Synthesis and analysis of small molecules to restrain the function of tissue factor within tumour cells.

: The restriction of prolyl-protein cis/trans isomerase 1 (Pin1) activity has been shown to prevent the release of tissue factor (TF) leading to the accumulation of the latter protein within the cell. This study tested the ability of novel small molecules to inhibit Pin1, suppress TF activity and release, and induce cellular apoptosis. : Four compounds were designed and synthesised based on modification of 5-(-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylfuran-3-carbonyl amide and the outcome on MDA-MB-231 and primary cells examined. These compounds contained 3-(2-naphthyl)-alanine (), tryptophan (), phenylalanine (), and tyrosine () at the amino-termini. : Treatment of cells with compound and reduced the cell-surface TF activity after 60 min on MDA-MB-231 cells. Incubation with compound also reduced TF antigen on the cell surface and its incorporation into microvesicles, while compounds and significantly increased TF release. None of the four compounds significantly altered the total amount of TF antigen or TF mRNA expression. Compound and also suppressed the binding of Pin1 to TF-cytoplasmic domain peptide. However, compound reduced while compound increased the Pin1 isomerase activity. Finally, treatment with compound and reduced the cell numbers, increased nuclear localisation of p53, Bax protein and bax mRNA expression and induced cellular apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 but not primary endothelial cells. : In conclusion, we have identified small molecules to regulate the function of TF within cells. Two of these compounds may prove to be beneficial in moderating TF function specifically and restrain TF-mediated tumour growth without detrimental outcomes on normal vascular cells.