Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Formerly Current Medicinal Chemistry - Anti-Cancer Agents) - Online First

Current research focuses on identifying and analyzing bioactive metabolites with significant therapeutic properties derived from Punic granatum L. (Pomegranate) leaves. Methods: The biological potential of these metabolites was evaluated through anticancer activity. In contrast, LC-QTOF-MS and GC-QTOF-MS methods were used to profile the metabolites. In silico molecular docking was performed using various online and offline tools to validate the active metabolites.

PAC exhibited significant anticancer activity. The identified metabolites were screened, and 40 compounds from different categories were chosen for further in silico interaction studies.

The molecular docking analysis discovered lead molecules that exhibited promising binding energy scores, efficiency, and stable modulation with specific protein domains. However, clinical trials are required for the applications of the lead molecules in the design of anticancer drugs.

The findings from both in vitro and in silico analyses support the notion that the P. granatum Acetone Extract (PAC) is an excellent source of potential metabolites with therapeutic properties. According to the findings, this research enhances the treatment of human breast cancer and validates several plant traditions for their numerous benefits.

Cancer metastasis and associated thrombosis are significant contributors to cancer-related mortality, necessitating therapeutic strategies that simultaneously address both issues. This study aimed to evaluate the dual anti-metastatic and anti-hypercoagulability properties of dHG-5, a low-molecular-weight fucosylated glycosaminoglycan derived from the sea cucumber Holothuria fuscopunctata.

The heparanase-inhibitory and anticoagulant effects of dHG-5 were assessed in vitro using biochemical assays. The impact of dHG-5 on 4T1 cell migration and invasion was evaluated using Transwell assays. The anti-metastatic and anti-hypercoagulability efficacy of dHG-5 was further tested in a 4T1 mammary carcinoma mouse model, with enoxaparin (LMWH) used as a control.

dHG-5 exhibited potent heparanase inhibition (IC50 = 91.0 nM) and significantly reduced 4T1 cell migration and invasion at 4.0 µmol/L. In vivo, dHG-5 reduced lung metastasis without affecting tumor growth or proliferation. At a dose of 20 mg/kg, dHG-5 prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) from 23.5 ± 1.85 s to 30.4 ± 3.36 s, effectively reversing hypercoagulability in tumor-bearing mice. Compared to low-molecular-weight heparin, dHG-5 selectively prolonged APTT with negligible effects on prothrombin time and thrombin time.

The findings highlighted the dual-action mechanism of dHG-5, namely inhibiting heparanase and selectively targeting the intrinsic coagulation pathway. This selective action minimized bleeding risk, a common issue with traditional anticoagulants. However, this study focused on a single cancer type and the use of a mouse model, which may not fully represent human pathophysiology. We would explore dHG-5's effects across different cancer types and investigate its potential synergistic effects with existing cancer therapies in the future.

dHG-5 suppressed metastasis and hypercoagulability through heparanase inhibition and selective action on the intrinsic coagulation pathway. These findings highlight dHG-5 as a promising dual-action therapeutic candidate for managing metastasis and cancer-associated thrombosis, offering a safer alternative to traditional anticoagulants.

Cancer progression is increasingly understood to be influenced by neural mechanisms, including neurotransmitter signaling, neurotrophic factor activity, neuroinflammation, and neurogenic inflammation. These neurobiological interactions contribute to tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Kinase inhibitors, a class of targeted therapies that block dysregulated kinase activity, have demonstrated promise not only in direct tumor suppression but also in modulating neural pathways associated with cancer progression.

This review examines the role of kinase inhibitors in modulating cancer-associated neural mechanisms. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify studies exploring the effects of kinase inhibition on: (1) neurotransmitter signaling pathways; (2) neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); (3) neuroinflammation through glial cell modulation; and (4) neurogenic inflammation. Additionally, we assessed the impact of kinase inhibitors on tumor-induced axonogenesis and stress-related signaling. Clinical relevance was evaluated through analysis of preclinical models, human case studies, and outcomes from relevant clinical trials.

