 6b, 6e, 6f, 6h-l, and 6n-r revealed promising GI% on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T-47D, and MDA-MB-231), and were subjected to IC50 determination on these cell lines. The tested compounds showed a higher activity on T-47D and MCF-7 cell lines over MDA-MB-231 cell line compared to the used reference standard; sorafenib. Compounds 6e, 6h-j, 6l and 6o revealed IC50 values ≤ 20 µM against T-47D cell line, furthermore, they were found to be non-cytotoxic on Vero normal cell line. Furthermore, the effect of the most active compounds 6i, and 6l in T-47D cells on cell cycle analysis progression, cell apoptosis, and apoptosis markers was investigated. Both compounds arrested cell cycle progression at G1 phase, furthermore, they enhanced early and late apoptosis, as well as necrosis. The capability of compounds 6i, and 6l to induce apoptosis was further confirmed by their ability to raise BAX/BCl-2 ratio and caspase-3 level in the treated cells. Cell migration assay revealed that both compounds 6i and 6l have anti-migratory effects compared to control T-47D cells after 24, and 48 h. Molecular docking studies for compounds 6a-r on VEGFR-2 and FGFR1 binding sites showed that they exhibit an analogous binding mode in both target kinases which agrees with that of type II kinase inhibitors.

Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes of dithiocarbamate ligands: synthesis, characterization, anticancer, and theoretical studies

ABSTRACT A potassium 4-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyldithiocarbamate, (4-etphdtc), and 6-ethoxybenzothiazol)-dithiocarbamate, (6-etbedtc), ligands have been isolated and four metal dithiocarbamate complexes of the type [M(4-etphdtc)2] and [M(6-etbedtc)2] (M = Zn, Cd;) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR,1H and13C{1H}-NMR, HRMS, UV–vis). Thermogravimetric studies of all four complexes were performed and the final product of the thermal decomposition was metal sulfides. The theoretical study with density functional theory (DFT) has been utilized to optimize the structures of the complexes for HOMO–LUMO energy calculation. Non-bonding orbitals (NBO) analysis was performed to determine the numerous hyper-conjugative interactions responsible for the stability of the compound. In addition, Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) analysis was conducted to identify the compounds’ electron-rich, electron-poor, reactive sites, and bonding characteristics. The Electron Localization Function (ELF), and AIM Charges are also calculated. In vitro cytotoxicity, the complexes were examined against cervical cancer cells (HeLa) to assess their reactivity. Molecular docking studies were conducted to confirm the biological activity by simulating the binding orientation and affinity of the ligands and their complexes against VEGFR-2 kinase, The investigated ligands interact with the binding site as; hydrophilic (Lys868, Glu885, His1026, Cys1045, and Asp1046) and hydrophobic (Val889 and Leu889) for 4-etphdtc; hydrophilic (Lys868, Glu885, Cys1045, and Asp1046) and hydrophobic (Val889, Leu889, Leu1035, and Phe1047) for 6-etphdtc. The calculated binding free energy values for Zn(4-etphdtc)2 and Zn(6-etphdtc)2complexes are – 9.700 kcal/mol, – 10.003 kcal/mol, respectively.

STELLAR-303: randomized phase III study of zanzalintinib+atezolizumab in previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer.

Most patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have limited treatment options following standard-of-care therapy. VEGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have demonstrated clinical activity in mCRC in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly in patients without liver metastases. The TKI zanzalintinib (XL092) targets VEGFR, MET and TAM kinases, proteins that are involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis and immunosuppression. Zanzalintinib has immunomodulatory properties that may enhance response to ICIs. Presented is the design of STELLAR-303, a global, phase III, open-label, randomized study evaluating zanzalintinib plus atezolizumab versus regorafenib in patients with non-MSI-H mCRC who progressed during/after or are refractory/intolerant to standard-of-care therapy. The primary end point is overall survival in patients without liver metastases.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05425940 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Aminoguanidinium hydrogen 1,1-cyclobutane dicarboxylate: Synthesis, structural characterization and molecular docking studies

On neutralization of Aminoguanidine bicarbonate (H2Agun) with 1,1 -cyclobutane dicarboxylic acid (H2CBD) resulted aminoguanidinium salt, [(HAgun)+(HCBD)-]. Using FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and analytical spectroscopy, the compound was identified and characterized. Furthermore, single X-ray diffraction experiment confirms the molecular structure of the salt. The molecular docking approach has been employed to investigate the inhibitory properties of aminoguanidinium hydrogen 1,1-cyclobutane dicarboxylate on three key cancer protein receptors: 3WZE (VEGFR kinase), 5ZMA (crystal structure of an allosteric Eya2 phosphates inhibitor lung cancer protein), and 1JNX (BRCT repeat region from the breast cancer associated protein). Observation of lower binding energy of −4.67 kcal/mol for 3WZE, −4.57 kcal/mol for 5ZMA and 1.7 kcal/mol for 1JNX, respectively, indicating high stability with the protein molecule.

