{"title":"Targeting Kinetoplastid Parasites with ProTide Prodrugs: A Proof-of-Concept Study","authors":"Silvester Lowe, Vishal Satikuvar, Tanjia M. Syeda, Monica Cal, Pascal Mäser, Marcel Kaiser, Hachemi Kadri","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202501072","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202501072","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Kinetoplastid parasites causing Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and African trypanosomiasis rely on host purine salvage pathways, making nucleoside analogues attractive therapeutic candidates. However, their clinical utility is limited by poor cellular uptake and rapid metabolism. Herein, we report the application of the ProTide prodrug technology, a clinically validated approach that enhances the intracellular delivery of nucleoside monophosphates for the treatment of kinetoplastids infections. As a proof of concept, a focused library of zidovudine (AZT) and cordycepin ProTide prodrugs was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for antiparasitic activity against <i>T. b. rhodesiense</i>, <i>T. cruzi</i>, and <i>L. donovani</i>, as well as for cytotoxicity in L6 rat myoblasts. Out of these, compound <b>16</b> exhibited substantial serum stability and potent activity (IC<sub>50</sub> = 5 nM; selectivity index, SI = 2,560) against <i>T. b. rhodesiense</i> with robust activity also observed against <i>T. cruzi</i> and <i>L. donovani.</i> These findings establish the ProTide prodrug technology as a promising strategy for optimizing nucleoside analogues against kinetoplastid parasites and provide a framework for the development of new therapeutics for NTDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"21 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13048835/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147615687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advancement of DNA Functionalized Graphene Oxide and Their Theranostic Application","authors":"Minqiao Zhao, Zhaojia Deng, Wenjing Xie, Tianrui Sun, Hanyong Peng","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202600004","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202600004","url":null,"abstract":"<p>DNA-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) represents a promising integration of molecular biotechnology and nanomaterials, combining the programmable recognition capability and biocompatibility of DNA with the large surface area, strong fluorescence quenching ability, and tunable chemistry of GO. This review provides a comprehensive overview of DNA-functionalized GO with particular emphasis on functionalization mechanisms and strategies. First, the fundamental coupling interactions between DNA and GO are discussed, including the need to overcome electrostatic repulsion arising from negatively charged DNA and GO surfaces. Approaches such as ionic strength regulation, pH adjustment, covalent modification, and linker-mediated assembly are highlighted as effective strategies. Subsequently, the review systematically summarizes their respective advantages, limitations, and application scenarios. Building upon these strategies, we further evaluate recent advancements in biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutic applications, highlighting how precise functionalization significantly improves sensitivity, selectivity, and overall biomedical performance. Finally, current challenges concerning material stability, controlled loading, and in vivo applicability are critically examined, and future research directions toward clinical translation are outlined. This review aims to offer comprehensive insights that foster innovative developments and expand the practical implementation of DNA-functionalized GO in advanced theranostic applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"21 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147607445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2026-04-03DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202501105
Konstantina Nikovia, Michael Kapsalis, Michael Georgoulakis, Athanasios Panousis, Constantinos G. Neochoritis
{"title":"The Multifaceted Legacy of Thalidomide: Chemistry and Biology Driving Modern Drug Design","authors":"Konstantina Nikovia, Michael Kapsalis, Michael Georgoulakis, Athanasios Panousis, Constantinos G. Neochoritis","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202501105","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202501105","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Thalidomide represents one of the most instructive case studies in modern medicinal chemistry, embodying both a historic pharmaceutical tragedy and a remarkable example of drug repurposing and molecular reinvention. Initially introduced as a sedative and antiemetic, its catastrophic teratogenic effects reshaped global drug regulatory frameworks. Decades later, renewed investigation uncovered potent immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities, leading to its controlled clinical use in erythema nodosum leprosum, multiple myeloma and related disorders. Central to this renaissance was the identification of cereblon as a key molecular target, transforming