Development of novel conformation-constrained cytotoxic derivatives of cheliensisin A by embedment of small heterocycles.

摘要

Cheliensisin A is a natural styryl-lactone isolated from Goniothalamus cheliensis Hu in considerably large quantity with putative anticancer activities. However, its poor water solubility and chemical instability have precluded cheliensisin A as a potential drug candidate. To explore the strategy to overcome these problems, 21 novel derivatives of cheliensisin A with different substitutions at C-7 and C-8 positions were designed and synthesized. Inhibition of proliferation against five tumors cell lines indicates that eight new derivatives with embedment of oxazole or oxazoline exhibit improved cytotoxicity on SK-BR-3 and PANC-1, and compounds 2d and 2g show 5-8 folds higher potency than cisplatin. HPLC investigation of representative compounds indicates that oxazole and oxazoline analogs exhibit much improved chemical stability than their natural parent.