Pyridine-containing macrocycles display MMP-2/9 inhibitory activity and distinct effects on migration and invasion of 2D and 3D breast cancer models

The role of metalloproteinases (MMPs) on the migration and invasion of cancer cells has been correlated with tumor aggressiveness, namely with the up-regulation of MMP-2 and 9. Herein, two pyridine-containing macrocyclic compounds, [15]pyN₅ and [16]pyN₅, were synthesized, chemically characterized and evaluated as potential MMP inhibitors for breast cancer therapy using 3D and 2D cellular models. [15]pyN₅ and [16]pyN₅ (5–20 µM) showed a marked inhibition of MMPs activity (100% at concentrations ≥ 7.5 µM) when compared to ARP-100, a known MMP inhibitor. The inhibitory activity of [15]pyN₅ and [16]pyN₅ was further supported through in silico docking studies using Goldscore and ChemPLP scoring functions. Moreover, although no significant differences were observed in the invasion studies in the presence of all MMPs inhibitors, cell migration was significantly inhibited by both pyridine-containing macrocycles at concentrations above 5 µM in 2D cells (p < 0.05). In spheroids, the same effect was observed, but only with [16]pyN₅ at 20 µM and ARP-100 at 40 µM. Overall, [15]pyN₅ and [16]pyN₅ led to impaired breast cancer cell migration and revealed to be potential inhibitors of MMPs 2 and 9.