Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of pyrano chalcone derivatives containing indole moiety as novel anti-tubulin agents

A new series of pyrano chalcone derivatives containing indole moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activities. Among these compounds, 49b displayed the most potent cytotoxic activity against all tested cancer cell lines including multidrug resistant phenotype. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated the interaction of 49b at the colchicine binding site of tubulin.