Unveiling the potential of isatin-grafted phenyl-1,2,3-triazole derivatives as dual VEGFR-2/STAT-3 inhibitors: Design, synthesis and biological assessments

The use of VEGFR-2 inhibitors as a stand-alone treatment has proven to be ineffective in clinical trials due to the robustness of cellular response loops that lead to treatment resistance when only targeting VEGFR-2. The over-activation of the signal transducer/activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) is expected to significantly impact treatment failure and resistance to VEGFR-2 inhibitors. In this study, we propose the concept of combined inhibition of VEGFR-2 and STAT-3 to combat induced STAT-3-mediated resistance to VEGFR-2 inhibition therapy. To explore this, we synthesized new isatin-grafted phenyl-1,2,3-triazole derivatives “6a-n” and “9a-f”. Screening on PANC1 and PC3 cancer cell lines revealed that compounds 6b, 6 k, 9c, and 9f exhibited sub-micromolar ranges. The most promising molecules, 6b, 6 k, 9c, and 9f, demonstrated the highest inhibition when tested as dual inhibitors on VEGFR-2 (with IC50 range 53–82 nM, respectively) and STAT-3 (with IC50 range 5.63–10.25 nM). In particular, triazole 9f showed the best results towards both targets. Inspired by these findings, we investigated whether 9f has the ability to trigger apoptosis in prostate cancer PC3 cells via the assessment of the expression levels of the apoptotic markers Caspase-8, Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-9. Treatment of the PC3 cells with compound 9f significantly inhibited the protein expression levels of VEGFR-2 and STAT-3 kinases compared to the control.

Identification of Benzothiazoles Bearing 1,3,4-Thiadiazole as Antiproliferative Hybrids Targeting VEGFR-2 and BRAF Kinase: Design, Synthesis, BIO Evaluation and In Silico Study.

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, often resulting from uncontrolled growth in various organs. Protein kinase inhibitors represent an important class of targeted cancer therapies. Recently, the kinases BRAF and VEGFR-2 have shown synergistic effects on tumor progression. Seeking to develop dual BRAF/VEGFR-2 inhibitors, we synthesized 18 amino-benzothiazole derivatives with structural similarities to reported dual inhibitors. Four compounds-4a, 4f, 4l, and 4r-demonstrated remarkable cytotoxicity, with IC50 values ranging from 3.58 to 15.36 μM, against three cancer cell lines. Furthermore, these compounds showed IC50 values of 38.77-66.22 μM in the case of a normal cell line, which was significantly safer than the reference, sorafenib. Subsequent investigation revealed that compound 4f exhibited the capacity to inhibit the BRAF and VEGFR-2 enzymes, with IC50 values similar to sorafenib (0.071 and 0.194 μM, respectively). Moreover, compound 4f caused G2-M- and S-phase cycle arrest. Molecular modeling demonstrated binding patterns compatible with inhibition for both targets, where 4f exerted the critical interactions in the BRAF site and interacted in the VEGFR-2 site in a manner akin to sorafenib, demonstrating affinity similar to dabrafenib.

Integrated pharmacophore‐based screening and docking strategy for identifying type II inhibitors of VEGFR‐2 kinase

Pharmacophore modeling and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis represent indispensable methodologies in modern drug discovery, offering insights into ligand-receptor interactions and aiding in the rational design of potent therapeutic agents. This study presents a thorough investigation into the identification of novel inhibitors targeting VEGFR-2 kinase, a key regulator in angiogenesis and a promising target in oncology.Leveraging a dataset comprising 72 type-II inhibitors, a series of pharmacophore hypotheses were developed using a set of six active ligands. Subsequent evaluation led to the selection of top-performing hypotheses, ADDHRR_6 and ADDHRR_10, which demonstrated good predictive capabilities in atom-based 3D QSAR modeling.Virtual screening of the Maybridge database using these pharmacophore hypotheses resulted in the identification of potential hits, which were evaluated through molecular docking analyses. Ten compounds exhibited favorable docking scores and important interactions with key residues, such as Glu885, Glu917, Cys919, and Asp1046.Additionally, comprehensive absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) analysis was performed and indicated that these compound had acceptable physicochemical properties. These findings highlight the utility of integrated pharmacophore-based screening and molecular docking approaches in the identification of novel type II VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors.

