(Thio)chromenone derivatives exhibit anti-metastatic effects through selective inhibition of uPAR in cancer cell lines: discovery of an uPAR-targeting fluorescent probe

Chem Commun (Camb). 2025 Jan 9;61(5):909-912. doi: 10.1039/d4cc05907g.

Abstract

A class of (thio)chromenone derivatives has been identified as suitable ligands for uPAR, a glycoprotein with a prognostic value in a large number of human cancers. The (thio)chromenone agents actively inhibited the binding of uPAR to uPA with a binding affinity of 18.6 nM, reducing cell migration in the wound healing assay by up to 40% without apparent cell motility. The discovery of an uPAR-targeting fluorescent probe was also made in this study that can selectively bind to the membrane uPAR, providing valuable molecular insights into the role of uPAR in cancer metastasis. This study should serve as a basis for the development of new uPAR-targeting agents that can control the metastatic potential of cancer cells with minimal cytotoxicity.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Benzopyrans / chemical synthesis
  • Benzopyrans / chemistry
  • Benzopyrans / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement* / drug effects
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Fluorescent Dyes* / chemical synthesis
  • Fluorescent Dyes* / chemistry
  • Fluorescent Dyes* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator* / metabolism

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzopyrans
  • PLAUR protein, human