Antitubulin effects of aminobenzothiophene-substituted triethylated chromones

In the course of our continuing studies on the 2-(benzo[b]thiophene-3′-yl)-6,8,8-triethyldesmosdumotin B (TEDB-TB) series, we designed and synthesized nine amino-TEDB-TB derivatives to improve pharmaceutical properties, identify structure activity relationships, and discover novel antitubulin agents. Among all newly synthesized amino-TEDB-TBs, the 5′- and 6′-amino derivatives, 6 and 7, exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against five human tumor cell lines, including an MDR subline overexpressing P-gp. The IC50 values of 0.50–1.01µM were 3–6 times better than those of previously reported hydroxy-TEDB-TBs. Compounds 6 and 7 inhibited tubulin polymerization, induced both depolymerization of interphase microtubules and multiple spindle formations, and caused cell arrest at prometaphase. Among all compounds, compound 7 scored best pharmaceutically with LogP 2.11 and biologically with greater antiproliferative activity and induction of cell cycle arrest at prometaphase.