Kinase inhibitors were found to significantly modulate neural factors that facilitate tumor growth. Specifically, they can suppress neurotrophic signaling (e.g., NGF/TrkA, BDNF/TrkB), inhibit glial activation, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and block neurotransmitter-induced proliferation. Inhibition of stress-responsive kinases such as p38 MAPK and JNK also disrupted tumor-associated axonogenesis and inflammation. Clinical trials demonstrate improved outcomes in cancers such as glioblastoma, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer when kinase inhibitors are employed with consideration of neural mechanisms.

These findings support the emerging concept of targeting the neural tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic strategy. Kinase inhibitors represent a dual-action approach, suppressing both cancer cell intrinsic growth pathways and the neural factors that sustain them. However, several challenges persist, including resistance mechanisms, variability in patient neural profiles, and off-target effects. Future research should focus on the development of neural-specific kinase inhibitors, the use of neural biomarkers for therapy selection, and the integration of neuro-oncology into personalized treatment plans.

Kinase inhibitors offer a promising frontier in cancer treatment by targeting neural mechanisms that contribute to tumor progression. While current evidence is encouraging, further investigation is required to optimize their use within neuro-oncology. Personalized approaches and novel targets within the neural-cancer axis will be essential for translating this strategy into clinical practice and improving long-term patient outcomes.

Polyamine metabolism is essential for cancer cell growth, with enzymes like ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) playing key roles in polyamine (PA) biosynthesis. These polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) regulate vital cellular processes, including DNA replication, protein synthesis, and cell cycle progression. Dysregulated polyamine metabolism is common in cancer, making ODC and AdoMetDC attractive therapeutic targets. This review highlights polyamines’ role in cancer and explores combination therapies targeting polyamine metabolism and critical signaling pathways for improved clinical outcomes.

A comprehensive analysis of both historical and recent literature on polyamine metabolism in cancer was performed using PubMed, which provides access to over 37 million citations from biomedical literature. Expression data for key polyamine biosynthetic enzymes, ODC and AdoMetDC, were obtained from the UALCAN portal - an interactive web resource for the analysis of cancer OMICS data. The IUPAC names of drugs and inhibitors targeting the polyamine pathway were retrieved from the PubChem database and used to generate molecular structures using the BIOVIA Draw 2025 program. Additionally, the ClinicalTrials.gov database was explored to identify ongoing and completed clinical research studies, as well as to gather detailed information on therapeutic agents targeting polyamine metabolism.

Aberrant polyamine metabolism in cancer is driven by oncogenic pathways like MYC, Akt, and mTOR. MYC upregulates ODC1, promoting polyamine dysregulation. Defects in enzymes such as MTA phosphorylase (MTAP) enhance cancer cell sensitivity to inhibitors of purine/pyrimidine synthesis and the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, suggesting alternative therapeutic strategies.

Therapeutic strategies combining polyamine biosynthesis inhibition with targeting nucleotide synthesis or proteasome function have shown synergistic potential. However, the dual nature of polyamines - supporting both, tumor growth and ferroptotic cell death - poses a therapeutic challenge. Balancing these effects is key to designing effective interventions. Advancing this field requires not only selective inhibitors but also a deeper understanding of context-dependent polyamine functions in tumor biology.

Developing more potent inhibitors with improved drug-like properties is crucial for advancing polyamine-targeted therapies and positioning this field at the forefront of cancer research.

Colorectal cancer is an important cause of cancer-related mortality, necessitating innovative therapies to improve efficacy and reduce side effects. This study explores the potential of Cisplatin and Rutin-loaded nanoliposomes (Cis-NLs and Rut-NLs) for anti-colorectal cancer activity.

Cis-NLs and Rut-NLs were prepared using thin-film hydration, achieving encapsulation efficiencies of 95.5% and 62.5%, respectively. Drug release studies revealed controlled profiles, with Cis-NLs showing a complete release (100%) and Rut-NLs reaching 23.48% over 48 hours. Stability assessments demonstrated minimal changes in size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential over three months. Encapsulation efficiency decreased slightly for Cis-NLs (92.87%) and significantly for Rut-NLs (26.55%). Several tests were performed to evaluate the biological activity of this combination on colorectal cancer cells and HDF cells to check its selectivity.

