Design, semi-synthesis and examination of new gypsogenin derivatives against leukemia via Abl tyrosine kinase inhibition and apoptosis induction

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is characterized by Philadelphia translocation arising from Bcr-Abl fusion gene, which encodes abnormal oncoprotein showing tyrosine kinase (TK) function. Certain mutations in kinase domain, off-target effects and resistance problems of current TK inhibitors require the discovery of novel Abl TK inhibitors. For this purpose, herein, we synthesized new gypsogenin derivatives (6a-l) and evaluated their anticancer effects towards CML cells along with healthy cell line and different leukemic cells. Among these compounds, compound 6l was found as the most active anti-leukemic agent against K562 CML cells compared to imatinib exerting less cytotoxicity towards PBMCs (healthy). This compound also revealed significant anti -leukemic effects against Jurkat cell line. Besides, compound 6l enhanced apoptosis in CML cells with 52.4 % when compared with imatinib (61.8 %) and inhibited Abl TK significantly with an IC50 value of 13.04 +/- 2.48 mu M in a large panel of kinases accentuating Abl TK-mediated apoptosis of compound 6l in CML cells. Molecular docking outcomes showed that compound 6l formed mainly crucial interactions in the ATP-binding cleft of Abl TK similar to that of imatinib. Ultimately, in silico pharmacokinetic evaluation of compound 6l indicated that this compound was endowed with anti-leukemic drug candidate features.

Automated summary

In this study, new gypsogenin derivatives were synthesized and their anticancer effects against CML cells were evaluated. Compound 6l was found to be the most effective anti-leukemic agent against CML cells, with less cytotoxicity towards healthy cells compared to imatinib. Furthermore, compound 6l significantly enhanced apoptosis in CML cells and inhibited Abl TK activity.