DNA Base Bioisosteres, Bis-benzoxazoles, Exert Anti-proliferative Effect on Human Prostate and Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

A series of symmetric bis-benzoxazole derivatives were synthesized using one-potcyclization between 4-chloro substituted 2-aminophenol and suitable dicarboxylic acids. Synthesizedcompounds’ anticancer activities were tested by using MTT assay on human prostate (DU145) andbreast (MCF7) cancer cells. Screening results revealed that all compounds possessed a high levelanti-cancer potential by significantly decreasing the cell proliferation in prostate and breast cancercell lines. Our compounds exerted their anti-proliferative effects in a dose and time dependentmanner. Our results suggest that they can be highly potent since they were biologically active evenat low concentrations. Our study presents a series of new bis-benzoxazole based compounds withpotential therapeutic effects against tumor cells. Therefore, characterization of new generation bisbenzoxazolederivatives will have a significant contribution on the development of new era anticancerdrug candidates.