In vitro cytotoxicity studies on HT29 colorectal cancer cells revealed IC50 values of 1.72 µg/mL for free Cisplatin, 2.35 µg/mL for Cis-NLs, >100 µg/mL for free Rutin, and 63.33 µg/mL for Rut-NLs. A combination of Cis-NLs and Rut-NLs reduced the IC50 to 2.2 µg/mL. Selective toxicity evaluation using human dermal fibroblasts showed an IC50 of 79.24 µM for cisplatin, reduced to 63.3 µM in Cis-NLs, with Rut-NLs demonstrating negligible toxicity.

Wound healing assays confirmed significant inhibition of cell migration, with wound closure reduced from 62.41% in controls to 34.35% in treated groups. Utilizing nanotechnology, liposomal formulations were synthesized to enhance drug delivery and therapeutic synergy.

These results highlight the potential of Cisplatin and Rutin-loaded nanoliposomes as a combination therapy for colorectal cancer.

Cancer is a group of diseases caused by uncontrollable cell growth. Herbal medicines, derived from plants, have been used for centuries across cultures for their therapeutic benefits, effectively treating conditions like cancer. This study represents the anticancer effects of fractions of some medicinal plant extracts along with their apoptotic studies and their induction through p53-mediated Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in HepG2 and U87MG cells.

The fractionation of crude methanolic extracts was done using Column Chromatography and Thin Layer Chromatography. The fractions were analysed for cytotoxicity against both the cell lines by MTT assay. Cancer cells were treated with 2 most active fractions and their mechanism of apoptosis induction was assessed by Flow Cytometry studies and the mRNA expression levels of p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 were determined by Reverse Transcriptase PCR. The presence of phytoconstituents in the active fractions was analysed by GC-MS.

The active fractions revealed the apoptosis induction in both the cell lines and the RT-PCR studies suggested the mechanism of apoptosis induction through upregulation of p53 and Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2 mRNA. The GC-MS analysis of active fractions from Balanites aegyptiaca and Pterocarpus marsupium revealed the presence of phytochemicals such as 4-O-Methylmannose, Oleic acid, Erucic acid, etc. which might have contributed to the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of these fractions.

4-O-Methylmannose was the major component identified with the highest peak area of 59%. The fractions from all the 4 plant extracts demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects on the liver (HepG2) and brain (U87MG) cancer cell lines, with particular emphasis on the active fractions BA FII, PM FII, and PM FIII. Additionally, the mechanisms of apoptosis induction through the modulation of p53, Bax, and Bcl-2 pathways, along with the presence of bioactive compounds further support the anticancer efficacy of these plant extracts. Also, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on fractions of Balanites aegyptiaca and Pterocarpus marsupium against U87MG cells.

The results highlight the promising potential of plant-derived natural products as anticancer agents. These findings provide valuable insight into the potential of herbal medicines and encourage further exploration of plant-based therapies for cancer treatment.

The smooth muscle α-actin 2-antisense 1 (ACTA2-AS1), also known as ZXF1, is an emerging cancer-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that has garnered significant attention in recent years. ACTA2-AS1 is situated on human chromosome 10 at location 10q23.31, comprising five exons and a single transcript. The aberrant expression of ACTA2-AS1 has been noted in 10 malignant tumors, correlating significantly with unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics and poor patient prognosis.

This review encapsulates recent progress in ACTA2-AS1 research, examining its expression profile, biological functions, molecular mechanisms, and anticipated influence on cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, emphasizing its potential as a novel therapeutic target based on lncRNA and its prognostic utility as a biomarker.

Based on a comprehensive search of the PubMed database for the biological function of lncRNA ACTA2-AS1 in malignant tumors, the current research is systematically summarized and critically analyzed.

ACTA2-AS1 plays a complex role in various biological processes in tumor cells, encompassing proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. It also contributes to migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance. Mechanistically, ACTA2-AS1 influences oncogenic or tumor-suppressive effects via a complex regulatory network. It can adsorb specific 5 miRNAs as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), thereby mitigating the suppression of downstream mRNA targets implicated in tumorigenesis (e.g., SOX7, KLF9, CXCL2, BCL2L11, etc.) and modulating their downstream signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt5a/PKC, SMAD3, mTOR, etc.), demonstrating a broad spectrum of dual roles in carcinogenesis and tumor suppression.

