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A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries
Published on: December 27, 2016
Benzodifurans for biomedical applications: BZ4, a selective anti-proliferative and anti-amyloid lead compound
Caterina Vicidomini1, Federica Cioffi2, Kerensa Broersen2
1CNR, Institute of Biostructure & Bioimaging, Via Mezzocannone site & Headquarters, 80134 Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Aim: Our goal is to evaluate benzodifuran-based scaffolds for biomedical applications. Methodology: We here explored the anticancer and anti-amyloid activities of a novel compound (BZ4) in comparison with other known benzodifuran analogs, previously studied in our group, and we have explored its ability to interact with different DNA model systems. Results: BZ4 shows antiproliferative activity on different cancer cells; does not affect noncancerous control cells and alters the aggregation properties of β-amyloid, as ascertained by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis. An overall, qualitative picture on the mechanistic aspects related to the biological activities is discussed in light of the dynamic light scattering, UV, circular dichroism and fluorescence data, as well as of the metal ion-binding properties of BZ4.
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