3-Aryl-2-[1H-benzotriazol-1-yl]acrylonitriles: A novel class of potent tubulin inhibitors

During a screening for compounds that could act against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a series of new cellular antiproliferative agents was identified. The most cytotoxic molecules were evaluated against a panel of human cell lines derived from hematological and solid human tumors. In particular, (E)-2-(1H-benzo[d] [1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile (1) was found to be of a potency comparable to etoposide and greater than 6-mercaptopurine in all cell lines tested. Accordingly, a synthesis of a new series of (E)-2-(5,6-dichloro-1H-benzo[d] [1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-3-(4-R-phenyl)acrylonitriles was conducted in order to extend the studies of structure-activity relationship (SAR) for this class of molecules. With the aim to evaluate if 3-aryl-2-[1H-benzotriazol-1-yl]acrylonitriles were able to act like tubulin binding agents, the effects on cell cycle distribution of the most active compounds (1, 2a, 3 and 4) were analyzed in K562 cells. A detailed molecular modeling study of the putative binding mode of this series of compounds on tubulin is also reported.

Graphical abstractDetailed view of tubulin residues interacting with the lead compound.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The 3-Aryl-2-[1H-benzotriazol-1-yl]acrylonitriles showed an antiproliferative activity. ► We investigated their effects on cell cycle distribution. ► They showed a tubulin binding activity, confirmed through [3H]Colchicine competition binding assay. ► We extended the studies of structure-activity relationship for this molecular class. ► The putative binding modes on human β-tubulin was predicted.