RUDN chemist, along with colleagues from the RAS Institutes, simplified the synthesis of antitumor compounds
Many modern anticancer drugs are toxic, difficult to access and/or very expensive. Moreover, tumor cells may develop resistance to the drugs used. Therefore, researchers study the biological properties of molecules in order to obtain new antitumor drugs with optimal properties. One of the common approaches to the search for such drugs is testing of analogues of substances that already showed antitumor activity. Such substances include, in particular, isoxazole derivatives that inhibit — “turn off” — the Hsp90 protein, which is necessary for the survival of tumor cells. However, compounds of this class are inaccessible due to the complexity of the synthesis procedure, which requires, in particular, the complete absence of water molecules, and the reagents are expensive and toxic.
RUDN chemist Viktor Khrustalev and his colleagues developed a method for the synthesis of isomers of these substances, that is, the compounds that are identical in atomic composition but different in the arrangement of atoms in space. Easily accessible derivatives of arylnitromethanes and chloroacetamides were used as raw materials, and the reaction itself was carried out at temperatures not exceeding 80 degrees at atmospheric pressure and did not require anhydrous conditions.
The obtained substances had anticancer activity, but unlike the prototype compounds, they did not inhibit Hsp90 protein. Their mechanism of action is based on the destabilization of the cell division process as they prevent the formation of microtubules, which are important in the process of cell division.
Taxol derivatives, one of the most commonly used antitumor agents, have the same mechanism of action. Basing on the compounds obtained by the scientists, it is possible to create a substitute for an expensive, inaccessible and highly toxic derivatives of taxol in the treatment of cancer.
The work was published in European Journal of Organic Chemistry.
Every year, RUDN University selects the best of the best in the field of science and innovation and encourages with a special reward. Since 2009, the Academic Council of the University has been awarding one reward in natural and technical sciences and the other one in social and humanitarian sciences. Both individual researchers and groups of authors can become laureates.
“Science is the basis of all progress that facilitates the life of mankind and reduces its suffering,” — Marie Sklodowska—Curie. A symbol of a woman’s success in science. The first scientist in the world — twice winner of the Nobel Prize.
RUDN University mathematicians proposed a model for optimizing the operation of queuing systems (from computer networks to stores). Unlike analogues, the servers in it are self-sustained. They can determine when to start and stop working themselves. Such a model can be useful, for example, for online taxi services and other systems where workers choose their own operating hours.
Every year, RUDN University selects the best of the best in the field of science and innovation and encourages with a special reward. Since 2009, the Academic Council of the University has been awarding one reward in natural and technical sciences and the other one in social and humanitarian sciences. Both individual researchers and groups of authors can become laureates.
“Science is the basis of all progress that facilitates the life of mankind and reduces its suffering,” — Marie Sklodowska—Curie. A symbol of a woman’s success in science. The first scientist in the world — twice winner of the Nobel Prize.
RUDN University mathematicians proposed a model for optimizing the operation of queuing systems (from computer networks to stores). Unlike analogues, the servers in it are self-sustained. They can determine when to start and stop working themselves. Such a model can be useful, for example, for online taxi services and other systems where workers choose their own operating hours.