mitonafide and Prostatic-Neoplasms

The good results obtained in the past decade with various types of potential bisintercalating agents, e.g., LU 79553, DMP 840, BisBFI, MCI3335, WMC-26, BisAC, BisPA, and the asymmetrical derivative WMC-79 (Chart 1), prompted us to investigate a new series of asymmetrical bisintercalators, compounds 1a-t (Chart 2), which can combine the potentiality of bisintercalation with a possible different mechanism of action due to two diverse chromophores. The DNA-binding properties of these compounds have been examined using fluorometric techniques: target compounds are excellent DNA ligands, with a clear preference for binding to AT-rich duplexes. In vitro cytotoxicity of these derivatives toward human hormone-refractory prostate adenocarcinoma cell line (PC-3) is described. Apoptosis assays of four selected compounds are also reported. Very potent cytotoxic compounds, some of them capable of inducing early apoptosis, have been identified.

Topics: Acridines; Antineoplastic Agents; Binding, Competitive; Cell Line, Tumor; DNA; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings; Humans; Intercalating Agents; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Solubility; Structure-Activity Relationship