Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of β-Lactam-azide Analogues as Orally Active Antitumor Agents Targeting the Tubulin Colchicine Site

We have synthesized a series of new beta-lactam-azide derivatives as orally active anti-tumor agents by targeting tubulin colchicine binding site and examined their structure activity relationship (SAR). Among them, compound 28 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity against MGC-803 cells with an IC50 value of 0.106 mu M by induction of G2/M arrest and apoptosis and inhibition of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. 28 acted as a novel inhibitor of tubulin polymerization by its binding to the colchicine site. SAR analysis revealed that a hydrogen atom at the C-3 position of the beta-lactam was required for the potent antiproliferative activity of beta-lactam-azide derivatives. Oral administration of compound 28 also effectively inhibited MGC-803 xenograft tumor growth in vivo in nude mice without causing significant loss of body weight. These results suggested that compound 28 is a promising orally active anticancer agent with potential for development of further clinical applications.