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Article

Identification of Novel Isatin Derivative Bearing a Nitrofuran Moiety as Potent Multi-Isoform Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitor

by
Krishne Gowda
1,*,
Asif Raza
1,
Venugopal Vangala
1,
Nazir Ahmad Lone
1,
Jyh Ming Lin
2,
Jaikee Kumar Singh
3,
Sandeep Kumar Srivastava
3,
Todd D. Schell
4,
Gavin P. Robertson
1,5,
Shantu Amin
1 and
Arun K. Sharma
1,*
1
Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
2
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine Hershey, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
3
Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur 303007, India
4
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine Hershey, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
5
Departments of Pathology, Dermatology, Surgery, Melanoma Skin Cancer Center, Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine Hershey, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Molecules 2024, 29(13), 3114; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133114
Submission received: 25 May 2024 / Revised: 23 June 2024 / Accepted: 25 June 2024 / Published: 29 June 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are a family of enzymes that aid in detoxification and are overexpressed in several different malignancies. There is a correlation between increased expression of ALDH and a poor prognosis, stemness, and resistance to several drugs. Several ALDH inhibitors have been generated due to the crucial role that ALDH plays in cancer stem cells. All of these inhibitors, however, are either ineffective, very toxic, or have yet to be subjected to rigorous testing on their effectiveness. Although various drug-like compounds targeting ALDH have been reported in the literature, none have made it to routine use in the oncology clinic. As a result, new potent, non-toxic, bioavailable, and therapeutically effective ALDH inhibitors are still needed. In this study, we designed and synthesized potent multi-ALDH isoform inhibitors based on the isatin and indazole pharmacophore. Molecular docking studies and enzymatic tests revealed that among all of the synthesized analogs, compound 3 is the most potent inhibitor of ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and ALDH1A3, exhibiting 51.32%, 51.87%, and 36.65% inhibition, respectively. The ALDEFLUOR assay further revealed that compound 3 acts as an ALDH broad spectrum inhibitor at 500 nM. Compound 3 was also the most cytotoxic to cancer cells, with an IC50 in the range of 2.1 to 3.8 µM for ovarian, colon, and pancreatic cancer cells, compared to normal and embryonic kidney cells (IC50 7.1 to 8.7 µM). Mechanistically, compound 3 increased ROS activity due to potent multi-ALDH isoform inhibition, which increased apoptosis. Taken together, this study identified a potent multi-isoform ALDH inhibitor that could be further developed as a cancer therapeutic.

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

Aldehydes are produced through metabolic processes in living organisms from various precursors, including the biosynthetic pathways of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. The accumulation of aldehydes can lead to cytotoxicity and inflammation, which are closely associated with increased oxidative stress and DNA damage in cells [1,2,3]. More than 200 aldehyde species have been identified, including 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA), which are produced when cellular membrane lipids undergo oxidative breakdown, a process known as lipid peroxidation [4]. Aldehydes can form adducts with various biological targets, including glutathione (GSH), nucleic acids, and proteins [4]. These adducts can cause DNA damage, disturbed cellular homeostasis, and cell death, and these processes are thought to be the primary mechanisms responsible for aldehydes toxicity [5,6].
The superfamily of aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) comprises 19 distinct isoenzymes that work with NAD(P)+ as a cofactor to detoxify aldehydes to their corresponding carboxylic acid irreversibly. The various ALDH enzymes participate in several metabolic processes, including detoxifying aldehydes generated from ROS and lipid peroxidation, ethanol consumption, and the metabolism of many neurotransmitters [2,7]. Thus, cancer cells commonly overexpress specific ALDH isoforms to battle oxidative stress caused by high metabolic demands, radiation, and ROS-generating chemotherapeutics [8,9].
Upregulated ALDH isoforms have been linked to cancer progression, resistance, and a poor prognosis in various cancers, including breast, lung, colorectal, esophageal, melanoma, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, prostate, and pancreatic cancer [10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19]. ALDH can be expressed at high levels in cancer cells with a stem-cell-like phenotype. These cells are a small fraction of the multipotent cells constituting tumors and have been reported to be involved in cancer initiation, resistance development, and metastatic spread [20,21]. In addition, the production of retinoic acid by ALDH1A1, ALDH2, and ALDH3 has been reported to be involved in the generation and function of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells. These cells contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and inhibit tumor immunity [22]. Most malignancies have increased ALDH expression and activity, which usually worsens the prognosis. ALDH1A and ALDH3A1 have been reported to be critical for cancer development [23,24,25]. ALDH overexpression reduces aldehyde levels in cells and groups of cells to modulate toxic aldehyde-induced oxidative damage, apoptosis, and tumor immunity [9].
Since ALDH overexpression is known to promote cancer growth and therapeutic resistance, there has been an interest in developing efficient ALDH inhibitors. Current ALDH inhibitors can be divided into two groups: those that predominantly inhibit multiple isoforms and those that specifically inhibit a single isoform [26]. Examples of the isoform-specific inhibitors include the ALDH1A1 inhibitors Cpd 3, CM037, CM026, NCT-501, NCT-505, NCT-506, 13g and 13h; ALDH3A1-specific inhibitors CB7 and CB29 [26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34]; and ALDH1A3-specific inhibitor Cpd 3f [35,36,37] (Figure 1). Due to low potency, bioavailability, or overlapping functions with other isoforms, these drugs demonstrate little evidence of in vivo activity. However, some can be effective; for example, NCT-501 reduced HNSCC xenograft development by 78% when injected intratumorally [29]. Since cancer cells often contain many ALDH isoforms, targeting multiple isoforms may be necessary for the best anticancer therapy. N,N-Diethylamino benzaldehyde (DEAB), 4-dimethylamino-4-methyl-pent-2-ynthioic acid-S-methyl ester (DIMATE), citral, (Aldis)-1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, and dyclonine are examples of compounds that block multiple ALDH isoforms [26,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46] (Figure 1). However, their effectiveness might depend on which ALDH isoforms are inhibited. This can also lead to unexpected effects; for example, DIMATE’s oral bioavailability is uncertain, and citral has off-target effects and can be toxic [38,40,41,42,43,47]. Although various drug-like compounds targeting ALDH have been reported in the literature, none have made it to routine use in the oncology clinic. As a result, new, potent, non-toxic, bioavailable, and therapeutically effective ALDH inhibitors are still needed.
We recently developed KS100, a multi-isoform ALDH inhibitor bearing an isatin core structure, as a promising drug candidate to treat melanoma [48,49]. Systemic toxicity was observed with KS100 when given i.p. at a dose of 5 mg/kg per day, which led to the development of its liposomal nanoformulation (nano-KS100), which, at 20 mg/kg/day intravenous dose, suppressed tumor growth by 65% without any obvious toxic effects [49]. During our ongoing investigation into the isatin analog KS100 and its potential application as a multi-isoform ALDH inhibitor, we recently developed a renewed interest in synthesizing novel isatin analogs (1–7) to enhance efficacy further while reducing toxic effects. Besides using the bio isostere hypothesis, we also chose indazole as a novel scaffold to replace the isatin pharmacophore (8–21).
Herein, we report the synthesis and pharmacological assessment of new isatin and indazole-based ALDH inhibitors against ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1. We extended these compounds’ structure–activity relationship (SAR) primarily using a bio-isosteric approach in which we substituted the isatin and indazole rings at the C3, C5, or C7 positions and the N-benzyl moiety. We also examined their antiproliferative efficacy in cancer and normal cells and their efficacy for inhibiting particular ALDH isoforms.

2. Results and Discussion

2.1. Molecular Docking Studies

Since overall ALDH activity within cancer cells is mediated by several ALDH isoforms, multi-ALDH isoform inhibition may be more beneficial for cancer therapy than using isoform-specific agents [50,51,52]. One of the most effective ALDH1A1 selective inhibitors is Cpd 3, an isatin analog [27]. Previously, we reported KS100, also an isatin analog, as an effective non-selective ALDH inhibitor suppressing tumor growth [48,49] by inhibiting multiple ALDH isoforms with an IC50 of 230 nM, 1.54 µM, and 193 nM for ALDH1A1, ALDH2, and ALDH3A1, respectively. However, in the naked form, it was toxic to mice at 5 mg/kg/day. Consequently, we used molecular docking studies to improve the structure of KS100 to generate new, efficient multi-ALDH isoform inhibitors with reduced toxicity.
A series of compounds (1–21) were designed and assessed using molecular docking studies for capacity to bind in the active site pockets of ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1. Autodock Vina was used to perform molecular docking because of its accuracy in repeatedly predicting the poses of the ligands at the binding sites, with lower RMSD values for poses that are close to the crystal structure and have the highest binding affinity. Vina is highly robust in reproducing the same pose as that ligand in crystal structures. 1,4-Bis(bromomethyl)benzene was used as a linker to connect the isatin, indazole scaffolds, and other moieties.
The compounds were initially docked in silico into the ligand-binding pockets of ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1. The docking scores of all of the compounds (1–21) are depicted in Table 1. To investigate the ligand binding pocket of the ALDH isoforms, we chose compound 3 as a representative molecule and performed molecular docking experiments on the ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1 protein structures (Figure 2). The docking scores of ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1 with compound 3 are −10.1 kcal/mol, −9.6 kcal/mol, and −10.4 kcal/mol, respectively. The docking scores indicate strong binding of ligands and a good fit into the ligand-binding pockets of ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1. Docking studies with ALDH1A1 revealed π−π interactions with the W178 residue, H-bond interactions with Ser121 residues, and Cys302 residues (Figure 2). Similar docking studies with compound 3 and the protein structures of ALDH1A3 and ALDH3A1 showed hydrophobic interaction with Phe255, π-stacking with Phe413, and hydrogen bonds with Thr178, Trp180, Lys204, and Glu411 occurred between the ligand and ALDH1A3. Similarly, ALDH3A1 and the ligand formed π−π interactions with Thr112 and Phe335, hydrophobic interactions with Thr172, and hydrogen bonds with Thr172 and Arg292. Docking scores for compounds (1–21) varied between −7.9 to −10.1 for ALDH1A1, −7.2 to −9.6 for ALDH1A3, and −7.2 to −10.4 for ALDH3A1 (Table 1). Based on these impressive docking scores, compounds (1–21) were synthesized to examine their ALDH enzyme inhibitory activity, anticancer effectiveness, and toxicity.