ACTA2-AS1 is a promising biomarker and molecular target for the treatment of cancer.

PD-L1 plays a pivotal role as an immunoregulatory checkpoint within the immune system, exerting a critical influence on the internal functioning and survival mechanisms of cancer cells. Our study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance of PD-L1 expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) derived from individuals afflicted with Hypopharyngeal and Laryngeal Cancers (HLC).

To verify the relationship between the expression of PD-L1 in CTCs in HLC and the consistency in tissue and the preliminary clinical application.

A laboratory-based experimental study was carried out at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital. CTCs were identified using an immunomagnetic positive sorting methodology. Simultaneous detection was conducted on the CTC levels among PD-L1 positive patients, aiming to ascertain the dynamic relationship between real-time CTC fluctuations and the clinicopathological indices of the patients. This investigation encompassed a cohort of 38 individuals, wherein PD-L1 expression analysis was executed to delineate CTC variations in PD-L1-positive patients.

The constructed immunolipid magnetic nano-beads demonstrated pronounced efficacy in capturing CTCs, and the lipid nanoparticles exhibited noteworthy capture efficiency coupled with minimal cytotoxic effects. The assessment of PD-L1 expression consistency between CTCs and tissue specimens revealed a substantial agreement surpassing 70%. Furthermore, inhibition of PD-L1 yielded a significant elevation in the cytokine TNF-α levels, accompanied by a concomitant reduction in IL-10 levels.

The CTC sorting system devised in this investigation boasts attributes of remarkable specificity and sensitivity. By virtue of PD-L1 expression analysis, it holds the potential to offer instructive implications for tailoring individualized treatments in clinical scenarios.

Maternal Embryonic Leucine Zipper Kinase (MELK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase involved in regulating key cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, embryonic development, spliceosome assembly, and gene expression. Notably, MELK is overexpressed in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), an aggressive malignancy associated with poor prognosis, high drug resistance, and limited treatment options. Given its critical role in TNBC pathogenesis, MELK has emerged as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. This review explores the molecular functions of MELK, its involvement in oncogenic signaling pathways, and the development of MELK-targeting small-molecule inhibitors.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to evaluate current knowledge on MELK, including its molecular functions, interactions within signaling pathways, role in TNBC progression, and potential as a therapeutic target. Relevant databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, were searched for studies related to MELK expression, signaling mechanisms, and experimental therapeutic approaches.

MELK plays a central role in oncogenic signaling pathways that drive TNBC proliferation and survival. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MELK inhibition can suppress TNBC cell growth and enhance chemotherapy efficacy. Several small-molecule inhibitors targeting MELK have shown promising anti-tumor activity in preclinical models. However, challenges remain in translating these findings into clinical applications due to drug specificity limitations and resistance mechanisms.

MELK is a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in TNBC. However, further research is required to refine MELK inhibitors, enhance clinical efficacy, and overcome drug resistance mechanisms. Targeting MELK could offer a novel therapeutic strategy to improve TNBC treatment outcomes.

Lung cancer is one of the most widespread malignancies among all types of cancers. There is uncertainty in its treatment because of the selectivity. The investigation is aimed to enhance therapeutic efficacy through targeted improvements in drug selectivity and reduced toxicity by analyzing well-accepted cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, which is an enzyme target and a known therapeutic target for anti-inflammatory and antitumor agents.

The objective of the present research was to identify the most suitable counterpart for celecoxib, which would produce synergistic effects and improve the selectivity index, safety, and efficacy of targeting cancer cells.

The HOPE-62 cancer cell line and noncancerous LLC-MK2 cell line were used to analyze the activity of the prepared formulations. The effectiveness was compared by calculating the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of carrageenan, celecoxib, and celecoxib embedded with carrageenan. The release pattern of celecoxib from the carrageenan matrix was also determined by using a trans-diffusion cell; moreover, the binding sites of carrageenan and celecoxib were also evaluated through in silico molecular docking studies.

