DNA Base Bioisosteres, Bis-benzoxazoles, Exert Anti-proliferative Effect on Human Prostate and Breast Cancer Cells

A series of symmetric bis-benzoxazole derivatives were synthesized using one-pot cyclisation reaction between 4-chloro substituted 2-aminophenol and suitable dicarboxylic acids. Synthesized compounds’ anticancer activities were tested by using MTT assay on human prostate (DU145) and breast (MCF7) cancer cells. Screening results revealed that all compounds possessed a high level anti-cancer potential by significantly decreasing the cell proliferation in prostate and breast cancer cell lines. Our compounds exerted their anti-proliferative effects in a dose and time dependent manner. Our results suggest that they can be highly potent since they were biologically active even at low concentrations. Our study presents a series of new bis-benzoxazole based compounds with potential therapeutic effects against tumor cells. Therefore, characterization of new generation bis-benzoxazole derivatives will have a significant contribution on the development of new era anti-cancer drug candidates.