Synthesis and Cell Division Cycle 25B Phosphatase/Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitory Activity Evaluation of Novel Acylthiourea Derivatives

A series of new acylthiourea derivatives 3 containing carbazole moity have been synthesized by the techniques of ultrasonic irradiation and solid-liquid phase transfer catalysis. Their structures were characterized by IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR spectra and elemental analysis. This synthetic method has the advantages of short reaction time, simple operation and high yield. All synthesized target compounds were screened for their inhibitory activity against cell division cycle 25B phosphatase (Cdc25B) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). The results show that all the compounds 3 display significant inhibitory activities against Cdc25B, and partial target compounds 3 also show significant inhibitory activities against PTP1B. Among them, 1-(4-nitrobenzoy1)-3-(9-ethyl-carbazole-3-yl)thiourea (3n) exhibits highest inhibitory activity against Cdc25B [IC50 = (0.49 +/- 0.12) mu g/mL] and 1-(2-nitrobenzoy1)-3-(9-ethyl-carbazole-3-yl)thiourea (31) displays highest inhibitory activity against PTP1B [IC50 =(3.59 +/- 1.15) mu g/mL]. It is noteworthy that compound 3n shows higher inhibitory activity against Cdc25B and PTP1B. The preliminary research results of molecular docking revealed the structural-activity of the inhibitors. The active compounds can be considered as potential Cdc25B and PTP1B inhibitors, and have great application prospects in the treatment of cancers and diabetes.