Directed synthesis of β-ketoindoles derivatives from chalcones as potential Mcl-1 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer

Cancer is among the top 10 causes of death, causing 1.7 million deaths in 2016.1 Studies have shown that Mcl-1 is an important target for cancer, such as breast, prostate and leukemia, thus, potentials Mcl-1 inhibitors may be an agent against cancer that depends on Mcl-1 for survival.2 Therefore, the goal of this research was used the QSAR modeling developed by InSiChem Drug Discovery for design new derivatives β-ketoindoles as potential Mcl-1 inhibitors. Indoles derivatives are a group of compounds with medicinal relevance due to the various biological activities attributed to this subclass of alkaloids, such as, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and others.3 After getting the virtual hits, it was made the organic synthesis and structure identification (NMR and IR) of selected hits. A total of 9 indoles derivatives were obtained with satisfactory yields and purity. Subsequently, the biological activity of these compounds will be test.