Interaction of Some Flavonoids Analogs with Sphingosine Kinase-1 as a Therapeutic Alternative to Treat Cancer

Reports are indicating that some biomolecules can regulate cancer development. In this way, some data suggest that sphingosine kinases (SphK1 and SphK2) can decrease cancer cell growth through the activation of different biomolecules. It is noteworthy that several SphK1 blockers have been used to treat decreased cancer cell growth; however, their interaction with SphK1 is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to determine the possible coupling of some flavonoid analogs (1-19) with SphK1 using the 3vzb protein as a tool in the docking Server program. In addition, pf543 and 2-(p-hydroxyanilino)-4-(p-chlorophenyl)thiazole were used as controls. The results showed different amino acid residues in the docking of flavonoid analogues with 3vzb protein compared to pf543 and 2-(p-hydroxyanilino)-4-(p-chlorophenyl)thiazole. Other data indicate that flavonoid analogues 2, 6-10, 13, 14, 17, and 18 might have a higher affinity for SphK1 protein compared to pf543 and 2-(p-hydroxyaniline)-4-(p-chlorophenyl)thiazole. In conclusion, these data suggest that flavonoid derivatives 2, 6-10, 13, 14, 17, and 18 might modulate the biological activity produced by SphK1, and this phenomenon might translate into good anticancer agents.