Novel, Potent, and Druglike Tetrahydroquinazoline Inhibitor That Is Highly Selective for Human Topoisomerase II ? over ?.

ABSTRACT: We disclose a novel class of 6-amino-tetrahydroquinazoline derivatives that inhibit human topoisomerase II (topoII), a validated target of anticancer drugs. In contrast to topoII-targeted drugs currently in clinical use, these compounds do not act as topoII poisons that enhance enzyme-mediated DNA cleavage, a mechanism that is linked to the development of secondary leukemias. Instead, these tetrahydroquinazolines block the topoII function with no evidence of DNA intercalation. We identified a potent lead compound [compound 14 (ARN-21934) IC₅₀ = 2 ?M for inhibition of DNA relaxation, as compared to an IC₅₀ = 120 ?M for the anticancer drug etoposide] with excellent metabolic stability and solubility. This new compound also shows ~100-fold selectivity for topoII? over topo?, a broad antiproliferative activity toward cultured human cancer cells, a favorable in vivo pharmacokinetic profile, and the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Thus, ARN-21934 is a highly promising lead for the development of novel and potentially safer topoII-targeted anticancer drugs.

SUBMITTER: Ortega JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7668297 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature