This thesis consists of two major chapters, each with its own introduction, experimental section and discussion. The TG4T/daunomycin and G4/daunomycin complexes described in Chapter One are two out of only five crystallographic quadruplex/ligand structures reported to date. In both structures daunomycin molecules stack onto a terminal G quartet preventing the G4 quadruplex from destacking and unwinding. The number of interacting ligand molecules depends on the quadruplex structure itself. The G4 quadruplex can accommodate four daunomycin molecules within one layer, while the TG4T tetraplex only accommodates three. In both structures daunosamine moieties form hydrogen bonds with the quadruplex but only daunosamine moieties from the TG4T/daunomycin structure make slight incursions into the quadruplex grooves. Both structures are stabilised by π-π interactions, hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals contacts and electrostatic interactions. The daunomycin/TG4T complex is the first ever reported and the only structure where a ligand interacts directly with the quadruplex groove. Chapter Two describes nine crystal structures of Hoechst 33258 analogues with d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2 and d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 oligonucleotides, and is divided into two sections. Section A includes seven structures with Halogenated Hoechst 33258 analogues that are potential agents in radiotherapy, phototherapy, radioimmunotherapy or photoimmunotherapy, and the structure of the precursor. In all of the examined complexes the ligand binds to the minor groove but not all halogen substituents refine to 100% occupancy. The refined occupancies of the halogen atoms reveal that the degree of carbon-halogen cleavage is highest for ortho and lowest for para substitution. Among meta substituents pointing outside the minor groove, bromine atoms had a higher occupancy than the larger iodines. The position of the halogen atom in the minor groove is influenced by additional substituents on the phenyl ring. In most cases the bulky halogen atom is facing outside of the minor groove. Only in the 3-iodo-5-isopropylHoechst complex is iodine positioned towards the floor of the groove allowing the big isopropyl group to face outside. Section B describes the structure of a carborane-containing ligand (JW-B) bound to the minor groove of d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2. The analysis shows that is possible to position boron-rich moieties close to the cell nucleus, and JW-B may have potential in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. / Data file restricted at the request of the author, but available by individual request, use the feedback form to request access.

This thesis consists of two major chapters, each with its own introduction, experimental section and discussion. The TG4T/daunomycin and G4/daunomycin complexes described in Chapter One are two out of only five crystallographic quadruplex/ligand structures reported to date. In both structures daunomycin molecules stack onto a terminal G quartet preventing the G4 quadruplex from destacking and unwinding. The number of interacting ligand molecules depends on the quadruplex structure itself. The G4 quadruplex can accommodate four daunomycin molecules within one layer, while the TG4T tetraplex only accommodates three. In both structures daunosamine moieties form hydrogen bonds with the quadruplex but only daunosamine moieties from the TG4T/daunomycin structure make slight incursions into the quadruplex grooves. Both structures are stabilised by π-π interactions, hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals contacts and electrostatic interactions. The daunomycin/TG4T complex is the first ever reported and the only structure where a ligand interacts directly with the quadruplex groove. Chapter Two describes nine crystal structures of Hoechst 33258 analogues with d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2 and d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 oligonucleotides, and is divided into two sections. Section A includes seven structures with Halogenated Hoechst 33258 analogues that are potential agents in radiotherapy, phototherapy, radioimmunotherapy or photoimmunotherapy, and the structure of the precursor. In all of the examined complexes the ligand binds to the minor groove but not all halogen substituents refine to 100% occupancy. The refined occupancies of the halogen atoms reveal that the degree of carbon-halogen cleavage is highest for ortho and lowest for para substitution. Among meta substituents pointing outside the minor groove, bromine atoms had a higher occupancy than the larger iodines. The position of the halogen atom in the minor groove is influenced by additional substituents on the phenyl ring. In most cases the bulky halogen atom is facing outside of the minor groove. Only in the 3-iodo-5-isopropylHoechst complex is iodine positioned towards the floor of the groove allowing the big isopropyl group to face outside. Section B describes the structure of a carborane-containing ligand (JW-B) bound to the minor groove of d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2. The analysis shows that is possible to position boron-rich moieties close to the cell nucleus, and JW-B may have potential in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. / Data file restricted at the request of the author, but available by individual request, use the feedback form to request access.

