Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-substituted benzyl-/phenylethylamino-4-amino-5-aroylthiazoles as apoptosis-inducing anticancer agents

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules25092177

Induction of apoptosis is a common chemotherapeutic mechanism to kill cancer cells The thiazole system has been reported over the past decades as a building block for the preparation of anticancer agents. A novel series of 2-arylalkylamino-4-amino-5-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxybenzoyl)-thiazole derivatives designed as dual inhibitors of tubulin and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity in vitro against two cancer cell lines and, for selected highly active compounds, for interactions with tubulin and cyclin-dependent kinases and for cell cycle and apoptosis effects. Structure-activity relationships were elucidated for various substituents at the 2-position of the thiazole skeleton. Among the synthesized compounds, the most active analogues were found to be the p-chlorobenzylamino derivative 8e as well as the p-chloro and p-methoxyphenethylamino analogues 8f and 8k, respectively, which inhibited the growth of U-937 and SK-MEL-1 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 5.7 to 12.2 μM. On U-937 cells, the tested compounds 8f and 8k induced apoptosis in a time and concentration dependent manner. These two latter molecules did not affect tubulin polymerization (IC₅₀ > 20 μM) nor CDK activity at a single concentration of 10 μM, suggesting alternative targets than tubulin and CDK for the compounds.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules25092177

molecules
Article
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2-Substituted
Benzyl-/Phenylethylamino-4-Amino-5-Aroylthiazoles
as Apoptosis-Inducing Anticancer Agents
Paola Oliva 1, Valentina Onnis 2,
*
, Elisa Balboni 1, Ernest Hamel 3,
Francisco Estévez-Sarmiento 4, José Quintana 4 , Francisco Estévez 4, Andrea Brancale 5,
Salvatore Ferla 5, Stefano Manfredini 6 and Romeo Romagnoli 1
1
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46,
44121 Ferrara, Italy; lvopla@unife.it (P.O.); elisa02.balboni@student.unife.it (E.B.); rmr@unife.it (R.R.)
Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, University of Cagliari, University Campus,
2
09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
Screening Technologies Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and
3
Diagnosis, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute
of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; hamele@dc37a.nci.nih.gov
Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y
4
Sanitarias, Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria, E-35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain;
festevez1985@gmail.com (F.E.-S.); jose.quintana@ulpgc.es (J.Q.); francisco.estevez@ulpgc.es (F.E.)
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue,
Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK; brancalea@cardiff.ac.uk (A.B.); ferlas1@cardiff.ac.uk (S.F.)
Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, Università di Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
stefano.manfredini@unife.it
5
6
*
Correspondence: vonnis@unica.it; Tel.: +39-(0)070-6758632
ꢀꢁꢂꢀꢃꢄꢅꢆꢇ
ꢀꢁꢂꢃꢄꢅꢆ
Academic Editor: Romano Silvestri
Received: 18 April 2020; Accepted: 5 May 2020; Published: 6 May 2020
Abstract: Induction of apoptosis is a common chemotherapeutic mechanism to kill cancer cells The
thiazole system has been reported over the past decades as a building block for the preparation of
anticancer agents. A novel series of 2-arylalkylamino-4-amino-5-(30,40,50-trimethoxybenzoyl)-thiazole
derivatives designed as dual inhibitors of tubulin and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) were
synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity in vitro against two cancer cell lines and,
for selected highly active compounds, for interactions with tubulin and cyclin-dependent kinases
and for cell cycle and apoptosis effects. Structure-activity relationships were elucidated for various
substituents at the 2-position of the thiazole skeleton. Among the synthesized compounds, the most
active analogues were found to be the p-chlorobenzylamino derivative 8e as well as the p-chloro and
p-methoxyphenethylamino analogues 8f and 8k, respectively, which inhibited the growth of U-937
and SK-MEL-1 cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 5.7 to 12.2
compounds 8f and 8k induced apoptosis in a time and concentration dependent manner. These two
latter molecules did not affect tubulin polymerization (IC50 > 20 M) nor CDK activity at a single
µM. On U-937 cells, the tested
µ
concentration of 10 µM, suggesting alternative targets than tubulin and CDK for the compounds.
Keywords: microtubules; structure-activity relationship; antiproliferative activity; pharmacophoric
merging; apoptosis
1. Introduction
Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, plays a critical role in normal cell development and is a
highly controlled mechanism that regulates the selective removal of damaged and dysfunctional cells [1].
Molecules 2020, 25, 2177; doi:10.3390/molecules25092177
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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This process was recognized as an important phenomenon for successful cancer chemotherapy [
and identification of compounds that can activate apoptosis in cancer cells is recognized as one of the
most promising approaches for the discovery and development of potential anticancer agents [ ].
2],
3,4
Recently, several efforts were made for the discovery of new small molecules that target both tubulin
and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which are involved in regulating the cell cycle, promoting
tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis [5,6].
Microtubule-targeting agents act as inhibitors in the mitotic phase because they disrupt the G2-M
transition, thus inducing cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells [7,8]. Antimitotic agents that
inhibit microtubule function are one of the major classes of cytotoxic drugs for cancer treatment and
represent a validated approach for designing anticancer agents in a clinical setting, including the
taxanes (paclitaxel and docetaxel) and the vinca alkaloids (vinblastine and vincristine) [9].
Among the inhibitors of tubulin polymerization characterized by the presence of a thiazole
ring, there have been several reports describing structurally simple synthetic molecules based on the
2-substituted-4/5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)thiazole skeleton [10–14]. We have described different series
of 2-substituted-4-amino-5-(30,40,50-trimethoxybenzoyl)thiazoles that show strong antiproliferative
activity against tumor cell lines, and these compounds inhibit tubulin polymerization by interfering
with the colchicine site. As a consequence, the cells arrest in the G2-M phase of the cell cycle [10–12].
The structural requirements that elicit potent activity were aryl, arylamino and various cyclic or
acyclic alkylamino (in particular pyrrolidine) substituents at the 2-position of 4-aminothiazole nucleus,
to furnish compounds with general structures 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In structure-activity relationship
studies, we examined the effects of electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs) or electron-releasing groups
(ERGs) at the phenyl moiety (Figure 1). Miller and co-workers also discovered two novel classes
of simple synthetic molecules based on a 4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)thiazole molecular skeleton,
characterized by the presence of an aryl or an anilino moiety at the 2-position of the thiazole ring and
corresponding to conjugates with general structures
4
and
5, respectively. These conjugates showed
nanomolar antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines by inhibiting tubulin polymerization [13
,
14].
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are serine/threonine protein kinases that play pivotal roles
in the regulation of numerous important molecular and cellular processes [15]. CDK1, 2, 4 and
6 play a crucial role in cell cycle progression, while CDK7, 8 and 9 are involved in controlling gene
transcription [16]. CDKs have long been considered promising therapeutic targets for the treatment
of diseases, including cancer [17,18]. The recent therapeutic success of two dual CDK4/6 inhibitors,
palbociclib [19] and ribociclib [20], approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with estrogen
receptor (ER)-positive and HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, respectively, has renewed interest
in the therapeutic potential of small-molecule inhibitors for CDKs.
A Temple University group has reported identification by high-throughput screening (HTS)
of novel 2-aryl/alkylamino-4-amino-5-aroylthiazoles as CDK inhibitors, selected from a series with
general structure
6 [21]. The compounds of the invention appeared to be more potent than other CDK
inhibitors, which had not been developed by targeting silenced tumor-suppressor gene expression. Issa
and co-workers also identified the 2-(exo-20-aminonorbornane)-4-amino-5-(20-nitrobenzoyl)-thiazole
derivative
7 (MC180295) as being active at low nanomolar levels against CDK9, and compound 7 was
at least 22-fold more selective for CDK9 than for other CDKs [22].
Single-target cancer chemotherapeutic agents have several limitations, including limited efficacy,
drug resistance, significant adverse effects, and toxicities [23]. As a result, to overcome these drawbacks,
multitargeting antitumor agents has emerged as an effective strategy in drug discovery research [24].
Multitargeting agents comprise the incorporation of two or more pharmacophores of bioactive scaffolds
in one molecule and are designed to simultaneously address more than one biological target. The goal
is to achieve a synergistic effect [25,26].

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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OCH3
OCH3
OCH3
OCH3
NH2
O
NH2
O
N
R
N
N
OCH3
S
OCH3
H
S
2
1
R
R=H, F, Cl, Me and OMe
2a, R=p-OCH3
2b, R=p-CH3
R=H, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, CN and NO2
1a, R=p-OCH3
OCH3
OCH3
OCH3
OCH3
O
NH2
OCH3
N
N
R
OCH3
S
S
O
4
R
3
R=H, CN, CF3, CH3, F, Br, NH2,
R=N(CH3)2, N(C2H5)2, NCH3(n-C4H9),
NCH3(CH2C6H5), pyrrolidin-1-yl
3a, R=NCH3(CH2C6H5)
OCH3
O
NH2
O
N
R
R
OCH3
OCH3
N
N
O
S
H
O
N
S
6
H
5
R=alkyl or p-R'-C6H4(CH2)n
R=H, CH3, F,
with n=1-3 and R'=H or OMe
NH2
N
N
S
H
O
NO2
7 (MC180295)
Figure 1. Chemical structures of 2-substituted aroylthiazole derivatives 1–7.
Based on these considerations, the current study was designed to synthesize a new series
of potential dual tubulin and CDK inhibitors with general structure by a pharmacophore
8
fusion approach (Figure 2). These molecules were characterized by the presence of a common
4-amino-5-(30,40,50-trimethoxybenzoyl)thiazole scaffold, which was identified as the minimum
structural requirement for the optimal antitubulin activity of compounds with general formulae
1
–
3
, and by performing modifications at the 2-position of the thiazole ring by replacing the aryl, anilino
or alkylamino side chains with a benzylamino-/phenylethylamino moiety, which was beneficial for
the CDK inhibitory activity of compound . For the newly synthesized compounds, modifications
6
were focused on varying the length of the linker (from one to three methylene units) between the
nitrogen at the 2-position of the thiazole ring and the phenyl ring, and this latter moiety was substituted
with electron-releasing (CH3 or OCH3) or electron-withdrawing (F, Cl or Br) groups. All the newly

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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synthesized agents contained the 30,40,50-trimethoxyphenyl group in the benzoyl moiety at the C-5
position of the thiazole ring, a well-known characteristic structural requirement that is in a large series of
inhibitors of tubulin assembly, such as colchicine, combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) and podophyllotoxin [27],
and usually maximizes activity.
OCH3
OCH3
NH2
O
O
O
NH2
N
N
R
N
S
n
H
X
OCH3
S
6
O
R
1,
X=nothing
n=1-3
R=H or p-OMe
2
, X=NH
R=H, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, CN and NO2
Tubulin polymerization inhibition
Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibition
merging
pharmacophores
OCH3
NH2
OCH3
N
N
n
OCH3
S
H
O
8
R
8a
, n=1, R=H
8b, n=2, R=H
8c
, n=3, R=H
8d
, n=1, R=p-F
8e
, n=1, R=p-Cl
8f, n=2, R=p-Cl
8g, n=1, R=p-Br
8h
8i
8j
, n=1, R=p-CH3
, n=1, R=m-CH3
, n=1, R=p-OCH3
8k, n=2, R=p-OCH3
8l
, n=1, R=m-OCH3
8m
, n=1, R=o-OCH3
8n
8o
, n=1, R=m,p-2-OCH3
, n=1, R=m,p-(OCH2O)
Figure 2. Design strategy for the preparation of 2-alkylamino-4-amino-5-(30,40,50-trimethoxy-
benzoyl)thiazoles 8a–o.
2. Chemistry
Synthesis of compounds 8a-o was accomplished using the procedure described in Scheme 1.
The condensation of dimethyl cyanodithioimidocarbonate with the appropriate benzyl-/
phenylethylamine or 3-phenylpropylamine resulted in the formation of imidates 10a , which were
cyclized into the corresponding 2-substituted-4-amino-5-(30,40,50-trimethoxybenzoyl)thiazoles 8a
by
9
–o
–
o

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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a one-pot three-step sequential procedure starting from 10a
–
o
, which was reacted with sodium sulfide,
followed by the addition of 1-(30,40,50-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-bromoethanone and finally cyclized with
potassium carbonate.
Scheme 1. Reagents (
a
) Appropriate ArCH2NH2 or Ar(CH2)2NH2 or C6H5(CH2)3NH2, i-PrOH, rt;
(b
) Na2S, DMF, 80 ◦C, 1.5 h; (
c
) 1-(30,40,50-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-bromoethanone, 50 ◦C, 2 h; (
d) K2CO3, 1 h.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. In Vitro Antiproliferative Activities against Human U-937 and SK-MEL-1 Cell Lines
In Table 1, we summarize the antiproliferative activity of the 15 novel
2-arylalkylamino-4-amino-5-(30,40,50-trimethoxybenzoyl)thiazole derivatives 8a
against human
–
o
leukemia (U-937) and melanoma (SK-MEL-1) tumor cells lines. Cells were cultured for 72 h, and the
IC50 values were calculated using a colorimetric MTT assay. These data were compared with those of
the corresponding previously published 2-p-methoxyphenyl and 2-p-methoxyanilino derivatives 1a
and 2a, respectively. Doxorubicin and etoposide, which are among the most effective anticancer agents,
were used as positive controls, along with CA-4 as a well-known inhibitor of tubulin polymerization.
Two compounds, 8e (p-chlorobenzylamino) and 8k (p-methoxyphenylethylamino), have the best
antiproliferative activities against these cancer cell lines, with single-digit micromolar IC50 values,
and, overall, were more active than the p-methoxyphenyl derivative 1a [22]. Along with these
molecules, only the p-chlorophenethylamino analogue 8f had a low micromolar IC50 value against
U-937 cells. Starting from the previously published p-methoxyanilino derivative 2a, the insertion of a
methylene or ethylene spacer between the nitrogen and p-methoxyphenyl ring, to yield derivatives 8j
and 8k, respectively, was detrimental for antiproliferatve activity against U-937 cells as compared to
that of 2a, in particular for the p-methoxybenzylamino derivative 8j, while derivative 2a and 8k were
equipotent against SK-MEL-1 cells. Moreover, the p-methoxyphenylethylamino derivative 8k was
more potent as an antiproliferative agent than the corresponding previously reported p-methoxyphenyl
counterpart 2a [20].

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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Table 1. In vitro inhibitory effects of compounds 8a–o and reference derivatives 1a, 2a, CA-4,
doxorubicin and etoposide on proliferation of U-937 and SK-MEL-1 human tumor cell lines.
IC50 (µM) a
Compd
U-937
SK-MEL-1
8a
8b
8c
8d
8e
8f
8g
8h
8i
8j
8k
8l
8m
8n
8o
1a
2a
21.1 ± 5.1
19.3 ± 5.6
10.7 ± 2.8
39.1 ± 4.2
8.7 ± 5.4
14.2 ± 9.7
20.5 ± 6.9
16.7 ± 7.0
51.0 ± 1.4
8.3 ± 5.5
6.7 ± 3.6
12.2 ± 3.2
15.7 ± 4.9
19.0 ± 9.4
16.7 ± 5.6
22.9 ± 13.7
8.0 ± 4.3
12.9 ± 3.3
15.4 ± 4.9
18.1 ± 6.4
23.8 ± 5.2
5.7 ± 1.3
12.3 ± 6.1
13.6 ± 5.3
28.7 ± 10.5
27.0 ± 0.9
34.3 ± 2.2
0.484 ± 0.368
0.019 ± 0.012
0.083 ± 0.021
2.1 ± 0.4
12.4 ± 4.8
10.4 ± 2.8
32.7 ± 7.7
24.7 ± 1.0
48.3 ± 4.6
5.2 ± 1.4
CA-4
Doxorubicin
Etoposide
3.1 ± 2.9
0.274 ± 0.070
6.3 ± 1.0
a IC50 = compound concentration required to inhibit tumor cell proliferation by 50%. Data are expressed as the mean
± SE from the dose-response curves of at least three independent experiments with three determinations in each.
Comparing the activities of unsubstituted phenyl derivatives 8a
of the linker between the aryl moiety and the nitrogen at the 2-position of the thiazole ring from one
8a) to two (8b) to three (8c) methylene units, similar activity was observed for 8a and 8b and a 2-fold
, 8b and 8c, increasing the length
(
increase in potency occurred with 8c against U-937 cells. While 8a and 8c were equipotent, a slight
reduction of activity was observed for the phenylethylamino derivative 8b relative to 8a and 8c against
SK-MEL-1 cancer cells. While the 2-N-methylbenzylamino derivative 3a had IC50 values lower than
200 µM against a panel of four different cancer cell lines [21], the corresponding N-desmethyl analogue
8a was ten-fold more potent than 3a.
The substitution pattern on the phenyl of the benzylamino or phenylethylamino moiety at the
2-position of the thiazole ring plays an important role in the antiproliferative activity. In this respect,
we found that only the insertion of the electron-withdrawing chlorine at the para-position of the phenyl
ring, to furnish compound 8e, enhanced activity significantly relative to the unsubstituted benzylamino
analogue 8a, while a significant loss in activity was observed by the insertion of a p-fluorine atom
(compound 8d). Furthermore, the p-chlorophenethylamino homologue 8f of derivative 8e had similar
activity against U-937 cells, while this latter derivative was 1.5-fold more potent than 8f against
SK-MEL-1 cells. As for the benzylamino derivatives 8a and 8e, the p-chlorophenylethylamino analog
8f was significantly more potent than the corresponding unsubstituted derivative 8b.
The replacement of the chlorine by a bromine (compounds 8e and 8g, respectively) caused a
reduction of activity, but this was less dramatic with respect to what was observed for the fluorine
derivative 8d. Comparison of the halogenated compounds (8e vs. 8d and 8g) indicated that the order
of influence of halogen atoms on antiproliferative activity was Cl > Br >> F.
The replacement of the electron-withdrawing bromine with a weak electron-releasing methyl
group in the phenyl of the 5-benzylamino moiety (compounds 8g and 8h, respectively) resulted in
the retention of antiproliferative activity, indicating that the bromine atom and methyl group are
bioequivalent at the para-position of the phenyl ring. Starting from this latter compound, moving the
methyl group from the para- to the meta-position (compounds 8h and 8i, respectively) also resulted in
no loss of activity.

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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The position of the methoxy substituent on the phenyl ring influenced antiproliferative activity,
with the isomeric m- and o-methoxybenzylamino analogues 8l and 8m having similar antiproliferative
activities, and both were 2-fold more potent than their p-methoxy counterpart 8j. For this latter
compound, placing an additional methoxy group at the meta-position, to yield 8n, as well as the
methylendioxy derivative 8o, resulted in compounds equipotent with the p-methoxy derivative 8j
.
It should be noted that, although this latter derivative showed significantly reduced activity as compared
with the p-methoxyphenylamino analogue 2a, the insertion of an additional methylene unit, to furnish
the p-methoxyphenylethylamino derivative 8k, significantly increased (3-4-fold) antiproliferative
activity relative to that of 8j.
In order to investigate the selective antiproliferative activity of the new synthesized compounds,
we tested representative derivatives 8f and 8k against peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) isolated
from healthy donors. These two molecules showed poor cytotoxic activity (IC50 > 100 µM) against
normal cells, thus indicating potential high selectivity and a good safety profile in vitro.
3.2. Tubulin Polymerization and CDK Inhibitory Activity Assays
To investigate whether the antiproliferative activities of these new compounds were related to an
interaction with tubulin, the most active compounds of the series (8f and 8k) were selected to determine
their ability to inhibit tubulin polymerization, because of the strong tubulin inhibitory effects previously
observed with compounds with general structure
contemporaneous experiments as a positive reference control. In this assay, CA-4 strongly inhibited
tubulin polymerization with IC50 value of 1.2 M, while 8f and 8k did not show any noteworthy
inhibition at high concentrations (up to 20 M). The lack of activity of compounds 8f and 8k suggests
2. For comparison, CA-4 was also examined in
µ
µ
that the nitrogen substitution at the 2-position of the 4-amino-5-(30,40,50-trimethoxybenzoyl)thiazole
scaffold is critically involved in tubulin binding. The introduction of a methylene or ethylene spacer
between the nitrogen at the 2-position of the thiazole ring and the phenyl ring resulted in increased
flexibility of this part of the molecule, and this could be a factor that dramatically decreased the
biological activity of compounds 8a
–o
relative to compounds with general structure
2, characterized
by the present of more rigid 2-anilino moiety.
Derivatives 8f and 8k were also evaluated at a single concentration of 10
µM in an in vitro assay
against CDK4, CDK6 and CDK9 and minimal effects were observed (enzyme inhibition ranging from
2 to 8%). From these results, we conclude that compounds 8f and 8k are inactive both as tubulin
polymerization and CDK inhibitors, suggesting that these molecules exert their antiproliferative effects
by interacting with alternative intracellular targets.
3.3. Flow Cytometric Analysis in Human Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells is recognized as an efficient strategy for cancer
chemotherapy [
cytotoxic action through alterations in cell cycle progression and induction of cell apotosis. To this end,
the effects at different time periods (6, 12 and 24 h) with different concentrations (10 and 30 M) of 8f
1]. For this reason, it was decided to determine whether these compounds display their
µ
and 8k on cell cycle progression on U-937 leukemia cells were investigated by flow cytometry analyses.
The percentages of cells in different phases of cell cycle are shown in Table 2.

