Synthesis and cytostatic evaluation of 4-N-alkanoyl and 4-N-alkyl gemcitabine analogues

J Med Chem. 2014 Jan 9;57(1):191-203. doi: 10.1021/jm401586a. Epub 2013 Dec 30.

Abstract

The coupling of gemcitabine with functionalized carboxylic acids (C9-C13) or reactions of 4-N-tosylgemcitabine with the corresponding alkyl amines afforded 4-N-alkanoyl and 4-N-alkyl gemcitabine derivatives. The analogues with a terminal hydroxyl group on the alkyl chain were efficiently fluorinated under conditions that are compatible with protocols for (18)F labeling. The 4-N-alkanoylgemcitabines showed potent cytostatic activities in the low nanomolar range against a panel of tumor cell lines, whereas cytotoxicity of the 4-N-alkylgemcitabines were in the low micromolar range. The cytotoxicity for the 4-N-alkanoylgemcitabine analogues was reduced approximately by 2 orders of magnitude in the 2'-deoxycytidine kinase (dCK)-deficient CEM/dCK(-) cell line, whereas cytotoxicity of the 4-N-alkylgemcitabines was only 2-5 times lower. None of the compounds acted as efficient substrates for cytosolic dCK; therefore, the 4-N-alkanoyl analogues need to be converted first to gemcitabine to display a significant cytostatic potential, whereas 4-N-alkyl derivatives attain modest activity without measurable conversion to gemcitabine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Deoxycytidine / pharmacology
  • Gemcitabine
  • Humans
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Gemcitabine