2.2. Chemistry

The synthesis of isatin derivatives (1–7) is depicted in Scheme 1. The key intermediates, N-(p-bromomethyl benzyl)isatins (II), were synthesized in a single step by reacting 5- or 5,7-disubstituted isatins with 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene in DMF in the presence of potassium carbonate. The intermediates (II) were subsequently refluxed in ethanol with allylthiourea to produce the corresponding compounds 1 and 7 in excellent yield in the range 69−76% and with thiourea in ethanol to yield compound 6. When the intermediate (II) was agitated with 5-nitrofuran-2-carboxylic acid or furan-2-carboxylic acid in cesium carbonate and DMF, compounds 3 and 4 were obtained in good yields in the range 71–73%. Compounds 2 and 5 were produced in satisfactory amounts in the range 56–68% when methyl (E)-3-(4-(bromomethyl)phenyl)acrylate or 4-(bromomethyl)benzaldehyde was reacted with substituted isatin (I) in DMF (Scheme 1).
Indazole derivatives (8–21) were synthesized as outlined in Scheme 2. Compounds 8 and 9 were generated in decent yields in the range of 26−40% when methyl (E)-3-(4-(bromomethyl)phenyl)acrylate was reacted in DMF with substituted indazole (III). The location of the side chain was verified by an HMBC NMR experiment (Figures S3 and S4). The regio-isomer structure 9 was determined by assigning all of the chemical shifts of carbon, as indicated in Table 2. The H10 proton interacted with carbons at δ = 127.47 (C1), 128.77 (C12) and 139.27 (C11). If the side chain was at the N3-position, H10 would not interact with C1 carbon. The HMBC NMR experiment also confirmed the substitution of N3 regio-isomer 8. The H10 proton was observed to interact with carbons δ = 140.82 (C9), 139.9 (C11), and 128.3 (C12).
The syntheses of intermediates (IV) and (V) were accomplished by treating substituted indazoles (III) with 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene in DMF in the presence of sodium hydride. The intermediates (IV) and (V) were refluxed with allylthiourea in ethanol to obtain compounds 10 and 11 in good yield in the range 46−61%. Refluxing (IV) and (V) with thiourea in ethanol under similar conditions yielded compounds 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 13, and 15. Compound 19 was obtained by reacting compound (III) with 4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)oxy)TBDMS in DMF, followed by treatment with tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF. Under identical conditions, compound 20 was generated by reacting compound (III) with 4-(bromomethyl)benzaldehyde in a decent yield (56%). Compound 21 was synthesized in good yield (62%) by the reaction of 1-(4-(bromomethyl)phenyl)ethan-1-one with indazole (III), which resulted in the generation of the intermediate (VI), followed by the treatment of this intermediate with paraformaldehyde and hydrochloric acid. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS analysis confirmed the structures of all isatin and indazole derivatives. The compound purity (≥98%) was established by analytical high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) before proceeding with the in vitro biological assays.

2.3. Biological Evaluation

2.3.1. Cytotoxicity

The efficacy of all of the synthesized compounds was assessed in normal and cancer cell lines. The synthesized compounds (1–21) were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against SKOV-3, MiaPaCa-2, HCT-116, HEK-293, and FHC cell lines, and KS100, previously developed as a multi-ALDH isoform inhibitor in our laboratory, was used as the reference standard (Table 3; dose-response in, Figures S1 and S2). Different substituents at positions 3, 5, and 7 were introduced into the isatin and indazole rings and different functionalities to the benzyl moiety to determine the structure–activity relationship. Compounds 1, 3, and 16 in the series demonstrated promising cytotoxicity, with IC50 values ranging from 2.1 to 6.8 µM against the tested cell lines. Compounds 1 and 3 are dibromo-substituted isatin analogs, whereas compound 16 is an indazole derivative with CF3 and bromo substituents.
Compared to the other compounds in the series, compound 3 displayed a much higher potency level as an inhibitor of ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1 (Table 3 and Table 4). It showed a comparatively lower level of toxicity against normal cells (FHC and HEK293). The addition of a nitro group to the furan moiety boosted the inhibition of ALDH enzymes (namely ALDH1A1 and ALDH3A1) two-fold over compound 4 with no nitro moiety, as well as boosting its antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines. Compound 4, which has a furan moiety but lacks a nitro group, exhibited a lower degree of cytotoxicity than compound 3, interpreted as the nitro group contributing to the antiproliferative activities on the cancer cell lines. Compared to compound 1, compound 2 lost activity, requiring >20 µM for activity when the benzyl moiety was combined with an acrylate ester. Compounds 5 and 7 were less cytotoxic than KS100, whereas compound 6 was inert, suggesting the importance of dibromo and isothiourea moieties in modulating cellular proliferation.
After that, the indazole compounds were tested for their antiproliferative properties in several cancer cell lines (Table 3). Compounds 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 were ineffective for killing cancer cells until concentrations greater than 50 µM were used. Compounds 12 and 13 had an IC50 ranging from 4.7 to 33 µM, while compound 16 was a little more potent than the other indazole derivatives in all three cancer cell lines. The CF3 functionality alone did not play a significant role in causing toxicity, while indazole derivative 16 with CF3 and bromo substitution was more cytotoxic to cancer cells. When isatin and indazole derivatives are compared, isatin derivatives are more cytotoxic than indazole derivatives.

2.3.2. ALDEFLUOR Assay and ALDH Isoform Inhibitory Activity

Based on the cytotoxicity data, we selected compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, 12, 16, and 17 from among the 21 compounds, and KS100 as a positive control to define their inhibitory actions against ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and ALDH1A3 enzyme activity at 500 nM concentration and the results are given in Table 4. The inhibition of enzymes was assessed by measuring the conversion of NAD+ to NADH in the presence of 1, 3, 4, 5, 12, 16, 17, and KS100 after adding isoform-specific aldehydes. ALDH1A1 inhibitory activity ranged from 9.46 to 51.32%, ALDH3A1 inhibitory activity ranged from −25.33 to 51.87%, and ALDH1A3 inhibitory activity ranged from 13.83 to 36.65 (Table 4). The most effective multi-ALDH isoform inhibitor was compound 3, with 51.32%, 51.87%, and 36.65% enzyme inhibition activity for ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and ALDH1A3 (Table 4). To investigate whether compound 3 acts as a broad-spectrum ALDH inhibitor, we conducted an ALDEFLUOR assay using KS100 as a positive control. The results showed a significant (~2.5-fold) inhibition of overall ALDH activity in melanoma cells by both KS100 and compound 3 (Figure 3A,B).
The structure–activity relationship of compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, 12, 16, and 17 was analyzed and compared to KS100 (Table 4). In general, the multi-ALDH isoform inhibitory action of compounds 1, 3, 4, and 5 with a dibromo isatin pharmacophore was shown to be higher than that of the indazole compounds. Compound 3 was an ALDH inhibitor and more effective than KS100 at inhibiting several isoforms. When compared to KS100 inhibitory activity, the ALDH inhibitory activity of 3 was 51.32% for ALDH1A1, 51.87% for ALDH3A1, and 36.65 for ALDH1A3, whereas the KS100 inhibitory activity was 45.93% for ALDH1A1, 37.04% for ALDH3A1, and 13.83 for ALDH1A3. In comparison to the isothiourea moiety present in KS100, the nitrofuran moiety in compound 3 led to better inhibition of ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and ALDH1A3. Compound 3 contains 5,7-dibromo isatin with a nitrofuran moiety and seems to confer the compound with broad-spectrum ALDH inhibitory activity by providing it with a more hydrophobic character due to the bromo isatin moiety and the interaction of nitrofuran with the active site of ALDH enzymes. Among all of the compounds, 5,7-dibromo isatin with nitrofuran moiety is the structure that ultimately leads to broad-spectrum ALDH inhibitory activity.

2.3.3. Evaluation of the Antiproliferative Activity of Compound 3 (MTS and TBDEA)

As shown in Figure 4A, compound 3 inhibited the in vitro growth of the human cancer cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner as measured by the MTS assay. Out of all of the 21 compounds screened, compound 3 showed better killing efficacy compared to the reference compound KS100. Compound 3 had IC50 values of 2.2 ± 0.2, 3.8 ± 0.4, 2.1 ± 0.1, 8.7 ± 1.1, and 7.1 ± 0.8 while KS100 had IC50 values of 3.8 ± 0.8, 2.8 ± 0.2, 4.3 ± 0.7, 4.3 ± 0.1, and 4.9 ± 0.8 against SKOV-3, MiaPaCa-2, HCT-116, HEK-293, and FHC cell lines, respectively. Compound 3 had significantly greater effectiveness, ranging from 0.5 to 2 times, than KS100 in targeting cancer cells. Additionally, it was found to be twice as non-toxic toward normal cell lines, as shown by the cell viability assay (Figure 4A, Table 3), suggesting a more significant therapeutic index. A trypan blue dye exclusion assay was performed using HCT-116 cells to validate the data obtained from the MTS assay further. HCT-116 cells were treated with 3 µM of compound 3 or KS100 for 48 h, harvested, and stained with trypan blue. The live (excluded trypan blue) and dead (stained with trypan blue) cells were counted using a hemocytometer. Compound 3 exhibited 23% higher cytotoxicity than KS100 when both were present at a concentration of 3 µM for a treatment duration of 48 h, as shown in Figure 4B. Thus, the trypan blue dye exclusion assay data confirmed the findings of the cell viability assay using MTS, indicating improved killing of cancer cells.

2.3.4. Compound 3 Induced Caspase-Mediated Apoptotic Cell Death in HCT116 Cells

Among all of the 21 compounds, compound 3 emerged as a lead molecule with the most potential for killing cancer cells. We evaluated cell death using the apoptosis assays caspase-3/7 7-AAD and Annexin V/7-AAD to identify the mechanistic basis for this efficacy. Both procedures were used to determine the live and apoptotic cell populations [54]. Compound 3 was more effective than KS100 in inducing apoptosis, even at a similar dose (3 µM), according to a Muse-based analysis of HCT-116 cells treated with both compounds (Figure 5A). Compound 3 showed ~12.8% (p = 0.0039) and ~13% (p = 0.0376) more apoptotic cell populations than KS100 in caspase-3/7 7-AAD and Annexin V/7-AAD, respectively. A quantitative comparison of the apoptotic cell populations caused by compound 3 and KS100 is shown in Figure 5B,C.

2.3.5. Compound 3 Generates more ROS Than KS100

Increased ROS production and antioxidant depletion can cause cancer cells to undergo apoptosis [55]. ROS production in the HCT-116 cells was analyzed using an oxidative stress kit after treating the cells for 24 h with compounds 3 or KS100 with/without N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for 24 h to quantify the ROS levels and its potential role in inducing apoptosis. NAC is a thiol-containing compound that has been used as an antioxidant to demonstrate the role of ROS in apoptosis. The results suggest compound 3 produces 34.7% (p = 0.0013) more ROS than KS100 (Figure 6A). When combined with NAC (a ROS scavenger)[56], both compounds showed a reduction in ROS production. These data suggest ROS may affect HCT-116 cells’ subsequent apoptosis-mediated cell death. Consistent with these data, western blot analysis confirmed DNA damage initiation by these compounds with the induction of γH2AX in HCT-116 cells (Figure 6B). The increased expression of γH2AX within 12 h of treatment suggests both compounds initiate DNA damage.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Chemistry

Isatin was purchased from Sigma–Aldrich (Sigma–Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA), and previously published procedures (41) were used to synthesize 5,7-dibromo isatin. Indazoles were purchased from Combi Blocks (San Diego, CA, USA). All of the other chemicals and solvents were purchased from major suppliers. As received, anhydrous solvents were employed. Glassware that had been dried in a nitrogen environment was used for the reactions. Analytical thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was used to evaluate the course of the reaction on aluminum-backed, precoated silica gel 60 F254 plates (Sigma–Aldrich). Colorless compounds were found using UV light and/or iodine vapor. Silica gel 60 (230–400 mesh, E. Merck, Rahway, NJ) was used for column chromatography together with the solvent system described in each method. Vol/Vol is used to express all solvent ratios. Utilizing a Bruker Avance 500 MHz spectrometer (Billerica, MA, USA), NMR spectra were captured. Chemical shifts (δ) from the internal standard were reported in parts per million downfield. The signals are denoted by the abbreviations s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), m (multiplet), dd (doublet of doublet), respectively. The residual solvent peak of the solvent mentioned in each process is the standard by which spectra are measured. MS spectra were recorded in positive-ion mode on TripleTOF 5600 (AB Sciex, Framingham, MA, USA) mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization (ESI). The samples were analyzed by flow infusion with a Prominence UFLC system (Shimadzu, Columbia, MD, USA) at flow 300 μL/min rates of 0.1% formic acid (MS grade) in a mixture of methanol and water 60:40. MS1 and MS2 data were acquired using a declustering potential (DP) of 100 V. MS2 data were obtained for a collision energy (CE) of 35 V with a collision energy spread (CES) of 15 eV. During the analysis, an ion spray voltage (IS) of 5500  V, curtain gas (CUR) of 35 psi, nebulizer gas (GS1) of 50 psi, heater gas 2 (GS2) of 55, and heater temperature (TEM) of 550 C were applied. The melting points were calculated using an uncorrected Fischer–Johns melting point equipment. Unless otherwise noted, all substances have a purity of >97% as determined by HPLC using an HP-Agilent 1200 HPLC machine (Santa Clara, CA, USA) on a C18 column. ALDH1A1 and ALDH3A1 were purchased from R&D systems, and ALDH1A3 from Sino Biological United States. The substrate and substrate mixture used were supplied with an ALDH assay Kit (MK-085) purchased from Sigma–Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA).

Procedure for the Synthesis of Compounds (1–21)

