DNA methylation inhibitors
A number of DNA methylation inhibitors are described. The DNA methylation inhibitors were identified using a two-component enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter system to screen a compound library containing procainamide derivatives. The DNA methylation inhibitors can be used for cancer therapy and prevention.
1. A method for treating or preventing cancer in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition including a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof of formula I:
wherein R 1 and R 2 are either both hydrogen or are linked CH 2 moieties forming an unsubstituted ethylene group, and
wherein R 3 , R 4 , and R 5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, NO 2 , OH, OMe, CF 3 , and OCF 3 moieties.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein R 1 and R 2 are linked CH 2 moieties forming an unsubstituted ethylene group and R 5 is H.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the compound has the structure
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein R 3 is H.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cancer is breast, prostate, lung, or colon cancer.
6. A method of inhibiting DNA methylation in a cell by contacting the cell with a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having the structure