Fluorinated anthracyclines: interactions with DNA

Four fluorine containing derivatives of anthracyclines (daunomycin and adriamycin) were synthesised, and comprised C-13, 1,1,1-trifluoroethyl-hydrazones of each anthracycline, and C-14 4-F and 4-CF3-benzoate esters of adriamycin. All four derivatives intercalated into DNA in a manner similar to their parent anthracycline. The ester derivatives exhibited 3-4-fold higher binding affinity to DNA, and slower DNA dissociation kinetics than adriamycin. This stabilisation derives from additional contacts of the C-14 side chain to the DNA minor groove. The hydrazone derivatives showed lower binding affinity to DNA, and dissociated from DNA 3-4 times faster than the parent compound. The 19F resonance of the bound drug was broadened to 120 Hz and shifted 60 Hz downfield (0.32 ppm) relative to the sharp (7.5 Hz) peak of the free drug. These values imply a rapid exchange between the free and DNA bound forms (DNA lifetime greater than 5 ms), with the fluorine group residing in a hydrophobic region in close contact with the DNA minor groove. The 4-8 fold lesser specific potency of the ester derivatives supports the concept that DNA binding is an important factor, but not sole determinant of biological activity of these analogues.