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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Table 2. Effect of 8f and 8k on cell cycle phase distribution of human U-937 leukemia cells.
Time
Compd µM
% Sub-G1
% G1
% S
% G2-M
6 h
0
4.7 ± 0.2
4.4 ± 0.5
3.8 ± 0.1
3.7 ± 0.4
7.6 ± 0.5*
47.3 ± 0.2
40.4 ± 1.0 *
40.5 ± 1.6 *
38.7 ± 0.3 *
35.6 ± 0.5 *
25.6 ± 0.1
29.3 ± 0.1 *
30.9 ± 0.4 *
30.7 ± 0.1 *
32.0 ± 0.5 *
20.7 ± 0.8
23.6 ± 1.3
23.3 ± 1.4
25.3 ± 0.2 *
23.1 ± 0.4
8f
10
30
10
30
8k
12 h
24 h
0
2.3 ± 0.2
6.5 ± 0.2 *
17.8 ± 1.0 *
12.1 ± 0.8 *
24.3 ± 1.5 *
54.5 ± 0.6
47.8 ± 1.0
21.4 ± 0.3
22.4 ± 0.2
25.5 ± 0.1 *
20.2 ± 0.4
26.8 ± 0.2 *
20.1 ± 0.3
21.5 ± 1.2
27.6 ± 0.6 *
23.7 ± 1.4
29.9 ± 1.7 *
8f
10
30
10
30
27.4 ± 0.4 *
41.9 ± 0.1 *
17.3 ± 0.4 *
8k
0
3.4 ± 0.2
53.6 ± 0.2
42.5 ± 0.3 *
12.6 ± 0.7 *
39.4 ± 0.2 *
11.2 ± 0.9 *
24.5 ± 0.5
29.8 ± 0.3 *
13.6 ± 0.6 *
28.4 ± 1.1 *
11.5 ± 0.4 *
16.2 ± 0.5
15.0 ± 0.8
16.6 ± 0.8
17.2 ± 0.6
23.8 ± 2.9 *
8f
10
30
10
30
10.3 ± 0.7 *
56.2 ± 2.0 *
12.7 ± 0.1 *
51.5 ± 4.2 *
8k
Cells were cultured with the indicated concentrations of 8f and 8k for the indicated times, and the cell cycle phase
distribution was determined by flow cytometry. The values are means SE of two independent experiments
with three determinations in each. Asterisks indicate a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared with the
±
corresponding controls.
As shown, both compounds caused an increase in the percentage of cells in both the G1 and
S-phases and a small increase in the G2-M-phase. These effects were most marked with 30 µM
compound at 24 h. The small effect on the proportion of cells in the G2-M phase confirmed the lack
of microtubule activity observed in the tubulin polymerization assay. The detection of a sub-G0-G1
peak (indication of DNA degradation) by propidium iodide staining upon incubation with 8f and
8k, suggested that these compounds exert their growth inhibiting effect by induction of apoptosis.
The proportion of apoptotic cells increased with incubation time and compound concentration.
Maximal levels of apoptotic cells, approximately 16.5-fold and 15-fold increases with respect to
control cells were observed at 24 h with 30 µM 8f or 8k (Figure 3).
Figure 3.
DNA flow cytometry using propidium iodide labeling. Representative histograms and the percentage
of hypodiploid cells (apoptotic cells) are shown. ( ) U-937 cells were incubated with the indicated
concentrations of 8f or 8k for the indicated times and the percentage of cells in the sub-G1 region was
determined by flow cytometry. Error bars represent means SE of two independent experiments each
(A) U-937 cells were incubated with 30 µM 8f or 8k for the indicated times and subjected to
B
±
performed in triplicate. * indicates p < 0.05 for comparison with untreated control.
3.4. Molecular Modeling Studies
A series of molecular docking simulations were performed on selected compounds (2a, 2b, 8h, 8f
and 8k) in order to investigate their putative interaction with the colchicine binding site of tubulin.

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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In the tubulin assembly assay, compound 2b was found to be the most active (IC50, 0.72
µM) in
the series of derivatives with general structure
Previously reported compounds 2a and 2b place their trimethoxyphenyl ring in the
close to Cys241, partially overlapping the co-crystallized colchicine. Hydrogen bond formation
between the nitrogen at the 2-position of the thiazole ring and Thr179, the thiazole core and backbone
of Ala180 and the carbonyl group and Met259, with these two last residues also involved in the
tubulin-colchicine interaction, contribute to stabilize the binding of the two molecules (Figure 4).
2
, and it was twice as potent as CA-4 (IC50, 1.4
µM).
β-tubulin subunit
β
α
α
β
Figure 4. Proposed binding modes for compounds 2a
The trimethoxyphenyl ring is oriented towards the -tubulin subunit in proximity to
while the rest of the molecule forms three hydrogen bonds with Thr179, Ala180 and
(A) and 2b (B) in the colchicine site.
α
β
Cys241,
Met259.
α
α
β
Co-crystallized colchicine is shown in pink. The tubulin α-subunit is shown as a mint green ribbon,
while the β-subunit is represented as a white ribbon.
The increased flexibility introduced by the methylene (8h) or ethylene (8f, 8k) spacer between the
nitrogen at the 2-position of the thiazole ring and the phenyl ring causes an inconsistent binding of the
compounds, which either occupy the active site in a different orientation, placing the trimethoxyphenyl
ring away from βCys241 (Figure 5, 8h and 8f for Panels C and D, respectively) or adopt a non-optimal
occupation of the binding area (Figure 5, Panel E for 8k). In both cases, the inability to correctly occupy
the colchicine binding site could lead to a lack of inhibition of tubulin polymerization.
Figure 5. Proposed binding modes for compounds 8h
(A), 8f (B) and 8k (C) in the colchicine site.
The increased flexibility introduced by the methylene or ethylene spacer causes an inconsistent binding.
Co-crystallized colchicine is shown in pink. The tubulin α-subunit is shown as a mint green ribbon,
while the β-subunit is represented as a white ribbon.

