Discovery of a new anilino-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline derivative as potential anti-cancer agent

The newly synthesized 1-[4-(3H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinolin-9-ylamino)-phenyl]-ethanone hydrochloride showed high antiproliferative activity by mixed mechanisms of action. The compound acts by forming an intercalative complex with DNA and inhibiting DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) and by blocking the cell cycle in G2/M phase. Probable cell death by apoptosis is also suggested by flow cytometry analysis.

Graphical abstractWe have discovered a newly synthesized anilino-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-f]quinoline compound and investigated the mechanism by which it exerts remarkable antiproliferative activity. Results from a preliminary mechanistic study are reported and discussed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide