Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking study of 3-(3'-heteroatom substituted-2'-hydroxy-1'-propyloxy) xanthone analogues as novel topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibitor

Epoxide ring-opened xanthone derivatives were synthesized and tested for their Topoisomerase inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity. Most of the compounds showed topo IIα specific inhibitory activity. To clarify the mechanism of action of these compounds, the most potent compound (compound 14) of the synthesized analogues was further studied by testing its ATPase inhibitory activity and through molecular docking experiments. The results showed that the topo IIα inhibitory activity of compound 14 was inversely proportional to ATP concentration. In the ATPase inhibitory test, ATP hydrolysis was reduced less efficiently by compound 14 (28.5±4.6%) than novobiocin (60.4±8.1%). Molecular docking study revealed compound 14 to have a stable binding pattern to the ATP-binding domain of human Topo II.