Biosynthesis of Indole Diterpene Lolitrems: Radical‐Induced Cyclization of an Epoxyalcohol Affording a Characteristic Lolitremane Skeleton

Lolitrems are tremorgenic indole diterpenes that exhibit a unique 5/6 bicyclic system of the indole moiety. Although genetic analysis has indicated that the prenyltransferase LtmE and the cytochrome P450 LtmJ are involved in the construction of this unique structure, the detailed mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, we report the reconstitution of the biosynthetic pathway for lolitrems employing a recently established genome‐editing technique for the expression host Aspergillus oryzae. Heterologous expression and bioconversion of the various intermediates revealed that LtmJ catalyzes multistep oxidation to furnish the lolitrem core. We also isolated the key reaction intermediate with an epoxyalcohol moiety. This observation allowed us to establish the mechanism of radical‐induced cyclization, which was firmly supported by density functional theory calculations and a model experiment with a synthetic analogue.     

An in vitro study of the hydroxyl radical scavenging property of fluvastatin, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.

We investigated the in vitro hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of fluvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase inhibitor. Fluvastatin showed hydroxyl radical scavenging activity as potent as that of dimethylthiourea and alpha-tocopherol, which are well-known respectively, as a hydroxyl radical scavenger and a natural antioxidant. Since this effect was not observed in other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, such as pravastatin and simvastatin, the scavenging effect of fluvastatin on hydroxyl radicals would not be a common property of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, but is derived from the unique chemical structure of fluvastatin. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of human metabolites of fluvastatin were also determined. All the tested metabolites possessing the fluorophenyl indole moiety showed activity. Among them, the metabolites which possess a phenolic hydroxyl group on the indole moiety showed stronger effects than that of fluvastatin. We suggest that the fluorophenyl indole moiety of fluvastatin is important for manifestation of the activity and that the phenolic hydroxyl group enhances the potency.     

Tritium Labelling of Naltrindole,a δ-Receptor-Selective Opioid Antagonist via 1-Bromonaltrexone

The synthesis of [1,5′-³H₂]naltrindole ( 9 ) with labels at both the morphine skeleton and the indole moiety was carried out by catalytic tritiodehalogenation of 1,5′-dibromonaltrindole ( 8 ) resulting in a specific activity of 46.1 Ci/mmol (1705 GBq/mmol). The brominated precursor was prepared by the Fischer indole synthesis starting from 1-bromonaltrexone ( 7 ) and (4-bromophenyl)hydrazine.     

Synthesis of Polycyclic Tertiary Carbinamines by Samarium Diiodide Mediated Cyclizations of Indolyl Sulfinyl Imines

Samarium diiodide mediated cyclizations of N‐acylated indole derivatives bearing sulfinyl imine moieties afforded polycyclic tertiary carbinamines with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivities. Lithium bromide and water turned out to be the best additives to achieve these transformations in good yields. Using enantiopure sulfinyl imines the outcome strongly depends on the reactivity of the indole moiety. Whereas with unactivated indole derivatives desulfinylation and formation of racemic products was observed, indoles bearing electron‐withdrawing substituents at C‐3 afforded the polycyclic products with intact N‐sulfinyl groups and with excellent diastereoselectivity, finally allowing the preparation of enantiopure tertiary carbinamines. The mechanisms of these processes are discussed.     

π–π Stacking Interaction in an Oxidized CuII–Salen Complex with a Side-Chain Indole Ring: An Approach to the Function of the Tryptophan in the Active Site of Galactose Oxidase

In order to gain new insights into the effect of the π–π stacking interaction of the indole ring with the Cu^II–phenoxyl radical as seen in the active form of galactose oxidase, we have prepared a Cu^II complex of a methoxy-substituted salen-type ligand, containing a pendent indole ring on the dinitrogen chelate backbone, and characterized its one-electron-oxidized forms. The X-ray crystal structures of the oxidized Cu^II complex exhibited the π–π stacking interaction of the indole ring mainly with one of the two phenolate moieties. The phenolate moiety in close contact with the indole moiety showed the characteristic phenoxyl radical structural features, indicating that the indole ring favors the π–π stacking interaction with the phenoxyl radical. The UV/Vis/NIR spectra of the oxidized Cu^II complex with the pendent indole ring was significantly different from those of the complex without the side-chain indole ring, and the absorption and CD spectra exhibited a solvent dependence, which is in line with the phenoxyl radical–indole stacking interaction in solution. The other physicochemical results and theoretical calculations strongly support that the indole ring, as an electron donor, stabilizes the phenoxyl radical by the π–π stacking interaction.     