4-((5,7-Dibromo-2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl)methyl)benzyl allylcarbamimidothioate hydrobromide (1)
Thiourea (47.6 mg, 0.41 mmol), ethanol (10 mL), and 5,7-dibromo-N-(p-bromomethylbenzyl)isatin (II) (200 mg, 0.41 mmol) were then added and heated to reflux until the initial substance disappeared (TLC). Under vacuum, the solvent was evaporated. To eliminate unreacted 5,7-dibromo-N-(p-bromomethylbenzyl)isatin, the crude product was washed with ethylacetate. To obtain orange-yellow crystals of 1, the product was recrystallized using ethanol and ethyl acetate (1:3), Yield: 76%; mp: 118–120 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.85 (br. s, 1H), 9.44 (br s, 1H), 9.12 (br s, 1H), 8.01 (d, J = 1.99 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J = 1.99 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (d, J = 8.37 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (d, J = 8.37 Hz, 2H), 5.78~5.71 (m, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 5.15 (d, J = 10.99 Hz, 1H), 5.06 (d, J = 17.65 Hz, 1H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 3.94 (d, J = 4Hz, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 181.06, 165.63, 159.57, 146.64, 143.70, 137.37, 134.33, 131.68, 129.52, 127.08, 126.79, 123.26, 117.73, 116.17, 104.59, 45.92, 44.41, 34.99. MS (ESI) m/z 524 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C20H17Br2N3O2S calculated 523.2430, found m/z: 523.9405.
Methyl (E)-3-(4-((5,7-dibromo-2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl)methyl)phenyl)acrylate (2)
5,7-Dibromoisatin (I) (200 mg, 0.66 mmol) was taken up in anhydrous DMF (5 mL), and stirred with K2CO3 (113 mg, 0.82 mmol) at RT for 1 h. Methyl (2E)-3-[4-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-2-propenoate (210 mg, 0.82 mmol) was added, and the reaction mixture was stirred for 4 h until the 5,7-dibromoisatin starting material had been consumed (TLC). The reaction mixture was poured into cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate layer was washed with water, brine and dried over MgSO4. The solvent was removed, and the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (hexane:ethylacetate; 80:20) as eluent to obtain 2 as an orange yellow solid, yield: 56%; mp: 186–188 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.00 (d, J = 1.99 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J = 1.99 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J = 8.34 Hz, 2H), 7.66 (d, J = 16.24 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (d, J = 8.34 Hz, 2H), 6.65 (d, J = 16.24 Hz, 1H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 181.00, 167.19, 159.62, 146.61, 144.72, 143.64, 140.17, 133.30, 128.99, 127.20, 126.72, 123.32, 118.01, 116.13, 104.61, 51.92, 44.60. MS (ESI) m/z 480[M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C19H13Br2NO4 calculated 479.1240, found m/z: 479.9278.
4-((5,7-Dibromo-2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl)methyl)benzyl 5-nitrofuran-2-carboxylate (3)
A suspension of compound (II) (250 mg, 0.51 mmol) and solid Cs2CO3 (208 mg, 0.64 mmol) was agitated with 5-nitro-2-furoic acid (80 mg, 0.51 mmol) overnight in anhydrous DMF (8 mL). The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with ethyl acetate. After being washed with water and brine, the ethyl acetate layer was dried over MgSO4. The crude product was purified using silica gel column chromatography with hexane:ethylacetate (80:20) as the eluent to provide 3 as a yellow solid, yield: 71%; mp: 122–124 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.01 9d, J = 1.92 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J = 1.92 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J = 3.87 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J = 3.87 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (s, 4H), 5.39 (s, 2H), 5.27 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 181.08, 159.58, 157.12, 146.67, 144.37, 143.72, 137.90, 134.28, 129.15,126.91, 126.76, 123.24, 120.66, 116.13, 113.51, 104.65, 67.42, 44.47. MS (ESI) m/z 587 [M+Na]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C21H12Br2N2O7 calculated 564.1420, found m/z: 586.8907.
4-((5,7-Dibromo-2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl)methyl)benzyl furan-2-carboxylate (4)
The procedure used for 3 was repeated with compound (II) (200 mg, 0.41 mmol), Cs2CO3 (167 mg, 0.51 mmol), and 2-furoic acid (80 mg, 0.51 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (8 mL). The compound 4 was an orange solid, yield: 73%; mp: 132–134 °C; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ = 7.84 (d, J = 1.99 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (d, J = 1.99 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.43 (d, J = 7.90 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (d, J = 7.90 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (dd, J = 3.42 Hz, J = 0.5 Hz, 1H), 6.52 (dd, J = 2.69 Hz, J = 1.76 Hz, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 5.34 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ = 181.17 (s), 158.46 (s), 158.31 (s), 146.63 (s), 146.51 (s), 145.35 (s), 144.46 (s), 135.94 (s), 135.34 (s), 128.89 (s). 127.62 (s), 126.77 (s), 121.46 (s), 118.31 (s), 117.30 (s), 111.90 (s), 105.22 (s), 65.99 (s), 44.498 (s). MS (ESI) m/z 540 [M+Na]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C21H13Br2NO5 calculated 516.9160, found m/z: 539.9066.
4-((5,7-Dibromo-2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl)methyl)benzaldehyde (5)
5,7-Dibromoisatin (I) (280 mg. 0.90 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous DMF (6 mL) and stirred with K2CO3 (133 mg, 0.96 mmol) at room temperature for 1 h. After adding (248 mg, 1.25 mmol) of 4-(bromomethyl)benzaldehyde, the reaction mixture was agitated for 4 h. The reaction mixture was poured into cold water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate layer was washed with water, brine and dried over MgSO4. The solvent was removed, and the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (hexane: ethylacetate; 80:20) as eluent to obtain 5 as a yellow solid, yield: 68%; mp: 205–207 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 10.00 (s, 1H), 8.01 (d, J = 1.99 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J = 7.18 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (d, J = 1.99 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J = 8.18 Hz, 2H), 5.33 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 193.22, 180.92, 159.66, 146.52, 144.72, 143.61, 135.68, 130.17, 127.33, 126.75, 123.37, 116.20, 104.57, 44.81. MS (ESI) m/z 424 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C16H9Br2NO3 calculated 423.0600, found m/z: 423.9017.
4-((5-Methoxy-2,3-dioxoindolin-1-yl)methyl)benzyl carbamimidothioate hydrobromide (6)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 1-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-5-methoxyindoline-2,3-dione (230 mg, 0.64 mmol) of (II), and (48 mg, 0.64 mmol) of thiourea. Compound 6 was obtained as an orange solid, yield: 73%); mp: 214–216 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.18 (br. s, 2H), 8.99 (br. s, 2H), 7.43 (d, J = 8.35 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, J = 8.35 Hz, 2H), 7.19~7.17 (m, 2H), 6.91 (dd, J = 9.25 Hz, J = 1.53 Hz, 1H), 4.89 (s, 2H), 4.40 (s, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ =183.77, 169.39, 158.83, 156.30, 144.49, 135.98, 134.74, 129.74, 128.25, 124.16, 118.72, 112.52, 109.82, 56.39, 43.03, 34.33. MS (ESI) m/z 356 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C18H17N3O3S calculated 355.4120, found m/z: 356.1037.
4-((2,3-Dioxo-5-(trifluoromethyl)indolin-1-yl)methyl)benzyl allylcarbamimidothioate hydrobromide (7)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 1-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)indoline-2,3-dione (260 mg, 0.65 mmol) of (II), and (76 mg, 0.65 mmol) of allylthiourea. The product 7 was an orange solid, yield: 69%; mp: 122–124 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.84 (br. s, 1H), 9.43 (br. s, 1H), 9.16 (br. s, 1H), 7.95 (d, J = 8.25 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.47 (d, J =8.12 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J = 8.12 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (d, J = 8.45 Hz, 1H), 5.78~5.70 (m, 1H), 5.13 (d, J = 10.38 Hz, 1H), 5.04 (d, J = 16.54 Hz, 1H), 4.98 (s, 2H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 3.93 (d, J = 4.75 Hz, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 165.57, 158.99, 153.30, 135.45, 135.03, 134.84 (q, J = 3.62 Hz), 131.68, 129.72, 128.20, 124.36 (q, J = 271.59 Hz), 124.17 (q, J = 32.66 Hz), 123.26, 121.57, 121.52 (q, J = 3.70 Hz), 118.85, 117.64, 111.91, 65.39, 45.91, 43.25, 34.91. MS (ESI) m/z 434 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C21H18F3N3O2S calculated 433.4492, found m/z: 434.1117.
Methyl (E)-3-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)phenyl)acrylate (8); Methyl (E)-3-(4-((5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-indazol-2-yl)methyl)phenyl)acrylate (9)
Sodium hydride (60% in oil, 0.14 mg, 5.12 mmol) was added slowly to a solution of compound (III) (500 mg, 3.35 mmol) in anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (15 mL) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at an ambient temperature of 60 °C. Methyl (2E)-3-[4-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-2-propenoate (1.71 g, 6.7 mmol) was then added, and the reaction mixture was stirred for an additional 4 h at 60 °C. The mixture was poured into ice-cold water, and the product was extracted by ethyl acetate, washed with water, and the isomers were purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 5% ethyl acetate in hexanes to provide products 8 and 9 as white solids. Compound 8, yield 40%; mp: 125–127 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: H1 = 8.33 (s, 1H), H4 = 7.81 (d, J = 8.95 Hz, 1H), H5 = 7.45 (m, 1H), H7 = 8.27 (s, 1H), H10 = 5.79 (s, 2H), H12 = 7.26 (d, J = 8.23 Hz, 2H), H13 = 7.61 (d, J = 8.23 Hz, 2H), H15 = 7.61 (d, J = 16.13 Hz, 1H), H16 = 6.60 (d, J = 16.13 Hz, 1H), H18 = 3.71 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: C17 = 167.05, C15 = 144.41, C9 = 140.82, C11 = 139.9, C1 = 135.34, C14 = 133.94, C13 = 129.10, CF3 = 125.36 (q, J = 271.44 Hz), C8 = 123.42, C7 = 123.08 (q, J = 2.95 Hz), C6 = 122.01 (q, J = 31.54 Hz), C5 = 120.06 (q, J = 4.60 Hz), C12 = 128.30, C16 = 118.42, C4 = 111.56, C10 = 52.17, C18 = 51.93. MS (ESI) m/z 361 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C19H15F3N2O2 calculated 360.3362, found m/z: 361.1138.
Compound 9, yield 26%; mp: 146–148 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: H1 = 8.77(s, 1H), H7 = 8.26 (s, 1H), H4 = 7.81 (d, J = 8.91 Hz, 1H), H13 = 7.72 (d, J = 8.23 Hz, 2H), H15 = 7.64 (d, J = 16.10 Hz, 1H), H5 = 7.45 (dd, J = 8.91 Hz, J = 1.59 Hz, 1H), H12 = 7.37 (d, J = 8.23 Hz, 2H), H16 = 6.63 (d, J = 16.10 Hz, 1H), H10 = 5.76 (s, 2H), H18 = 3.72 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: C17 = 167.06, C9 = 149.13, C4 = 144.37, C11 = 139.27, C14 = 134.23, C13 = 129.11, C12 = 128.77, C1 = 127.47, CF3 = 125.41 (q, J = 271.62 Hz), C6 = 122.20 (q, J = 31.37 Hz), C5 = 121.67 (q, J = 2.93 Hz), C7 = 120.68 (q, J = 5.05 Hz), C8 = 120.59, C15 = 118.99, C16 = 118.64, C10 = 56.65, C18 = 51.95. MS (ESI) m/z 361 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C19H15F3N2O2 calculated 360.3362, found m/z: 361.1146.
4-((5-(Trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)benzyl allylcarbamimidothioate hydrobromide (10)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 1-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazole (IV) (210 mg, 0.57 mmol), and (66 mg, 0.57 mmol) of allylthiourea. The product was a white solid, yield: 61%; mp: 104–106 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.80 (br. s, 1H), 9.33 (br. s, 2H), 8.31 (s, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d, J = 8.96 Hz,1H), 7.68 (dd, J = 9.08 Hz, J = 1.29 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, J = 7.98 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (d, J = 7.98 Hz, 2H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 5.72–5.66 (m, 1H), 5.02 (d, J = 10.61 Hz, 1H), 4.96 (d, J = 17.02 Hz, 1H), 4.51 (s, 2H), 3.91 (d, J = 4.76 Hz, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 165.46, 140.76, 137.40, 135.27, 135.20, 132.64, 129.69, 128.630, 125.36 (q, J = 271.27 Hz), 123.38, 123.02 (q, J = 3.18 Hz), 121.96 (q, J = 31.54 Hz), 120.05 (q, J = 4.51 Hz), 117.51, 111.59, 52.12, 45.89, 34.93. MS (ESI) m/z 405 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C20H19F3N4S calculated 404.4552, found m/z: 405.1335.
4-((5-(Trifluoromethyl)-2H-indazol-2-yl)methyl)benzyl allylcarbamimidothioate hydrobromide (11)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 2-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-indazole (V) (160 mg, 0.43 mmol), and (50 mg, 0.43 mmol) of allylthiourea. The product was a white solid, yield: 46%; mp: 105–107 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.81 (br. s, 2H), 9.33 (br. s, 2H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d, J = 8.96 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (dd, J =9.08 Hz, J = 1.29 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, J = 7.98 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (d, J = 7.98 Hz, 2H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 5.72~5.66 (m, 1H), 5.02 (d, J = 10.61 Hz, 1H), 4.96 (d, J = 17.02, 1H), 4.51 (s, 2H), 3.91 (d, J = 4.76 Hz, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 165.47, 149.07, 136.81, 135.58, 131.64, 129.70, 128.92, 127.39, 125.41 (q, J = 271.50 Hz), 122.16 (q, J = 31.19 Hz), 121.57 (q, J = 2.72 Hz), 120.67 (q, J = 4.90 Hz), 120.57, 118.98, 117.63, 56.61, 45.91, 34.94. MS (ESI) m/z 405 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C20H19F3N4S calculated 404.4552, found m/z: 405.1337.
