Anticancer Evaluation of Novel Benzofuran–Indole Hybrids as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors against Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), also known as ErbB1 and HER1, belongs to the receptor tyrosine kinase family. EGFR serves as the primary driver in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is a promising therapeutic target for NSCLC. In this study, we synthesized a novel chemical library based on a benzofuran–indole hybrid scaffold and identified 8aa as a potent and selective EGFR inhibitor. Interestingly, 8aa not only showed selective anticancer effects against NSCLC cell lines, PC9, and A549, but it also showed significant inhibitory effects against the double mutant L858R/T790M EGFR, which frequently occurs in NSCLC. In addition, in PC9 and A549 cells, 8aa potently blocked the EGFR signaling pathway, cell viability, and cell migration. These findings suggest that 8aa, a benzofuran–indole hybrid derivative, is a novel EGFR inhibitor that may be a potential candidate for the treatment of NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations.


Introduction
The identification of new chemical entities with pharmacologically modulating properties is important in the early stages of drug discovery processes.Accordingly, the generation of new drug-like chemical scaffolds and their derivatives for biological screening is highly desired.Against this backdrop, we were able to find several chemical motifs (I-VI) with significant pharmacological functions through the synthesis and biological evaluation of novel heterocycles (Figure 1) [1][2][3].
Lung cancer is the most the common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with a 5-year patient survival rate of less than 15%.Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is commonly found in lung cancer, accounts for 85% of lung cancer cases [4,5].
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) belongs to the receptor tyrosine kinase family, which is highly expressed in NSCLC patients [6].Given the pivotal role of the EGFR signaling pathway in regulating tumorigenesis, cell growth, and proliferation in NSCLC, the EGFR emerges as an attractive therapeutic target [7].For example, EGFR overexpression or mutation has been demonstrated in 43-89% of NSCLC patients [8].In addition, it has been observed that 25% of NSCLC patients exhibited mutations in the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain, with 75% of these mutations being associated with overexpression of EGFR [9].EGFR overexpression or abnormalities trigger sustained signal transduction, promoting cell survival, proliferation, relapse, tumorigenesis, and metastasis in NSCLC through the MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors [10,11].To date, clinically available EGFR inhibitors comprise EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib, and osimertinib, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as panitumumab and cetuximab [12].However, despite initial robust responses to first-and second-generation EGFR-TKIs, a considerable number of NSCLC patients develop acquired resistance during EGFR-TKI treatment within 9 to 14 months after starting treatment [13].Therefore, there remains a necessity for the development of novel EGFR inhibitors to address drug resistance in the treatment of NSCLC.Lung cancer is the most the common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with a 5-year patient survival rate of less than 15%.Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is commonly found in lung cancer, accounts for 85% of lung cancer cases [4,5].
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) belongs to the receptor tyrosine kinase family, which is highly expressed in NSCLC patients [6].Given the pivotal role of the EGFR signaling pathway in regulating tumorigenesis, cell growth, and proliferation in NSCLC, the EGFR emerges as an attractive therapeutic target [7].For example, EGFR overexpression or mutation has been demonstrated in 43-89% of NSCLC patients [8].In addition, it has been observed that 25% of NSCLC patients exhibited mutations in the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain, with 75% of these mutations being associated with overexpression of EGFR [9].EGFR overexpression or abnormalities trigger sustained signal transduction, promoting cell survival, proliferation, relapse, tumorigenesis, and metastasis in NSCLC through the MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors [10,11].To date, clinically available EGFR inhibitors comprise EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib, and osimertinib, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as panitumumab and cetuximab [12].However, despite initial robust responses to first-and second-generation EGFR-TKIs, a considerable number of NSCLC patients develop acquired resistance during EGFR-TKI treatment within 9 to 14 months after starting treatment [13].Therefore, there remains a necessity for the development of novel EGFR inhibitors to address drug resistance in the treatment of NSCLC.
Erlotinib and gefitinib are two representative EGFR-TKIs with a 4anilinoquinazoline skeleton (Figure 2).In 2008, Lüth and Löwe reported the synthesis of quinazoline-indole hybrids (A) which were found to exhibit EGFR inhibitory activity [14].In connection with our continued interest in the design and synthesis of new anticancer agents [15,16], we hoped to find a new heterocyclic skeleton to replace the quinazoline moiety while retaining the indole group.Along this line, we wondered whether benzofuran could be used instead of quinazoline.Erlotinib and gefitinib are two representative EGFR-TKIs with a 4-anilinoquinazoline skeleton (Figure 2).In 2008, Lüth and Löwe reported the synthesis of quinazoline-indole hybrids (A) which were found to exhibit EGFR inhibitory activity [14].In connection with our continued interest in the design and synthesis of new anticancer agents [15,16], we hoped to find a new heterocyclic skeleton to replace the quinazoline moiety while retaining the indole group.Along this line, we wondered whether benzofuran could be used instead of quinazoline.Benzofuran has been employed as a key pharmacophore of a number of small molecules with biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, and antitumor properties [17].As an another important privileged structure, indole constitutes a core skeleton in many bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals [18].Although several benzofuran-or indole-based EGFR inhibitors (VII-XI) have been discussed in the literature (Figure 3) [19][20][21][22][23], no chemical scaffolds consisting of both benzofuran and indole have been reported as EGFR inhibitors.Here, we wish to describe the modular synthesis and biological evaluation of benzofuranindole hybrids as a new class of highly promising EGFR inhibitors.Benzofuran has been employed as a key pharmacophore of a number of small molecules with biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, and antitumor properties [17].As an another important privileged structure, indole constitutes a core skeleton in many bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals [18].Although several benzofuran-or indole-based EGFR inhibitors (VII-XI) have been discussed in the literature (Figure 3) [19][20][21][22][23], no chemical scaffolds consisting of both benzofuran and indole have been reported as EGFR inhibitors.Here, we wish to describe the modular synthesis and biological evaluation of benzofuran-indole hybrids as a new class of highly promising EGFR inhibitors.Benzofuran has been employed as a key pharmacophore of a number of small molecules with biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, and antitumor properties [17].As an another important privileged structure, indole constitutes a core skeleton in many bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals [18].Although several benzofuran-or indole-based EGFR inhibitors (VII-XI) have been discussed in the literature (Figure 3) [19][20][21][22][23], no chemical scaffolds consisting of both benzofuran and indole have been reported as EGFR inhibitors.Here, we wish to describe the modular synthesis and biological evaluation of benzofuranindole hybrids as a new class of highly promising EGFR inhibitors.As part of our general plan to make poly-functionalized benzofurans, a domino nucleophilic substitution-dehydrative cyclization procedure with 1 was deemed to give 2,3-disubstituted benzofuran 2 (Scheme 1a).To validate our hypothesis, the requisite starting material 1 (when LG is OH) was envisioned to be easily prepared via a Friedel-Crafts-type reaction between phenol and arylglyoxal [24].Inspired by our recent success in achieving the hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-mediated hydroxyalkylation of indolizine 3 to arylglyoxal to afford 4 (Scheme 1b) [25], we expected that a HFIP-promoted Friedel-Crafts-type reaction between phenol 5 and arylglyoxal would give rise to 7, which could be converted to benzofuran 8, having an indole at the C3 position upon exposure to indole and p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) (Scheme 1c).The biological investigation of benzofuranindole hybrid 8 [26] revealed that this class of compounds exhibit anticancer activity against PC9 and A549 lung cancer cells via the inhibition of phosphorylated EGFR.Here, we wish to describe our findings along this line.As part of our general plan to make poly-functionalized benzofurans, a domino nucleophilic substitution-dehydrative cyclization procedure with 1 was deemed to give 2,3-disubstituted benzofuran 2 (Scheme 1a).To validate our hypothesis, the requisite starting material 1 (when LG is OH) was envisioned to be easily prepared via a Friedel-Crafts-type reaction between phenol and arylglyoxal [24].Inspired by our recent success in achieving the hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-mediated hydroxyalkylation of indolizine 3 to arylglyoxal to afford 4 (Scheme 1b) [25], we expected that a HFIP-promoted Friedel-Crafts-type reaction between phenol 5 and arylglyoxal would give rise to 7, which could be converted to benzofuran 8, having an indole at the C3 position upon exposure to indole and p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) (Scheme 1c).The biological investigation of benzofuran-indole hybrid 8 [26] revealed that this class of compounds exhibit anticancer activity against PC9 and A549 lung cancer cells via the inhibition of phosphorylated EGFR.Here, we wish to describe our findings along this line.Scheme 1. Synthetic plans.

