Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of Nucleoside Analogues Bearing One Pyrimidine Moiety and Two D-Ribofuranosyl Residues

A series of 1,2,3-triazolyl nucleoside analogues in which 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-β-d-ribofuranosyl fragments are attached via polymethylene linkers to both nitrogen atoms of the heterocycle moiety (uracil, 6-methyluracil, thymine, quinazoline-2,4-dione, alloxazine) or to the C-5 and N-3 atoms of the 6-methyluracil moiety was synthesized. All compounds synthesized were evaluated for antiviral activity against influenza virus A/PR/8/34/(H1N1) and coxsackievirus B3. Antiviral assays revealed three compounds, 2i, 5i, 11c, which showed moderate activity against influenza virus A H1N1 with IC₅₀ values of 57.5 µM, 24.3 µM, and 29.2 µM, respectively. In the first two nucleoside analogues, 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-β-d-ribofuranosyl fragments are attached via butylene linkers to N-1 and N-3 atoms of the heterocycle moiety (6-methyluracil and alloxazine, respectively). In nucleoside analogue 11c, two 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-2′,3′,5′-tri-O-acetyl-β-d-ribofuranose fragments are attached via propylene linkers to the C-5 and N-3 atoms of the 6-methyluracil moiety. Almost all synthesized 1,2,3-triazolyl nucleoside analogues showed no antiviral activity against the coxsackie B3 virus. Two exceptions are 1,2,3-triazolyl nucleoside analogs 2f and 5f, in which 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-2′,3′,5′-tri-O-acetyl-β-d-ribofuranose fragments are attached to the C-5 and N-3 atoms of the heterocycle moiety (6-methyluracil and alloxazine respectively). These compounds exhibited high antiviral potency against the coxsackie B3 virus with IC₅₀ values of 12.4 and 11.3 µM, respectively, although both were inactive against influenza virus A H1N1. According to theoretical calculations, the antiviral activity of the 1,2,3-triazolyl nucleoside analogues 2i, 5i, and 11c against the H1N1 (A/PR/8/34) influenza virus can be explained by their influence on the functioning of the polymerase acidic protein (PA) of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). As to the antiviral activity of nucleoside analogs 2f and 5f against coxsackievirus B3, it can be explained by their interaction with the coat proteins VP1 and VP2.     

Synthesis of novel anthracene derivatives of isoxazolino-carbocyclic nucleoside analogues

The synthesis of isoxazolino-carbocyclic nor-nucleosides incorporating an anthracene moiety was properly tuned through nitrosocarbonyl intermediates chemistry, and a variety of analogues were attained starting from stereodefined heterocyclic aminols through the linear construction of purine heterocyclic rings. The synthesis hinges on the exo selective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the stable anthracenenitrile oxide to the N-benzoyl-2,3-oxazanorborn-5-ene and simple elaborations of the cycloadducts. A selection of nucleoside derivatives were initially tested for their inhibitory activity against a variety of viruses, including Hepatitis B and C, Human Papilloma virus as well as Influenza viruses of type A and B. Modest anti-viral activities were observed in Hepatitis assays while the activities in the cases of Influenza viruses were almost negligible. Good anti-viral activity was found for compound 11bC with no cellular toxicity at the dose tested in the case of Human Papilloma virus.     

Probing the reactivity of nebularine N1-oxide. A novel approach to C-6 C-substituted purine nucleosides

A novel approach to the synthesis of purine nucleoside analogues, featuring the reaction of the C6-N1-O⁻ aldonitrone moiety of 9-ribosyl-purine (nebularine) N1-oxide with some representative dipolarophiles, as well as Grignard reagents, is reported. Addition of Grignard reagents to the electrophilic C-6 carbon of the substrate allows a facile access to C-6 C-substituted purine nucleosides without using metal catalysts. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition processes lead to novel nucleoside analogues via opening, degradation or ring-enlargement of the pyrimidine ring of the base system of the first-formed isoxazoline or isoxazolidine cycloadduct.     

Structures of neopolyoxins A,B, and C

The absolute structures of fungal chitin synthetase inhibitors, neopolyoxins A, B, and C were determined as 1, 2, and 3 respectively on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence.     

Enantioselective synthesis of chiral carbocyclic pyrimidine nucleosides via asymmetric cyclopropanation

An efficient method to construct chiral cyclopropyl pyrimidine carbocyclic nucleoside analogues bearing a quaternary center was developed via asymmetric Michael-initiated cyclopropanation. The axis chirality was observed in cyclopropyl pyrimidine carbocyclic nucleoside analogues for the first time, which was caused by the rotationally restricted NC bond in N-COPh moiety. Using (DHQD)₂AQN as the organocatalyst, diverse cyclopropyl pyrimidine carbocyclic nucleoside analogues were generated in 76–93% yields and 73–96% ee.     

