A novel indeno[1,2-b]pyridinone derivative, a DNA intercalative human topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibitor, for caspase 3-independent anticancer activity.

A novel 2-(furan-2-yl)-4-(pyridin-2-yl)-5H-indeno[1,2-b]pyridin-5-one (TI-1-190) was synthesized using a simple microwave-assisted method and its mode of action was systematically characterized. It is a DNA intercalative human topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibitor with much stronger activity and less DNA toxicity than etoposide, a topoisomerase II poison. TI-1-190 displays caspase 3-independent anticancer activity, unlike etoposide.