Guanitrypmycin Biosynthetic Pathways Imply Cytochrome P450 Mediated Regio‐ and Stereospecific Guaninyl‐Transfer Reactions

Mining microbial genomes including those of Streptomyces reveals the presence of a large number of biosynthetic gene clusters. Unraveling this genetic potential has proved to be a useful approach for novel compound discovery. Here, we report the heterologous expression of two similar P450‐associated cyclodipeptide synthase‐containing gene clusters in Streptomyces coelicolor and identification of eight rare and novel natural products, the C3‐guaninyl indole alkaloids guanitrypmycins. Expression of different gene combinations proved that the cyclodipeptide synthases assemble cyclo‐l ‐Trp‐l ‐Phe and cyclo‐l ‐Trp‐l ‐Tyr, which are consecutively and regiospecifically modified by cyclodipeptide oxidases, cytochrome P450 enzymes, and N‐methyltransferases. In vivo and in vitro results proved that the P450 enzymes function as key biocatalysts and catalyze the regio‐ and stereospecific 3α‐guaninylation at the indole ring of the tryptophanyl moiety. Isotope‐exchange experiments provided evidence for the non‐enzymatic epimerization of the biosynthetic pathway products via keto–enol tautomerism. This post‐pathway modification during cultivation further increases the structural diversity of guanitrypmycins.     

Enantioselective Phosphine‐Catalyzed Formal [4+4] Annulation of α,β‐Unsaturated Imines and Allene Ketones: Construction of Eight‐Membered Rings

The first highly enantioselective phosphine‐catalyzed formal [4+4] annulation has been developed. In the presence of amino‐acid‐derived phosphines, the unprecedented [4+4] annulations between benzofuran/indole‐derived α,β‐unsaturated imines and allene ketones proceeded smoothly, thus affording azocines, bearing either a benzofuran or an indole moiety, in excellent yields and with nearly perfect enantioselectivities (≥98 % ee in most cases). This work marks the first efficient asymmetric construction of optically enriched eight‐membered rings by phosphine catalysis.     

Vinylation of Nitro‐Substituted Indoles,Quinolinones, and Anilides with Grignard Reagents

The reaction of vinyl Grignard reagents with o‐methoxynitroarenes containing an electron‐releasing substituent para to the nitro group proceeds through a pathway that is different from the initially expected Bartoli indole synthesis. Thus, instead of giving fused indole derivatives, these reactions provide a very mild and efficient new procedure for the synthesis of synthetically relevant aromatic systems containing an o‐nitrovinyl moiety, such as 5‐nitro‐4‐vinylindoles, 6‐nitro‐7‐vinylindoles, 6‐nitro‐5‐vinyl‐2(1H)quinolinones, and 4‐nitro‐3‐vinylanilines.     

Application of a Palladium‐Catalyzed C−H Functionalization/Indolization Method to Syntheses of cis‐Trikentrin A and Herbindole B

We describe herein formal syntheses of the indole alkaloids cis‐trikentrin A and herbindole B from a common meso‐hydroquinone intermediate prepared by a ruthenium‐catalyzed [2+2+1+1] cycloaddition that has not been used previously in natural product synthesis. Key steps include a sterically demanding Buchwald–Hartwig amination as well as a unique C(sp³)?H amination/indole formation. Studies toward a selective desymmetrization of the meso‐hydroquinone are also reported.     

