The natural product arctigenin (ATG) demonstrated preferential cytotoxicity to cancer cells under glucose starvation. A series of 4-amino-4-dehydroxylarctigenin derivatives based on lead compound ATG were designed and synthesized by bioisosteric modifications. Their cytotoxicities were evaluated in glucose-starved A549 tumor cells and the results indicated that the 4-amino-4-dehydroxylarctigenin showed more potent cytotoxicity than arctigenin, and the further substituent group on 4-amino would result in the cytotoxicities decreased significantly. 4-Substituted-arctigenin could selectively target on glucose-starved A549 tumor cells which provide an alternative strategy for anticancer drug development with minimal normal tissue toxicity.
Keywords: 4-Amino-4-dehydroxylarctigenin; Arctigenin (ATG); Bioisosterism; Glucose starvation; Natural product.
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