Structure-based design of benzylamino-acridine compounds as G-quadruplex DNA telomere targeting agents

The design, synthesis, biophysical and biochemical evaluation is presented of a new series of benzylamino-substituted acridines as G-quadruplex binding telomerase inhibitors. Replacement of the previously reported anilino substituents by benzylamino groups results in enhanced quadruplex interaction, and for one compound, superior telomerase inhibitory activity.