Synthesis and biological activity of novel mycophenolic acid conjugates containing nitro-acridine/acridone derivatives

Hybrid pharmacophore anti-proliferative compounds, comprised of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and 1-nitroacridine/4-nitroacridone derivative have been synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of five different leukemia cell lines (Jurkat, Molt-4, HL-60, CCRF-CEM, L1210) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. These conjugates possess different length of the linker between MPA and heterocyclic units. The type of heterocyclic part influenced their cytotoxic and anti-proliferative properties. Coupling of MPA 1 with 9-(ω-aminoalkyl)amino-1-nitroacridines 2 and 1-[(ω-aminoalkyl)-4-nitro-9(10H)]-acridones 3 was tested. Although all tested conjugates were active, compounds 4a–e exhibited the highest potency. Preliminary experiments with GMP suggested that the tested compounds acted as IMPDH inhibitors. [Display omitted] ► Acridines 4 were more active in vitro if compared with acridone analogs 5. ► Derivatives 4 exhibited higher activity than MPA 1 itself. ► Conjugates 4, 5 act as IMPDH inhibitors.