6H-Indolo[2,3-b]quinoxalines: DNA and protein interacting scaffold for pharmacological activities

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2013 Aug;13(10):1415-20. doi: 10.2174/13895575113139990005.

Abstract

6H-Indolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline, a planar fused heterocyclic compound exhibits a wide variety of pharmacological activities. The mechanism of pharmacological action exerted by these compounds is predominantly DNA intercalation. The thermal stability of the intercalated complex (DNA and 6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline derivatives) is an important parameter for the elucidation of anticancer, antiviral and other activities. This thermal stability of the 6H-indolo[2,3- b]quinoxaline-DNA complex depends on the type of substituents and side chains attached to the 6H-indolo[2,3- b]quinoxaline nucleus and also the orientation of the side chain towards the GC rich minor groove of the DNA. Highly active 6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline derivatives such as NCA0424, B-220 and 9-OH-B-220 have shown good binding affinity to DNA as evident from high thermal stability of compound-DNA complex. Interestingly, these compounds possessed poor inhibitory activity on topoisomerase II enzyme but have significant MDR modulating activity. This review establishes '6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline' as a valuable template for design and development of novel molecules with different biological activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Indoles / chemistry*
  • Indoles / pharmacology*
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Quinoxalines / chemistry*
  • Quinoxalines / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Indoles
  • Proteins
  • Quinoxalines
  • DNA