Synthesis of novel 1,2,3-triazolyl nucleoside analogues bearing uracil, 6-methyluracil, 3,6-dimethyluracil,thymine, and quinazoline-2,4-dione moieties

A series of novel 1,2,3-triazolyl nucleoside analogues was synthesized via the CuAAC reaction of N1-alkynyl uracil, 6-methyluracil, 3,6-dimethyl uracil, thymine and quinazolin-2,4-dione with protected azido β-d-ribofuranose. The obtained compounds differ in both the nature of the pyrimidine-2,4-dione fragment and the length of the polymethylene linker connecting it with the β-d-ribofuranosyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl moiety. The 1,2,3-triazolyl nucleoside analogues were evaluated for their cytotoxicity in vitro.     

Synthesis of novel C4-linked imidazole ribonucleoside phosphoramidites for probing general acid and base catalysis in ribozyme

We describe the synthesis of novel C4-linked imidazole ribonucleoside phosphoramidite (PA) 1a by which the imidazole moiety is incorporated into VS ribozyme to study its role in general acid and base catalysis. Investigation of protecting groups for the imidazole-N first indicated that pivaloyloxymethyl (POM) was adequate as an N-protecting group for the imidazole nucleoside, which could be readily removed under mild basic conditions. Further, the synthetic method was extended to synthesis of 2′-deoxy- and 2′-O-allyl nucleoside PAs 1b and 1c.     

Nucleoside 5′-C-phosphonates: reactivity of the α-hydroxyphosphonate moiety

We found that various dialkyl phosphites, dialkyl trimethylsilyl phosphites, and tris-trimethylsilyl phosphite reacted smoothly with nucleoside 5′-aldehydes to afford epimeric nucleoside 5′-C-phosphonates in high yields. A number of these compounds in both the 2′-deoxyribo and ribo series were prepared. In the case of 2′-deoxythymidine-5′-aldehyde, a thorough study was made on the influence of the 3′-hydroxyl protecting group, type of phosphite, base, and solvent, on the yield and epimeric ratio of the resulting 5′-hydroxyphosphonates. Partial stereoselectivity in favour of either R or S epimers was observed. An attempt to transform the α-hydroxyl of the phosphonate moiety into a halo or azido moiety was not successful. Only intramolecular substitution reaction of the mesyloxy group for an alkoxy residue of the 2-hydroxyethyl ester took place in a low yield.     

Antiviral drug nevirapine as a template for hydrated imidazoline ring expansion (HIRE): Rapid access to the diarene-fused 1,4,7-triazecine ring system

The tricyclic ring system of the antiviral drug nevirapine has been employed to test the workability of the hydrated imidazoline ring expansion (HIRE) reaction which was previously exemplified for [1.4]oxazepine and [1.4]thiazepine counterparts. The imidazoline nucleus was grafted onto the lactam moiety of nevirapine in two high-yielding steps. Subsequent N-alkylation and the HIRE reaction proceeded as envisioned and delivered rare ring-expanded diarene-fused 1,4,7-triazecines with a diversity of alkyl substituents at the lactam nitrogen atom. These findings extend the scope of the HIRE reaction to the medicinally prominent [1.4]diazepine chemical space.     

Studies in the chemistry of erythrina alkaloide derivatives—II : Synthesis and stereochemistry of decahydro-3-methyl-6H-pyrido]2,1-i]indole

1,2,3,4,7,7a,8,9,10,11-Decahydro-3-methyl-6$\text{H}$-pyrido[2,1-i]indole was prepared as an example of an erythrinane derivative lacking the aromatic moiety. The stereochemical structure of this compound and its 6-oxo derivative were found to be predominantly cis A/B, trans B/C, axial CH₃ and cis A/B, axial CH₃, respectively.     

A ring-closing metathesis based synthesis of bicyclic nucleosides locked in S-type conformations by hydroxyl functionalised 3′,4′-trans linkages

A [4.3.0]bicyclic nucleoside that contains an unsaturated hydroxylated 3′,4′-trans linkage has been efficiently synthesised. Thus, from diacetone-d-glucose as the starting material, stereoselective Grignard reactions for the introduction of allyl groups, a nucleobase coupling and, subsequently, a ring-closing metathesis (RCM)-reaction were applied as the key reactions. The cyclohexene moiety introduced in this nucleoside reveals a large potential for further derivatisation, and as the first example, a stereoselective dihydroxylation followed by deprotection afforded a multihydroxylated bicyclic nucleoside. The configuration and conformational behaviour was determined by NMR spectroscopy and ab initio calculations, and both this bicyclic nucleoside and its unsaturated analogue were found to be strongly restricted in S-type conformations.     

Synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-1,4-dithiinyl nucleosides via Pummerer-type glycosidation

A straightforward procedure for the preparation of nucleoside analogue 1 and its regioisomer 2 containing a dihydro-1,4-dithiin as sugar moiety has been accomplished in four steps by our readily available heterocyclic system 5. Nucleobase insertion was carried out by direct addition of N⁴-acetylcytosine to sulfoxide derivatives via Pummerer-type glycosidation reaction.     