Design and Synthesis of Benzofuran-Indole Hybrids
When we reacted 5a (2 equiv) with phenylglyoxal (1 equiv) in the presence of HFIP (0.5 equiv) in toluene at 70 °C, the desired product 7a was isolated in 95% yield (Scheme

Design and Synthesis of Benzofuran-Indole Hybrids
When we reacted 5a (2 equiv) with phenylglyoxal (1 equiv) in the presence of HFIP (0.5 equiv) in toluene at 70 • C, the desired product 7a was isolated in 95% yield (Scheme 2).The subsequent treatment of 7a with indole and PTSA (0.2 equiv) in CHCl 3 at 60 • C provided benzofuran possessing an indole at the C3 site in 97% yield.Scheme 1. Synthetic plans.
Having found the optimal conditions for the synthesis of 7 and 8, we examined the reaction scope with several phenols, (hetero)arylglyoxals, and indoles (Table 1).In general, these two-step sequences allowed for a variety of 2-arylbenzofurans 8 bearing an indole at the C3 site via intermediates of 7 in good to excellent yields.Various functional groups, such as alkoxy, alkyl, and halogen, were well tolerated under these conditions.Having found the optimal conditions for the synthesis of 7 and 8, we examined the reaction scope with several phenols, (hetero)arylglyoxals, and indoles (Table 1).In general, these two-step sequences allowed for a variety of 2-arylbenzofurans 8 bearing an indole at the C3 site via intermediates of 7 in good to excellent yields.Various functional groups, such as alkoxy, alkyl, and halogen, were well tolerated under these conditions.Scheme 2. Synthesis of 8a a,b .a A mixture of 5a (2 equiv), phenylglyoxal (0.33 mmol, 1 equiv), and HFIP (0.5 equiv) in toluene (4 mL) was stirred at 70 °C for 36 h.A mixture of 7a (0.08 mmol, 1 equiv), indole (1.5 equiv), and PTSA (0.2 equiv) in CHCl3 (2 mL) was stirred at 60 °C for 16 h.b Isolated yield (%).
Having found the optimal conditions for the synthesis of 7 and 8, we examined the reaction scope with several phenols, (hetero)arylglyoxals, and indoles (Table 1).In general, these two-step sequences allowed for a variety of 2-arylbenzofurans 8 bearing an indole at the C3 site via intermediates of 7 in good to excellent yields.Various functional groups, such as alkoxy, alkyl, and halogen, were well tolerated under these conditions.Having found the optimal conditions for the synthesis of 7 and 8, we examined the reaction scope with several phenols, (hetero)arylglyoxals, and indoles (Table 1).In general, these two-step sequences allowed for a variety of 2-arylbenzofurans 8 bearing an indole at the C3 site via intermediates of 7 in good to excellent yields.Various functional groups, such as alkoxy, alkyl, and halogen, were well tolerated under these conditions.Having found the optimal conditions for the synthesis of 7 and 8, we examined the reaction scope with several phenols, (hetero)arylglyoxals, and indoles (Table 1).In general, these two-step sequences allowed for a variety of 2-arylbenzofurans 8 bearing an indole at the C3 site via intermediates of 7 in good to excellent yields.Various functional groups, such as alkoxy, alkyl, and halogen, were well tolerated under these conditions.Having found the optimal conditions for the synthesis of 7 and 8, we examined the reaction scope with several phenols, (hetero)arylglyoxals, and indoles (Table 1).In general, these two-step sequences allowed for a variety of 2-arylbenzofurans 8 bearing an indole at the C3 site via intermediates of 7 in good to excellent yields.Various functional groups, such as alkoxy, alkyl, and halogen, were well tolerated under these conditions.Having found the optimal conditions for the synthesis of 7 and 8, we examined the reaction scope with several phenols, (hetero)arylglyoxals, and indoles (Table 1).In general, these two-step sequences allowed for a variety of 2-arylbenzofurans 8 bearing an indole at the C3 site via intermediates of 7 in good to excellent yields.Various functional groups, such as alkoxy, alkyl, and halogen, were well tolerated under these conditions.Having found the optimal conditions for the synthesis of 7 and 8, we examined the reaction scope with several phenols, (hetero)arylglyoxals, and indoles (Table 1).In general, these two-step sequences allowed for a variety of 2-arylbenzofurans 8 bearing an indole at the C3 site via intermediates of 7 in good to excellent yields.Various functional groups, such as alkoxy, alkyl, and halogen, were well tolerated under these conditions.Having found the optimal conditions for the synthesis of 7 and 8, we examined the reaction scope with several phenols, (hetero)arylglyoxals, and indoles (Table 1).In general, these two-step sequences allowed for a variety of 2-arylbenzofurans 8 bearing an indole at the C3 site via intermediates of 7 in good to excellent yields.Various functional groups, such as alkoxy, alkyl, and halogen, were well tolerated under these