Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of 1,3,4-Thiadiazoles with 3-Methoxyphenyl Substituent

Based on the results of previous work, we designed and synthesized 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives. The cytotoxic activity of the obtained compounds was then determined in biological studies using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and a normal cell line (fibroblasts). The results showed that all compounds displayed weak anticancer activity towards two breast cancer lines: an estrogen-dependent cell line (MCF-7) and an estrogen-independent cell line (MDA-MB-231). The compound most active towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells was SCT-4, which decreased DNA biosynthesis to 70% +/- 3 at 100 mu M. The mechanism of the anticancer action of 1,3,4-thiadiazole was also investigated. We choose a set of the most investigated proteins, which are attractive anticancer targets. In silico studies demonstrated a possible multitarget mode of action for the synthesized compounds but the most likely mechanism of action for the new compounds is connected with the activity of caspase 8.

Automated summary

Based on previous work, we designed and synthesized 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives and evaluated their cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells. The compounds displayed weak anticancer activity, with SCT-4 showing the most significant effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Further investigation suggested a possible multitarget mode of action for the synthesized compounds, with a potential involvement of caspase 8.