Insights into phenylalanine derivatives recognition of VLA-4 integrin: from a pharmacophoric study to 3D-QSAR and molecular docking analyses

The very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), also known as integrin alpha4beta1, is expressed on monocytes, T- and B-lympohocytes, basophils, and eosinophils and is involved in the massive recruitment of granulocytes in different pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and asthma. VLA-4 interacts with its endogenous ligand VCAM-1 during chronic inflammation, and blockade of VLA-4 /VCAM-1 interaction is a potential target for immunosuppression. Two classes of VLA-4 antagonists have so far been reported: beta-amino acid derivatives containing a diaryl urea moiety (BIO-1211) and phenylalanine derivatives (TR-14035). With the aim of clarifying the structural basis responsible for VLA-4 recognition by phenylalanine derivatives, we developed a combined computational study on a set of 128 antagonists available through the literature. Our computational approach is composed of three parts. (i) A VCAM-1 based pharmacophore was constructed with a restricted number of phenylalanine derivatives to identify the region of the protein that resembles synthetic antagonists. The pharmacophore was instrumental in constructing an alignment of a set of 128 compounds. This alignment was exploited to build a pseudoreceptor model with the RECEPTOR program. (ii) 3D-QSAR analysis was carried out on the computed electrostatic and steric interaction energies with the pseudoreceptor surface. The 3D-QSAR analysis yielded a predictive model able to explain much of the variance of the 128 antagonists. (iii) A homology modeling study of the headpiece of VLA-4 based on the crystal structure of alphavbeta3 was performed. Docking experiments of TR-14035 into the binding site of VLA-4 aided the interpretation of the 3D-QSAR model. The obtained results will be fruitful for the design of new potent and selective antagonists of VLA-4.     

3D QSAR (COMFA) of a series of potent and highly selective VLA-4 antagonists

The integrin VLA-4 (41) is involved in the migration of white blood cells to sites of inflammation, and is implicated in the pathology of a variety of diseases including asthma and multiple sclerosis. We report the structure-activity relationships of a series of VLA-4 antagonists that were based upon the integrin-binding sequence of the connecting segment peptide of fibronectin (Leu-Asp-Val), and of VCAM-1 (Ile-Asp-Ser), both natural ligands of VLA-4. We explore variation in the ligand derived peptide portion of these antagonists and also in the novel N-terminal cap, which have discovered through chemical optimization, and which confers high affinity and selectivity. Using the X-ray derived conformation of the Ile-Asp-Ser region of VCAM-1, we rationalize the structure-activity relationships of these antagonists using 3D QSAR (COMFA). The COMFA model was found to be highly predictive with a cross-validated R² _CVof 0.7 and a PRESS of 0.49. The robustness of the model was confirmed by testing the influence of various parameters, including grid size, column filtering, as well as the role of orientation of the aligned molecules. Our results suggest that the VCAM-1 structure is useful in generating highly predictive models of our VLA-4 antagonists. The COMFA model coupled with the knowledge that the peptide amides are tolerant to methylation should prove useful in future peptidomimetic design studies.     

Trifluoromethyl-substituted hydantoins, versatile building blocks for rational drug design

Preparatively simple, one-pot syntheses of trifluoromethyl-substituted hydantoins starting from Boc-protected imines of hexafluoroacetone and trifluoropyruvate are described. They represent valuable building blocks for the construction of constrained peptides or as scaffolds for the synthesis of highly potent VLA-4 antagonists.     

Asymmetric bromolactonization using amino-thiocarbamate catalyst

A novel amino-thiocarbamate-catalyzed bromolactonization of unsaturated carboxylic acids has been developed. The scope of the reaction is evidenced by 22 examples of γ-lactones with up to 99% yield and 93% ee. The protocol was applied in the enantioselective synthesis of the key intermediates of VLA-4 antagonists.     

New synthetic pathway to diverse 2-substituted quinolines based on a multicomponent reaction: solution-phase and solid-phase applications

Using Kobayashi's modification of the Grieco reaction, we were able to synthesize diverse 4-phenylthio-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines. These intermediates were oxidized and subsequently pyrolized to provide the corresponding quinolines. This new approach to 2-substituted quinolines was exemplified by liquid-phase production of a 25-member library. This was extended to solid-phase chemistry, starting from (l)-4-nitrophenylalanine on Wang resin, for production of a 16-member library. The latter compounds possess potentially interesting VLA-4 antagonist properties.     

4-(Pyrrolidinyl)methoxybenzoic acid derivatives as a potent, orally active VLA-4 antagonist

A novel series of benzoic acid derivatives as VLA-4 antagonists were synthesized. Optimization, focusing on activity and lipophilicity needed for cell permeability, resulted in the identification of 15b and 15e with good activity (IC50 = 1.6 nM each) and moderate lipophilicity (Log D = 2.0, 1.8). Furthermore, 15e demonstrated efficacy in murine asthma model by an oral dose of 30 mg/kg.     