conditions.An immunoblot analysis of these compounds indicated that 8e significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the EGFR (Figure 4).In addition, 8g showed a weak ability to reduce p-EGFR levels.The cytotoxicity of these benzofuran-indole hybrids 8 against An immunoblot analysis of these compounds indicated that 8e significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the EGFR (Figure 4).In addition, 8g showed a weak ability to reduce p-EGFR levels.The cytotoxicity of these benzofuran-indole hybrids 8 against An immunoblot analysis of these compounds indicated that 8e significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the EGFR (Figure 4).In addition, 8g showed a weak ability to reduce p-EGFR levels.The cytotoxicity of these benzofuran-indole hybrids 8 against An immunoblot analysis of these compounds indicated that 8e significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the EGFR (Figure 4).In addition, 8g showed a weak ability to reduce p-EGFR levels.The cytotoxicity of these benzofuran-indole hybrids 8 against An immunoblot analysis of these compounds indicated that 8e significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the EGFR (Figure 4).In addition, 8g showed a weak ability to reduce p-EGFR levels.The cytotoxicity of these benzofuran-indole hybrids 8 against An immunoblot analysis of these compounds indicated that 8e significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the EGFR (Figure 4).In addition, 8g showed a weak ability to reduce p-EGFR levels.The cytotoxicity of these benzofuran-indole hybrids 8 against An immunoblot analysis of these compounds indicated that 8e significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the EGFR (Figure 4).In addition, 8g showed a weak ability to reduce p-EGFR levels.The cytotoxicity of these benzofuran-indole hybrids 8 against An immunoblot analysis of these compounds indicated that 8e significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the EGFR (Figure 4).In addition, 8g showed a weak ability to reduce p-EGFR levels.The cytotoxicity of these benzofuran-indole hybrids 8 against An immunoblot analysis of these compounds indicated that 8e significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the EGFR (Figure 4).In addition, 8g showed a weak ability to reduce p-EGFR levels.The cytotoxicity of these benzofuran-indole hybrids 8 against 8y (62%) a A mixture of 5 (2 equiv), arylglyoxal (0.33 mmol, 1 equiv), and HFIP (0.5 equiv) in toluene (4 mL) was stirred at 70 • C for 36 h.A mixture of 7 (0.08 mmol, 1 equiv), indole (1.5 equiv), and PTSA (0.2 equiv) in CHCl 3 (2 mL) was stirred at 60 •  An immunoblot analysis of these compounds indicated that 8e significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of the EGFR (Figure 4).In addition, 8g showed a weak ability to reduce p-EGFR levels.The cytotoxicity of these benzofuran-indole hybrids 8 against lung cancer cell lines was evaluated in PC9 cells (Table 2).Consistent with the immunoblot analysis results, both 8e and 8g showed potent cytotoxicity in PC9 cells.As 8e showed promising anticancer activity, more close analogs (8z-ad) were synthesized for secondary screening.Our immunoblot analysis showed that 8aa reduced p-EGFR more than 8e, and 8aa inhibited EGFR kinase activity with IC50 values of 0.44 ± 0.02 µM (Figure 5).The cytotoxic activities of these derivatives against the lung cancer cell lines (PC9 and A549) indicated that 8aa exhibited the most remarkable cytotoxicity among the derivatives, with IC50 values of 0.32 ± 0.05 µM and 0.89 ± 0.10 µM, respectively (Table 3).To identify whether 8aa is a potent EGFR inhibitor, further studies were conducted.As 8e showed promising anticancer activity, more close analogs (8z-ad) were synthesized for secondary screening.Our immunoblot analysis showed that 8aa reduced p-EGFR more than 8e, and 8aa inhibited EGFR kinase activity with IC 50 values of 0.44 ± 0.02 µM (Figure 5).The cytotoxic activities of these derivatives against the lung cancer cell lines (PC9 and A549) indicated that 8aa exhibited the most remarkable cytotoxicity among the derivatives, with IC 50 values of 0.32 ± 0.05 µM and 0.89 ± 0.10 µM, respectively (Table 3).To identify whether 8aa is a potent EGFR inhibitor, further studies were conducted.among the derivatives, with IC50 values of 0.32 ± 0.05 μM and 0.89 ± 0.10 μM, respectively (Table 3).To identify whether 8aa is a potent EGFR inhibitor, further studies were conducted.among the derivatives, with IC50 values of 0.32 ± 0.05 μM and 0.89 ± 0.10 μM, respectively (Table 3).To identify whether 8aa is a potent EGFR inhibitor, further studies were conducted.among the derivatives, with IC50 values of 0.32 ± 0.05 μM and 0.89 ± 0.10 μM, respectively (Table 3).To identify whether 8aa is a potent EGFR inhibitor, further studies were conducted.

