New oxoazabenzo[de]anthracenes derivatives were synthesised and characterised. Their interactions with calf thymus DNA were studied by UV spectrophotometric analysis and a competitive ethidium bromide displacement assay. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay, against colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2 cells). Among all the oxoazabenzo[de]anthracenes derivatives reported herein only the piperidino derivative exhibited strong DNA binding properties and cytotoxic activity with IC₅₀ values in the range of 16 ± 1.5 ìM (72-h treatment). In addition, the piperidino derivative did not directly inhibit topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II enzymes. The results confirm that the presence of the oxoazabenzo[de]anthracenes together with the piperidino functionality is crucial in exerting DNA binding and cytotoxic properties, hence demonstrating promise as a chemical scaffold for further development of new anticancer agents.
Animals Antineoplastic Agents