Concise approach to the syntheses of (±)-gliocladin C and related diketopiperazine alkaloids

A unique approach to the diketopiperazine indole alkaloid (±)-gliocladin C was developed and applied to formal syntheses of the related alkaloids (±)-gliocladine C and (±)-T988C. The key features of the strategy include an unprecedented nucleophilic addition of a diketopiperazine to an isatin derivative followed by a Friedel-Crafts alkylation of the resultant tertiary alcohol with indole to establish the critical quaternary center. Subsequent reduction of the intermediate oxindole moiety and cyclization then delivered a pivotal hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole diketopiperazine intermediate that was readily converted into (±)-gliocladin C as well as racemic versions of key intermediates in the Overman syntheses of (+)-gliocladine C and (+)-T988C.     

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Indole Alkaloids Containing an Indoline Spiroaminal Framework

The total synthesis of the indole alkaloids, neoxaline, oxaline and meleagrin A, all containing a unique indoline spiroaminal framework, was accomplished through the stereoselective introduction of a reverse prenyl group to the congested benzylic carbon of furoindoline, a two‐pot transformation of indoline (containing three nitrogen atoms at appropriate positions) to the featured indoline spiroaminal framework, and elimination of carbonate assisted by the adjacent imidazole moiety to construct the (E)‐dehydrohistidine. The absolute stereochemistry of neoxaline was elucidated through our total synthesis. In addition, we evaluated the bioactivity, especially the anti‐infectious properties, of neoxaline and oxaline, and of some synthetic intermediates.     

Synthesis of 4,8-dimethoxy-3H-benz[f]indol-3-one. Anomalous behaviour to cyclization of 1,4,5-trimethoxy-3-amino-γ-chloroalkylnaphthalene intermediates

A new linear benz[f]indole derivative 15 bearing two methoxyls in the fused naphthalene moiety was prepared as a potential chemotherapeutic agent. The anomalous behaviour of two trimethoxynaphthalene intermediates in parallel stages of the planned synthesis route is emphasized, and the corresponding mechanisms for these cyclizing reactions are proposed and discussed.     

Multipole refinement of 2‐(indol‐3‐yl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethylthiouronium nitrate

The cation of the title compound, C₁₃H₁₈N₃S⁺·NO₃⁻, consists of two subunits, viz. a planar indole moiety and a nonplanar thiouronium moiety. An isolated intermolecular hydrogen bond connects the cation with the nitrate anion. The crystal packing is additionally characterized by short intermolecular contacts between parallel indole systems. A topological analysis of the electron density revealed C—S single bonds and partial double bonding in the N—C—N group.     

Synthesis of Cycloalk[b]indole Bearing Spiropiperidine Derivatives

The novel heterocyclic compounds that have cycloalk[b]indole moiety bearing spiropiperidinone and spiropiperidinedione ( 3a , 3b , 3c , 5a , 5b , 8a , 8b , and 10a ) were synthesized for the first time. The synthesis of spiropiperidinone and spiropiperidinedione structures was performed by a new method. These compounds are similar to sedative and hypnotic drugs such as methyprylon, glutethimide, and thalidomide.     

Diorganotin(IV) complexes of indole 3-acetic acid

Alkyl derivatives of indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) have been prepared and are suitable for investigating steric substituent effects on hormonal activity without major interference from electronic effects. Triorganotin(IV) derivatives of indole 3-acetic acid and N-methylindole 3-acetic acid have been reported to act as insecticidal, fungicidal and bactericidal agents. Me₃SnIAA is more active as a biocide than Cy₃SnIAA. The activity of these two compounds may be due to the fact that four-coordinated tin monomers or five-coordinated tin polymers are often more active than chelated five-coordinated tin species because these readily undergo hydrolysis to give R₃Sn(H₂O⁺)₂ species. The ligand affects the rate of formation of the ligand-free active organotin entity. Biocidal activity is expected from diorganotin(IV) pentacoordinated complexes of indole 3-acetic acid in the present case due to (i) the activity of pentacoordinated organotin species, (ii) the presence of an—NH moiety in the complexes, which is an active site for binding. The NH moiety may be deprotonated and nitrogen may coordinate with metal ions present in the physiological systems and thus destroy the activity of enzymes.     