Inhibitory Effect of 8aa on EGFR Signaling Pathways in PC9 and A549 Cells
Previous studies have reported that the upregulation of the EGFR occurs frequently in NSCLC, and the EGFR plays an important role in the development and progression of NSCLC [27,28].To investigate the effects of 8aa on multiple EGFR-mediated signaling pathways, we performed an immunoblot analysis on the EGF-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR, AKT, and ERK1/2 in NSCLC cell lines, namely PC9 and A549 cells.As shown in Figure 6, EGF strongly increased the phosphorylation of EGFR, and 8aa significantly reduced the EGF-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR in a dose-dependent manner.In addition, 8aa also reduced the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2, downstream signaling pathways of the EGFR.These results indicated that 8aa can effectively block the signal transduction pathway through EGFR phosphorylation.

Inhibitory Effect of 8aa on EGFR Signaling Pathways in PC9 and A549 Cells
Previous studies have reported that the upregulation of the EGFR occurs frequently in NSCLC, and the EGFR plays an important role in the development and progression of NSCLC [27,28].To investigate the effects of 8aa on multiple EGFR-mediated signaling pathways, we performed an immunoblot analysis on the EGF-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR, AKT, and ERK1/2 in NSCLC cell lines, namely PC9 and A549 cells.As shown in Figure 6, EGF strongly increased the phosphorylation of EGFR, and 8aa significantly reduced the EGF-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR in a dose-dependent manner.In addition, 8aa also reduced the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2, downstream signaling pathways of the EGFR.These results indicated that 8aa can effectively block the signal transduction pathway through EGFR phosphorylation.

Inhibitory Effect of 8aa on EGFR Signaling Pathways in PC9 and A549 Cells
Previous studies have reported that the upregulation of the EGFR occurs frequently in NSCLC, and the EGFR plays an important role in the development and progression of NSCLC [27,28].To investigate the effects of 8aa on multiple EGFR-mediated signaling pathways, we performed an immunoblot analysis on the EGF-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR, AKT, and ERK1/2 in NSCLC cell lines, namely PC9 and A549 cells.As shown in Figure 6, EGF strongly increased the phosphorylation of EGFR, and 8aa significantly reduced the EGF-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR in a dose-dependent manner.In addition, 8aa also reduced the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2, downstream signaling pathways of the EGFR.These results indicated that 8aa can effectively block the signal transduction pathway through EGFR phosphorylation.

Inhibitory Effect of 8aa on EGFR Signaling Pathways in PC9 and A549 Cells
Previous studies have reported that the upregulation of the EGFR occurs frequently in NSCLC, and the EGFR plays an important role in the development and progression of NSCLC [27,28].To investigate the effects of 8aa on multiple EGFR-mediated signaling pathways, we performed an immunoblot analysis on the EGF-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR, AKT, and ERK1/2 in NSCLC cell lines, namely PC9 and A549 cells.As shown in Figure 6, EGF strongly increased the phosphorylation of EGFR, and 8aa significantly reduced the EGF-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR in a dose-dependent manner.In addition, 8aa also reduced the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2, downstream signaling pathways of the EGFR.These results indicated that 8aa can effectively block the signal transduction pathway through EGFR phosphorylation.(A,C) PC9 and A549 cells were pretreated with 8aa at the indicated concentrations for 6 h, and then the cells were incubated with EGF (20 ng/mL) for 30 min.The expression levels of p-EGFR, t-EGFR, p-AKT, t-AKT, p-ERK1/2, and t-ERK1/2 were measured by immunoblotting.(B,D) p-EGFR, p-AKT, and p-ERK1/2 protein intensities were normalized to t-EGFR, t-AKT, and t-ERK1/2, respectively (mean ± S.E., n = 3).* p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01.

Molecular Modeling of 8aa
To elucidate the underlying mechanism driving the preferential binding of 8aa to the active conformation of EGFR-TKD, molecular docking studies were carried out using the tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR (PDB ID: 1M17), which provided the initial erlotinib conformation [29].The binding mode of 8aa to the EGFR is depicted in Figure 7, showing its possible molecular interactions.The methoxy oxygens at the C5 and C6 positions of 8aa form hydrogen bond interactions with the kinase hinge that is an amide backbone of Met793 (Figure 7).The benzofuran moiety within 8aa, situated at the core, maintains hydrophobic interactions with Val726 and Leu844.In addition, the phenyl group at the C1 site of benzofuran 8aa is shown to have a π-π interaction with Phe723.Based on these results, compound 8aa induced the intended mechanism of action by conserving the overall interaction with the tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR.