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4. Experimental
4.1. Chemistry
4.1.1. Materials and Methods
1H-NMR spectra were recorded on either an AC 200 (Bruker, Bremen, Germany) or a 400 Mercury
Plus (Varian, Palo Alto, CA, USA) spectrometer, while 13C-NMR spectra were recorded on the Varian
400 Mercury Plus spectrometer. Chemical shifts (δ) are given in ppm upfield, and the spectra were
recorded in appropriate deuterated solvents, as indicated. All products reported showed 1H- and
13C-NMR spectra in agreement with the assigned structures. Positive-ion electrospray ionization (ESI)
mass spectra were recorded on a double-focusing Finnigan MAT 95 instrument (Finnigan, Waltham,
MA, USA) with BE geometry. Melting points (mp) were determined on a Buchi-Tottoli apparatus (Buchi,
Milan, Italy) and are uncorrected. The purity of tested compounds was determined by combustion
elemental analyses conducted by the Microanalytical Laboratory of the Chemistry Department of
the University of Ferrara with a MT-5 CHN recorder elemental analyzer (Yanagimoto, Kyoto, Japan).
All tested compounds yielded data consistent with a purity of at least 95% as compared with the
theoretical values. Reaction courses and product mixtures were routinely monitored by thin layer
chromatography on silica gel (precoated F254 plates, Merck, Darmstadt, Germany), and compounds
were visualized with aqueous KMnO4. Flash chromatography was performed using 230–400 mesh
silica gel and the indicated solvent system.
4.1.2. General Procedure A for the Synthesis of Compounds 10a–o
To a solution of dimethyl cyanodithioimidocarbonate
9 (292 mg, 2 mmol) in isopropanol (10 mL)
was added the appropriate amine (2 mmol, 1 equiv.), and the mixture was stirred for 24 h at
room temperature. After this time, the suspension was filtered, and the solid residue was washed
with ethyl ether to furnish the final compound 10a–o that was used for the next reaction without
further purification.
(Z)-Methyl N-benzyl-N0-cyanocarbamimidothioate (10a)
Following general procedure A, compound 10a was obtained as a white solid, yield > 95%,
1
mp 156–158 ◦C. H-NMR (DMSO-d6
)
δ: 2.62 (s, 3H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 7.20–7.24 (m, 2H), 7.32–7.36 (m, 3H),
8.85 (bs, 1H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 206.2.
(Z)-Methyl N0-cyano-N-phenethylcarbamimidothioate (10b)
Following general procedure A, compound 10b was obtained as a white solid, yield > 95%,
mp 174–176 ◦C 1H-NMR (CDCl3)
. δ: 2.46 (s, 3H), 2.91 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.60 (bs, 2H), 7.20 (d,
J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.22–7.25 (m, 1H), 7.34 (t, J = 6.8 Hz. 2H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 220.6.
(Z)-Methyl N0-cyano-N-(3-phenylpropyl)carbamimidothioate (10c)
Following general procedure A, derivative 10c was obtained as a white solid, yield > 95%,
1
mp 180–182 ◦C. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 2.07–2.14 (m, 2H), 2.53 (bs, 3H), 2.81 (t, J = 9.6 Hz, 2H), 3.48 (bs,
2H), 7.30–7.44 (m, 5H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 234.5.
(Z)-methyl N-4-fluorobenzyl-N0-cyanocarbamimidothioate (10d)
Following general procedure A, compound 10d was obtained as a yellow solid, yield 52%,
1
mp 170–172 ◦C. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 2.53 (s, 3H), 4.52 (bs, 2H), 7.07 (t, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (dd, J = 8.8
and 5.2 Hz, 2H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 224.4.

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(Z)-methyl N-4-chlorobenzyl-N0-cyanocarbamimidothioate (10e)
Following general procedure A, compound 10e was obtained as a yellow solid, yield 92%,
mp 190–192 ◦C 1H-NMR (CDCl3)
. δ: 2.38 (s, 3H), 4.42 (bs, 2H), 7.02 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (d,
J = 8.0 Hz, 2H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 240.2.
(Z)-Methyl N-4-chlorophenethyl-N0-cyanocarbamimidothioate (10f)
Following general procedure A, compound 10f was obtained as a yellow solid, yield 86%,
mp 148–150 ◦C 1H-NMR (CDCl3)
. δ: 2.48 (s, 3H), 2.92 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 3.62 (bs, 2H), 7.14 (d,
J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 254.3.
(Z)-methyl N-4-bromobenzyl-N0-cyanocarbamimidothioate (10g)
Following general procedure A, compound 10g was obtained as a yellow solid, yield 91%,
1
mp 199–201 ◦C. H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ
: 2.62 (s, 3H), 4.45 (bs, 2H), 7.24 (bs, 2H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H),
7.53 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 8.76 (bs, 1H). MS (ESI): [M]+ = 234.1 and 236.1.
(Z)-Methyl N0-cyano-N-(4-methylbenzyl)carbamimidothioate (10h)
Following general procedure A, compound 10h was obtained as a white solid, yield 80%,
1
mp 192–194 ◦C. H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ
: 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 4.41 (bs, 2H), 7.12 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H),
7.15 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 8.83 (bs, 1H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 220.3.
(Z)-Methyl N0-cyano-N-(3-methylbenzyl)carbamimidothioate (10i)
Following general procedure A, compound 10i was obtained as a white solid, yield 61%,
mp 178–180 ◦C. H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ
: 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.64 (s, 3H), 4.45 (bs, 2H), 7.04–7.10 (m, 3H), 7.21
1
(t, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 8.83 (bs, 1H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 220.2.
(Z)-Methyl N0-cyano-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)carbamimidothioate (10j)
Following general procedure A, compound 10j was obtained as a white solid, yield > 95%,
1
mp 161–163 ◦C. H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ
: 2.59 (s, 3H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 4.40 (bs, 2H), 6.90 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H),
7.22 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 8.87 (bs, 1H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 236.3.
(Z)-Methyl N-4-methoxyphenethyl-N0-cyanocarbamimidothioate (10k)
Following general procedure A, compound 10k was obtained as a yellow solid, yield > 95%,
1
mp 168–170 ◦C. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 2.45 (s, 3H), 2.87 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 3.58 (bs, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 6.88
(d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 260.3.
(Z)-Methyl N0-cyano-N-(3-methoxybenzyl)carbamimidothioate (10l)
Following general procedure A, compound 10l was obtained as a white solid, yield: 89%,
1
mp 146–148 ◦C. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 2.46 (s, 3H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 4.44 (bs, 2H), 6.84 (s, 1H), 6.88 (dd, J = 7.6
and 2.4 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 236.5.
(Z)-Methyl N0-cyano-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)carbamimidothioate (10m)
Following general procedure A, compound 10m was obtained as a white solid, yield > 95%,
1
mp 160–162 ◦C. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 2.46 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 4.44 (bs, 2H), 6.92–6.97 (m, 3H), 7.35 (t,
J = 8.2 Hz, 1H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 236.2.