thalidomide and its analogs into versatile chemical tools for targeted protein degradation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of thalidomide from a synthetic and medicinal chemistry perspective, covering classical and modern synthetic strategies, access to analogs, stereochemical considerations and asymmetric approaches. Particular emphasis is placed on thalidomide-derived cereblon binders in PROTACs and molecular glue technologies. Beyond protein degradation, the diverse biological activities of thalidomide are discussed, including modulation of cytokines, angiogenesis, and immune signaling pathways. Collectively, thalidomide exemplifies how mechanistic insight, synthetic innovation and careful risk–benefit evaluation can transform a once-discarded molecule into a cornerstone of contemporary drug design.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"21 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13048192/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147607524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2026-04-03DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202500849
Daria Kotlarek, Katarzyna Dudek, Bartosz Woźniak, Martyna W. Pastok, Dmitrii Shishov, Sylvain Cottens, Michał Biśta, Emilia Krzywiecka, Karolina M. Górecka-Minakowska, Kinga Jurczak, Tomáš Drmota, Justyna Adamczyk, Szymon Faliński, Daria Gajewska, Marta Klejnot, Aleksandra Król, Monika Cuprych-Belter, Iwona Mames, Arnaud Mathieu, Aleksandra Podkówka, Ziemowit Pokładek, Kamil Przytulski, Alicja N. Skowron, Magdalena Sypień, Anna Szlachcic, Toshimitsu Takagi, Weronika Wanat, Igor H. Wierzbicki, Janusz Wiśniewski, Michał J. Walczak
{"title":"Ligand-Induced Conformational Plasticity of the CTLH E3 Ligase Receptor GID4","authors":"Daria Kotlarek, Katarzyna Dudek, Bartosz Woźniak, Martyna W. Pastok, Dmitrii Shishov, Sylvain Cottens, Michał Biśta, Emilia Krzywiecka, Karolina M. Górecka-Minakowska, Kinga Jurczak, Tomáš Drmota, Justyna Adamczyk, Szymon Faliński, Daria Gajewska, Marta Klejnot, Aleksandra Król, Monika Cuprych-Belter, Iwona Mames, Arnaud Mathieu, Aleksandra Podkówka, Ziemowit Pokładek, Kamil Przytulski, Alicja N. Skowron, Magdalena Sypień, Anna Szlachcic, Toshimitsu Takagi, Weronika Wanat, Igor H. Wierzbicki, Janusz Wiśniewski, Michał J. Walczak","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202500849","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202500849","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The application of targeted protein degradation is currently constrained by the limited availability of low-molecular-weight molecules that can recruit E3 ligases other than CRBN (Cereblon) or VHL (von Hippel–Lindau ligase). In this study, we present the structure-based drug design of high-affinity ligands that engage E3 ligase GID4 (glucose-induced degradation protein 4) in biophysical and cellular experiments. Through structural studies and molecular modeling, we identified three clusters of compounds that induce distinct conformations of GID4. We characterized potential exit vectors and used the most promising ligand as a building block to prepare bifunctional degraders in the form of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). Although ternary complex formation was successful in vitro, degradation of BRD4 was not observed, highlighting the need for further optimization of the degraders. Finally, we theoretically investigated the likelihood of the identified GID4 conformations participating in protein–protein interactions mediated by molecular glue mechanisms. We believe the expanded ligand diversity discovered in this study may pave the way for tuning the selectivity and efficacy of interactions involving GID4 and its neosubstrates.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"21 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147615678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2026-04-03DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202500969
Werner J. Geldenhuys, James Mersch, Dominick Cicala, Rapty Sarker, A. S. M. Roknuzzaman, Maryam Maghareh, Enrique M. Carerra, Dhanaji M. Lade, Michael A. Menze, Mary E. Konkle, Jason D. Huber
{"title":"Medicinal Chemistry Review of the NEET Protein Family","authors":"Werner J. Geldenhuys, James Mersch, Dominick Cicala, Rapty Sarker, A. S. M. Roknuzzaman, Maryam Maghareh, Enrique M. Carerra, Dhanaji M. Lade, Michael A. Menze, Mary E. Konkle, Jason D. Huber","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202500969","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202500969","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Members of the NEET family of proteins are of interest as drug targets in several age-related diseases, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. These proteins share a CDGSH motif and redox-active [2Fe-2S] clusters. MitoNEET (CDGSH iron–sulfur domain-containing protein 1) is an outer mitochondrial membrane protein that was recently discovered as an off-target of the antidiabetic drug pioglitazone, and plays an essential role in mitochondrial bioenergetics, mitophagy, and iron metabolism. CDGSH iron–sulfur domain-containing protein 2 (nutrient-deprivation autophagy factor 1) is located on