l,8-Naphthalimide based DNA intercalators and anticancer agents. A systematic review from 2007 to 2017

Eur J Med Chem. 2018 Nov 5:159:393-422. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.09.055. Epub 2018 Sep 24.

Abstract

In this review, we describe a detailed investigation about the structural variations and relative activity of 1,8-naphthalimide based intercalators and anticancer agents. The 1,8-naphthalimides binds to the DNA via intercalation, and exert their antitumor activities through Topoisomerase I/II inhibition, photoinduced DNA damage or related mechanism. Here, our discussion focused on works published over the last ten years (2007-2017) related to therapeutic applications, in the order of cancer treatment followed by other properties of 1,8-naphthalimides. In preparing for this review, we considered that several seminal reviews have appeared over the last fifteen years and focused on closely related subjects, however, none of them is exhaustive.

Keywords: 1,8-Naphthalimides; Amonafide; Anticancer agents; DNA intercalators; Mitonafide.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type I / metabolism
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II / metabolism
  • DNA, Neoplasm / chemistry
  • DNA, Neoplasm / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Intercalating Agents / chemistry
  • Intercalating Agents / pharmacology*
  • Naphthalimides / chemistry
  • Naphthalimides / pharmacology*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Topoisomerase II Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Topoisomerase II Inhibitors / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • Intercalating Agents
  • Naphthalimides
  • Topoisomerase I Inhibitors
  • Topoisomerase II Inhibitors
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type I
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II