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(Z)-methyl N0-cyano-N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)carbamimidothioate (10n)
Following general procedure A, compound 10n was obtained as a white solid, yield 89%,
1
mp 196–198 ◦C. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 2.53 (s, 3H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 4.47 (bs, 2H), 6.80 (s, 1H),
6.87 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, 2H). MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 266.4.
(Z)-Methyl N-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)-N0-cyanocarbamimidothioate (10o)
Following general procedure A, derivative 10o was obtained as a white solid, yield 81%,
mp 188–190 ◦C
. δ: 2.42 (s, 3H), 4.42 (bs, 2H), 5.99 (s, 2H), 6.76–6.82 (m, 3H).
1H-NMR (CDCl3)
MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 250.2
4.1.3. General Procedure B for the Synthesis of Compounds 8a–o
To a stirred solution of the appropriate (Z)-methyl N-arylalkyl-N’-cyanocarbamimidothioate
10a–o
(1 mmol) in DMF (5 mL), heated at 80 ◦C, Na2S 9 H2O (240 mg, 1 mmol) was added, and the
mixture was heated for 90 min at 80 ◦C. Then, 2-bromo-1-(30,40,50-trimethoxyphenyl)ethanone (580 mg,
2 mmol) dissolved in DMF (3 mL) was slowly added dropwise at 50 ◦C. The mixture was heated at
◦
50 C for 2 h, and potassium carbonate (276 mg, 2 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred at
50 ◦C for an additional 1 h. The mixture was poured into water (20 mL), and the resulting suspension
was extracted with dichloromethane (3
×
15 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with
water (2 15 mL) and brine (20 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure.
×
The resulting residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel.
(4-Amino-2-(benzylamino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8a)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
petroleum ether 1:1 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8a as a yellow solid. Yield 32%, mp 147–149 ◦C. 1H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ δ:
: 3.87 (s, 6H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 4.49 (bs, 2H), 6.98 (s, 2H), 7.33–7.36 (m, 4H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
48.89, 55.63 (2C), 60.34, 92.62, 104.07 (2C), 106.61, 127.15 (2C), 127.79, 128.44 (2C), 135.05, 139.55, 152.46
(2C), 162.84, 171.24, 183.14. MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 400.3. Anal. calcd for C20H21N3O4S. C, 60.13; H, 5.30;
N, 10.52; found: C, 59.87; H, 5.17; N, 10.26.
(4-Amino-2-(phenethylamino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8b)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
◦
petroleum ether 6:4 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8b as a yellow solid. Yield 39%. Mp 135–138 C.
1H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 2.99 (t, 2H), 3.58 (t, 2H), 3.85 (s, 9H), 6.99 (s, 2H), 7.22 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.35–7.40
(m, 3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 34.98, 46.96, 56.26 (2C), 60.92, 104.64 (2C), 127.05 (2C), 128.72 (2C), 128.91
(2C), 136.52, 137.42 (2C), 140.11. 153.05 (2C), 171.50, 183.73. MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 414.49. Anal. calcd
for C21H23N3O4S. C, 61.00; H, 5.61; N, 10.16; found: C, 59.88; H, 5.37; N, 9.85.
(4-Amino-2-((3-phenylpropyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8c)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
petroleum ether 6:4 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8c as a yellow oil. Yield 37%. 1H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ:
2.00–2.07 (m, 2H), 2.75 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 3.30 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 3.91 (s, 9H), 6.99 (s, 2H), 7.19 (d,
J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.28–7.32 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 30.20, 32.91, 45.58, 56.32 (2C), 61.03, 104.71
(2C), 107.28, 126.45, 128.45 (2C), 128.59 (2C), 128.71 (2C), 136.37, 140.40, 153.04, 153.19, 171.19, 183.96.
MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 428.15. Anal. calcd for C22H25N3O4S. C, 61.81; H, 5.89; N, 9.83; found: C, 61.54;
H, 5.32; N, 9.68.
(4-Amino-2-((4-fluorobenzyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8d)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
◦
petroleum ether 6:4 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8d as an orange solid. Yield 42%, mp 132–134 C.

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1H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 3.89 (s, 6H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 4.43 (bs, 2H), 6.40 (bs, 2H), 7.00 (s, 2H), 7.17 (t, J = 8.0 Hz,
2H), 7.35–7.40 (m, 2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 49.23, 56.23 (2C), 60.90, 105.48 (2C), 112.09, 128.33 (2C),
128.78, 129.52 (2C), 135.56, 137.24, 140.30, 153.02 (2C), 161.32, 164.34, 184.57. MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 410.8.
Anal. calcd for C20H20FN3O4S. C, 57.54; H, 4.83; N, 10.07; found: C, 57.37; H, 4.67; N, 9.89.
(4-Amino-2-((4-chlorobenzyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8e)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
petroleum ether 1:1 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8e as a yellow solid. Yield 39%, mp 156–159 ◦C. 1H-NMR
(CDCl3)
δ: 3.86 (s, 6H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 4.47 (bs, 2H), 6.93 (s, 2H), 7.27 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (d, J = 8.0 Hz,
2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 49.06, 56.30 (2C), 61.03, 104.67 (2C), 107.34, 129.12, 129.24 (2C), 129.29 (2C),
133.34, 134.54, 135.78, 140.60, 153.26 (2C), 170.14, 184.23. MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 434.62. Anal. calcd for
C20H20ClN3O4S. C, 55.36; H, 4.65; N, 9.68; found: C, 55.02; H, 4.39; N, 9.47.
(4-Amino-2-((4-chlorophenethyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8f)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
1
petroleum ether 6:4 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8f as an orange solid. Yield 31%. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 2.94 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 3.55 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 3.91 (s, 9H), 5.80 (bs, 1H), 7.02 (s, 2H), 7.14 (d,
J = 8.0 Hz 2H), 7.30 (d, J = 8.0 Hz 2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 34.50, 46.22, 56.22 (2C), 60.91, 104.66 (2C),
129.01 (2C), 130.06 (2C), 132.91, 136.06 (2C), 136.87, 140.02, 152.98 (2C), 165.06, 172.08, 183.67. MS (ESI):
[M + 1]+ = 448.39. Anal. calcd for C21H22ClN3O4S. C, 56.31; H, 4.95; N, 9.38; found: C, 56.01; H, 4.73;
N, 9.07.
(4-Amino-2-((4-bromobenzyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8g)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
petroleum ether 1:1 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8g as a yellow solid. Yield 31%, mp 154–157 ◦C. 1H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 3.86 (s, 6H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.92 (bs, 1H), 4.44 (bs, 2H), 6.95 (s, 2H), 7.20 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.47
(d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 48.63, 56.17 (2C), 60.90, 104.62 (2C), 110.00, 122.24, 129.31 (2C),
132.07 (2C), 134.74, 136.39, 140.17, 153.03 (2C), 163.20, 171.52, 183.79. MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 434.09. Anal.
calcd for C20H20BrN3O4S. C, 20.22; H, 4.21; N, 8.78; found: C, 20.01; H3.99; N, 8.57.
(4-Amino-2-((4-methylbenzyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8h)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
petroleum ether 1:1 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8h as a yellow solid. Yield 36%, mp 145–147 ◦C. 1H-NMR
(CDCl3)
δ
: 2.36 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 6H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.94 (bs 1H) 4.44 (bs, 2H), 6.36 (bs, 2H), 7.01 (s, 2H),
: 21.22, 49.23, 56.26 (2C), 60.99,
7.19 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
104.75 (2C), 110.09, 127.79 (2C), 128.83, 129.74 (2C), 132.96, 136.90, 138.28, 153.05 (2C), 162.32, 173.34,
183.69. MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 414.3. Anal. calcd for C21H23N3O4S. C, 61.00; H, 5.61; N, 10.16; found: C,
60.65; H, 5.28; N, 10.01.
(4-Amino-2-((3-methylbenzyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8i)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using
EtOAc:petroleum ether 4:6 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8i as a yellow solid. Yield 48%, mp 150–152 ◦C
.
1H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 2.37 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 6H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 4.45 (bs, 2H), 7.01 (s, 2H), 7.13–7.15 (m, 2H),
7.20–7.23 (m, 2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 21.47, 45.35, 56.27 (2C), 60.99, 104.76 (2C), 124.80, 128.44, 128.97,
129.13 (2C), 135.99, 136.91, 138.92, 140.08, 153.05 (2C), 165.04, 172.34, 183.73. MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 414.2.
Anal. calcd for C21H23N3O4S. C, 61.00; H, 5.61; N, 10.16; found: C, 60.72; H, 5.33; N, 10.04.