4-((5-(Trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)benzylcarbamimidothioate hydrobromide (12)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 1-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazole (IV) (220 mg, 0.60 mmol), and (45 mg, 0.60 mmol) of thiourea. The product was a white solid, yield: 66%; mp: 183–185 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.18 (br. s, 2H), 8.98 (br. s, 2H), 8.33 (s, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d, J = 8.94 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (dd, J = 8.94 Hz, J = 1.42 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (d, J = 8.04 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.04 Hz, 2H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 169.35, 140.79, 137.43, 135.30, 134.92, 129.70, 128.29, 125.37 (q, J = 271.04 Hz), 123.36, 123.05 (q, J = 3.12 Hz), 121.96 (q, J = 31.58 Hz), 120.06 (q, J = 4.55 Hz), 111.58, 52.09, 34.31. MS (ESI) m/z 365 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C17H15F3N4S calculated 364.3902, found m/z: 365.1039.
4-((5-(Trifluoromethyl)-2H-indazol-2-yl)methyl)benzyl carbamimidothioate hydrobromide (13)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 2-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-indazole (V) (230 mg, 0.62 mmol), and (47 mg, 0.62 mmol) of thiourea. The product was white solid, yield: 58%; mp: 181–183 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.19 (br. s, 2H), 8.98 (br. s, 2H), 8.78 (s, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.81 (d, J = 9.17 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (dd, J = 9.17 Hz, J = 1.42 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J = 8.14 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (d, J = 8.14 Hz, 2H), 5.73 (s, 2H), 4.49 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 169.34, 149.07, 136.83, 135.32, 129.72, 128.92, 127.43, 125.41 (q, J = 271.28 Hz), 122.16 (q, J = 31.35 Hz), 121.58 (q, J = 2.82 Hz), 120.68 (q, J = 4.96 Hz), 120.57, 118.99, 56.60, 34.31. MS (ESI) m/z 365 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C17H15F3N4S calculated 364.3902, found m/z: 365.1034.
4-((7-(Trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)benzyl carbamimidothioate hydrobromide (14)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 1-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-7-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazole (IV) (240 mg, 0.65 mmol), and (50 mg, 0.65 mmol) of thiourea. The product was a white solid, yield: 59%; mp: 206–208 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.16 (br. s, 2H), 8.97 (br. s, 2H), 8.23 (d, J = 8.07 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J = 7.38 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (t, J = 7.67 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (d, J = 8.09 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (d, J = 8.09 Hz, 2H), 5.76 (s, 2H), 4.45 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 169.37, 138.09, 136.08, 134.95, 134.29, 129.53, 127.55, 127.25, 126.91, 126.30 (q, J = 6.40 Hz), 124.30 (q, J = 271.69 Hz), 120.65, 111.50 (q, J = 32.93 Hz), 53.99 (q, J = 4.12 Hz), 34.33. MS (ESI) m/z 365 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C17H15F3N4S calculated 364.3902, found m/z: 365.1051.
4-((7-(Trifluoromethyl)-2H-indazol-2-yl)methyl)benzyl carbamimidothioate hydrobromide (15)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 2-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-7-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-indazole (V) (220 mg, 0.60 mmol), and (45 mg, 0.60 mmol) of thiourea. The product was a white solid, yield: 53%; mp: 195–197 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.19 (br. s, 2H), 8.99 (br. s, 2H), 8.74 (s, 1H), 8.07 (d, J = 8.53 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J = 7.31 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (d, J = 8.14 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (d, J = 8.14 Hz, 2H), 7.19 (t, J = 7.77 Hz, 1H), 5.76 (s, 2H), 4.49 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 169.35, 143.60, 136.84, 135.31, 129.75, 128.76, 126.70, 126.24, 124.75 (q, J = 5.22 Hz), 124.57 (q, J = 272.86 Hz), 123.24, 120.37, 117.30 (q, J = 32.32 Hz), 56.54, 34.41. MS (ESI) m/z 365 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C17H15F3N4S calculated 364.3902, found m/z: 365.1052.
4-((3-Bromo-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)benzyl carbamimidothioate hydrobromide (16)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 3-bromo-1-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazole (IV) (260 mg, 0.58 mmol), and (44 mg, 0.58 mmol) of thiourea. The product was a white solid, yield: 53%; mp: 213–215 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.17 (br. s, 2H), 8.97 (br. s, 2H), 8.10 (d, J = 8.94 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.82 (dd, J = 8.94 Hz, J = 1.28 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (d, J = 8.02 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (d, J = 8.02 Hz, 2H), 5.76 (s, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 169.33, 142.14, 136.84, 135.17, 129.80, 128.48, 124.93 (q, J = 272.43 Hz), 124.62 (q, J = 2.96 Hz), 123.21 (q, J = 32.05 Hz), 122.76 (s), 121.77, 118.54 (q, J = 4.51 Hz), 112.63, 52.58, 34.29. MS (ESI) m/z 444 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C17H15BrF3N4S calculated 443.2862, found m/z: 444.0212.
4-((3-Bromo-7-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)benzyl carbamimidothioate hydrobromide (17)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 3-bromo-1-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-7-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazole (IV) (230 mg, 0.51 mmol), and (44 mg, 0.51 mmol) of thiourea. The product was a white solid, yield: 43%; mp: 235–237 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.17 (br. s, 2H), 8.97 (br. s, 2H), 8.03 (t, J = 7.44 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (t, J = 7.80 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, J = 7.93 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (d, J = 7.93 Hz, 2H), 5.73 (s, 2H), 4.46 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 169.36, 137.37, 136.33, 134.59, 129.65, 128.05 (q, J = 5.81 Hz), 127.05, 126.35, 126.26, 123.88 (q, J = 271.37 Hz), 123.08, 121.98, 112.12 (q, J = 32.87 Hz), 54.53 (q, J = 3.81 Hz), 34.32. MS (ESI) m/z 444 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C17H15BrF3N4S calculated 443.2862, found m/z: 444.0212.
4-((3-Bromo-5-methoxy-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)benzyl carbamimidothioate hydrobromide (18)
The procedure used for 1 was repeated with 3-bromo-1-(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-5-methoxy-1H-indazole (IV) (200 mg, 0.49 mmol), and (37 mg, 0.49 mmol) of thiourea. The product was a white solid, yield: 41%; mp: 171–173 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.16 (br. s, 2H), 8.96 (br. s, 2H), 7.73 (d, J = 9.26 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d, J = 8.32 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.32 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (dd, J = 9.26 Hz, J = 2.26 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (d, J = 2.26 Hz, 1H), 5.63 (s, 2H), 4.45 (s, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 169.34, 155.57, 137.39, 136.86, 134.93, 129.71, 128.34, 123.77, 120.62, 118.96, 112.25, 98.76, 56.05, 52.40, 34.33. MS (ESI) m/z 406 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C17H17BrN4OS calculated 405.3140, found m/z: 406.0435.
(4-((3-Bromo-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)phenyl)methanol (19)
Sodium hydride (60% in oil, 57 mg, 1.41 mmol) was added slowly to a solution of compound (III) (300 mg, 1.13 mmol) in anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (10 mL) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at an ambient temperature to 60 °C. After adding the 4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)oxy)TBDMS (425 mg, 1.42 mmol), it was stirred for another 4 h at 60 °C. The product was extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with water, and purified by silica gel column chromatography using 10% ethyl acetate in hexanes to yield an intermediate viscous product, 3-bromo-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1-(4(2,3,3-trimethylbutan-2-yl)oxy) methyl)benzyl)-1H-indazole. The intermediate was stirred with tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF for 1 h at RT. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the product was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 20% ethyl acetate in hexane, yield 43%; mp: 96–98 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 8.06 (d, J = 8.06 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.80 (dd, J = 9.04 Hz, J = 1.47 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (q, J = 8.08 Hz, 4H), 5.71 (s, 2H), 5.16 (t, J = 5.64 Hz, 1H), 4.45 (d, J = 5.64 Hz, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 142.79, 142.00, 135.24, 127.90, 127.23, 124.93 (q, J = 272.09 Hz), 124.50 (q, J = 3.01 Hz), 123.75 (q, J = 32.04 Hz), 121.51, 118.47 (q, J = 4.59 Hz), 112.64, 63.00, 52.89. MS (ESI) m/z 386 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C16H12BrF3N2O calculated 385.1842, found m/z: 386.0212.
4-((3-Bromo-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)benzaldehyde (20)
Sodium hydride (60% in oil, 57 mg, 1.41 mmol) was added slowly to a solution of compound (III) (230 mg, 0.87 mmol) in anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (6 mL) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at an ambient temperature to 60 °C. It was stirred for another 4 h at 60 °C after adding the 4-(bromomethyl)benzaldehyde (224 mg, 1.13 mmol). The mixture was poured into ice cold water, and the product was extracted by ethyl acetate, washed with water, and purified by silica gel column chromatography by eluting with 10% ethyl acetate in hexanes to obtain 20 as a white solid, yield 56%; mp: 108–110 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 9.97 (s, 1H), 8.08 (d, J = 9.00 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.88 (d, J = 8.30 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (dd, J = 9.02 Hz, J = 1.26 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (d, J = 8.06 Hz); 2H), 5.88 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 193.14, 143.58, 142.32, 136.15, 130.42, 128.55, 124.90 (q, J = 272.10 Hz), 124.76 (q, J = 3.12 Hz), 123.34 (q, J = 32.20 Hz), 122.84, 122.09, 118.59 (q, J = 4.50 Hz), 112.57, 52.61. MS (ESI) m/z 384 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C16H10BrF3N2O calculated 383.1682, found m/z: 384.0061.
1-(4-((3-Bromo-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)phenyl)-3-(dimethylamino)propan-1-one hydrochloride (21)
Sodium hydride (60% in oil, 52 mg, 1.32 mmol) was added slowly to a solution of compound (iii) (R1 = Br, R2 = CF3, R3 = H) (280 mg, 1.06 mmol) in anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (10 mL) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at an ambient temperature of 60 °C. After adding the 1-(4-(bromomethyl)phenyl)ethan-1-one (282 mg, 1.33 mmol), it was stirred for another 4 h at 60 °C. The mixture was poured into ice-cold water, and the product was extracted by ethyl acetate, washed with water, concentrated, and purified by silica gel column chromatography by eluting with 20% ethyl acetate in hexanes to obtain an intermediate product 1-(4-(3-bromo-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazol-1-yl)methyl)phenyl)ethan-1-one (VI) as a white solid. The intermediate (200 mg, 0.50 mmol), dimethylamine hydrochloride, 55 mg (0.65 mmol), paraformaldehyde (40 mg, 1.3 mmol), and 20 mL of ethanol were heated to reflux with stirring. To this mixture was added 20 drops of conc. HCl and the reaction was heated at 80 °C for 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled, and ether was added. The product was precipitated and filtered and washed with ether to provide 21 as a white solid, yield 62%; mp: 171–173 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 10.52 (s, 1H), 8.10 (d, J = 8.71 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.98 (d, J = 8.20 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (dd, J = 9.04 Hz, J = 1.15 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J = 8.20 Hz, 2H), 5.88 (s, 2H), 3.58 (t, J = 7.26 Hz, 2H), 3.38 (t, J = 7.26 Hz, 2H), 2.79 (s, 6H). 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 196.76, 142.66, 142.28, 135.87, 129.03, 128.30, 124.82 (q, J = 271.87 Hz), 124.72 (q, J = 2.80 Hz), 123.32 (q, J = 32.07 Hz), 122.84, 122.67, 118.57 (q, J = 4.52 Hz), 112.62, 52.58, 52.19, 42.72, 33.62. MS (ESI) m/z 455 [M+H]; HRMS (ESI) m/z for C20H19BrF3N3O calculated 454.2912, found m/z: 455.0811.