Molecular Modeling of 8aa
To elucidate the underlying mechanism driving the preferential binding of 8aa to the active conformation of EGFR-TKD, molecular docking studies were carried out using the tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR (PDB ID: 1M17), which provided the initial erlotinib conformation [29].The binding mode of 8aa to the EGFR is depicted in Figure 7, showing its possible molecular interactions.The methoxy oxygens at the C5 and C6 positions of 8aa form hydrogen bond interactions with the kinase hinge that is an amide backbone of Met793 (Figure 7).The benzofuran moiety within 8aa, situated at the core, maintains hydrophobic interactions with Val726 and Leu844.In addition, the phenyl group at the C1 site of benzofuran 8aa is shown to have a π-π interaction with Phe723.Based on these results, compound 8aa induced the intended mechanism of action by conserving the overall interaction with the tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR.

Effect of 8aa on Cell Viability in PC9, A549, MCF7, HepG2, PC3, HT29, HaCaT, and HEK293T Cells
To investigate whether 8aa shows selective cytotoxicity on lung cancer cells, we performed cell proliferation assays on PC9 and A549 non-small-cell lung adenocarcinoma, MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma, HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma, PC3 prostate adenocarcinoma, HT29 colorectal adenocarcinoma, HaCaT human skin keratinocyte, and HEK293T human embryonic kidney cells.As expected, 8aa significantly inhibited cell viability in both the PC9 and A549 cells with IC 50 values of 0.32 ± 0.05 and 0.89 ± 0.10 µM, respectively (Figure 8A,B).Interestingly, 8aa showed weak inhibitory effects on other cancer cell lines, namely MCF7, HepG2, PC3, and HT29 (Figure 8C-F).In addition, 8aa weakly reduced cell viability in the non-tumorigenic cell lines, including HaCaT and HEK293T (Figure 8G,H).These findings indicate that 8aa has the potential to serve as a potent and selective anticancer agent for NSCLC.

8aa Inhibits Cell Migration in PC9 and A549 Cells
To assess the potential effect of 8aa on NSCLC cell migration, an in vitro wound healing assay was performed using PC9 and A549 cells.Interestingly, 8aa significantly inhibited cell migration in both the PC9 and A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner.In the PC9 cells, treatment with 0.1, 1, and 3 μM of 8aa reduced cell migration by 21.6%, 42.0%, and 63.7%, respectively.Similarly, in the A549 cells, exposure to 0.1, 1, and 3 μM of 8aa inhibited cell migration by 19.7%, 33.0%, and 59.6%, respectively (Figure 9).

8aa Inhibits Cell Migration in PC9 and A549 Cells
To assess the potential effect of 8aa on NSCLC cell migration, an in vitro wound healing assay was performed using PC9 and A549 cells.Interestingly, 8aa significantly inhibited cell migration in both the PC9 and A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner.In the PC9 cells, treatment with 0.1, 1, and 3 µM of 8aa reduced cell migration by 21.6%, 42.0%, and 63.7%, respectively.Similarly, in the A549 cells, exposure to 0.1, 1, and 3 µM of 8aa inhibited cell migration by 19.7%, 33.0%, and 59.6%, respectively (Figure 9).

8aa Inhibits Cell Migration in PC9 and A549 Cells
To assess the potential effect of 8aa on NSCLC cell migration, an in vitro wound healing assay was performed using PC9 and A549 cells.Interestingly, 8aa significantly inhibited cell migration in both the PC9 and A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner.In the PC9 cells, treatment with 0.1, 1, and 3 μM of 8aa reduced cell migration by 21.6%, 42.0%, and 63.7%, respectively.Similarly, in the A549 cells, exposure to 0.1, 1, and 3 μM of 8aa inhibited cell migration by 19.7%, 33.0%, and 59.6%, respectively (Figure 9).(A,B) An in vitro wound healing assay was performed on PC9 and A549 cells for 30 h (mean ± S.D., n = 3).The PC9 and A549 cells were treated with the indicated concentrations of 8aa, and time-lapse images were obtained every 2 h after wound infliction.(C,D) Representative wound images were taken at 0 h and 30 h following the administration of 8aa at the indicated concentrations.The scale bars represent 300 µm.

8aa Significantly Induces Apoptosis in PC9 and A549 Cells
The pharmacological inhibition of the EGFR signaling pathway causes apoptosis in various solid tumors [30,31].To investigate the apoptotic potential of 8aa in PC9 and A549 cells, we evaluated its influence on caspase-3 activity and PARP cleavage, established markers of apoptotic signaling.Interestingly, caspase-3 activity was significantly increased by 8aa in the PC9 and A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the increased caspase-3 activity was completely inhibited by AC-DEVD-CHO, a potent caspase-3 inhibitor (Figure 10A-D).In addition, the expression levels of cleaved PARP were significantly increased by 8aa in both the PC9 and A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner (Figure 10E-H).These results reveal that 8aa exhibits potent anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis in NSCLC cells.
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 28 Figure 9.Effect of 8aa on cell migration in PC9 and A549 cells.(A,B) An in vitro wound healing assay was performed on PC9 and A549 cells for 30 h (mean ± S.D., n = 3).The PC9 and A549 cells were treated with the indicated concentrations of 8aa, and time-lapse images were obtained every 2 h after wound infliction.(C,D) Representative wound images were taken at 0 h and 30 h following the administration of 8aa at the indicated concentrations.The scale bars represent 300 μm.