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(4-Amino-2-((4-methoxybenzyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8j)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
petroleum ether 1:1 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8j as a yellow solid. Yield 40%, mp 131–135 ◦C. 1H-NMR
(CDCl3)
δ
: 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 6H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.93 (bs, 1H) 4.42 (bs, 2H), 6.89 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H),
6.98 (s, 2H), 7.27 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 49.16, 55.41, 56.29 (2C), 61.01, 104.71 (2C),
107.29, 114.43 (2C), 127.30, 129.32 (2C), 132.34, 136.41, 140.12, 153.14 (2C), 159.77, 171.24, 183.87. MS
(ESI): [M + 1]+ = 430.27. Anal. calcd for C21H23N3O5S. C, 58.73; H, 5.40; N, 9.78; found: C, 58.55; H,
5.13; N, 9.47.
(4-Amino-2-((4-methoxyphenethyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8k)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
1
petroleum ether 6:4 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8k as a yellow solid. Yield 29%. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
:
2.92 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 3.52 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.91 (s, 9H), 5.80 (bs, 1H), 6.89 (d, J = 8.0 Hz,
2H), 7.02 (s, 2H), 7.14 (d, J = 8.0 Hz 2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 34.27, 46.74, 55.39, 56.30, 56.42, 60.99,
104.74 (2C), 105.54, 114.30, 114.41 (2C), 129.50, 129.78 (2C), 136.99, 140.07, 153.06, 158.74, 172.30, 183.68.
MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 444.21. Anal. calcd for C21H25N3O5S. C, 59.58; H, 5.68; N, 9.47; found: C, 59.21;
H, 5.33; N, 9.19.
(4-Amino-2-((3-methoxybenzyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8l)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
◦
petroleum ether 6:4 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8l as an orange solid. Yield 40%, mp 125–128 C.
1H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 9H), 3.91 (bs, 1H), 4.45 (bs, 2H), 6.85–6.90 (m, 2H), 6.99 (s,
2H), 7.29 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 49.39, 55.36, 56.26 (2C), 60.97, 93.74, 104.73 (2C),
107.22, 113.53 (2C), 119.88, 130.14, 136.76, 137.49, 140.11, 153.06, 160.14, 164.44, 172.32, 183.68. MS
(ESI): [M + 1]+ = 430.20. Anal. calcd for C21H23N3O5S. C, 58.73; H, 5.40; N, 9.78; found: C, 58.55; H,
5.17; N, 9.61.
(4-Amino-2-((2-methoxybenzyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8m)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
1
petroleum ether 6:4 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8m as an orange solid. Yield 42%. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ:
3.88 (s, 3H), 3.93 (s, 9H), 4.47 (bs, 2H), 6.92–6.95 (m, 2H), 6.98 (s, 2H), 7.35 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H). 13C-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 46.12, 55.52, 56.31 (2C), 61.01, 104.70 (2C), 107.31, 110.68, 120.63 (2C), 123.18, 129.74 (2C),
130.09, 136.27, 140.36, 153.17, 157.57, 170.82, 183.95. MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 430.22. Anal. calcd for
C21H23N3O5S. C, 58.73; H, 5.40; N, 9.78; found: C, 58.49; H, 5.22; N, 9.55.
(4-Amino-2-((3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (8n)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
petroleum ether 6:4 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8n as a brown solid. Yield 39%, mp 107–111 ◦C. 1H-NMR
(CDCl3)
δ: 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 6H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 4.43 (bs, 2H), 6.81–6.93 (m, 3H), 6.97 (s,
2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 15.34, 49.74, 56.02, 56.12, 56.31, 61.01, 65.92, 104.69 (2C), 107.32, 111.01 (2C),
111.22 (2C), 120.56 (2C), 140.57, 149.35, 149.57, 153.04, 153.23, 184.14. MS (ESI): [M + 1]+ = 460.52. Anal.
calcd for C22H25N3O6S. C, 57.50; H, 5.48; N, 9.14; found: C, 57.32; H, 5.19; N, 8.92.
(4-Amino-2-((benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)amino)thiazol-5-yl)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)
methanone (8o)
Following general procedure B, the crude residue purified by flash chromatography, using EtOAc:
◦
petroleum ether 6:4 (v:v) for elution, furnished 8o as an orange solid. Yield 32%, mp 156–158 C.
1H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 3.88 (s, 6H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 4.40 (bs, 2H), 6.00 (s, 2H), 6.78–6.80 (m, 3H), 6.99
(s, 2H), 7.20–7.23 (m, 2H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 49.21, 56.32 (2C), 60.89, 104.75 (2C), 100.3, 107.54,

