PQM-162

PQM-162, also known as compound 4c, is a synthetic small molecule curcumin-resveratrol hybrid derivative developed by researchers at the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG) in Brazil. Designed through molecular hybridization using a hydrazone spacer, it acts as a multi-target antitumor agent. PQM-162 inhibits mitosis progression by inducing G2/M phase arrest in cancer cells, a mechanism attributed to the down-regulation of key cell cycle regulators such as Cyclin B1 (CCNB1), Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), and Aurora kinases A and B, while simultaneously up-regulating the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 (CDKN1A). Beyond its cytotoxic activity against breast, lung, and liver cancer cell lines, PQM-162 has demonstrated chemopreventive potential in colorectal cancer models by targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). It also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by decreasing TNF-α and COX-2 levels and increasing Nrf2 expression.

Other names

(E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-N'-((E)-4-methoxybenzylidene) acrylohydrazide