This thesis consists of two major chapters, each with its own introduction, experimental section and discussion. The TG4T/daunomycin and G4/daunomycin complexes described in Chapter One are two out of only five crystallographic quadruplex/ligand structures reported to date. In both structures daunomycin molecules stack onto a terminal G quartet preventing the G4 quadruplex from destacking and unwinding. The number of interacting ligand molecules depends on the quadruplex structure itself. The G4 quadruplex can accommodate four daunomycin molecules within one layer, while the TG4T tetraplex only accommodates three. In both structures daunosamine moieties form hydrogen bonds with the quadruplex but only daunosamine moieties from the TG4T/daunomycin structure make slight incursions into the quadruplex grooves. Both structures are stabilised by π-π interactions, hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals contacts and electrostatic interactions. The daunomycin/TG4T complex is the first ever reported and the only structure where a ligand interacts directly with the quadruplex groove. Chapter Two describes nine crystal structures of Hoechst 33258 analogues with d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2 and d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 oligonucleotides, and is divided into two sections. Section A includes seven structures with Halogenated Hoechst 33258 analogues that are potential agents in radiotherapy, phototherapy, radioimmunotherapy or photoimmunotherapy, and the structure of the precursor. In all of the examined complexes the ligand binds to the minor groove but not all halogen substituents refine to 100% occupancy. The refined occupancies of the halogen atoms reveal that the degree of carbon-halogen cleavage is highest for ortho and lowest for para substitution. Among meta substituents pointing outside the minor groove, bromine atoms had a higher occupancy than the larger iodines. The position of the halogen atom in the minor groove is influenced by additional substituents on the phenyl ring. In most cases the bulky halogen atom is facing outside of the minor groove. Only in the 3-iodo-5-isopropylHoechst complex is iodine positioned towards the floor of the groove allowing the big isopropyl group to face outside. Section B describes the structure of a carborane-containing ligand (JW-B) bound to the minor groove of d(CGCAAATTTGCG)2. The analysis shows that is possible to position boron-rich moieties close to the cell nucleus, and JW-B may have potential in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. / Data file restricted at the request of the author, but available by individual request, use the feedback form to request access.

Η εργασία εστιάζει στην παρασκευή και μελέτη πολυλειτουργικών μαγνητικών νανοσωματιδίων Ιξαμπεπιλόνης, με σκοπό την χορήγησή τους για την αντιμετώπιση του καρκίνου του μαστού. Πραγματοποιήθηκαν φυσικοχημικές μελέτες, μελέτες αποδέσμευσης και κυτταρικές μελέτες. / The aim of the current study is the preparation and the characterization of multifunctional magnetic Ixabepilone nanoparticles, in order to determine their use for the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Physicochemical studies, release studies and cell studies were performed.

Charles University Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Pharmacognosy Student: Nikola Urbanová Supervisor: PharmDr. Marie Kašparová, Ph.D. Title of diploma thesis: The study of secondary metabolites in plant tissue cultures II The aim of this work was to determine the effect of the potential elicitor chitosan on production of podophyllotoxin in callus and suspension cultures of Juniperus virginiana Glauca variety and suspension cultures of Juniperus virginiana Hetzii variety. Schenk and Hildebrandt medium supplemented with α-naphtylacetic acid (3.0 mg/l), kinetin (0.2 mg/l) and ascorbic acid (15.0 mg/l) was used for the cultivation. Chitosan solutions of various concentrations (0.001; 0.01; 0.1; 1 g/100 ml) were affecting the cultures for 6, 24, 48 and 168 hours. The content of chitosan was determined by HPLC. Higher values of podophyllotoxin content were measured in cultures derived from the Glauca variety. The best chitosan effect on podophyllotoxin production was manifested in callus cultures after 24 hours application of 0.001 g/100ml concentration. A podophyllotoxin content of 0.210 % was determined, which was about 320 % higher in comparison with the control. The maximum content (0.140 %) in suspension culture was induced by 24-hours application of a 0.1 g/100 ml concentration;...