the endoplasmic reticulum and is found to be antiaging and associated with Wolfram Syndrome 2, while CDGSH iron–sulfur domain-containing protein 3 (mitochondrial inner NEET protein) is present in the mitochondrial matrix. In this review, we will evaluate the state of the field in the development of NEET protein interacting ligands, which can serve as pharmacological tools to study the biology/biochemistry of NEET family proteins in disease. The NEET family represents a novel class of drug targets, enabling the development of novel treatment modalities to modulate disease progression in various human disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"21 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147615730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2026-04-02DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202500864
Ali Gholamian Moghaddam, Atchimnaidu Siriki, Debajyoti Majumder, Heba E. Elsayed, Hassan Y. Ebrahim, Khalid El Sayed, Siva Murru
{"title":"Pyrazolone Compounds as Promising Anticancer Agents for Colorectal Cancer: Synthesis, Antiproliferative Activity, and Mechanistic Insights","authors":"Ali Gholamian Moghaddam, Atchimnaidu Siriki, Debajyoti Majumder, Heba E. Elsayed, Hassan Y. Ebrahim, Khalid El Sayed, Siva Murru","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202500864","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202500864","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health challenge, with current therapeutic options often limited by drug resistance and adverse effects. Small molecules provide distinct advantages, including oral bioavailability, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to target intracellular pathways critical for tumor progression. In this study, we designed and synthesized a new series of pyrazolone derivatives with varied substitution patterns using microwave-assisted methods and evaluated their antiproliferative activity against CRC cell lines (HCT-116 and WiDr). Among these, PL-13 emerged as a potent and selective candidate, exhibiting strong cytotoxicity toward cancer cells while sparing noncancerous CRL-1459 colon cells. Functional assays, including colony formation and wound healing, confirmed its ability to inhibit cell proliferation and migration. Western blot analyses demonstrated that PL-13 induces apoptosis via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, as evidenced by increased levels of cleaved caspase-9 and PARP, and modulates LC3A/B expression, suggesting involvement of autophagy. Kinome profiling revealed selective binding of PL-13 to FLT3, which was validated by an IC<sub>50</sub> value of 8.2 μM. Molecular docking further supported these findings, showing favorable binding energy (–7.98 kcal/mol) compared to regorafenib (–7.13 kcal/mol). Collectively, these results highlight PL-13 as a promising lead compound for further optimization toward CRC therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"21 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147607478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2026-04-02DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202501093
Yanbing Ji, Yiou Mei, Yunfei Du
{"title":"Nitroso-Containing Pharmaceuticals: Targets, Pharmacological Activities, and Their Metabolic Mechanisms","authors":"Yanbing Ji, Yiou Mei, Yunfei Du","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202501093","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202501093","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Nitroso-containing drugs represent a unique class of therapeutic agents in which the nitroso (-NO) group is integral to their pharmacological activity. In this review, we systematically categorize these compounds into four major classes—nitrosoureas, NO donors, nitrosopyrimidines, and acyl/acyloxy nitroso compounds—based on their core scaffolds and modes of action. A primary focus is placed on elucidating and comparing their metabolic mechanisms, which are critical for understanding their activation, efficacy, and toxicity profiles. By integrating structural features with metabolic pathways, this analysis provides valuable insights for the rational design and optimization of next-generation nitroso-based pharmaceuticals, highlighting their untapped potential in drug discovery and clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"21 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147607470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploration of the Anticancer Efficacy and In Silico Drug Screening Study of Fe(II) and Fe(III) Complexes of Schiff Base and Phenanthroline Ligand","authors":"Jansi Rani J, Evangeline Lawrence, Arjita Ghosh, Abhijit Saha, Anbalagan Moorthy, Sovan Roy","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202501021","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202501021","url":null,"abstract":"<p>To check the hard–soft nature of metals on biological interaction, heteroleptic compounds <b>[Fe</b><sup><b>II</b></sup><b>(L1)(L2)](1)</b> and <b>[Fe</b><sup><b>III</b></sup><b>(L1)(L2)]Cl (2)</b> were prepared where ligands are (2-hydroxy-1-naphthylidene-<i>o</i>-aminophenol) [<b>L1</b>] and 1,10-phenanthroline [<b>L2</b>]. Complexes