2,3-Difunctionalized Benzo[ b]thiophene Scaffolds Possessing Potent Antiangiogenic Properties

J Med Chem. 2022 Jan 13;65(1):120-134. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00892. Epub 2021 Dec 16.

Abstract

A new class of 2-anilino-3-cyanobenzo[b]thiophenes (2,3-ACBTs) was studied for its antiangiogenic activity for the first time. One of the 2,3-ACBTs inhibited tubulogenesis in a dose-dependent manner without any toxicity. The 2,3-ACBTs significantly reduced neovascularization in both ex vivo and in vivo angiogenic assays without affecting the proliferation of endothelial cells. Neovascularization was limited through reduced phosphorylation of Akt/Src and depolymerization of f-actin and β-tubulin filaments, resulting in reduced migration of cells. In addition, the 2,3-ACBT compound disrupted the preformed angiogenic tubules, and docking/competitive binding studies showed that it binds to VEGFR2. Compound 2,3-ACBT had good stability and intramuscular profile, translating in suppressing the tumor angiogenesis induced in a xenograft model. Overall, the present study suggests that 2,3-ACBT arrests angiogenesis by regulating the Akt/Src signaling pathway and deranging cytoskeletal filaments of endothelial cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Female
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Phosphorylation
  • Thiophenes / chemistry*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Thiophenes
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2