Novel NO-TZDs and trimethoxychalcone-based DHPMs: design, synthesis, and biological evaluation as potential VEGFR-2 inhibitors

Novel series of nitric oxide-releasing thiazolidine-2,4-diones (NO-TZD-3a-d,5,6) and 3,4,5-trimethoxychalcone-based multifunctional 1,4-dihydropyrimidines (CDHPM-10a-g) have been designed and synthesised as potent broad-spectrum anticancer agents with potential VEGFR-2 inhibition. The designed analogs were evaluated for their anticancer activities towards a full panel of NCI-60 tumour cell lines and CDHPM-10a-g emerged mean %inhibitions ranging from 76.40 to 147.69%. Among them, CDHPM-10e and CDHPM-10f demonstrated the highest MGI% of 147.69 and 140.24%, respectively. Compounds CDHPM-10a,b,d-f showed higher mean %inhibitory activity than the reference drug sorafenib (MGI% = 105.46%). Superiorly, the hybrid CDHPM-10e displayed the highest potencies towards all the herein tested subpanels of nine types of cancer with MGI50 of 1.83 µM. Also, it revealed potent cytostatic single-digit micromolar activity towards the herein examined cancer cell lines. The designed compounds CDHPM-10a-g were exposed as potent non-selective broad-spectrum anticancer agents over all NCI subpanels with an SI range of 0.66–1.97. In addition, the target analog CDHPM-10e revealed potency towards VEGFR-2 kinase comparable to that of sorafenib with a sub-micromolar IC50 value of 0.11 µM. Also, CDHPM-10e could effectively induce Sub-G1-phase arrest and prompt apoptosis via caspase and p53-dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, CDHPM-10e revealed significant anti-metastatic activity as detected by wound healing assay. The modelling study implies that CDHPM-10e overlaid well with sorafenib and formed a strong H-bond in the DFG binding domain. The ADMET studies hinted out that CDHPM-10e met Pfizer’s drug-likeness criteria. The presented novel potent anticancer agent merits further devotion as a new lead product in developing more chalcone-based VEGFR-2 inhibitors.

Identification of naturally occurring flavonoids as anticancer agents: In silico studies

It is recognized that flavonoids have a variety of functions in nature, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-HIV and neuroprotective properties. In the present study, molecular docking experiment was performed on 15 naturally occurring flavonoids as anticancer agents. The analysis of results was performed on the basis of docking score, glide energy and interaction with amino acids. Each flavonoid showed a specific interaction with target protein. Naringin showed interactions with amino acids GLN131, ASP145, PHE80, VAL83, GLU8, ILE10, THR89 (docking score −12.48) involved with the protein PDB ID: 1gij (inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 4). Naringin further showed interactions with THR887, THR886, LYS833, ASP836 amino acids (docking score −15.078) involved with PDB ID: 5jhb (inhibitor of PI3K and tubulin). Orientin showed interactions with amino acids ASN150, ASP163, LYS43, VAL101 (docking score −13.89) with PDB ID: 2euf as inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 6. Quercetin showed interactions with amino acids PHE1047, LEU840, CYS919, GLU917 (docking score −11.7) with PDB ID: 4agd as inhibitor of VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Epigallocatechin gallate showed interactions with amino acids LYS868, GLU885, THR916, ASP1046 using protein PDB ID: 3ewh (docking score −10.004) as inhibitor of Tie-2 kinase. The given flavonoid drugs interaction with cancer targets shows their possible potential against various forms of cancer. Epigallocatechin gallate when docked with 3ewh showed best docking score with important interaction required for anticancer activity. In molecular dynamic study, Epigallocatechin gallate in complex with VEGFR2 kinase protein (PDB ID: 3ewh) with RMSD indicates the protein remained stable through the simulation of 100ns with fluctuation in the range of 1.5–3.5 Å. The provided docking results may be useful for the development of novel drug candidate for anticancer targets.

Synthesis and in vitro Antiproliferative Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of Novel Chalcone‐Phosphonates Derivatives as Anticancer Agents

AbstractBased on the wide range of pharmacological aspects related to organophosphates, a new type of chalcone‐phosphonate containing derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of dialkyl phosphite and substituted chalcones using anhydrous Mg(ClO4)2 at 80 °C under solvent‐free conditions. The resulting compounds were evaluated for anti‐proliferative activity in vitro against a panel of three human cancer cell lines: MCF7, HeLa, and A549 cell lines. Compound 3 l, 3 m, and 3 p exhibited anti‐proliferative activity against MCF7 and HeLa, with IC50 values of 1.12 μM, 1.63 μM, 1.09 μM and 1.29 μM, 1.44 μM, 2.40 μM respectively. The molecular docking study showed that the synthesized derivatives have good binding ability in the active site of the Vaccinia H1‐related (VHR) phosphatase (PDB: 3F81), PI3‐ kinase (PDB: 3R7Q), androgen receptor (PDB: 3V49) and VEGFR2 kinase (PDB: 3VHE). Finally, in silico pharmacokinetic (ADME) and toxicity studies revealed that compounds have the drug‐like feature for the favourable bioavailability. In conclusion, this work confirmed the potency of chalcone‐phosphonates derivatives for the further optimization of potential anti‐ proliferative agents.