3.2. Biological Evaluation

3.2.1. Cell Line and Culture Conditions

All of the cell lines used in this research were procured from the American Tissue Type Collection (ATCC, Manassas, VA, USA). The cell lines were maintained and cultured based on the suggestions provided by the ATCC (ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA USA). The cells were grown in the ATCC’s recommended growth media supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (HyClone®, Logan, UT, USA). Each cell line was harvested using 0.25% trypsin-EDTA (Sigma–Aldrich) and counted using a hemocytometer for the experiments. Stock solutions of compounds were made up and delivered to the cells in DMSO.

3.2.2. Molecular Docking Studies

To model the binding interactions of compound 3 with ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1 proteins, the Autodock Vina was used to perform molecular docking [57]. The structures ALDH1A1 (PDB: 4X4L), ALDH1A3 (PDB: 7QK7), and ALDH3A1 (PDB: 3SZB) were retrieved on 25 May 2023 from the protein data bank (PDB) (https://www.rcsb.org//). Protein three-dimensional structures were prepared by removing water molecules from the structure coordinates files, adding hydrogen atoms and charges using MGL tools, and then converting it to PDBQT format as per the defined methodology. Prepared protein structures were used to generate scoring grids for further docking calculations. A grid box of size (40 × 40 × 40 Å) was centered on the corresponding active site position with 0.375 Å grid spacing. The grid dimensions and exhaustiveness values for ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1 are given in Table 5. The ligand was prepared by setting the active torsions and detecting the root of the molecules to adjust them according to the defined pocket of the target proteins. The docking studies were carried out with rigid proteins, and all docking parameters were set to a default value. The schematic diagrams of the protein–ligand interactions were generated and analyzed using UCSF-Chimera [58].

3.2.3. ALDEFLUOR Assay

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity within human melanoma cells was assessed by utilizing the ALDEFLUOR Kit from STEMCELL Technologies. UACC 903 cells underwent separate 24 h treatments with 1 µM KS100, 1 µM Compound 3, and DMSO served as a control. Post-treatment, cells were washed with PBS, and the ALDEFLUOR assay was performed following the manufacturer’s protocol, employing DEAB as a negative control. ALDH percentages were determined using a BD LSRFortessa flow cytometer (San Jose, CA, USA).

3.2.4. ALDH Isoform-Specific Enzyme Inhibition Assays

ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and ALDH1A3 enzyme inhibition assays were performed as reported previously [49]. Briefly, 500 ng/100 uL of ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and ALDH1A3 were treated with 500 nM concentration of the tested compounds and incubated for 15 min followed by the addition of reaction mixture (substrate + Substrate mixture). The plate was then incubated for another 2030 min until the conversion of NAD+ to NADH was visible as pink color production. The absorbance was measured at 450 nm. [Absorbance Control–Absorbance treated/Absorbance Control]100 was used to compute the percentage of inhibition.

3.2.5. Cell Viability Assay

Five thousand cells/well were plated in 96-well plates in growth media and left for attachment for 24 h. The cells were then treated with the respective compounds using varying concentrations for 48 h. At the end of the treatment duration, a solution of MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] and an electron coupling reagent, PES (phenazine ethosulfate) (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) was added to the cells. Then, 15 μL of MTS reagent was added to each well, and the absorbance was assessed at 490 nm with a microplate reader (Dynex Technologies, MRX Revelation; Chantilly, VA, USA) after 1 h incubation with MTS. The data were recorded, and the IC50 value was calculated using non-linear curve regression analysis (Graph pad V8.0, CA, USA).

3.2.6. Trypan Blue Dye Exclusion Assay

HCT-116 cells were seeded in a 6-well plate at a density of 5 x105 cells/well and cultured for 24 h. The cells were then treated with 3 µM of compounds 3 and KS100 for 48 h. After 48 h of treatment, the cells were harvested and mixed with 1:4 volume of 0.4% trypan blue dye (Invitrogen, Waltham, MA, USA). Cells were loaded onto a hemocytometer and 4 fields per sample were counted using a bright field microscope. Live and healthy cells were unstained or excluded from the dye, whereas dead or membrane-compromised cells retained the dye and appeared blue.

3.2.7. Apoptosis Assay

The apoptosis assays were carried out following the manufacturer’s instructions using the Muse Caspase-3/7 assay kit and Annexin V/7-AAD kit (Luminex Corp., TX, US). In a 6-well plate, the cells were seeded at a density of 1X105 cells/well. The cells were treated with 3 µM of the compounds following a 24 h incubation period. The cells were cultured for 48 h (Annexin V/7-AAD) as opposed to 24 h (Caspase-3/7 test). Cell Dissociation buffer, an enzyme-free solution, was used to harvest the cells at the end of the treatment period. The samples were then given the appropriate dye treatments following the manufacturer’s instructions.

3.2.8. Chemifluorescence Assay for Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generation

The Muse® Oxidative Stress Kit (Luminex Corp., Austin, TX, USA) was used to assess the generation of ROS in the HCT-116 cells after the treatment with the compounds. In a 6-well plate, the cells were seeded at a density of 1 × 105 cells/well. After 24 h incubation, the cells were treated with the respective compounds with or without 5 mM of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the serum-enriched medium for 24 h. At the end of the treatment duration, the cells were harvested, and 10 μL of cells in suspension was added into each tube. Furthermore, 190 μL of Muse Oxidative Stress Reagent working solution was added to each tube. The samples were mixed thoroughly by pipetting up and down or vortexing at medium speed for 3 to 5 s. The samples were incubated for 30 min at 37 °C and analyzed using Muse Cell Analyzer.

3.2.9. Western Blot

Western blotting was performed as described previously [59]. The antibodies used were procured from Cell Signaling Technologies. Briefly, the HCT-116 cells were treated with 3 µM of compounds 3 and KS100 for 12 h. Subsequently, the cells were lysed, and the protein was loaded on a 4–15% SDS-PAGE gel (Bio-Rad, Philadelphia, PA, USA). The protein was transferred to a 0.45 µm pore membrane (Immobilon®-P PVDF Membrane, EMD Millipore, USA). The membranes were further treated with the respective primary and secondary antibodies. The Western blot images are representative of three independent experiments.

3.2.10. Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was undertaken using one-way/two-way ANOVA in GraphPad PRISM Version 7.04 software. Dunnett’s post hoc analysis was performed to determine significant differences. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

4. Conclusion

This article describes the design and synthesis of new, multi-isoform, potentially more potent broad-spectrum ALDH inhibitors. Compounds were examined for in silico docking and antiproliferative properties in cell lines derived from multiple types of cancer, suggesting effectiveness and selectivity for killing cultured cancer cells. Compound 3 was more potent than KS100, a previously reported multi-isoform ALDH (ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1) inhibitor. The inhibition of ALDH1A1 and 3A1 by compound 3 was slightly higher than that of KS100, while the inhibition of ALDH1A3 by compound 3 was three times greater than that of KS100. When compared to the isothiourea moiety in KS100, the nitro-furan moiety in compound 3 was the one that was responsible for the inhibition of ALDH1A3. Mechanistically, strong inhibition of multiple isoforms of ALDH led to increased ROS activity and apoptosis. Compound 3 (KS124) was identified as a potentially promising agent worthy of further investigation.

