Conformationally constrained goniofufurone mimics as inhibitors of tumour cells growth: Design, synthesis and SAR study

• A series of conformationally constrained goniofufurone mimics were designed and synthesized.
• The in vitro antitumour activities were further evaluated.
• Some members showed high antitumor activity when compared to (+)-goniofufurone or 7-epi-goniofufurone as references.

Synthesis of conformationally restricted (+)-goniofufurone (1) and 7-epi-(+)-goniofufurone (2) analogues, with embedded O-isopropylidene, O-methylidene or cyclic carbonate functions is disclosed starting from d-glucose. A number of potential bioisosteres of 1 and 2 bearing both 5,7-O-methylidene and 4-substituted cinnamoyloxy functions at the C-7 position have also been synthesized. In vitro cytotoxicity of target molecules against a number of human tumour cell lines were recorded and compared with those observed for the parent molecules 1 and 2. Some of the analogues displayed powerful antiproliferative effects on selected human tumour cell lines, but all of them were devoid of any cytotoxicity towards the normal foetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). A SAR study reveals the structural features of these lactones that may increase their antiproliferative activity.

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