Structures of bulgecins,bacterial metabolites with bulge-inducing activity

The structure of bulgecin A, a bacterial metabolite with bulge-inducing activity, was determined chemically and spectrometrically to be 4-o-(2'-acetylamino-2'-deoxy-4'-o-hydroxysulfonyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-(2S, 4S, 5R -4-hydroxy-5-hydroxymethylprolyltaurine monosodium salt. Bulgecns B and C, the minor components, were found to be analogs of bulgecin A in which the taurine moiety was replaced as shown in Fig, 1.     

Karatungiols A and B, two novel antimicrobial polyol compounds, from the symbiotic marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp.

Karatungiols A (1) and B (2), two novel antimicrobial polyol compounds, were isolated from the cultivated symbiotic marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis and degradation reactions. Karatungiols A (1) and B (2) consisted of a C69-linear chain with a ketone moiety, 24 or 25 hydroxyl groups, and two tetrahydropyran rings. Karatungiol A (1) exhibited antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger at 12 μg/disc and antiprotozoan activity against Trichomonas foetus at 1 μg/ml.     

Dictyoneolone,a B/C ring juncture-defused steroid from a Dictyonella sp. sponge

Dictyoneolone (1), a new secosteroid was isolated from a Dictyonella sp. sponge collected from Gageo-do, Korea. Based upon the results of combined spectroscopic analyses, the structure of this compound was determined to possess a highly unusual B/C ring juncture-defused moiety. The configurations of 1 were determined by a combination of proton-proton couplings and NOESY analyses. Dictyoneolone exhibited weak cytotoxicity against the K562 and A549 cancer cell lines.     

Efficient synthesis of 5′-O(N)-carbamyl and -polycarbamyl nucleosides

A simple and efficient method for the preparation of 5′-O(N)-carbamyl and 5′-O(N)-polycarbamyl nucleoside derivatives is reported. The method consisted of treatment of 2′,3′-O-protected purine (Ado, Ino) or pyrimidine nucleosides (Thd, Urd) with trichloroacetylisocyanate, followed by cleavage of the trichloroacetyl moiety by silica-gel promoted methanolysis during column chromatography. Iterative application of this method gave mono, di, and tricarbamyl derivatives in good to excellent yields (ave = 80%).     

Highly enantioselective synthesis and potential biological activity of chiral novel nucleoside analogues containing adenine and naturally phenol derivatives

This paper described an efficient synthetic strategy for chiral acyclic nucleoside analogues containing both the phenoxy components of some bioactive natural compounds and a heterocyclic base. The phenoxy components with adenine moiety were incorporated into the chiral acyclic nucleoside analogues through two key synthetic tactics. Chiron 5-(R)-menthyloxy-2(5H)-furanone 5 was obtained in good yield from the cheap starting material furfural via a valuable synthetic route. The asymmetric Michael addition of 5 with adenine and the subsequent reduction reaction afforded the key chiral intermediate, 2-(R)-(9′-adeninyl)-1,4-butanediol 8. The absolute configuration of 8 was established by X-ray crystallography. The intermolecular dehydration reaction between 2-(9′-adeninyl)-1,4-butanediol 8 and phenoxy components 9 on treatment with diethyl azodicarboxylate and triphenylphosphine was carried out to give the chiral acyclic nucleoside analogues 1a-1e. The regioselectivity of the reaction was established by NMR methods, especially through ¹³C NMR shifts and NOE effect observed in the target molecule 1c, as well as by HMBC/HMQC experiments. The target compounds were tested for inhibition of cytopathogenicity against different cancer cells and exhibited potential anticancer activity.     

Total synthesis of (+)-FR-900493 and establishment of its absolute stereochemistry

The first total synthesis of (+)-FR-900493, an antibacterial nucleoside antibiotic possessing a 6′-N-alkyl-5′-O-aminoribosyl-glycyluridine structure, is described, and its relative and absolute stereochemistries were established. Key elements of the approach include the early-stage introduction of the aminoribose moiety and two sequential reductive alkylations of an amino group at the 6′-position. This synthetic strategy could be applicable to the synthesis of related nucleoside antibiotics, such as the more potent antibacterial nucleoside antibiotics, muraymycins.     

Solid-Phase Synthesis of an Insect Pyrokinin Analog Incorporating an Imidazoline Ring as Isosteric Replacement of a trans Peptide Bond

A facile solid-phase synthetic method for incorporating the imidazoline ring motif, a surrogate for a trans peptide bond, into bioactive peptides is reported. The example described is the synthesis of an imidazoline peptidomimetic analog of an insect pyrokinin neuropeptide via a cyclization reaction of an iminium salt generated from the preceding amino acid and 2,4-diaminopropanoic acid (Dap).     

Synthesis of solamin type mono-THF acetogenins using cross-metathesis

The total synthesis of mono-THF acetogenins, cis-solamin A and B, and reticulatacin, was accomplished starting with muricatacin. The backbone of the mono-THF acetogenins was constructed by olefin cross-metathesis between the tetrahydrofuran moiety and γ-lactone moiety. An enzymatic kinetic transesterification procedure was successfully applied to the synthesis of an optically pure γ-lactone moiety. Notably, cis-THF compounds were obtained without using protective groups.