Novel Symmetrical Benzazolyl Derivatives Endowed with Potent Anti-Heparanase Activity

J Med Chem. 2018 Dec 13;61(23):10834-10859. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01497. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Abstract

Heparanase is the only mammalian endo-β-d-glucuronidase involved in a variety of major diseases. The up-regulation of heparanase expression increases tumor size, angiogenesis, and metastasis, representing a validated target in the anti-cancer field. To date, only a few small-molecule inhibitors have been described, but none have gotten through pre-clinical development. Previously, we explored 2-(4-(4-(bromo-methoxybenzamido)benzylamino)phenyl) benzazole derivatives as anti-heparanase agents, proposing this scaffold for development of broadly effective heparanase inhibitors. Herein, we report an extended investigation of new symmetrical 2-aminophenyl-benzazolyl-5-acetate derivatives, proving that symmetrical compounds are more effective than asymmetrical analogues, with the most-potent compound, 7g, being active at nanomolar concentration against heparanase. Molecular docking studies were performed on the best-acting compounds 5c and 7g to rationalize their interaction with the enzyme. Moreover, invasion assay confirmed the anti-metastatic potential of compounds 5c, 7a, and 7g, proving the inhibition of the expression of proangiogenic factors in tumor cells.

MeSH terms

  • Azoles / chemistry*
  • Azoles / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Drug Design*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Glucuronidase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Glucuronidase / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Azoles
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • heparanase
  • Glucuronidase