Synthesis, activity, and pharmacophore development for isatin-beta-thiosemicarbazones with selective activity toward multidrug-resistant cells

J Med Chem. 2009 May 28;52(10):3191-204. doi: 10.1021/jm800861c.

Abstract

We have recently identified a new class of compounds that selectively kill cells that express P-glycoprotein (P-gp, MDR1), the ATPase efflux pump that confers multidrug resistance on cancer cells. Several isatin-beta-thiosemicarbazones from our initial study have been validated and a range of analogues synthesized and tested. A number demonstrated improved MDR1-selective activity over the lead, NSC73306 (1). Pharmacophores for cytotoxicity and MDR1 selectivity were generated to delineate the structural features required for activity. The MDR1-selective pharmacophore highlights the importance of aromatic/hydrophobic features at the N4 position of the thiosemicarbazone and the reliance on the isatin moiety as key bioisosteric contributors. Additionally, a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model that yielded a cross-validated correlation coefficient of 0.85 effectively predicts the cytotoxicity of untested thiosemicarbazones. Together, the models serve as effective approaches for predicting structures with MDR1-selective activity and aid in directing the search for the mechanism of action of 1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cell Death / drug effects
  • Cytotoxins / chemical synthesis*
  • Cytotoxins / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple / drug effects*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemical synthesis
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Indoles / pharmacology
  • Isatin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Isatin / chemical synthesis
  • Isatin / chemistry
  • Isatin / pharmacology
  • Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 1
  • Cytotoxins
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Indoles
  • NSC73306
  • isatin beta-thiosemicarbazone
  • Isatin