Quinolines: A Promising Heterocyclic Scaffold for Cancer Therapeutics.

Zhiyuan Guo, Yinshen Zhao, Wan Liu, Xianguang Yang, Chaoyang Zhang, Yuqi Zhang, Yuqi Wu, Chenyu Wei, Jianing Wu

Journal: Current medicinal chemistry 2025;32(5):958-973

PMID: 37877504

Abstract

The quinoline scaffold is a widely recognized heterocycle with applications across various disease categories, ranging from malaria and viral infections to bacterial infections, high cholesterol, and even tumors. Consequently, quinoline plays a crucial role in the development of new drugs, and the field greatly benefits from advancements in computer-aided drug design. This review aims to provide insights into the evolution of quinoline and its derivatives, offering a comprehensive exploration of both marketed and developing drugs. Furthermore, the function and mechanism of quinoline compounds are introduced. Many studies rely on cell experiments to demonstrate drug cytotoxicity. In the concluding section of this review, the interaction between quinoline compounds and targets is simulated using computer-aided drug design methods. A thorough analysis is conducted on the potential influencing factors affecting the binding state between quinoline compounds and targets. Notably, the Pi-Alkyl interaction emerges as a significant contributor, while hydrogen bonding is identified as a pivotal bond in these interactions. This review serves as a valuable overview of the potential contributions of quinoline compounds to cancer treatment. It seamlessly combines the essential functions of marketed quinoline drugs with the promise held by emerging quinoline-based compounds. Additionally, the simulation of interactions between quinoline compounds and proteins through computer-aided design enhances our understanding of these compounds' efficacy.

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Address: College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.; College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.; State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Cell Differentiation Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.

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