Doctor of Philosophy / Food Science Institute / Channa B. Rajashekar / Weiqun Wang / As health-promoting agents, phytochemicals are biosynthesized in the plants that typically respond to environmental stresses. This study focused on the analysis of phytochemical contents in vegetables in response to environmental changes of high tunnel and light spectra. A potential anticancer activity was further studied by developing a novel 3D cell culture model. Three specific studies were conducted as follows. Study 1: High tunnel production has been applied in mid-west for many years due to the advantages of extending growing season and increasing crop yield. Previous studies, however, showed high tunnel resulted in reduction of phenolic contents in vegetables. Therefore, the first study was to confirm the effect of high tunnel on phenolic contents in two varieties of lettuce (‘Two Star’ and ‘Red Fire’) and carotenoid contents in two varieties of tomatoes (‘Mountain Fresh’ and ‘Celebrity’). Phenolics in lettuce and carotenoids in tomato were isolated and quantitated, respectively, by HPLC. High tunnel resulted in a significant reduction of phenolic contents in ‘Two Star’ but not in ‘Red Fire’ lettuce when compared with open field. A significant decrease of carotenoid contents in ‘Celebrity’ but not in ‘Mountain Fresh’ tomato was also observed. Therefore, this study confirmed that high tunnel application reduced phenolic or carotenoid contents in one of the two lettuce or tomato varieties, suggesting the effect of high tunnel production is variable and genotype specific. Study 2: Light is an important environmental factor influenced not only photosynthesis but also phenolic biosynthesis in vegetables. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplemental light spectra including red, far-red, and blue light on phenolic contents in two varieties of lettuce (green-leaf variety ‘Two Star’ and red-leaf variety ‘Red Fire’) and two varieties of spinach (‘Avon’ and ‘Bloomsdale’). The phenolics were extracted and quantitated by HPLC. Far-red and blue light but not red light resulted in an increase of phenolic contents in ‘Two Star’ lettuce. In ‘Red Fire’ lettuce, a significant increase in phenolic contents were observed when exposed to red light, while far-red and blue light reduced phenolic contents. Supplemental lighting did not alter flavonoid contents in two varieties of spinach. Taking together, the results showed that supplemental lighting and its spectral quality had significant effect on the phytochemical contents of lettuce but not spinach, and the impact varied depending upon the variety or species. Study 3: Traditionally, cancer research is primarily relied on in vitro 2D monolayer cell culture and in vivo animal model studies. Given a flat 2D cell culture that usually lacks 3D microenvironmental cell-cell interaction and considering an animal model that is typically expensive and time-consumed, an alternative 3D cell culture has been promising. This pilot study was to develop a novel 3D hydrogel cell culture model of human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells or colorectal adenocarcinoma SW480 cells by treating with chlorogenic acid (CGA) at 0-40 μM. The results showed both HepG2 and SW480 cells grew much better in 3D hydrogel culture system than 2D by extended exponential phase and high proliferation. CGA treatment resulted in a dose- and time-response inhibition of HepG2 and SW480 growth in exponential phase, while HepG2 cells were more susceptible than SW480 cells. Establishment of this novel 3D hydrogel culture model for future phytochemical function may bridge the gap between 2D cell culture and in vivo animal model studies. Taken together, this dissertation of three studies focused on phytochemicals from quantitation analysis in vegetables in response to environmental factors of high tunnel and light spectra to a novel 3D hydrogel cell culture development for potential phytochemical anti-cancer function. The conclusions, i.e., (1). high tunnel application reduced phenolic or carotenoid contents in special genotype of lettuce or tomato varieties; (2). lighting and its spectral quality had significant effect on the phytochemical contents of lettuce but not spinach; (3). establishment of a novel 3D hydrogel culture model for phytochemical treatment may bridge the gap between 2D cell culture and in vivo animal model studies, could be of particular significance in health-promoting phytochemical research and functional food application. Study 1: High tunnel production has been applied in mid-west for many years due to the advantages of extending growing season and increasing crop yield. Previous studies, however, showed high tunnel resulted in reduction of phenolic contents in vegetables. Therefore, the first study was to confirm the effect of high tunnel on phenolic contents in two