Investigation of the cytotoxicity of bioinspired coumarin analogues towards human breast cancer cells

Coumarins possess a wide array of therapeutic capabilities, but often with unclear mechanism of action. We tested a small library of 18 coumarin derivatives against human invasive breast ductal carcinoma cells with the capacity of each compound to inhibit cell proliferation scored, and the most potent coumarin analogues selected for further studies. Interestingly, the presence of two prenyloxy groups (5,7-diprenyloxy-4-methyl-coumarin, 4g) or the presence of octyloxy substituent (coumarin 4d) was found to increase the potency of compounds in breast cancer cells, but not against healthy human fibroblasts. The activity of potent compounds on breast cancer cells cultured more similarly to the conditions of the tumour microenvironment was also investigated, and increased toxicity was observed. Results suggest that tested coumarin derivatives could potentially reduce the growth of tumour mass. Moreover, their use as (combination) therapy in cancer treatment might have the potential of causing limited side effects. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

Coumarin derivatives show inhibitory effects on human invasive breast ductal carcinoma cells, with compounds containing two prenyloxy groups or an octyloxy substituent showing higher potency. Breast cancer cells cultured under conditions that mimic the tumor microenvironment exhibit increased toxicity from potent compounds.