Mohamed El-Naggar

Striking two targets with one scaffold via benzo[d]imidazole-isatin conjugates as potent dual VEGFR-2/c-MET antagonists.

A series of benzo[d]imidazole-isatin hybrids (4a-d, 6a-d, and 8a-d) was developed and synthesized as prospective dual inhibitors of VEGFR-2 and c-MET to address tumor growth and resistance-related signaling pathways. The biological assessment demonstrated encouraging dual kinase inhibitory action, with compound 8b identified as the most balanced inhibitor, displaying IC50 values of 92 nM and 63 nM against VEGFR-2 and c-MET, respectively. In-vitro antiproliferative evaluation against MDA-MB-231 and A549 cancer cell lines revealed notable cytotoxicity for compound 8b, yielding IC50 values of 2.37 μM and 1.79 μM, respectively, exceeding the efficacy of the reference medication sunitinib. Additionally, 8b exhibited a favorable selectivity profile for normal MCF-10A cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that 8b caused substantial G2/M cell cycle arrest and facilitated apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Biomarker studies revealed a reduction in VEGF-A, MMP-9, and Bcl-2 levels, alongside an increase in Bax and Caspase-3, suggesting potential anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic characteristics in-vitro. Molecular docking analyses provided supporting models for the identified biological activities and exhibited advantageous binding interactions within both kinase active sites. These data collectively suggest that chemical 8b may serve as a promising candidate for further anticancer research.

Urea and carbamate-functionalized quinazolin-2,4-dione derivatives as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors: synthesis, anticancer evaluation, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies

1-Butylindoline-2,3-dione derivatives as potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors: synthesis, mechanistic anticancer studies, and molecular dynamics simulations

A novel series of N-butyl isatin (indolin-2-one) derivatives was designed and synthesized as potential VEGFR-2-targeted anticancer agents, drawing inspiration from the oxindole-based inhibitor sunitinib. The synthesized compounds were assessed for antiproliferative activity against colorectal cancer cell lines (HT29 and HCT116) and for their inhibitory potential on VEGFR-2. Compound 6b exhibited the highest potency, demonstrating strong VEGFR-2 inhibition comparable to that of sunitinib. Mechanistic investigations in HCT116 cells demonstrated that 6b induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis, which was associated with the upregulation of p53 and Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2, and suppression of Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E expression. Furthermore, 6b markedly decreased VEGF-A expression, supporting modulation of VEGF/VEGFR-2-associated signaling. Molecular docking studies involving VEGFR-2 (PDB ID: 4AGD) demonstrated favorable binding of compound 6b in the ATP-binding pocket, establishing essential interactions with essential residues. Docking validation was established through the successful redocking of sunitinib, yielding an RMSD of 0.44 Å. Additionally, 500 ns molecular dynamics simulations indicated stable backbone behavior, regulated ligand fluctuations, preserved structural compactness, and sustained hydrogen bonding within the 6b-VEGFR-2 complex. The findings collectively identify compound 6b as a promising lead candidate for further development as a VEGFR-2-targeted anticancer agent.