varieties of lettuce (‘Two Star’ and ‘Red Fire’) and carotenoid contents in two varieties of tomatoes (‘Mountain Fresh’ and ‘Celebrity’). Phenolics in lettuce and carotenoids in tomato were isolated and quantitated, respectively, by HPLC. High tunnel resulted in a significant reduction of phenolic contents in ‘Two Star’ but not in ‘Red Fire’ lettuce when compared with open field. A significant decrease of carotenoid contents in ‘Celebrity’ but not in ‘Mountain Fresh’ tomato was also observed. Therefore, this study confirmed that high tunnel application reduced phenolic or carotenoid contents in one of the two lettuce or tomato varieties, suggesting the effect of high tunnel production is variable and genotype specific. Study 2: Light is an important environmental factor influenced not only photosynthesis but also phenolic biosynthesis in vegetables. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplemental light spectra including red, far-red, and blue light on phenolic contents in two varieties of lettuce (green-leaf variety ‘Two Star’ and red-leaf variety ‘Red Fire’) and two varieties of spinach (‘Avon’ and ‘Bloomsdale’). The phenolics were extracted and quantitated by HPLC. Far-red and blue light but not red light resulted in an increase of phenolic contents in ‘Two Star’ lettuce. In ‘Red Fire’ lettuce, a significant increase in phenolic contents were observed when exposed to red light, while far-red and blue light reduced phenolic contents. Supplemental lighting did not alter flavonoid contents in two varieties of spinach. Taking together, the results showed that supplemental lighting and its spectral quality had significant effect on the phytochemical contents of lettuce but not spinach, and the impact varied depending upon the variety or species. Study 3: Traditionally, cancer research is primarily relied on in vitro 2D monolayer cell culture and in vivo animal model studies. Given a flat 2D cell culture that usually lacks 3D microenvironmental cell-cell interaction and considering an animal model that is typically expensive and time-consumed, an alternative 3D cell culture has been promising. This pilot study was to develop a novel 3D hydrogel cell culture model of human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells or colorectal adenocarcinoma SW480 cells by treating with chlorogenic acid (CGA) at 0-40 M. The results showed both HepG2 and SW480 cells grew much better in 3D hydrogel culture system than 2D by extended exponential phase and high proliferation. CGA treatment resulted in a dose- and time-response inhibition of HepG2 and SW480 growth in exponential phase, while HepG2 cells were more susceptible than SW480 cells. Establishment of this novel 3D hydrogel culture model for future phytochemical function may bridge the gap between 2D cell culture and in vivo animal model studies. Taken together, this dissertation of three studies focused on phytochemicals from quantitation analysis in vegetables in response to environmental factors of high tunnel and light spectra to a novel 3D hydrogel cell culture development for potential phytochemical anti-cancer function. The conclusions, i.e., (1). high tunnel application reduced phenolic or carotenoid contents in special genotype of lettuce or tomato varieties; (2). lighting and its spectral quality had significant effect on the phytochemical contents of lettuce but not spinach; (3). establishment of a novel 3D hydrogel culture model for phytochemical treatment may bridge the gap between 2D cell culture and in vivo animal model studies, could be of particular significance in health-promoting phytochemical research and functional food application.

In this thesis, I used a two-phase gas-liquid segmented microfluidic platform to synthesize drug-loaded block copolymer nanoparticles. In Chapter 2 and 3, the anti-cancer drug 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) was physically encapsulated in poly(6-methyl-caprolactone-co-ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (P(MCL-co-CL)-b-PEO) nanoparticles with various drug-to-polymer loading ratios, under different flow conditions. The effects of chemical and flow conditions on the size, morphology, drug loading efficiency, in vitro release and cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles were determined. For various loading ratios, the intermediate total flow rate (Q = 200 µL/min) produced the smallest nanoparticle sizes and pure spheres. The various nanoparticle preparation conditions showed flow-variable release rates and cytotoxicities against MCF-7 cancer cell line. Specifically, we found that release half times of SN-38 from the nanoparticles were from τ1/2 = 0.8 to 3.3 h as the total flow rate increased from Q = 50 to 200 µL/min. We also found that most conditions of SN-38 formulations generated stronger cytotoxicity than free SN-38. As well, at short