DHQZ-17, a potent inhibitor of the transcription factor HNF4A, suppresses tumorigenicity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in vivo.

A series of 2, 3-dihydroquinazolinone derivatives were synthesized, characterized and their anticancer activity was determined. Among the compounds synthesized and screened, one compound (17) showed potent anticancer activity against human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line, SCC131 and was non-toxic to normal cells. The compound inhibited the growth of SCC131 cells, with an IC of 1.

Novel Glycopyrrolidine Compounds Inhibit Human Cancer Cell Proliferation and Induce Apoptotic Mode of Cell Death.

Spirocyclic compounds, present in a number of bioactive natural alkaloids, are cyclic systems containing one carbon atom common to two rings. A highly regioselective glycopyrrolidine compound library was synthesized using 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition method, and its efficacy was tested on cell lines representing most commonly occurring cancers and the molecular mechanism of cell death deciphered. Results showed that among the 16 compounds screened, RPRR210 showed the most potent anticancer activity and induced cell cycle arrest, inhibited migration, caused cell death by inducing apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway, and were nontoxic to normal cells.

Molecular mechanism of anti-cancer activity of phycocyanin in triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancers represent an important clinical challenge, as these cancers do not respond to conventional endocrine therapies or other available targeted agents. Phycocyanin (PC), a natural, water soluble and non-toxic molecule is shown to have potent anti-cancer property.

Methods: In this study, we determined the efficacy of PC as an anti-neoplastic agent in vitro on a series of breast cancer cell lines.