Thiopyrano[2,3-e]indol-2-ones: Angelicin heteroanalogues with potent photoantiproliferative activity Original Research Article

A new class of compounds, the thiopyrano[2,3-e]indol-2-ones, bioisosters of the angular furocoumarin angelicin, was synthesized with the aim of obtaining new photochemotherapeutic agents. In particular 7,8-dimethyl-thiopyranoindolone 6c s showed a remarkable phototoxicity and a great dose UVA dependence reaching IC50 values at submicromolar level. This latter photoinduced a massive apoptosis and a remarkable photodamage to lipids and proteins. Although it did not intercalate DNA, it was able to cause photooxidation of DNA bases.