Acridine-based agents with topoisomerase II activity inhibit pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis

J Med Chem. 2008 Jan 24;51(2):179-82. doi: 10.1021/jm701228e. Epub 2007 Dec 29.

Abstract

A series of substituted 9-aminoacridines is evaluated for antiproliferative activity toward pancreatic cancer cells. The results indicate that the compounds inhibit cell proliferation by inducing a G1-S phase arrest. A model is also developed that explains the molecular basis to inhibition through a DNA "threading" mechanism. We conclude that the drug-DNA complex formed blocks topoisomerase II binding and activity leading to catalytic inhibition of the enzyme and the induction of apoptosis and programmed cell death.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Aminoacridines / chemical synthesis*
  • Aminoacridines / chemistry
  • Aminoacridines / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis*
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Topoisomerase II Inhibitors*

Substances

  • Aminoacridines
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Topoisomerase II Inhibitors
  • DNA