Efficient synthesis of 3-aminocyclobut-2-en-1-ones: squaramide surrogates as potent VLA-4 antagonists

A novel series of uniquely functionalized 3-aminocyclobut-2-en-1-ones has been prepared by facile condensation of a variety of cyclobuta-1,3-diones with a phenylalanine-derived primary amine. These systems subsequently lend themselves to substitution at C-2 by reaction with a variety of electrophilic reagents including N-halosuccinimides, sulfenyl chlorides, and Eschenmoser's salt. Compounds from this novel series are potent antagonists of VLA-4. [reaction: see text]     

Synthesis of thioridazine-VLA-4 antagonist hybrids using N-propargyl northioridazine enantiomers

Abstract

Herein, we report the synthesis of thioridazine-VLA-4 hybrid epimers. These hybrid molecules were obtained by means of a click reaction involving N-propargyl northioridazine enantiomers and an azide containing VLA-4 antagonist. A synthesis of northioridazine enantiomers from racemic thioridazine was developed and the absolute stereochemistry was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Access to N-substituted thioridazine analogs may reveal that this phenothiazine core has therapeutic potential in other disease avenues.     

A novel synthetic approach to very late antigen-4 antagonist trans-4-[1-[[2,5-dichloro-4-(1-methyl-3-indolylcarboxyamide)phenyl]acetyl]-(4S)-methoxy-(2S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy]cyclohexanecarboxylic acid via tert-butyl trans-[(4S)-Methoxy-(2S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy]cyclohexanecarboxylate as a key intermediate

This contribution describes a novel synthetic approach to very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) antagonist trans-4-[1-[[2,5-dichloro-4-(1-methyl-3-indolylcarboxyamide)phenyl]acetyl]-(4S)-methoxy-(2S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy]cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (1) via tert-butyl trans-[(4S)-methoxy-(2S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy]cyclohexanecarboxylate (2b) as a key intermediate. The synthesis, which includes n-Bu?NSO?H that catalyzed basic etherification of 12 and iodine-mediated cyclization to provide the 2,4-disubstituted pyrrolidine frame of 2b, is designed to utilize trans-4-hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid (9) as a commercially available starting material.     

A concise synthesis of a very late antigen-4 antagonist trans-4-[1-[[2,5-dichloro-4-(1-methyl-3-indolylcarboxyamide)phenyl]acetyl]-(4S)-methoxy-(2S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy]cyclohexanecarboxylic acid via reductive etherification

This contribution describes a concise synthesis to ethyl trans-[(4S)-methoxy-(2S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy]cyclohexanecarboxylate (2b) as a key intermediate of very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) antagonist trans-4-[1-[[2,5-dichloro-4-(1-methyl-3-indolylcarboxyamide)phenyl]acetyl]-(4S)-methoxy-(2S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy]cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (1). The synthesis employs a reductive etherification as a key reaction using (2S,4S)-1-benzyloxycarbonyl-4-methoxypyrrolidine-2-carboxyaldehyde (12) and trans-4-triethylsilyloxycyclohexanecarboxilic acid ethyl ester (13b). This synthesis provides 2b in 6 steps with 38% overall yield from commercially available starting material.     

具有梯形结构钴(Ⅱ)配位聚合物的合成及晶体结构

Co(NO₃)₂, N-carbazolyacetic acid and 4,4′-bipyridyl can give rise to a novel coordination polymer [CO₂(Cabo)₂(NO₃)₂(4,4′-bipy)₂]_n using a fritted U-tube. Single crystal X-ray diffraction displays in the complex, each Co(Ⅱ) is six-coordinated by two N atoms from different 4,4′-bipyridyl ligands, two O atoms of the bridge from two N-carbazolyacetic acid and two O atoms of one nitrate anion to form a distorted octahedral. Two O atoms of the carboxyl group act as bridge to link two Co(Ⅱ) atoms. The resulting structure is a ladder polymer. CCDC: 211713.     

High-capacity Hydrogen Storage on Novel Sandwich- like Binuclear Compounds： N4-M2-N4 （M - Sc and Ti）

With respect to the first principle calculations, we predicted that two pairs of transition metals (e.g., Sc2 and Ti2) can be interbedded between two tetranitrogen rings to form two sandwich-like binuclear complexes respectively (e.g. N4Sc2N4 and N4Ti2N4). These two complexes can adsorb up to eight and ten hydrogen molecules, corresponding to a gravimetric storage capacity of 7.7 and 9.9 wt%, respectively. These sandwich-type complexes proposed in this work are favorable for reversible adsorption and desorption of hydrogen at ambient conditions. The results are helpful for the development of a new class of high-capacity hydrogen-storage media.     