Structural,Biochemical, and Computational Studies Reveal the Mechanism of Selective Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A1 Inhibition by Cytotoxic Duocarmycin Analogues

Analogues of the natural product duocarmycin bearing an indole moiety were shown to bind aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) in addition to DNA, while derivatives without the indole solely addressed the ALDH1A1 protein. The molecular mechanism of selective ALDH1A1 inhibition by duocarmycin analogues was unraveled through cocrystallization, mutational studies, and molecular dynamics simulations. The structure of the complex shows the compound embedded in a hydrophobic pocket, where it is stabilized by several crucial π‐stacking and van der Waals interactions. This binding mode positions the cyclopropyl electrophile for nucleophilic attack by the noncatalytic residue Cys302, thereby resulting in covalent attachment, steric occlusion of the active site, and inhibition of catalysis. The selectivity of duocarmycin analogues for ALDH1A1 is unique, since only minor alterations in the sequence of closely related protein isoforms restrict compound accessibility.     

Structural,Biochemical, and Computational Studies Reveal the Mechanism of Selective Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A1 Inhibition by Cytotoxic Duocarmycin Analogues

Analogues of the natural product duocarmycin bearing an indole moiety were shown to bind aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) in addition to DNA, while derivatives without the indole solely addressed the ALDH1A1 protein. The molecular mechanism of selective ALDH1A1 inhibition by duocarmycin analogues was unraveled through cocrystallization, mutational studies, and molecular dynamics simulations. The structure of the complex shows the compound embedded in a hydrophobic pocket, where it is stabilized by several crucial π‐stacking and van der Waals interactions. This binding mode positions the cyclopropyl electrophile for nucleophilic attack by the noncatalytic residue Cys302, thereby resulting in covalent attachment, steric occlusion of the active site, and inhibition of catalysis. The selectivity of duocarmycin analogues for ALDH1A1 is unique, since only minor alterations in the sequence of closely related protein isoforms restrict compound accessibility.     

Sorellin und Hobartin,zwei neue Indolalkaloide aus Aristotelia peduncularis (LABILL.) HOOK. F. 173. Mitteilung über organische Naturstoffe

Sorelline and Hobartine, Two New Indole Alkaloids from Aristotelia peduncularis (LABILL .) HOOK . F. From Aristotelia peduncularis (LABILL .) HOOK . F. two new indole alkaloids, sorelline ( 1 ) and hobartine ( 2 ), have been isolated. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data (the formulae represent their relative configurations). The alkaloids 1 and 2 have closely related structures with a monosubstituted indole moiety and an unrearranged monoterpene unit in the aliphatic part.     

Improved Synthesis and Reaction of 11‐Chloroneocryptolepines,Strategic Scaffold for Antimalaria Agent,and Their 6‐Methyl Congener from Indole‐3‐carboxylate

Various 11‐chloro‐5‐methyl‐5H‐indolo[2,3‐b]quinolines (neocryptolepines) with different substituents on the quinoline ring, key intermediates for antimalaria agents, are prepared from the substituted N‐methylanilines, easily accessible by the N‐methylation of anilines, and indole‐3‐carboxylate as a counterpart. This protocol is benign in terms of the reduced number of steps to reach the target, compared with the known method using anilines, and easy product purification. Alternatively, their 6‐methyl congener is prepared by N‐methylation of the indole moiety of 2‐arylaminoindole‐3‐carboxylate followed by successive cyclization and chlorination. 11‐Chloroneocryptolepines are found more reactive than their 6‐methyl congener in the nucleophilic substitution at the C11 position.     

Interbacterial Chemical Communication-Triggered Nascent Proteomics

Metabolic labeling with clickable noncanonical amino acids has enabled nascent proteome profiling, which can be performed in a cell-type-specific manner. However, nascent proteomics in an intercellular communication-dependent manner remains challenging. Here we develop communication-activated profiling of protein expression (CAPPEX), which integrates the LuxI/LuxR quorum sensing circuit with the cell-type-specific nascent proteomics method to enable selective click-labeling of newly synthesized proteins in a specific bacterium upon receiving chemical signals from another reporter bacterium. CAPPEX reveals that E. coli competes with Salmonella for tryptophan as the precursor for indole, and the resulting indole suppressed the expression of virulence factors in Salmonella. This tryptophan-indole axis confers attenuation of Salmonella invasion in host cells and living mice. The CAPPEX strategy should be widely applicable for investigating various interbacterial communication processes.