In silico investigation and biological evaluation viz antimicrobial, genotoxic, and anticancer potentials of new dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs) synthesized by Biginelli reaction

Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones (DHPMs) are attracting growing interest in synthetic and medical organic chemistry due to their biological and therapeutic potential. In this study, we synthesized DHPM derivatives via the Biginelli reaction from bisdialdehyde to identify lead compounds. Using SWISSADME analysis, we assessed druglikeness features of the DHPM derivatives. Antimicrobial properties, including antibacterial and antifungal activities, were evaluated, and promising compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit A549 lung cancer cell growth. Thin-layer chromatography confirmed product formation, while spectroscopic methods characterized the structures. Lipophilicity values indicated strong oral absorption potential. In vitro drug release and cell viability studies were conducted. DHPMs 7, 8, and B1 exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Molecular docking revealed DHPM 2′s potential in cancer treatment via effective binding with VEGFR-2 kinase. Genotoxic and anticancer activities were assessed, with DHPM 8 showing promising action against dangerous bacteria and fungi. Further research is warranted to explore therapeutic applications of these compounds.

Biomarker analysis of zanzalintinib in clear cell renal cell carcinoma from STELLAR-001.

4545 Background: Zanzalintinib (zanza) is a novel oral multi-targeted TKI that inhibits several receptors, including VEGFR, MET, and TAM kinases. In an expansion cohort of previously treated patients (pts) with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) from the phase 1b STELLAR-001 study (NCT03845166), single-agent zanza showed encouraging activity (ORR, 38%; disease control rate, 88%), with responses seen in VEGFR TKI–pretreated pts, and a manageable safety profile (Pal, IKCS NA 2023:Abs 1). Here, we investigate biomarkers associated with zanza from the STELLAR-001 ccRCC expansion cohort. Methods: Adult pts (N=32) with advanced ccRCC, ECOG ≤1, and 1–3 prior systemic anticancer therapies received zanza 100 mg once daily until unacceptable toxicity or no longer deriving clinical benefit. Circulating plasma biomarkers and immune cell populations in blood were assessed at baseline and on-study. IHC for AXL, c-Met, phosphorylated Met, and VEGFR2 was performed on archival tissue. Associations between response to zanza and biomarker levels (at baseline and treatment-related changes) were investigated by comparing zanza responders (CR/PR; n=10) and non-responders (SD/PD; n=19). The relation between baseline biomarker levels and prior exposure to VEGFR TKI was also evaluated. P values were determined using a Wilcoxon test ( P&lt;0.05 considered significant). Results: Zanza elicited significant changes in soluble biomarkers related to angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis, and immune modulation, including an increase in the circulating ligands VEGF ( P&lt;0.001) and GAS6 ( P&lt;0.001); decreases in ANG-1 ( P&lt;0.001) and ANG-2 ( P&lt;0.001), and the soluble angiogenic receptors, VEGFR2 ( P&lt;0.001) and TIE-2 ( P&lt;0.001). A decrease in levels of the chemokine, RANTES ( P&lt;0.001), and an increase in IFNγ ( P=0.039) and the pro-apoptotic protein, granzyme B ( P&lt;0.001) were also observed. An analysis of immune cell subsets showed that zanza raised activated cytotoxic T cell numbers ( P=0.002). Reductions in monocytes ( P=0.001), along with immunosuppressive subsets (total MDSCs [ P=0.013] and granulocytic MDSCs [ P=0.014]) were also observed. Response to zanza was associated with lower baseline levels of plasma biomarkers including CRP ( P=0.025) and HGF ( P=0.017), but not with any tissue biomarkers or zanza-mediated changes in immune cells or plasma biomarkers tested. Lower baseline levels of VEGFR2 were observed in pts with prior VEGFR TKI exposure ( P=0.042). Conclusions: Zanza in pts with advanced ccRCC leads to modulation of plasma biomarkers associated with angiogenesis and peripheral immune cell subsets consistent with its expected mechanism of action. The reduction in immunosuppressive immune cells and activation of effector immune cells by zanza support the rationale for combining zanza with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Given the small sample sizes, further investigation in larger studies is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT03845166 .