Molecular modeling of triazine type MDR modulators using CoMFA and CoMSIA approaches

In the present study a series of 30 triazine derivatives was investigated by 3D QSAR methods with respect to their MDR reversing activity in vitro. Two approaches were applied and compared: comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). Molecular models with good predictive power were derived using steric, electrostatic and hydrophobic fields of the compounds. The results indicated the dominant role of the electrostatic and hydrophobic fields for MDR reversing activity of the investigated modulators. The obtained statistical parameters (Qcv2, Qpr2) showed that the CoMFA and CoMSIA models have similar predictivity. The CoMSIA models were slightly better than the CoMFA ones and obtained with lower number of principal components. The models were graphically interpreted using CoMFA and CoMSIA contour plots. The structural regions responsible for the differences in anti-MDR activity were analyzed in respect to their electrostatic and hydrophobic nature. An easier interpretation of the CoMSIA contour plots was noticed.