Discovery of novel triazolophthalazine derivatives as DNA intercalators and topoisomerase II inhibitors

A new series of triazolophthalazine derivatives was designed and synthesized as topoisomerase II (Topo II) inhibitors and DNA intercalators. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated in vitro for their cytotoxic activities against three human cancer cell lines: HepG2, MCF-7, and HCT-116 cells. Compound IXb was the most potent counterpart with IC50 values of 5.39 +/- 0.4, 3.81 +/- 0.2, and 4.38 +/- 0.3 mu M, as it was about 1.47, 1.77, and 1.19 times more active than doxorubicin (IC50 = 7.94 +/- 0.6, 6.75 +/- 0.4, and 5.23 +/- 0.3 mu M) against HepG2, MCF-7, and HCT-116 cells, respectively. Additionally, the binding affinity of the synthesized compounds toward the DNA molecule was assessed using the DNA/methyl green assay. Compound IXb showed an excellent DNA binding affinity with an IC50 value of 27.16 +/- 1.2 mu M, which was better than that of the reference drug doxorubicin (IC50 = 31.02 +/- 1.80 mu M). Moreover, compound IXb was the most potent member among the tested compounds when investigated for their Topo II inhibitory activity. Furthermore, compound IXb induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Additionally, compound IXb showed Topo II poisoning effects at 2.5 mu M and Topo II catalytic inhibitory effects at 5 and 10 mu M. Finally, molecular docking studies were carried out against the DNA-Topo II complex and DNA, to investigate the binding patterns of the designed compounds.

Automated summary

The designed and synthesized triazolophthalazine derivatives showed promising cytotoxic activities against human cancer cell lines by acting as Topo II inhibitors and DNA intercalators, with compound IXb being the most potent counterpart. Additionally, compound IXb demonstrated excellent DNA binding affinity and significant Topo II inhibitory activity, inducing apoptosis and affecting the cell cycle. Molecular docking studies revealed the binding patterns of the designed compounds against the DNA-Topo II complex and DNA.