Design, synthesis, antitumor evaluations and molecular modeling studies of novel 3,5-substituted indolin-2-one derivatives

Aim: To design and synthesize a novel class of antitumor agents, featuring the 3, 5-substituted indolin-2-one framework. Methods: Based on enzyme binding features of (Z)-SU5402, introducing a beta-pyrrole group at the 3-position of the indolin-2-one core, a series of novel 3,5-substituted indolin-2-ones were designed and synthesized. Four human carcinoma cell lines of A-431, A-549, MDA-MB-468, and Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney disease were chosen for the cell proliferation assay. Results: Twenty new compounds (1a-t) with E configuration have been designed, synthesized and bioassayed. Their structural features were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, low- and high-resolution mass spectra, and confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Although the enzyme assay showed a weak inhibition effect against the epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases, the cell-based antitumor activity was promising. Compounds 1g and 1h showed higher inhibitory activity toward the A-549 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines with IC50 of 0.065-9.4 umol/L. Conclusion: This study provides a new template for further development of potent antitumor drugs.