Cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) contributes to the metabolic
inactivation
of chemotherapeutics when overexpressed in tumor cells. Selective
inhibition of CYP1B1 holds promise for reversing drug resistance.
In our pursuit of potent CYP1B1 inhibitors, we designed and synthesized
a series of 2-phenylquinazolin-4-amines. A substantial proportion
of these newly developed inhibitors demonstrated inhibitory activity
against CYP1B1, accompanied by improved water solubility. Remarkably,
compound 14b exhibited exceptional inhibitory efficacy
and selectivity toward CYP1B1. Molecular docking studies suggested
that the expansion of the π-system through aromatization, the
introduction of an amine group, and iodine atom augmented the binding
affinity. Furthermore, inhibitors 14a, 14b, and 14e demonstrated the ability to significantly
reduce the resistance in A549 cells to paclitaxel, while also inhibiting
the migration and invasion of these cells. Finally, radioiodine labeling
experiments shed light on the metabolic pathway of compound 5l in mice, highlighting the potential of 125I-5l as a radioactive probe for future research endeavors.