Agariblazeispirol C from the cultured mycelia of the fungus, Agaricus blazei, and the chemical conversion of blazeispirol A

Agariblazeispirol C, which has a unique steroidal skeleton, has been isolated from the cultured mycelia of Agaricus blazei (Agaricaceae). The structure of agariblazeispirol C was established to be (23S,24S)-13,23-cyclo-25-hydroxy-14β-methyl-18-nor-des-A-ergosta-5,7,9,11,17(20)-pentaen-22-one by comparison of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectral data with those of agariblazeispirols A and B. At the same time, agariblazeispirol C was synthesized by the reaction of blazeispirol A with BF₃·OEt₂ along with some interesting compounds.     

Hericirine,a novel anti-inflammatory alkaloid from Hericium erinaceum

A novel ergosterol conjunction-type alkaloid, hericirine (1), was isolated from the dried fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceum. The overall framework of 1 was isolated, and combined with hericerin and ergosterol. Its structure was elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis using 1D and 2D NMR, IR and HRESIMS techniques. We found that hericirine significantly inhibited protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 and reduced NO, PGE₂, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β production in RAW264.7 cells exposed to LPS.     

One-dimensional α-MnO2: Trapping chemistry of tunnel structures, structural stability, and magnetic transitions

Highly crystalline one-dimensional (1D) α-MnO₂ nanostructures were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimeter, and infrared spectroscopy. During the formation reactions, the tunnel structure of 1D α-MnO₂ was simultaneously modified by NH₄⁺ species and water molecules. The amount of NH₄⁺ species that were trapped in the tunnels is almost independent on the reaction temperature, while the total water content increased with the reaction temperature. The average diameter of α-MnO₂ nanorods increased from 9.2 to 16.5 nm when the reaction temperature increased from 140 to 220 °C. 1D α-MnO₂ was destabilized by a subsequent high-temperature treatment in air, which is accompanied by a structural transformation to 1D Mn₂O₃ of a cubic structure. At low temperatures, all 1D α-MnO₂ nanorods showed two magnetic transitions that were characterized by a decreased Néel temperature with rod diameter reduction. According to the effective magnetic moments experimentally measured, Mn ions presented in the nanorods were determined to be in a mixed valency of high spin state Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺.     

Amphezonol A, a novel polyhydroxyl metabolite from marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp.

Amphezonol A (1), a novel polyhydroxyl linear carbon-chain metabolite, has been isolated from the cultured marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp., which was isolated from an Okinawan marine acoel flatworm Amphiscolops sp. The structure of 1 was elucidated by detailed analyses of 2D NMR spectra. Amphezonol A (1) possesses one tetrahydrofuran ring, two tetrahydropyran rings, and twenty-one hydroxyl groups on C₆₀-linear aliphatic chain with one exo-methylene and one methyl branch. Amphezonol A (1) exhibited a modest inhibitory activity against DNA polymerase α.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and properties of two unusual pillared-layer 3d-4f Ln-Cu heterometallic coordination polymers

Two unusual pillared-layer 3d-4f Ln-Cu heterometallic coordination polymers, {[Ln₂Cu₅Br₄(IN)₇(H₂O)₆]·H₂O}_n (Ln=Eu (1) and Gd (2), HIN=isonicotinic acid), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, thermal analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure determination reveals that 1 and 2 are isostructural and feature a novel three-dimensional pillared-layer hetrometallic structure built upon the linkages of one-dimensional (1D) linear Ln-carboxylate chains, zero-dimensional (0D) Ln-carboxylate Ln₂(IN)₈ dimers, rare 1D zigzag [Cu₅Br₄]_n inorganic chains and IN⁻ pillars. In both 3D structures, there are Ln-carboxylate layers resulted from the connections of 1D Ln-carboxylate chains and 0D Ln₂(IN)₈ dimers through O-H?O hydrogen bondings. The luminescent properties of 1 have been investigated. The magnetic properties of 1 and 2 have also been studied.     

Various coordination architectures constructed from N-[(carboxyphenyl)-sulfonyl]glycine: Structural variation via ligand isomerism effects and metal-directed assembly

Using Cu(II), Mn(II) or Co(II) salt and the flexible ligands, N-[(4-carboxyphenyl)-sulfonyl]glycine (H₃L₁) and N-[(3-carboxyphenyl)-sulfonyl]glycine (H₃L₂), a series of new coordination polymers, [Mn(phen)(H₂O)₄][HL₁] (1), [Co₃(L₁)₂(bipy)₃(H₂O)₆]_n·8nH₂O (2), [Cu₄(L₁)₂(OH)₂(bipy)₄]_n·12nH₂O (3), [Na(H₂L₁)(H₂O)]_n (4), [Mn₂(HL₂)₂(dpe)₃(H₂O)₂]_n·ndpe (5), (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, dpe = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene), varying from 0D to 3D, have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound 1 has a [Mn(phen)(H₂O)₄]²⁺ cation and a HL₁²⁻ anion. Compound 2 features a new 1D triple chain, based on octahedral cobalt atoms bridged by bipy molecules and terminally coordinated by two H₃L₁ ligands. Compound 3 has a 2D layered structure, constructed from new alternating chains where H₃L₁, hydroxyl and water molecules simultaneously act as bridging ligands. Compound 4 possesses a bilayer structure in which two adjacent layers are pillared by H₃L₁ ligands into a 2D bilayer network. Compound 5 is a unique 3D coordination polymer in which each Mn center binds two trans-located dpe molecules. The thermal stability as well as magnetic properties of 5 was also studied. This work and our previous work indicate that the positional isomer of the anionic N-[(carboxyphenyl)-sulfonyl]glycine is important in the construction of these network structures, which are also significantly regulated by the metal centers.     