and intermediate incubation time (48 and 72 h), the cytotoxic potency of microfluidic nanoparticles prepared at Q = 200 µL/min were slightly higher than nanoparticles prepared using a conventional bulk method, while potencies of microfluidic nanoparticles prepared at higher and lower flow rates were slightly lower than the bulk control. In Chapter 4, in order to pursue even higher shear rate and increased throughput, we switched the microfabrication material to silicon/glass from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) used in earlier chapters, maintaining the gas-liquid microfluidic reactor design. A comparison between the two microfluidic reactor materials at constant liquid flow rate showed that channel material affected both flow behaviour and the resulting nanoparticle morphologies. A new, single-phase microfluidic strategy was also proposed in order to generate high shear, in which variable high and low shear would arise from periodic changes in channel dimensions. However, issues regarding clogging of the more narrow microchannels require future work of improvements in either reactor design or the microfabrication process. / Graduate / 2019-01-12

Dans cette thèse, on a travaillé sur 3 plantes médicinales : Ammoides pusilla, Pituranthos tortuosus et Tetraclinis articulata. L'objectif était : (i) d'identifier la composition chimique des extraits organiques et des huiles essentielles issues de ces plantes, (ii) établir un screening biologiques in vitro des activité anti-Alzheimer, anti-Superoxyde dismutase, anti-xanthine oxidase, antidiabétique, anti-inflammatoire et anti-cancer (iii) évaluer in vivo le pouvoir hépatoprotecteur et anti-inflammatoire de A. pusilla, (iv) étudier l'activité litholytique de l'extrait aqueux d'A. pusilla contre différents types de calculs rénaux et (v) déterminer la relation structure-activités de 20 flavonoïdes. Les extraits organiques ont été obtenus par extraction avec des solvants de polarité croissante. D'autre part, une hydrodistillation a permis d'extraire les huiles essentielles de chaque partie aérienne. Une caractérisation de la composition chimique de ces extraits/huiles essentielles a été établie par CPG-SM/CG-FID et HPLC (pour les extraits). L'activité anti-cancer a été réalisée par le test MTT sur des lignées cellulaires différentes. Pour A. pusilla, 2 nouveaux composés ont été identifiés dans l'extrait de cyclohexane et 4 nouveaux composés dans l'extrait de dichlorométhane. L'effet hépato protecteur de l'extrait d'A. pusilla sur le foie a été mis en évidence. L'extrait de dichlorométhane a permis d'obtenir 77,02% d'inhibition, pour l'activité anti-inflammatoire in vivo. Pour P. tortuosus, 17 composés ont été détectés dans l'huile essentielle pour la première fois. Pour les 20 flavonoïdes testés le pouvoir antioxydant a été corrélé à des propriétés biologiques. Cinq types de calculs rénaux différents ont été identifiés (typologie et composition élémentaire) par MEB/EDX. A. pusilla a présenté une activité litholytique à 100% pour les calculs rénaux de type urinaire et oxalate de calcium. / In this thesis, we worked on 3 medicinal plants: Ammoides pusilla, Pituranthos tortuosus and Tetraclinis articulata. The aim was: (i) identify the chemical composition of organic extracts and essential oils from these plants, (ii) establish a biological screening of in vitro anti-Alzheimer, anti-superoxide dismutase, anti-xanthine oxidase , anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities (iii) evaluate in vivo hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory power of A. pusilla, (iv) study litholytic activity of aqueous extract of A. pusilla against different types of kidney stones and (v) determine the relationship structure-activity of 20 flavonoids. The organic extracts were obtained by extraction with solvents of increasing polarity. Furthermore, a hydrodistillation was used to extract essential oils from each aerial part. A characterization of the chemical composition of these extracts / essential oils was determined by GC-MS/GC-FID and HPLC (for extracts). The anti-cancer activity was carried out by MTT assay on different cell lines. For A. pusilla, two novel compounds were identified in the extract of cyclohexane and 4 novel compounds in the dichloromethane extract. A. pusilla hepatoprotective effect on the liver has been highlighted. The dichloromethane extract of P. tortuosus gives 77.02% inhibition for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, 17 compounds were detected in the essential oil for the first time. For the 20 flavonoids tested the antioxidant power was correlated with biological properties. Five different types of kidney stones have been identified (typology and elemental composition) using SEM / EDX. A. pusilla litholytic activity presented at 100% for urinary-type and calcium oxalate kidney stones.

