Design, Synthesis, and Investigation of the Pharmacokinetics and Anticancer Activities of Indenoisoquinoline Derivatives That Stabilize the G-Quadruplex in the MYC Promoter and Inhibit Topoisomerase I

J Med Chem. 2024 May 9;67(9):7006-7032. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02303. Epub 2024 Apr 26.

Abstract

G-quadruplexes are noncanonical four-stranded DNA secondary structures. MYC is a master oncogene and the G-quadruplex formed in the MYC promoter functions as a transcriptional silencer and can be stabilized by small molecules. We have previously revealed a novel mechanism of action for indenoisoquinoline anticancer drugs, dual-downregulation of MYC and inhibition of topoisomerase I. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of novel 7-aza-8,9-methylenedioxyindenoisoquinolines based on desirable substituents and π-π stacking interactions. These compounds stabilize the MYC promoter G-quadruplex, significantly lower MYC levels in cancer cells, and inhibit topoisomerase I. MYC targeting was demonstrated by differential activities in Raji vs CA-46 cells and cytotoxicity in MYC-dependent cell lines. Cytotoxicities in the NCI-60 panel of human cancer cell lines were investigated. Favorable pharmacokinetics were established, and in vivo anticancer activities were demonstrated in xenograft mouse models. Furthermore, favorable brain penetration, brain pharmacokinetics, and anticancer activity in an orthotopic glioblastoma mouse model were demonstrated.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type I / metabolism
  • Drug Design*
  • G-Quadruplexes* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Isoquinolines* / chemical synthesis
  • Isoquinolines* / chemistry
  • Isoquinolines* / pharmacokinetics
  • Isoquinolines* / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc* / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc* / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors* / chemical synthesis
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors* / chemistry
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors* / pharmacokinetics
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Isoquinolines
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type I