Supplementary Materials

The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/molecules29133114/s1. Copies of the 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra for new compounds and cytotoxicity data

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, K.G.; validation, investigation, K.G. and A.R.; resources, G.P.R., S.A., T.D.S. and A.K.S.; data curation, V.V., N.A.L., J.M.L., J.K.S. and S.K.S.; writing original draft preparation, K.G.; writing review and editing, A.R., G.P.R., T.D.S., S.A. and A.K.S., project administration, K.G. and A.K.S.; funding acquisition, G.P.R. and A.K.S. The manuscript was written with contributions from all authors. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

G.P.R. acknowledges the National Institutes of Health Grant CA241148 and Penn State Chocolate Tour Cancer Research fund and is partly supported by the National Institutes of Health Grant ES028244 (Gary H. Perdew).

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

All data are contained within the article and Supplementary Materials.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Penn State Cancer Institute, Organic Synthesis Shared Resource, Flow Cytometry Shared Resource, and NMR facility at Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA for their cooperation. They also thank the Metabolomics Shared Resource at The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA for their assistance.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Abbreviations

ALDHs: aldehyde dehydrogenases; 4-HNE, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal; MDA, malondialdehyde; ROS, reactive oxygen species.

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Molecules 29 03114 g001
Figure 1. Specific and multi-isoform ALDH inhibitors.
Figure 1. Specific and multi-isoform ALDH inhibitors.
Molecules 29 03114 g001
Molecules 29 03114 g002
Figure 2. Molecular docking 3D representation of compound 3 in the active site pockets of (A) ALDH1A1 (PDB ID: 4 × 4 L) (B) ALDH1A3 (PDB ID: 7QK7) (C) ALDH3A1 (PDB ID: 3SZB).
Figure 2. Molecular docking 3D representation of compound 3 in the active site pockets of (A) ALDH1A1 (PDB ID: 4 × 4 L) (B) ALDH1A3 (PDB ID: 7QK7) (C) ALDH3A1 (PDB ID: 3SZB).
Molecules 29 03114 g002
Molecules 29 03114 sch001
Scheme 1. Synthesis of novel isatin derivatives (1–7). Reagents and conditions: a) K2CO3, DMF, 4-(bromomethyl)benzaldehyde, RT; b) K2CO3, DMF, methyl (2E)-3-[4-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-2 propenoate, RT; c) K2CO3, DMF, 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene, RT; d) N-allylthiourea, EtOH, reflux; e) Cs2CO3, DMF, 5-nitro-2-furoic acid, RT; f) Cs2CO3, DMF, 2-furoic acid, RT; g) thiourea, EtOH, reflux.
Scheme 1. Synthesis of novel isatin derivatives (1–7). Reagents and conditions: a) K2CO3, DMF, 4-(bromomethyl)benzaldehyde, RT; b) K2CO3, DMF, methyl (2E)-3-[4-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-2 propenoate, RT; c) K2CO3, DMF, 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene, RT; d) N-allylthiourea, EtOH, reflux; e) Cs2CO3, DMF, 5-nitro-2-furoic acid, RT; f) Cs2CO3, DMF, 2-furoic acid, RT; g) thiourea, EtOH, reflux.
Molecules 29 03114 sch001
Molecules 29 03114 sch002
Scheme 2. Synthesis of novel indazole derivatives (8–21). Reagents and conditions: (a) NaH, DMF, 60 °C, methyl (2E)-3-[4-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-2-propenoate; (b) NaH, DMF, 60 °C, 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene, RT; (c) NaH, DMF, 60 °C, 4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)oxy)TBDMS; (d) THF, TBAF, RT; (e) NaH, DMF, 60 °C, 4-(bromomethyl)benzaldehyde; (f) NaH, DMF, 60 °C,1-(4 (Bromomethyl)phenyl)ethanone; (g) N-allylthiourea, EtOH, reflux; (h) thiourea, EtOH, reflux; (i) Paraformaldehyde, dimethyl amine, EtOH, RT.
Scheme 2. Synthesis of novel indazole derivatives (8–21). Reagents and conditions: (a) NaH, DMF, 60 °C, methyl (2E)-3-[4-(bromomethyl)phenyl]-2-propenoate; (b) NaH, DMF, 60 °C, 1,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene, RT; (c) NaH, DMF, 60 °C, 4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)oxy)TBDMS; (d) THF, TBAF, RT; (e) NaH, DMF, 60 °C, 4-(bromomethyl)benzaldehyde; (f) NaH, DMF, 60 °C,1-(4 (Bromomethyl)phenyl)ethanone; (g) N-allylthiourea, EtOH, reflux; (h) thiourea, EtOH, reflux; (i) Paraformaldehyde, dimethyl amine, EtOH, RT.
Molecules 29 03114 sch002
Molecules 29 03114 g003
Figure 3. Inhibition of ALDH Activity in Human Melanoma by Compound 3 and KS100. ALDEFLUOR assay using DEAB as a negative control. UACC 903 cells treated with Compound 3 and KS100 were stained with ALDEFLUOR dye (A), and the resulting bar graph represents triplicates (B). Both compounds exhibited significant inhibition of ALDH activity, suggesting their potential therapeutic relevance in human melanoma. The bar graph displays the mean ± SD of three replicates. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA with GraphPad PRISM Version 6 software, followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. Statistical significance was established at a p-value of < 0.05.
Figure 3. Inhibition of ALDH Activity in Human Melanoma by Compound 3 and KS100. ALDEFLUOR assay using DEAB as a negative control. UACC 903 cells treated with Compound 3 and KS100 were stained with ALDEFLUOR dye (A), and the resulting bar graph represents triplicates (B). Both compounds exhibited significant inhibition of ALDH activity, suggesting their potential therapeutic relevance in human melanoma. The bar graph displays the mean ± SD of three replicates. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA with GraphPad PRISM Version 6 software, followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. Statistical significance was established at a p-value of < 0.05.
Molecules 29 03114 g003
Molecules 29 03114 g004
Figure 4. (A) HCT-116, SKOV-3, MIA PaCa-2, HEK-293, and FHC cell lines were treated with compound 3 (KS124) and KS100 for 48 h at different concentrations. At the end of the treatment duration, an MTS assay was performed. The data were analyzed on GraphPad V 8.0 software (Prism, CA, USA) using non-linear regression. (B) Trypan blue dye exclusion assay–HCT-116 cells were treated with 3 µM of compounds 3 (KS124) and KS100 for 48 h. The cells were harvested and stained with trypan blue. The live cells (excluded trypan blue) and dead cells (stained with trypan blue) were counted using a hemocytometer. Data are presented as mean ± SD; n = 3 for each treatment with * p < 0.05.
Figure 4. (A) HCT-116, SKOV-3, MIA PaCa-2, HEK-293, and FHC cell lines were treated with compound 3 (KS124) and KS100 for 48 h at different concentrations. At the end of the treatment duration, an MTS assay was performed. The data were analyzed on GraphPad V 8.0 software (Prism, CA, USA) using non-linear regression. (B) Trypan blue dye exclusion assay–HCT-116 cells were treated with 3 µM of compounds 3 (KS124) and KS100 for 48 h. The cells were harvested and stained with trypan blue. The live cells (excluded trypan blue) and dead cells (stained with trypan blue) were counted using a hemocytometer. Data are presented as mean ± SD; n = 3 for each treatment with * p < 0.05.
Molecules 29 03114 g004
Molecules 29 03114 g005
Figure 5. (A) HCT-116 cells were treated with compound 3 (KS124) and KS100 24 h (Caspase 3/7 assay) and 48 h (Annexin V/7-AAD assay). (B,C) represent the quantification of the apoptotic cell population after the Caspase 3/7 assay and Annexin V/7-AAD assay, respectively. Data are presented as Mean ± SEM; n = 3 for each treatment.
Figure 5. (A) HCT-116 cells were treated with compound 3 (KS124) and KS100 24 h (Caspase 3/7 assay) and 48 h (Annexin V/7-AAD assay). (B,C) represent the quantification of the apoptotic cell population after the Caspase 3/7 assay and Annexin V/7-AAD assay, respectively. Data are presented as Mean ± SEM; n = 3 for each treatment.
Molecules 29 03114 g005
Molecules 29 03114 g006