A major effort to develop anticancer drugs through both empiric screening and rational design of new compounds has been under way for over 30 years (Katzung, 2004). In recent years, research and development in the field of sitespecific drug therapy has progressed significantly. Safe and non-toxic formulations of cytotoxic drugs based on polymers with their improved sitespecific delivery and effective activation to biologically active cytotoxic compounds at the targeted tumours have become a promising approach to cancer therapy. Drug delivery systems based on polymer micelles, coated microand nanoparticles, liposomes and various pro-drug systems including watersoluble polymer–drug conjugates and immunoconjugates have been prepared and extensively studied as novel drug delivery systems designed for cancer chemotherapy. Amongst these drug delivery systems that enable specific drug delivery and release, water-soluble polymer–drug conjugates rank among the most promising, versatile and efficient systems. This dissertation reviews the preclinical testing and pharmacokinetic study of D85, a novel water-soluble macromolecular pro-drug that is a polymer with pHcontrolled methotrexate (MTX) release with potential for treatment of cancer in humans (Ulbrich&Subr, 2004). As MTX is also indicated in low doses for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, the polymer was further tested in an acute inflammatory model to determine whether the polymer would be more effective than MTX in controlling inflammation. The objective of this study was to compare the potency and efficacy of D85 to MTX. D85, a MTX conjugated polymeric lead compound, was designed and synthesised as a potential anti-neoplastic and anti-inflammatory agent. It was initially tested in vitro on three different cancer cell lines where selective toxicity towards the cancer cell cultures compared to primary cell cultures and greater toxicity than MTX was observed. The initial in vitro tests showed very promising results with D85 demonstrating approximately 300 times greater cytotoxicity than MTX against a colon cancer cell line (COLO 320 DM). This high cytotoxic effect warranted further investigation in an in vivo colon cancer tumour model. An induced murine tumour model of COLO 320 DM was successfully developed in nude mice, and the anti-tumour efficacy of D85 tested in this model. The maximum tolerated dose of D85 was established by carrying out an in vivo dose ranging toxicity test in BALB/c mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of D85 were also determined using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in rats where carrageenan was injected into a footpad of a rat causing acute oedema, which was measured using a water displacement plethysmometer. D85 was found to exacerbate the inflammatory response. Finally, the pharmacokinetic parameters of MTX and D85 were assessed using a LC/MS/MS method specifically developed and validated to determine low concentrations of MTX in small volumes of plasma. This new method made use of online solid phase extraction and sample cleanup on 2μl injections of diluted plasma allowing an entire pharmacokinetics study to be completed on an individual rat. Fairly similar pharmacokinetics were determined from both compounds. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Pharmacology / unrestricted

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the most malignant of all primary adult brain tumours. It is a highly invasive and vascularized neoplasm with limited treatment options and very low survival rate. GBM tumours are heterogeneous in nature with cellular hierarchy and at the apex of this hierarchy are the glioblastoma stem cells, known to promote tumourigenesis and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and tumour recurrence. Currently, the standard care for GBM involves surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment with temozolomide. Unfortunately, median survival after treatment is still daunting and tumour relapse is very frequent. Indeed, patients with recurrent glioblastoma have less than a year survival. To address this, novel therapies need to be developed with the early introduction of promising agents into clinical trials and subsequent approval for use. Importantly, for these novel therapies to be approved for GBM, they need to be safe, effective as well as being able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Due to the high cost and process time for the development of new drugs, existing approved drugs are currently being repurposed for new indications and this is gaining significance in clinical pharmacology as it allows rapid delivery of useful drugs from bench to bedside. Drugs of the antipsychotic class are well known to cross the BBB due to their neuroleptic action. To this end, the aim of this study was to identify and characterize the anti-cancer activities of novel phenothiazine-derivatives belonging to the antipsychotic class of drugs in glioblastoma. To achieve this, several novel phenothiazine-derivatives were initially screened for possible anti-cancer activity in the U87 and U251 malignant GBM cells. Two lead compounds, DS00326 and DS00329, were identified and their anti-cancer activities were determined in U87 and U251 cells as well as in primary patient-derived xenograft (PDX) glioblastoma cultures. DS00326 and DS00329 significantly inhibited glioblastoma cell viability, with minimal effects observed in the non-cancerous FG0 fibroblasts. The IC50 values of DS00326 and DS00329 for U251, U87 and PDX cells ranged from 1.61 to 12.53μM. Flow cytometry analyses showed that DS00326 and DS00329 treatment led to an increase in the G1 population of cells. Additionally, DS00326 and DS00329 induced double-strand DNA breaks, which lead to activation of the canonical DNA damage response pathway. Furthermore, DS00326 and DS00329 induced apoptosis as shown by morphological markers, flow cytometry with annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, as well as western blotting with an antibody to detect levels of cleaved PARP. Interestingly, treatment with DS00326 and DS00329 also induced autophagy as evident by the increase of acidic vesicular organelles in cells following staining with acridine orange as well as an increase in levels of the autophagy marker LC3-II. Autophagy was seen as a pro-death pathway in the U87 and U251 cells as inhibition of autophagy led to a reversal of cytotoxicity and consequently increased cell survival. Moreover, it was demonstrated that DS00326 and DS00329 inhibited the PI3/Akt pathway while modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinases p38, ERK1/2 and JNK signalling pathways. Importantly DS00326 and DS00329 displayed anti-cancer stem cell activities by the inhibition of neurosphere formation and regulation of stem cell markers SOX2 and GFAP in PDX cells. Together, the findings from this study suggest that DS00326 and DS00329 may be effective in the treatment of glioblastoma and provide a strong rationale for further clinical studies exploiting phenothiazines and their derivatives as treatments for glioblastoma. / 2021-09-01