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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110.09, 120.33, 133.75, 136.13, 137.48, 140.33, 141.44, 145.72, 146.80, 153.05 (2C), 163.32, 184.75. MS
(ESI): [M + 1]+ = 444.2. Anal. calcd for C21H21N3O6S. C, 56.87; H, 4.77; N, 9.48; found: C, 56.69; H,
4.58; N, 9.28.
4.2. Biological Evaluation
4.2.1. Cell Culture and Cell Viability Assays
Human U-937 and SK-MEL-1 cell lines were from the German Collection of Microorganisms and
Cell Cultures (Braunschweig, Germany; DSMZ No: ACC 5 and ACC 303, respectively). The U-937
is a myeloid leukemia cell line isolated from a histiocytic lymphoma. SK-MEL-1 is a melanoma cell
line. Cells were cultured in suspension in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% (v/v) fetal
bovine serum and antibiotics (100 µ
g mL−1 streptomycin and 100 U mL−1 penicillin), at 37 ◦C in a
humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2. The trypan blue exclusion method was used for counting
the cells by a hemocytometer, and cell viability was always greater than 95% in all experiments.
Compounds were dissolved in DMSO, and further dilutions were made in culture medium just before
use. The final concentration of DMSO did not exceed 0.3% (v/v) in any experiment. The effects on cell
viability of synthetic compounds were determined using a colorimetric assay with the reduction of
3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl-)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) as previously described [28].
Briefly, 5
×
103 cells were seeded in 96-well microculture plates with increasing concentrations of
compounds for 72 h. Then, MTT (0.5 mg mL−1) was added and incubated for 4 h, and the reaction was
stopped with 20% sodium dodecyl sulfate. A570 was used as a measure of cell viability. Concentrations
inducing a 50% inhibition of cell growth were determined graphically by nonlinear regression using
the curve-fitting algorithm of GraphPad Prism 4.0 (GraphPad Inc La Jolla, CA, USA). In all cytotoxicity
assays, etoposide, doxorubicin and CA-4 were included as positive controls.
PBLs from healthy donors were obtained by separation on Lymphoprep (Fresenius KABI Norge
AS, Halden, Norway) gradient. After extensive washing, cells were resuspended (1.0
×
106 cells/mL) in
RPMI-1640 with 10% fetal bovine serum and incubated overnight in a 96-well tissue culture microtiter
plate. Varying compound concentrations were added to the cells, and the MTT assay was used to
assess viability after a 48 h treatment.
4.2.2. Analysis of Cell Cycle by Flow Cytometry
Flow cytometric analysis of propidium iodide-stained cells was performed as previously
described [29]. Briefly, U-937 cells were treated with the indicated compounds at the specified
concentrations in RPMI 1640 medium. After treatments, cells were centrifuged for 10 min at 500
washed with cold phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), fixed with ice-cold 75% ethanol and stored at
20 ◦C for at least 1 h. Samples were then centrifuged at 500 g for 10 min at 4 ◦C, washed with
PBS, resuspended in 200 L of PBS containing 100
g mL−1 RNase A and 50 g mL−1 propidium
×
g,
−
×
µ
µ
µ
iodide and incubated for 1 h in the dark. The DNA content was analyzed by flow cytometry with a
Becton-Dickinson FACSVerseTM cytometer (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA). The percentage of
cells in each phase of the cell cycle was determined for a minimum of 104 cells, and histograms were
analyzed with Flowing 2.5.0 software.
4.2.3. Effects on Tubulin Polymerization
Bovine brain tubulin was purified as described previously [30]. To evaluate the effect of the
compounds on tubulin assembly in vitro [31], varying concentrations were preincubated with 10 µM
tubulin in glutamate buffer at 30 ◦C and then cooled to 0 ◦C. After addition of GTP, the mixtures were
transferred to 0 ◦C cuvettes in a recording spectrophotometer and warmed to 30 ◦C, and the assembly
of tubulin was observed turbidimetrically. The IC50 was defined as the compound concentration that
inhibited the extent of assembly by 50% after a 20 min incubation.

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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4.2.4. In Vitro CDK Inhibition Assay
The CDK4, 6 and 9 inhibitory activies were determined using the CDK4/Cyclin D1 Assay kit
(ProQinase, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany), CDK6/Cyclin D3 Kinase Enzyme System (Promega,
Milan, Italy) and CDK9/CyclinK Kinase Enzyme System (Promega) by ADP-Glo CDK assays following
the manufacturer’s instructions. The assay was performed with the test compounds at 10 µM.
4.2.5. Molecular Modeling Methods
All molecular docking studies were performed on a Viglen Genie Intel®CoreTM i7-3770 vPro
CPU@ 3.40 GHz
×
8 running Ubuntu 18.04. Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) 2019.10 [32]
and Maestro (Schrödinger Release 2019-3) [33] were used as molecular modeling software. The tubulin
structure was downloaded from the PDB data bank (http://www.rcsb.org/; PDB code 4O2B). The protein
was pre-processed using the Schrödinger Protein Preparation Wizard by assigning bond orders, adding
hydrogens and performing a restrained energy minimization of the added hydrogens using the
OPLS_2005 force field. Ligand structures were built with MOE and then prepared using the Maestro
LigPrep tool by energy minimizing the structures (OPLS_2005 force field), generating possible ionization
states at pH 7
±
2 and low-energy ring conformers. After isolating a tubulin dimer structure, a 12 Å
docking grid (inner-box 10 Å and outer-box 22 Å) was prepared using as centroid the co-crystallized
colchicine. Molecular docking studies were performed using Glide SP precision, keeping the default
parameters and setting 10 as the number of output poses per input ligand to include in the solution.
The output database was saved as a mol2 file. The docking results were visually inspected for the
ability of the analyzed compounds to bind in the active site.
4.2.6. Statistical Methods
Statistical differences between means of control and treated samples were tested using Student’s
t-test. A significance level of p < 0.05 was used.
5. Conclusions
In the work described herein, we have reported a new series of compounds, characterized by
a common 4-amino-5-(30,40,50-trimethoxybenzoyl)thiazole moiety and modified at the 2-position of
thiazole ring, designed to determine the potential of incorporating in a single molecule both CDK
inhibition and antitubulin activity by a pharmacophore fusion approach. Three of the synthesized
compounds, corresponding to para-chlorobenzylamino, para-chloro and para-methoxyphenethyl-amino
analogues 8e
the two latter compounds 8f and 8k on cell growth inhibition seemed to be due to the induction of
apoptosis, showing significant apoptotic activity after a 24 h treatment at 30 M, while 8f and 8k were
, 8f and 8k, respectively, were more active than the rest of the derivatives. The effects of
µ
inactive as dual inhibitors of tubulin polymerization and CDKs. Therefore, we assume that 8f and 8k
exert their antiproliferative effect by a mechanism directed at one or more other cellular targets.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization and supervision, R.R.; writing—review & editing, E.H., R.R., V.O., F.E.
and A.B.; project administration and funding acquisition, S.M., V.O. and R.R.; software, A.B., S.F.; investigation,
F.E.-S., J.Q.; P.O.; E.H.; E.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: R.R., V.O. and S.M. acknowledge the support of the PRIN 2017 by grant 2017E84AA4_002. S.F. is
supported by the Sêr Cymru programme, which is partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund
through the Welsh Government.
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to acknowledge Alberto Casolari for technical assistance.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. This research was supported in part by the
Developmental Therapeutics Program in the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis of the National Cancer
Institute, which includes federal funds under Contract No. HHSN261200800001E. The content of this publication
does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does
mention of trade names, commercial products or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Molecules 2020, 25, 2177
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©
2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution
(CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).