Figure 6. (A) The generation of ROS in HCT-116 cells was assessed by using the Muse oxidative stress kit. Untreated HCT-116 cells were taken as the control, and cells were treated in the presence or absence of the antioxidant NAC (10 mM). HCT-116 cells were treated with 3 µM of compound 3 (KS124) and KS100 for 24 h. Data are presented as mean ± SD; n = 3 for each treatment at each time point. * p < 0.05 compared to KS100 treated cells. (B) Western blot demonstrating increased γH2AX protein levels in HCT-116 cell lines treated with 3 µM of compound 3 and KS100 for 12 h.
Figure 6. (A) The generation of ROS in HCT-116 cells was assessed by using the Muse oxidative stress kit. Untreated HCT-116 cells were taken as the control, and cells were treated in the presence or absence of the antioxidant NAC (10 mM). HCT-116 cells were treated with 3 µM of compound 3 (KS124) and KS100 for 24 h. Data are presented as mean ± SD; n = 3 for each treatment at each time point. * p < 0.05 compared to KS100 treated cells. (B) Western blot demonstrating increased γH2AX protein levels in HCT-116 cell lines treated with 3 µM of compound 3 and KS100 for 12 h.
Molecules 29 03114 g006
Table 1. Docking scores of compounds (1–21). Docking scores were calculated for compounds against ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1 using the Autodock Vina.
Table 1. Docking scores of compounds (1–21). Docking scores were calculated for compounds against ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, and ALDH3A1 using the Autodock Vina.
Docking Score (kcal/mol)
CompoundALDH1A1ALDH1A3ALDH3A1
1−8.5−8.3−7.2
2−8.8−8.5−8.3
3−10.1−9.6−10.4
4−9.2−7.9−7.9
5−8.2−7.4−7.8
6−8.7−8.1−7.7
7−9.5−8.2−8.5
8−9.2−8.6−8.7
9−9.2−8.4−8.5
10−9.2−8.2−8.6
11−8.9−8.2−8.7
12−8.9−8.2−9.0
13−9.4−7.2−7.5
14−8.0−7.2−8.3
15−9.9−8.5−9.0
16−9.2−8.1−8.1
17−8.2−7.9−7.7
18−9.5−8.8−8.2
19−10.1−9.1−8.5
20−10.0−9.5−9.1
21−9.7−8.6−9.8
KS100−7.9−7.4−8.3
CM037−8.0−7.6−7.9
Table 2. Compounds 8 and 9 regio-isomer identification.
Table 2. Compounds 8 and 9 regio-isomer identification.
Molecules 29 03114 i001Compound 81H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: H1 = 8.33 (s, 1H), H4 = 7.81 (d, J = 8.95 Hz, 1H), H5 = 7.45 (m, 1H), H7 = 8.27 (s, 1H), H10 = 5.79 (s, 2H), H12 = 7.26 (d, J = 8.23 Hz, 2H), H13 = 7.61 (d, J = 8.23 Hz, 2H), H15 = 7.61 (d, J = 16.13 Hz, 1H), H16 = 6.60 (d, J = 16.13 Hz, 1H), H18 = 3.71 (s, 3H).
13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: C17 = 167.05, C15 = 144.41, C9 = 140.82, C11 = 139.9, C1 = 135.34, C14 = 133.94, C13 = 129.10, CF3 = 125.36 (q, J = 271.44 Hz), C8 = 123.42, C7 = 123.08 (q, J = 2.95 Hz), C6 = 122.01 (q, J = 31.54 Hz), C5 = 120.06 (q, J = 4.60 Hz), C12 = 128.30, C16 = 118.42, C4 = 111.56, C10 = 52.17, C18 = 51.93
Molecules 29 03114 i002Compound 91H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: H1 = 8.77 (s, 1H), H7 = 8.26 (s, 1H), H4 = 7.81 (d, J = 8.91 Hz, 1H), H13 = 7.72 (d, J = 8.23 Hz, 2H), H15 = 7.64 (d, J = 16.10 Hz, 1H), H5 = 7.45 (dd, J = 8.91 Hz, J = 1.59 Hz, 1H), H12 = 7.37 (d, J = 8.23 Hz, 2H), H16 = 6.63 (d, J = 16.10 Hz, 1H), H10 = 5.76 (s, 2H), H18 = 3.72 (s, 3H).
13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: C17 = 167.06, C9 = 149.13, C4 = 144.37, C11 = 139.27, C14 = 134.23, C13 = 129.11, C12 = 128.77, C1 = 127.47, CF3 = 125.41 (q, J = 271.62 Hz), C6 = 122.20 (q, J = 31.37 Hz), C5 = 121.67 (q, J = 2.93 Hz), C7 = 120.68 (q, J = 5.05 Hz), C8 = 120.59, C15 = 118.99, C16 = 118.64, C10 = 56.65, C18 = 51.95
Table 3. In vitro antiproliferative activity of compounds against HCT-116, SKOV-3, MIA PaCa-2, HEK-293, and FHC cell lines.
Table 3. In vitro antiproliferative activity of compounds against HCT-116, SKOV-3, MIA PaCa-2, HEK-293, and FHC cell lines.
Compound No.Structurea IC50 (µM)
b SKOV-3c MiaPaCa-2d HCT-116e HEK-293f FHC
1Molecules 29 03114 i0034.8 ± 0.22.4 ± 1.14.7 ± 1.14.1 ± 0.82.9 ± 0.3
2Molecules 29 03114 i00421.8 ± 2.422.3 ± 5.119.6 ± 3.324.1 ± 6.822.9 ± 3.3
3
(KS124)		Molecules 29 03114 i0052.2 ± 0.23.8 ± 0.42.1 ± 0.18.7 ± 1.17.1 ± 0.8
4Molecules 29 03114 i0067.2 ± 1.37.1 ± 0.86.1 ± 1.25.3 ± 1.46.7 ± 1.9
5Molecules 29 03114 i0078.2 ± 1.15.4 ± 0.98.8 ± 2.37.5 ± 1.812.9 ± 3.3
6Molecules 29 03114 i00845.0 ± 2.5>50>50>50>50
7Molecules 29 03114 i0099.1 ± 1.310.3 ± 2.412.0 ± 3.19.7 ± 1.18.1 ± 0.8
8Molecules 29 03114 i010>50>50>50>50>50
9Molecules 29 03114 i011>50>50>50>50>50
10Molecules 29 03114 i012>5048.4 ± 3.2>50>50>50
11Molecules 29 03114 i013>50>50>50>50>50
12Molecules 29 03114 i0148.2 ± 2.74.7 ± 0.45.5 ± 0.14.7 ± 1.13.1 ± 0.8
13Molecules 29 03114 i01522.7 ± 2.333.2 ± 4.418.2 ± 3.118.9 ± 5.114.4 ± 2.3
14Molecules 29 03114 i01616.8 ± 3.512.3 ± 2.714.2 ± 2.317.7 ± 3.729.3 ± 4.9
15Molecules 29 03114 i017>50>50>50>50>50
16Molecules 29 03114 i0184.0 ± 1.36.8 ± 1.44.9 ± 1.15.7 ± 1.37.1 ± 1.1
17Molecules 29 03114 i019>50>50>50>50>50
18Molecules 29 03114 i02042.2 ± 5.844.6 ± 3.739.2 ± 3.9>50>50
19Molecules 29 03114 i021>50>50>50>50>50
20Molecules 29 03114 i022>50>50>50>50>50
21Molecules 29 03114 i023>50>50>50>50>50
KS100Molecules 29 03114 i0243.8 ± 0.82.8 ± 0.24.3 ± 0.74.3 ± 0.14.9 ± 0.8
a IC50 = Compound concentration required to inhibit cell proliferation by 50%. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD from the dose-response curve of at least three independent experiments. b Ovarian cancer cells. c Pancreatic cancer cells. d Colon cancer cells. e Human embryonic kidney cells. f Normal fetal human cells.
Table 4. ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and ALDH1A3 enzymes inhibition study. Selected compounds were evaluated for ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and ALDH1A3 inhibitory activity. The % inhibition was calculated for each compound and compared to the DMSO control. ND: Not Determined.
Table 4. ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and ALDH1A3 enzymes inhibition study. Selected compounds were evaluated for ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and ALDH1A3 inhibitory activity. The % inhibition was calculated for each compound and compared to the DMSO control. ND: Not Determined.
Compounds% Enzyme Inhibition at 500 nM
Acetaldehyde
(Substrate)		4-Nitrobenzaldeyde (Substrate)
ALDH1A1ALDH3A1ALDH1A3
Control0 ± 0.020.05 ± 0.050 ± 0.01
135.37 ± 0.0130.59 ± 0.02ND
3
(KS124)		51.32 ± 0.0151.87 ± 0.0536.65 ± 0.02
428.26 ± 0.0122.82 ± 0.0535.14 ± 0.07
524.82 ± 0.0139.58 ± 0.05ND
1210.01 ± 0.01−14.03 ± 0.06ND
169.46 ± 0.01−9.33 ± 0.04ND
1710.99 ± 0.0015−25.33 ± 0.05ND
KS10045.93 ± 0.0137.04 ± 0.0913.83 ± 0.01
673A-IC50 [53]246 nMND348 nM
CB7-IC50 [33]ND200 nMND
Table 5. Autodock vina configuration parameter.
Table 5. Autodock vina configuration parameter.
Configuration parameter
ConfigALDH1A1
(4X4L)		ALDH1A3
(7QK7)		ALDH3A1
(3SZB)
center_x−25.622.07.9
center_y38.111.517.7
center_z30.223.966.7
size_x404040
size_y404040
size_z404040
exhaustiveness323232
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Gowda, K.; Raza, A.; Vangala, V.; Lone, N.A.; Lin, J.M.; Singh, J.K.; Srivastava, S.K.; Schell, T.D.; Robertson, G.P.; Amin, S.; et al. Identification of Novel Isatin Derivative Bearing a Nitrofuran Moiety as Potent Multi-Isoform Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitor. Molecules 2024, 29, 3114. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133114

AMA Style

Gowda K, Raza A, Vangala V, Lone NA, Lin JM, Singh JK, Srivastava SK, Schell TD, Robertson GP, Amin S, et al. Identification of Novel Isatin Derivative Bearing a Nitrofuran Moiety as Potent Multi-Isoform Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitor. Molecules. 2024; 29(13):3114. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133114

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gowda, Krishne, Asif Raza, Venugopal Vangala, Nazir Ahmad Lone, Jyh Ming Lin, Jaikee Kumar Singh, Sandeep Kumar Srivastava, Todd D. Schell, Gavin P. Robertson, Shantu Amin, and et al. 2024. "Identification of Novel Isatin Derivative Bearing a Nitrofuran Moiety as Potent Multi-Isoform Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitor" Molecules 29, no. 13: 3114. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133114

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