Novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives as apoptotic inducers targeting p53: Synthesis and antiproliferative activity

A series of novel thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]-triazoles 3a-n has been synthesized and evaluated in vitro as potential antiproliferative. Compounds 3b-d exhibited significant antiproliferative activity. Compound 3b was the most potent with Mean GI₅₀ 1.37 µM comparing to doxorubicin (GI₅₀ 1.13 µM). The transcription effects of 3b, 3c and 3d on the p53 were assessed and compared with the reference doxorubicin. The results revealed an increase of 15-27 in p53 level compared to the test cells and that p53 protein level of 3b, 3c and 3d was significantly inductive (1419, 571 and 787 pg/mL, respectively) in relation to doxorubicin (1263 pg/mL). The docking study of the new compounds 3a-n revealed high binding scores for the new compounds toward p53 binding domain in MDM2. The docking analyses revealed the highest affinities for compounds 3b-d which induced p53 activity in MCF-7 cancer cells. Compound 3b which exhibited the highest antiproliferative activity and induced the highest increase in p53 level in MCF-7 cells showed also the highest affinity to MDM2.