Abstract
The current study demonstrates the process of selecting an optimal structure for a caspase-3-cleavable doxorubicin prodrug that could be synthesized by simple chemistry in high yields. The prodrug was intended to activate in the presence of caspase-3, whose expression can be exogenously regulated by inducing apoptosis with radiation therapy at a specific site of interest. For this purpose, doxorubicin was conjugated with a DEVD peptide via a heterobifunctional linker. Since the active form of the prodrug comprises the linker besides doxorubicin, we tested several different linkers and selected EMCS based on the examination of its in vitro biological activities. Consequently, DEVD-cysteamide-EMCS-doxorubicin was synthesized as the final compound. According to the various in vitro and in vivo studies, the synthesized prodrug was highly selective for tumors when coupled with radiation therapy, with the added benefit of ease of production. (Figure Presented).
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 6435-6447 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Journal of Medicinal Chemistry |
Volume | 58 |
Issue number | 16 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 Aug 27 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Medicine
- Drug Discovery