Preparation of macrocyclic di- and tetraamides containing unsubstituted macroring nitrogen atoms,tertiary amine sidearms and/or piperazine subcyclic units

Seven new macrocyclic di- and tetramides have been prepared by the cyclization reaction of various polyamines or, in one case, a dimercaptan with a bis(α-chloroamide) or diethyl malonate. Three of the resulting macrocyclic diamides were reduced with borane to form the corresponding polyaza-crown analogs. Macrocycles prepared include two tetraaza-12-crown-4, two tetraaza-13-crown-4, two tetraaza-14-crown-4, one dithiadiaza-14-crown-4, one tetraaza-15-crown-4 with a piperazine subcyclic group, one dibenzotetraaza-24-crown-8 and one octaaza-30-crown-8 with two piperazine subcyclic groups.     

以方酸及咪唑基配体构筑的二维层状镉(Ⅱ)配位聚合物的合成和表征

水热条件下,以1,4-双(咪唑基-1-甲基)苯(bix)及方酸阴离子(C4O42-)为配体,合成了新的镉的配位聚合物[Cd(C4O4)(bix)(H2O)2]n(1)。单晶结构分析表明,该配合物为二维层状结构,镉中心为六配位八面体结构,赤道平面上4个配位原子分别来自方酸和bix配体,轴向2个配位原子来自配位水分子,镉原子通过双配体桥连形成四连接的二维(4,4)网络。同时,测定了配合物的热稳定性和荧光性质。     

Two New Natural Methoxyflavonoids from Leaves of Murraya paniculata(L.) Jack

Two new natural methoxyflavonoids and two known methoxyflavonoids were isolated from the ethanol fraction of the leaves of Murraya paniculata(L.) Jack. The two new natural methoxyflavonoids were elucidated as 2'-hydroxy-3,4,5,3',4',6'-hexamethoxychalcone(1) and 6,7,8,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavanone(2) on the basis of ¹³C NMR and mass spectra. The two known methoxyflavonoids were identified as 3'-hydroxy-5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone(3) and 2'-hydroxy-3, 4, 4', 6'-tetramethoxychalcone(4).     

[Cu4Cl4(C10H16S4)2]的合成和晶体结构

早有文献[1]报导，二硫代乙酸丙酮C5H8S2(记为SacSac）能以下列三种形式存在于金属配合物中：（I）（SacSac）2M，如M=Ni，Co等，其中SacSac呈负一价，通过两个S原子和金属直接螫合；（11）（SacSaChMCI。；如M二Mn，CdSn等，（S。Sac）呈正一价，且以阳离子状态存在干晶体和溶     

Multiple aromaticity and antiaromaticity in silicon clusters.

A series of silicon clusters containing four atoms but with different charge states (Si4(2+), Si4, Si4(2-), and NaSi4-) were studied by photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. Structure evolution and chemical bonding in this series were interpreted in terms of aromaticity and antiaromaticity, which allowed the prediction of how structures of the four-atom silicon clusters change upon addition or removal of two electrons. It is shown that Si4(2+) is square-planar, analogous to the recently discovered aromatic Al4(2-) cluster. Upon of two electrons, neutral Si4 becomes sigma-antiaromatic and exhibits a rhombus distortion. Adding two more electrons to Si4 leads to two energetically close structures of Si4(2-): either a double antiaromatic parallelogram structure or an aromatic system with a butterfly distortion. Because of the electronic instability of doubly charged Si4(2-), a stabilizing cation (Na+) was used to produce Si4(2-) in the gas phase in the form of Na+[Si4(2-)], which was characterized experimentally by photoelectron spectroscopy. Multiple antiaromaticity in the parallelogram Na+[Si4(2-)] species is highly unusual.     

水溶性双冠醚的合成

双冠醚与较大的金属离子能形成夹心型络合物,与相应的单冠醚相比较,它们具有更好的络合性和选择性。但双冠醚一般不溶于水中。本文用EDTA二酐与4'-氨基苯并-12-冠-4及4'-氨基苯并-15-冠-5反应,制得了两种在桥键上带有两个羧基的酰胺型双冠醚Ⅰ和Ⅱ。Ⅰ、Ⅱ未见报导,均能溶于水,这就可以象其它水溶性单冠醚一样,在水溶液中研究它们的络合行为。     

Constituents of Antrodia Cinnamomea

We describe identification of seven components from Antrodia cinnamomea. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectral analysis and comparison with authentic samples. These compounds include two steroids (1, 2) (β-sitosterol and eburicol), two new steroids (3, 4) [methyl-4α-methylergost-8,24(28)-dien-3,7,11-trion-26-oate and methyl-4α-methylergost-8,24(28)-dien-3,11-dion-26-oate], two lignans (5, 6) [(+)-sesamin and 4-hydroxysesamin], and one long chain methyl ester (7) (methyl oleate). Among them, compounds 3 and 4 are first isolated from nature.