8aa Significantly Induces Apoptosis in PC9 and A549 Cells
The pharmacological inhibition of the EGFR signaling pathway causes apoptosis in various solid tumors [30,31].To investigate the apoptotic potential of 8aa in PC9 and A549 cells, we evaluated its influence on caspase-3 activity and PARP cleavage, established markers of apoptotic signaling.Interestingly, caspase-3 activity was significantly increased by 8aa in the PC9 and A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and the increased caspase-3 activity was completely inhibited by AC-DEVD-CHO, a potent caspase-3 inhibitor (Figure 10A-D).In addition, the expression levels of cleaved PARP were significantly increased by 8aa in both the PC9 and A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner (Figure 10E-H).These results reveal that 8aa exhibits potent anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis in NSCLC cells.To further investigate the effect of 8aa on the cell cycles of PC9 and A549 cells, we carried out cell cycle analysis using propidium (PI) staining.As shown in Figure 11, 8aa significantly promoted the ratios in the Sub-G1 (apoptotic peak) phase compared to the control group, but the G2/M phase was not affected by 8aa.In the case of the 8aa treatment group, the G0/G1 phase reduced from 73.01% to 47.50% and from 81.64% to 64.24% in the PC9 and A549 cells, respectively.Also, the Sub-G1 phase increased from 8.52% to 35.23% and from 8.48% to 21.40% in the PC9 and A549 cells, respectively.These results suggest that 8aa significantly induces apoptosis without exerting an effect on cell cycle arrest.To further investigate the effect of 8aa on the cell cycles of PC9 and A549 cells, we carried out cell cycle analysis using propidium (PI) staining.As shown in Figure 11, 8aa significantly promoted the ratios in the Sub-G1 (apoptotic peak) phase compared to the control group, but the G2/M phase was not affected by 8aa.In the case of the 8aa treatment group, the G0/G1 phase reduced from 73.01% to 47.50% and from 81.64% to 64.24% in the PC9 and A549 cells, respectively.Also, the Sub-G1 phase increased from 8.52% to 35.23% and from 8.48% to 21.40% in the PC9 and A549 cells, respectively.These results suggest that 8aa significantly induces apoptosis without exerting an effect on cell cycle arrest.(A,B) PC9 and A549 cells were treated with 10 µM of 8aa for 24 h and then cell cycle phases were estimated by using propidium iodide (PI) staining followed by cell cycle analysis.

8aa Potently Inhibits EGFR L858R/T790M in H1975 Cells
Drug resistance in NSCLC patients is predominantly attributed to EGFR mutations, with the L858R and T790M mutations being the most prevalent EGFR mutations in NSCLC [32][33][34], and these mutations are associated with resistance to EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC [35,36].To investigate whether 8aa inhibits EGFR L858R/T790M , we performed immunoblot analysis on the EGF-induced phosphorylation of EGFR L858R/T790M in H1975 cells expressing both EGFR mutations L858R and T790M.Notably, 8aa potently inhibited the EGF-induced phosphorylation of EGFR L858R/T790M compared to erlotinib (Figure 12A,B).In addition, a structural simulation of the 8aa and EGFR L858R/T790M complex revealed that 8aa can interact with Asp855 of EGFR L858R/T790M .The indole N-H bond seemed to form a hydrogen bond with the carboxylic acid of Asp855, whereas the same type of hydrogen bonding interaction was not observed in erlotinib (Figure 12C,D).These results suggest that 8aa can potently inhibit EGFR L858R/T790M in NSCLC.(A,B) PC9 and A549 cells were treated with 10 µM of 8aa for 24 h and then cell cycle phases were estimated by using propidium iodide (PI) staining followed by cell cycle analysis.

8aa
Potently Inhibits EGFR L858R/T790M in H1975 Cells Drug resistance in NSCLC patients is predominantly attributed to EGFR mutations, with the L858R and T790M mutations being the most prevalent EGFR mutations in NSCLC [32][33][34], and these mutations are associated with resistance to EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC [35,36].To investigate whether 8aa inhibits EGFR L858R/T790M , we performed immunoblot analysis on the EGF-induced phosphorylation of EGFR L858R/T790M in H1975 cells expressing both EGFR mutations L858R and T790M.Notably, 8aa potently inhibited the EGF-induced phosphorylation of EGFR L858R/T790M compared to erlotinib (Figure 12A,B).In addition, a structural simulation of the 8aa and EGFR L858R/T790M complex revealed that 8aa can interact with Asp855 of EGFR L858R/T790M .The indole N-H bond seemed to form a hydrogen bond with the carboxylic acid of Asp855, whereas the same type of hydrogen bonding interaction was not observed in erlotinib (Figure 12C,D).These results suggest that 8aa can potently inhibit EGFR L858R/T790M in NSCLC.

General Methods
Unless specified, all reagents and starting materials were purchased from commercial sources and used as received without purification."Concentrated" refers to the removal of volatile solvents via distillation using a rotary evaporator."Dried" refers to pouring onto or passing through anhydrous magnesium sulfate followed by filtration.Flash chromatography was performed using silica gel (230-400 mesh) with hexanes, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane as the eluents.All reactions were monitored by thinlayer chromatography on 0.25 mm silica plates (F-4) visualized with UV light.Melting points were measured by using a capillary melting point apparatus. 1H and 13 C NMR spectra were recorded on a 400 MHz NMR spectrometer and were described as chemical shifts, multiplicity (s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; q, quartet; m, multiplet), coupling constant in hertz (Hz), and number of protons.High-Resolution Mass Spectra (HRMS) were measured with an electrospray ionization (ESI) and Q-TOF mass analyzer.

General Methods
Unless specified, all reagents and starting materials were purchased from commercial sources and used as received without purification."Concentrated" refers to the removal of volatile solvents via distillation using a rotary evaporator."Dried" refers to pouring onto or passing through anhydrous magnesium sulfate followed by filtration.Flash chromatography was performed using silica gel (230-400 mesh) with hexanes, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane as the eluents.All reactions were monitored by thin-layer chromatography on 0.25 mm silica plates (F-4) visualized with UV light.Melting points were measured by using a capillary melting point apparatus. 1H and 13 C NMR spectra were recorded on a 400 MHz NMR spectrometer and were described as chemical shifts, multiplicity (s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; q, quartet; m, multiplet), coupling constant in hertz (Hz), and number of protons.High-Resolution Mass Spectra (HRMS) were measured with an electrospray ionization (ESI) and Q-TOF mass analyzer.

