Antiproliferative activity of the isoindigo 5′-Br in HL-60 cells is mediated by apoptosis, dysregulation of mitochondrial functions and arresting cell cycle at G0/G1 phase

Highlights • 5'-Br is a novel isoindigo showing strong, selective antiproliferative activity against various hematological and solid tumor cell lines. • The antiproliferative activities of 5'-Br is suggested to be mediated by caspase dependent and independent apoptosis. • 5'-Br disrupts the mitochondria functions and induces the release of cytochrome c to the cytoplasm. • 5'-Br modulates the expression and the antiapoptotic functions of Bcl-2. • 5'-Br induces cell cycle arrest by modulating the expression and functions of CDKs.