Target β-catenin/CD44/Nanog axis in colon cancer cells by certain N′-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-2-(benzyloxy)benzohydrazides

Cell surface molecule CD44 plays a major role in regulation of cancer stem cells CSCs on both phenotypic and functional level, however chemical inhibition approach of CD44 to targets CSCs is poorly studied. Herein, we report the discovery of certain N′-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-2-(benzyloxy)benzohydrazides as a novel inhibitor of CD44. Molecular docking study showed interference of the scaffold of these compounds with β-catenin/TCF-4 complex, building a direct relationship between CD44 inhibition and observed well-fitted binding domain. Compound 11a, most potent member elicits inhibition effect on TCF/LEF reporter activity conformed the involvement of Wnt pathway inhibition as a mechanism of action. Furthermore, the treatment by the mentioned compound leads to inhibition of embryonic transcriptional factor Nanog but not Sox2 or Oct-4 suggested specific targeted effect. Moreover, the cytotoxicity and cell cycle effect of this series seems to be dependent on CD44 expression.

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