Design and Synthesis of New 5-Methylisatin Derivatives As Potential CDK2 Inhibitors

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2025 Mar 13

PMID 40076766

Authors

Przemyslaw Czelen

Agnieszka Skotnicka

Beata Szefler

Janina Kabatc-Borcz

Pawel Sutkowy

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, driving the need for effective therapies. Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), a critical cell cycle regulator, is a promising approach for cancer treatment. This study developed a new group of 5-methylisatin derivatives with strong binding potential to CDK2. By combining the isatin core with various benzoylhydrazide substituents, the design process was guided by molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and ADMET analysis. Thirty-one derivatives were modelled, and a subset was synthesised and characterised for their physicochemical and spectroscopic properties. The analysis suggested that substitutions at R2 and R3 positions improved binding affinity, while modifications at R4 were less favourable. Hydrogen bonds with GLU81 and LEU83, along with hydrophobic interactions, were key to stabilising the complexes. A comparison with a reference molecule () 3-((2,6-Dichlorobenzylidene)hydrazono)indolin-2-one, showing inhibitory activity similar to doxorubicin, revealed several advantages for the new derivatives. The multidimensional comparative analysis highlighted significant improvements in active site affinity, conformational stability, and fit. ADMET analysis confirmed comparable performance in most areas, with superior bioavailability observed in derivatives , , , , , and . These results suggest that 5-methylisatin derivatives could be promising CDK2 inhibitors.

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