Synthesis and Study of Substituted Chalcones Combined with Fluoroazobenzenes—New Photoswitches for Application in Biological Systems
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Chalcones are a focus of research due to their diverse medicinal bioactivities. A key aspect of chalcones' mechanism of action is their effect on microtubules, which positions them as promising candidates for chemotherapeutic agents in cancer treatment. In this manuscript, we report the synthesis of 12 novel chalcone-based microtubule inhibitors (17a-17l) with visible light photoswitching properties. Among these compounds, one photoswitch demonstrated light-dependent cytotoxicity in the PC-3 cancer cell line. The IC50 values for the Z conformer were assessed to equal 11.91 mM (9.59, 14.25) and 4.75 mM (4.24, 5.26) for 24 and 48 h treatment. The E isomer was slightly less active as compared to the Z isomer, with IC50 values of 14.83 mM (9.79, 19.88) and 5.81 mM (5.45, 6.16) after 24 and 48 h of incubation. The inhibition of proliferation showed the very similar tendency as IC50 values. The impact of the Z isomer of the tested compound on the progression of cell cycle of PC-3 cells was assayed at 20-, 30-, and 40-mM concentrations. Results showed that the studying molecule could significantly increased the accumulation of cells in the S and G2/M phases and significantly decreased the cell population in the G0/G1 phase. Overall, the compound under study emerged as a promising lead for further structural modification and optimization, aiming to develop a novel and potent light-dependent anticancer agent.
Source: Molecules
Institution: Warsaw University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Funder: Politechnika Warszawska
OpenAlex ID: W7125005630