Carrageenan showed promising anticancer activity, with an IC50 value of 17.3±2 µM against the HOPE-62 cell line. When blended with celecoxib (15.6±2 µM), the combination achieved enhanced efficacy and improved selectivity over celecoxib alone (IC50 of 10.3±1.5 µM). In noncancerous LLC-MK2 cells, the IC50 values were observed to be significantly higher: 1484 ±6 µM in the combined formulation and with IC50 values of 559±3 µM and 878±4 µM, respectively, in celecoxib and carrageenan alone.

The carrageenan-embedded celecoxib exhibited a significant increase in the selectivity index from 32 to 144, which suggests enhanced anticancer activity with a favorable safety profile. Initially, sustained release of celecoxib from the blend was at a higher rate, but steadily maintained rates were. The In-silico docking studies also supported the synergistic activity of the combined form through separate interaction patterns without interfering with others. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of excipient–drug blending strategies to achieve synergistic effects, excellent selectivity, and reduced toxicity in cancer treatments.

Cancer is a complex multifactorial disease charcterized by the progression of genetic and epigenetic changes in human cells. Plant-based derivatives with antioxidant and anticancer properties have been of great interest in treating several human ailments.

This study investigates the in-vitro antioxidative, cytotoxic, and apoptotic activities of different Fagonia cretica L. (F. cretica) leaf extracts.

In-vitro DPPH, nitric oxide, superoxide anion, and hydrogen peroxide assays were used to evaluate the antioxidative potential of ethanolic extract of F. cretica (EFC) and hexane extract of F. cretica (HFC). The antiproliferative potential was determined using MTT, crystal violet, and annexin V/PI staining protocols on liver cancer (HepG2) and noncancerous (HEK-293) cell lines. Through in silico analysis, bioactive drug-like phytocompounds identified by GC-MS were evaluated.

Higher concentrations of total flavonoid contents (TFCs), total phenolic contents (TPCs), and tannins with strong antioxidant potential were observed in EFC extract as compared to HFC extract. Furthermore, the EFC extract proved to be more cytotoxic with a selective index (SI) of 12.92 than HFC (SI; 5.46) towards experimental cell lines. Moreover, EFC extract showed 82.31% apoptotic induction on HepG2 cells compared to hexane extract and cisplatin (standard drug). From the GC-MS analysis of F. cretica, 32 bioactive compounds were identified from the EFC extract and 21 from the HFC extract. In silico study revealed that 5-(4,5-Dihydro-3H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene)-4,4-dimethylpyrrolidine-2-thione showed the highest docking score of -8.9 kcal/mol and -8.6 kcal/mol against TNF-α and TGF-β, respectively.

In conclusion, EFC extract and its bioactive compounds have a scientifically proven role in liver cancer management, but further research is required to validate their therapeutics through clinical trials.

Aurone based compounds exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and documented for their anticancer potential. The anticancer potential of aurone derivatives AU3, AU4, AU5, AU7, and AU10 is yet to be studied against breast cancer.

The present work was undertaken to evaluate the anticancer potential of aurone based test compounds AU3, AU4, AU5, AU7, and AU10 in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7.

The azaindole based aurones were synthesized by the condensing 4,6-dimethoxybenzofuran-3(2H)-one derivative with various indole aldehydes in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was used to assess the cytotoxic effects of these compounds. Molecular docking studies of the synthesized compounds against the Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2)/Cyclin A complex were conducted.

Our experimental findings demonstrated that AU3, AU4, AU5, AU7, and AU10 elicited significant effects on MCF-7 by virtue of its minimum cell viability, with IC50 values of 70.14 µM, 87.85 µM, 133.21 µM, 52.79 µM, and 99.55 µM, respectively, thus, exhibits potential anticancer action. Further, to corroborate the anticancer potential, we investigated mechanisms of action through molecular docking studies with the CDK2/Cyclin A complex (PDB: 6GUC) and their findings demonstrated that test compounds showed robust binding through various interactions, including hydrogen bonds, Pi-interactions, and Alkyl bonds with key residues such as Lys129, Asp127, Gln131, and Asp145. Test compounds AU3 and AU7, exhibited better binding affinities and diverse interaction profiles, suggesting a potent disruption of CDK2/Cyclin A activity.

