Design, Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Novel 4 (1-adamantyl) Phenyl Analogues as HIF-1α Inhibitors

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a key mediator during cancer cells to adapt tumor hypoxic condition. In this study, a series of adamantane-based compounds were synthesized and evaluated as potential inhibitors of HIF-1α. Examination of their structure-activity relationship (SAR) identified the adamantane-containing indole derivative 20a as a potent inhibitor of HIF-1α in Hep3B cell lines under tumor hypoxia (IC50 = 0.02 μM). The study herein may provide valuable information for the development of novel therapeutics against cancer and tumor angiogenesis.