Exploration of cytotoxic potential and tubulin polymerization inhibition activity of cis-stilbene-1,2,3-triazole congeners

To scrutinize cis-stilbene based molecules with potential anticancer and tubulin polymerization inhibition activity, a new series of cis-stilbene-1,2,3-triazole congeners was designed and synthesized via a click chemistry protocol. The cytotoxicity of these compounds 9a-j and 10a-j was screened against lung, breast, skin and colorectal cancer cell lines. Based on the results of MTT assay, we further evaluated the selectivity index of the most active compound 9j (IC50 3.25 +/- 1.04 mu M on HCT-116) by comparing its IC50 value (72.24 +/- 1.20 mu M) to that of the normal human cell line. Further, to confirm apoptotic cell death, cell morphology and staining studies (AO/EB, DAPI and Annexin V/PI) were carried out. The outcomes of studies showed apoptotic features like change in cell shape, cornering of nuclei, micronuclei formation, fragmented, bright, horseshoe-shaped nuclei, etc. Moreover, active compound 9j displayed G2/M phase cell cycle arrest with significant tubulin polymerization inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 4.51 mu M. Additionally, in silico ADMET, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies of 9j with 3E22 protein proved the binding of the compound at the colchicine binding site of tubulin.

Automated summary

In this study, a new series of cis-stilbene-1,2,3-triazole congeners were synthesized and evaluated for their potential anticancer and tubulin polymerization inhibition activity. The most active compound, 9j, showed selective cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells and induced apoptotic cell death. It also inhibited tubulin polymerization and exhibited G2/M phase cell cycle arrest.