DQ660

DQ660 is a small molecule research compound in the dimeric quinacrine (DQ) series, which are bisaminoquinoline compounds derived from the antimalarial drug quinacrine. It is characterized by a secondary amine at the central nitrogen position of its linker. Unlike its methylated analog DQ661, which localizes to lysosomes and inhibits autophagy by targeting palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1), DQ660 localizes to the nucleus. In the nucleus, it produces DNA damage and induces autophagy. DQ660 is classified as a cationic amphiphilic drug (CAD) and has been studied for its anticancer properties, particularly in melanoma. It serves as a chemical tool for understanding how structural modifications in dimeric quinacrines affect subcellular targeting and biological activity.