are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and UV–vis spectroscopic techniques. Square pyramidal geometry of the complex <b>1</b> was determined using computational study [density functional theory (DFT) function (B3LYP/ LANL2DZ)]. The characteristic Fe(II) to Fe (III) oxidation and Fe(III) to Fe(II) reduction peaks were observed in the desired potential range for complexes <b>1</b> and <b>2</b>, respectively. Iron complexes demonstrated anticancer effective hydrolytic DNA cleavage efficacy and efficient groove binding prosperity toward DNA with intrinsic and apparent binding constant values of the order of 10<sup>5 </sup> M<sup>−1</sup>. The complexes displayed good binding capabilities to carrier protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). The experimental DNA and BSA binding nature was validated through molecular docking study. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET)drug screening profiling indicates that complex <b>1</b> satisfies all of Lipinski rule with good cell permeability, solubility, lipophilicity, and nontoxicity. Complexes show efficient anticancer activity in MCF-7 cell lines through apoptotic pathway. Complex <b>1</b> is found to have better biological activity compared to <b>2</b> due to softer nature of Fe(II) ion.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"21 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147588899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2026-03-31DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202501079
Gang Zhao, Junyu Guo, Xinying Cheng, Renbing Wang, Ahmed R. Ali, Yucheng Tian, Zhiyu Li, Jinlei Bian, Huidan Huang
{"title":"New Binding Sites for JAK2 Inhibition in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Structural Insights, Therapeutic Potential, and Future Directions","authors":"Gang Zhao, Junyu Guo, Xinying Cheng, Renbing Wang, Ahmed R. Ali, Yucheng Tian, Zhiyu Li, Jinlei Bian, Huidan Huang","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202501079","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202501079","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal hematopoietic disorders driven in large part by aberrant activation of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway via the JAK2 V617F and related mutations. The success of first-generation ATP competitive JAK2 inhibitors has validated JAK2 as a therapeutic target, yet clinical benefits remain constrained by issues of off target toxicity, limited mutation allele burden reduction, and the emergence of persistence or resistance. In this review, we focus on a rapidly emerging design paradigm: targeting novel binding sites on JAK2 beyond the canonical ATP pocket—including allosteric sites, covalent anchor residues, and pseudokinase regulatory domains. We summarize structural and computational insights into these new sites, compare mechanistic and therapeutic advantages (such as enhanced selectivity, reduced cross JAK inhibition and potential to overcome resistance) and evaluate preclinical and early clinical evidence. We further identify remaining challenges in the development of next generation JAK2 inhibitors—such as site validation, ligand residence time, covalent binding safety, and rational combination therapies—and propose future directions for translation into the MPN clinic. By refocusing the JAK2 inhibitor field around novel binding site exploitation, we suggest a path toward more potent, selective and enduring therapies for MPN patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"21 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147579966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ChemMedChemPub Date : 2026-03-31DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202600008
Yanqing Li, Lingjie Zhang, Qunfeng Luo, Yanzi Li, Siqi Zhang, Jianghong Pei, Mingming Qi, Na Li, Li Chen
{"title":"Discovery of New CDDO-Imidazole Derivatives as Potential Antitumor Agents","authors":"Yanqing Li, Lingjie Zhang, Qunfeng Luo, Yanzi Li, Siqi Zhang, Jianghong Pei, Mingming Qi, Na Li, Li Chen","doi":"10.1002/cmdc.202600008","DOIUrl":"10.1002/cmdc.202600008","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In the search for new CDDOs (2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oic acid derivatives) with higher antitumor activity in vivo, thirty CDDO-imidazole derivatives (<b>1–30</b>) were designed and synthesized. Then, <b>8</b> was selected due to its superior anti-proliferative activity against three cancer cell lines (B16F10, A549, and HCT116) and its lower toxicity in zebrafish embryos compared to the other evaluated compounds. Further study found that <b>8</b> induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells by downregulating Bcl-2, upregulating Bax, and activating caspase-3 to kill cancer cells. Notably, <b>8</b> exhibited significant antitumor efficacy comparable to CDDO-Me (bardoxolone methyl), which had entered clinical trials. Taken together, <b>8</b> represents a promising candidate for the treatment of cancer and merits further study.</p>","PeriodicalId":147,"journal":{"name":"ChemMedChem","volume":"21 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147579995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}