The synthesis and biochemical activities of novel water-soluble β-lactam analogues of combretastatin A-4 are described. The first series of compounds investigated, β-lactam phosphate esters 7a, 8a and 9a, exhibited potent antiproliferative activity and caused microtubule disruption in human breast carcinoma-derived MCF-7 cells. They did not inhibit tubulin polymerisation in vitro, indicating that biotransformation was necessary for their antiproliferative and tubulin binding effects in MCF-7 cells. The second series of compounds, β-lactam amino acid amides (including 10k and 11l) displayed potent antiproliferative activity in MCF-7 cells, disrupted microtubules in MCF-7 cells and also inhibited the polymerisation of tubulin in vitro. This indicates that the β-lactam amides did not require metabolic activation to have antiproliferative effects, in contrast to the phosphate series. Both series of compounds caused mitotic catastrophe and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Molecular modelling studies indicated potential binding conformations for the β-lactam amino acid amides 10k and 11l in the colchicine-binding site of tubulin. Due to their aqueous solubility and potent biochemical effects, these compounds are promising candidates for further development as microtubule-disrupting agents.
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