Cell Proliferation Assay
Our cell proliferation assay was performed using the Cell Titer 96 ® AQueous One Solution Cell proliferation Assay kit (Promega, Madison, WI, USA).All cells were grown in 96-well microplates in RPMI1640 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 24 h.After 24 h incubation, the cells were treated with DMSO and test compounds.The medium and test compounds were changed every 24 h.To estimate cell viability, the cells were incubated with MTS solution for 50 min.The absorbance was quantified by using an Infinite M200 microplate reader (Tecan, Männedorf, Switzerland) at 490 nm.

In Vitro Wound Healing Assay
The inhibitory effect of 8aa on cell migration was measured through an in vitro wound healing assay.PC9 and A549 cells were cultured to approximately 100% confluence in a 96-well microplate for 24 h to form a monolayer.After 24 h, wounds were formed through 96-well wound maker (Essen BioScience, Ann Arbor, MI, USA).Then, the growth medium was washed out three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and replaced with 200 µL of DMEM and RPMI 1640 medium containing 8aa or DMSO.Images of the wound area were acquired by using IncuCyte ZOOM (Essen BioScience, Ann Arbor MI, USA), and wound closure rate was measured using IncuCyte software (2018A).

Caspase-3 Activity Assay
PC9 and A549 cells were grown in 96-black well plates to approximately 50% confluence, and then the cells were incubated with 8aa for 24 h.To measure caspase-3 activity, the growth medium was replaced with 100 µL of PBS containing 1 µM of caspase-3 substrate and NucView 488 and incubated at room temperature for 30 min.Then, the cells were stained with 1 µM of Hoechst 33342.Caspase-3 activity was completely inhibited by Ac-DEVD-CHO, a potent caspase-3 inhibitor.The FLUOstar Omega microplate reader (BMG Labtech, Ortenberg, Germany) was used to measure the fluorescence of Hoechst 33342 and NucView 488, and a Lionheart FX Automated Microscope (BioTek, Winooski, VT, USA) was used to obtain the fluorescence microscopy images.

Cell Cycle Analysis
PC9 and A549 cells were grown to ~60% confluence in a 6-well plate; then, the cells were treated with 10 µM of 8aa for 24 h.After 24 h, the PC9 and A549 cells were washed out twice with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and trypsinized using 0.5% trypsin-EDTA before the cells were centrifuged at 1000 RPM for 2 min at room temperature.Finally, the cells were stained with propidium iodide (PI) for 30 min, and then cell cycle phases were measured by using FACS (Beckman Coulter, Fullerton, CA, USA).

Molecular Docking Analysis
Molecular docking was studied using Maestro (Schrödinger Release 2022-1).The X-ray crystal structures of the EGFR (1M17.pdb)and EGFR L858R/T790M (4I22.pdb)were prepared by removing all water and hydrogen assignments at pH 7.0 using the Protein Preparation Wizard module.Compounds were minimized by using the conjugate gradient algorithm and the OPLS2005 force field with Minimization module in Maestro.The Glide module was used to generate the receptor grid and carry out ligand docking.The docking model figures were generated using PyMOL version 1.8.6.1.The amino acid numbers of 1M17.pdb were corrected based on other published X-ray cocrystal structures (7UKV, 7U99.pdb).

EGFR Kinase Activity Assay
The inhibitory effect of 8aa on EGFR kinase activity was evaluated using an EGFR kinase assay kit (BPS Bioscience, San Diego, CA, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions.Briefly, a mixture of 5X kinase buffer 1, ATP (500 µM), PTK substrate (10 mg/mL), and water was prepared.Subsequently, 8aa was treated at various concentrations, and the reaction was initiated by adding the EGFR (1 ng/µL).After a 40-min incubation period at 30 • C, each well was treated with Kinase-Glo Max reagent (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) and incubated for 15 min at room temperature.Luminescence was measured using an Infinite M200 microplate reader (Tecan, Männedorf, Switzerland).

Conclusions
In summary, we established highly efficient modular access to a range of 2-arylbenzofurans with an indole at the C3 position via the HFIP-catalyzed hydroxyalkylation of phenols with (hetero) arylglyoxals, followed by PTSA-catalyzed substitution-cyclodehydration with indoles, enabling the installation of two distinct substituents at the C2 and C3 sites of benzofuran with the formation of two C-C bonds and one C-O bond.Biological evaluations and structureactivity relationship (SAR) studies of these products against the EGFR in NSCLC cells led us to identify 8aa as a novel EGFR inhibitor.Notably, 8aa potently inhibited the EGFR and EGFR-mediated signaling pathways such as AKT and ERK1/2 in a dose-dependent manner, and it also showed selective reductions in cell viability against human NSCLC cell lines PC9 and A549.8aa exhibited limited impact on cell viability in other cancer cell lines, including MCF7, HepG2, PC3, and HT29 cells, as well as non-tumorigenic cells such as HaCaT and HEK293T cells.Moreover, 8aa significantly inhibited cell migration and induced apoptosis via increasing caspase-3 activity and PARP cleavage in PC9 and A549 cells.Of interest, 8aa exhibited significant efficacy in suppressing the EGFR L858R/T790M resistance mutation, which frequently occurs in NSCLC.Molecular docking analysis suggests that this results from a hydrogen bonding interaction between 8aa and Asp855 of EGFR L858R/T790M .Overall, 8aa has the potential to be developed as a novel EGFR inhibitor to treat NSCLC patients in general, as well as those with L858R and T790M mutations that are resistant to conventional EGFR-TKIs.

