Integrated Computational and Experimental Discovery of a Promising Xanthine Derivative with Anticancer Potential Targeting EGFR

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a well-established therapeutic target in cancer treatment. In this study, a novel N-phenylacetamide derivative of theobromine, designated as T-1-PA, was designed as a potential semisynthetic EGFR inhibitor. METHOD: The 3D structure, stability, and electronic reactivity of T-1-PA were determined using Density Functional Theory (DFT) analyses. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA), Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler (PLIP), and Principal Component Analysis of Trajectories (PCAT) were employed to evaluate the binding affinity and inhibitory potential of T-1-PA against EGFR. Computational ADMET profiling was conducted to predict drug-likeness and safety. Subsequently, T-1-PA was semisynthesized and subjected to in vitro biological evaluation. RESULTS: Computational analyses demonstrated a strong binding affinity of T-1-PA to EGFR. The compound exhibited favorable ADMET properties. In vitro assays revealed potent EGFR inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 0.736 ± 0.005 μM. T-1-PA also inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and MCF7 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 0.88 ± 0.01 μM and 1.13 ± 0.01 μM, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis indicated induction of apoptosis and G1 phase cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. Additionally, T-1-PA significantly impaired HepG2 cell migration and wound-healing capacity. DISCUSSION: The results validate the computational predictions and highlight the anticancer potential of T-1-PA through EGFR inhibition and antiproliferative activity. The compound's favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles further support its therapeutic promise. CONCLUSION: T-1-PA is a promising semisynthetic compound with selective antiproliferative activity mediated via EGFR inhibition. These findings encourage further preclinical investigation of T-1-PA as a novel candidate for EGFR-targeted cancer therapy.