Thus, in conclusion, our findings revealed that AU3, AU4, AU5, AU7, and AU10 elicited anticancer action and their effects through CDK2/Cyclin A disruption.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common complication in patients with malignant tumors (MT), impacting prognosis. Immunocompromised states due to malignancy or treatment increase HZ risk. However, comprehensive assessments of HZ's clinical features and its impact on prognosis in these patients are limited, general conclusions are challenging, prompting a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand the relative risk of HZ in malignancy.

To assess the clinical features and prognostic factors of HZ in cancer patients through systematic review and meta-analysis. The study aimed to calculate the relative risk of HZ in malignancy and analyze factors affecting prognosis, such as age, gender, tumor type, and treatment.

A systematic search in PubMed (2016-2024) identified studies on HZ and malignancy. Two reviewers independently screened and selected studies, extracting data on study characteristics, population demographics, and outcomes. Statistical heterogeneity across the studies was addressed using random-effects models, while subgroup analyses were performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.

Out of the 633 records reviewed, 13 studies satisfied the eligibility criteria and were incorporated into the meta-analysis. The combined relative risk for any type of cancer was found to be 1.82(95% CI: 1.29,2.57). The combined relative risk for any solid tumors was 1.63(95% CI: 1.08,2.46). The combined relative risk for any haematological cancer was 3.43(95% CI: 1.33,8.86). The combined analysis of all treatment modalities (including Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Immunosuppression, HSCT) shows a significant overall effect with a risk ratio of 1.78(95%CI: 1.59,2.00).

Cancer patients have increased HZ risk due to immunosuppression from the malignancy and its treatment, especially in hematological cancers and those undergoing stem cell transplantation.

Although the development of SHP2 inhibitors has made striking progress, there is no inhibitor in clinical evaluation because of the potential side effects induced by poor drug distribution. Fluorescence imaging technology is widely used in the process of diagnosis and treatment of diseases because of the advantages of rapid imaging and non-destructive detection and might provide a new way to explore the mechanism of drug-target interactions in intact tissue.

A series of 2-quinolone derivatives as fluorescent inhibitors against SHP2 were designed and synthesized, and their spectral properties and biological activities were evaluated in this report. The representative compound 8A had excellent fluorescence properties (: 562 nm, Stokes shift: 170 nm, fluorescence quantum yield: 0.072) and optical stability.

Moreover, compound 8A emitted a blue signal in SHP2^WT U2OS cells and inhibited the SHP2 enzyme abilities (IC50: 20.16 ± 0.95 μM) without the extra combination of suitable fluorophores, linker, or selective-activated molecules.

Therefore, we hope that compound 8A could act as a lead to develop novel, convenient, and bifunctional chemical tools to explore the mechanism of drug-target interactions in intact tissue and promote the integrated research progress of diagnosis and treatment of SHP2 related diseases.

1,4-Naphthoquinone and its derivatives are recognized for their potent anticancer effects, establishing this pharmacophore as a key focus in cancer research. Their potential to modulate cellular pathways suggests they could be effective in developing new HuR inhibitors, targeting a protein crucial for regulating cancer-related gene expression. Compounds C1-C20 were designed by using Discovery Studio (DS) software.

In this study, a systematic approach involves scaffold hopping followed by additional research such as molecular docking, ADMET, drug-likeness, toxicity prediction, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, and binding free energy analysis was used to discover novel Human Antigen R (HuR) inhibitors.

In molecular docking, 1,4-Naphthoquinone derivatives showed better interactions with the HuR protein compared to that of the conventional HuR inhibitor MS-444. Among twenty 1,4-Naphthoquinone derivatives, most of the compounds showed favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics. In the toxicity prediction model, most of the designed compounds were neither mutagenic nor carcinogenic. According to MD simulation, C5 is more stable than MS-444.

The designed 1,4-Naphthoquinone derivatives have been found to be crucial structural motifs for the discovery of novel HuR inhibitors, which was well supported by the in-silico screening and molecular modeling methods.