Figure 2 .
Figure 2. Design for developing new EGFR inhibitors.

Figure 2 .
Figure 2. Design for developing new EGFR inhibitors.

Figure 2 .
Figure 2. Design for developing new EGFR inhibitors.
C for 18 h.b Isolated yield (%). c Reaction at 60 • C. d Reaction at rt.

Figure 4 .
Figure 4.The inhibitory effects of 8a-y on the EGFR in PC9 cells.PC9 cells were pretreated with 10 μM of 8a-y for 6 h, and then the cells were treated with EGF (20 ng/mL) for 30 min.The expression levels of p-EGFR were observed by immunoblot analysis.

Figure 4 .
Figure 4.The inhibitory effects of 8a-y on the EGFR in PC9 cells.PC9 cells were pretreated with 10 µM of 8a-y for 6 h, and then the cells were treated with EGF (20 ng/mL) for 30 min.The expression levels of p-EGFR were observed by immunoblot analysis.

Figure 5 .
Figure 5.The inhibitory effects of 8e and 8z-ad on the phosphorylation of EGFR in PC9 cells.(A)PC9 cells were pretreated with 10 μM of 8e and 8z-ad for 6 h, and then the cells were treated with EGF (20 ng/mL) for 30 min.The expression levels of p-EGFR were observed by immunoblot analysis.(B) The kinase inhibitory activity of 8aa on the EGFR was assessed using an EGFR kinase assay kit.

Figure 5 .
Figure 5.The inhibitory effects of 8e and 8z-ad on the phosphorylation of EGFR in PC9 cells.(A)PC9 cells were pretreated with 10 µM of 8e and 8z-ad for 6 h, and then the cells were treated with EGF (20 ng/mL) for 30 min.The expression levels of p-EGFR were observed by immunoblot analysis.(B) The kinase inhibitory activity of 8aa on the EGFR was assessed using an EGFR kinase assay kit.

Figure 5 .
Figure 5.The inhibitory effects of 8e and 8z-ad on the phosphorylation of EGFR in PC9 cells.(A)PC9 cells were pretreated with 10 μM of 8e and 8z-ad for 6 h, and then the cells were treated with EGF (20 ng/mL) for 30 min.The expression levels of p-EGFR were observed by immunoblot analysis.(B) The kinase inhibitory activity of 8aa on the EGFR was assessed using an EGFR kinase assay kit.

Figure 5 .
Figure 5.The inhibitory effects of 8e and 8z-ad on the phosphorylation of EGFR in PC9 cells.(A)PC9 cells were pretreated with 10 μM of 8e and 8z-ad for 6 h, and then the cells were treated with EGF (20 ng/mL) for 30 min.The expression levels of p-EGFR were observed by immunoblot analysis.(B) The kinase inhibitory activity of 8aa on the EGFR was assessed using an EGFR kinase assay kit.

Figure 5 .
Figure 5.The inhibitory effects of 8e and 8z-ad on the phosphorylation of EGFR in PC9 cells.(A)PC9 cells were pretreated with 10 μM of 8e and 8z-ad for 6 h, and then the cells were treated with EGF (20 ng/mL) for 30 min.The expression levels of p-EGFR were observed by immunoblot analysis.(B) The kinase inhibitory activity of 8aa on the EGFR was assessed using an EGFR kinase assay kit.

Figure 6 .
Figure 6.The inhibitory effects of 8aa on the EGFR signaling pathways in PC9 and A549 cells.(A,C) PC9 and A549 cells were pretreated with 8aa at the indicated concentrations for 6 h, and then

Figure 7 .
Figure 7. Binding mode of 8aa with the EGFR.(A) A structural simulation of the 8aa-EGFR complex showed that some residues (yellow stick) were involved in binding with 8aa (cyan-carbon), including non-bonded interactions (Phe723, Val726, Met677, and Leu844) and red dot hydrogen bonds (Met793).(B) A super-imposed model of the co-crystal structure (1M17.pdb) of 8aa and erlotinib (magenta-carbon).

Figure 7 .
Figure 7. Binding mode of 8aa with the EGFR.(A) A structural simulation of the 8aa-EGFR complex showed that some residues (yellow stick) were involved in binding with 8aa (cyan-carbon), including non-bonded interactions (Phe723, Val726, Met677, and Leu844) and red dot hydrogen bonds (Met793).(B) A super-imposed model of the co-crystal structure (1M17.pdb) of 8aa and erlotinib (magenta-carbon).

Figure 9 .
Figure 9.Effect of 8aa on cell migration in PC9 and A549 cells.(A,B) An in vitro wound healing assay was performed on PC9 and A549 cells for 30 h (mean ± S.D., n = 3).The PC9 and A549 cells

Figure 11 .
Figure 11.Effect of 8aa on cell cycles of PC9 and A549 cells.(A,B)PC9 and A549 cells were treated with 10 µM of 8aa for 24 h and then cell cycle phases were estimated by using propidium iodide (PI) staining followed by cell cycle analysis.

Figure 11 .
Figure 11.Effect of 8aa on cell cycles of PC9 and A549 cells.(A,B) PC9 and A549 cells were treated with 10 µM of 8aa for 24 h and then cell cycle phases were estimated by using propidium iodide (PI) staining followed by cell cycle analysis.

Table 1 .
Synthesis of 8 a .

Table 1 .
Synthesis of 8 a .

Table 1 .
Synthesis of 8 a .

Table 1 .
Synthesis of 8 a .

Table 1 .
Synthesis of 8 a .

Table 1 .
Synthesis of 8 a .

Table 1 .
Synthesis of 8 a .

Table 1 .
Synthesis of 8 a .

Table 1 .
Synthesis of 8 a .