Cyclic tetrapeptides from marine bacteria associated with the seaweed Diginea sp. and the sponge Halisarca ectofibrosa

A Pseudomonas sp. was cultured which was associated with the Japanese seaweed Diginea sp. Crude extracts prepared from this bacterial culture were found to inhibit the growth of other marine bacterial strains. From this bacterial culture, two new peptides cyclo-[phenylalanyl-prolyl-leucyl-prolyl] (3) and cyclo-[isoleucyl-prolyl-leucyl-alanyl] (4) have been isolated together with two known peptides (1) and (2). The crude extract from a culture of Pseudoalteromonas sp. associated with the Thai sponge Halisarca ectofibrosa was found to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis and Vibrio anguillarum. Isolation studies yielded a fraction containing two peptides that were identified as cyclo-[phenylalanyl-leucyl]₂ (5) and cyclo-[leucyl-isoleucyl]₂ (6) by means of LC-MS and 2D NMR data. Absolute stereochemistry was confirmed by the synthesis of cyclo-[l-phenylalanyl-l-leucyl]₂. Peptides (1)-(3) were also isolated from this bacterial strain. None of the individual peptides isolated in this study showed antibiotic activity.     

Conducting Molecular Magnets Based on TTF-Derivatives

The crystal structures, electronic and magnetic properties of conducting molecular magnets developed in our group are reviewed. (DMET)₂FeBr₄ is composed of alternating stacks of quasi-one-dimensional (1D) donor sheets and square lattice magnetic anion sheets. This salt undergoes an SDW transition of the donor layer at 40 K and an antiferromagnetic transition of Fe³⁺ spins on the anion layer at 3.7 K. The one-to-one correspondence of the anomalies appearing on the magnetization curves with those on the magnetoresistance supports the presence of the π-d interaction. (EDO-TTFI₂)₂[M(mnt)₂] (M=Ni,Pt) consists of 1D chains of conducting donors and magnetic anions aligned in parallel. These salts show metallic conductivity accompanied with a metal-insulator transition around 90 K. Localized spins on the anions behave as a 1D ferromagnet, whose origin is explained by McConnell's first model. The properties of related materials, (EDTDM)₂FeBr₄, (EDS-TTF)₂FeBr₄ and (EDO-TTFBr₂)₂FeBr₄, are also presented.     

Additional cytotoxic substances isolated from the sponge-derived Gymnascella dankaliensis

A continuous investigation of secondary metabolites produced by the sponge-derived fungus, Gymnascella dankaliensis, has yielded a new polyketide tyrosine derivative, dankastatin C (3) and the known steroid, demethylincisterol A₃ (4), which was originally found from a Homaxinella marine sponge. The stereostructure of the new compound has been determined based on the analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data. Dankastatin C (3) showed potent cell growth inhibitory activity against the murine P388 cell line.     

Cytosporins F–K,new epoxyquinols from the endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis theae

Chemical investigation of an endophytic fungus, Pestalotiopsis theae, isolated from the leaves of Turraeanthus longipes (Meliaceae) collected in Cameroon, resulted in the isolation of six new epoxyquinols, cytosporins F–K (2–7), together with the known cytosporin D (1). The structures of the new compounds were unambiguously determined by analysis of the 1D, 2D NMR, and HRMS spectra. Cytosporins G–K (3–7) are the first cytosporins with a hydroxyl substituted C₇ side chain, while cytosporins F–I (2–5) contain a 13-acetoxyl group that was not reported previously. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for the cytosporin derivatives is proposed.     

Complanadine B, obscurumines A and B, new alkaloids from two species of Lycopodium

A new dimer of C₁₆N₂ type alkaloid, complanadine B (1), and two new C₁₆N type alkaloids, obscurumines A (2) and B (3), have been isolated from the club moss Lycopodium complanatum and L. obscurum, respectively. The structures and stereochemistry of 1-3 were elucidated by combination of 2D NMR spectra and chemical transformation. Complanadine A (4) isolated together with 1 induced secretion of neurotrophic factors from human astrocytoma cells.     

Vilmoraconitine, a novel skeleton C19-diterpenoid alkaloid from Aconitum vilmorinianum

A novel C₁₉-diterpenoid alkaloid vilmoraconitine (1) was isolated from the roots of Aconitun vilmorinianum. Its structure was mainly determined by MS, 2D NMR, and X-ray methods. This is the first aconitine-type C₁₉-diterpenoid alkaloid with one three-membered ring at C-8, C-9, and C-10.     

Vincamajorines A and B,monoterpenoid indole alkaloids with new carbon skeletons from Vinca major

Two new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, vincamajorines A (1) and B (2), were isolated from Vinca major. Their structures were elucidated by means of 1D and 2D NMR, and HREIMS spectroscopic data. The relative and absolute configurations were deduced by comparing the experimental ¹³C NMR, ECD spectra, and OR data with those theoretically calculated. Vincamajorine A (1) represents a new C₂₀ carbon skeleton arranged compactly in seven rings, and vincamajorine B (2) is an alkaloid with an unprecedented 6/5/7/5/6 pentacyclic ring system. A possible biosynthetic pathway was also proposed for the formation of 1 and 2.     

Hupermine A,a novel C16N2-type Lycopodium alkaloid from Huperzia phlegmaria

A novel C₁₆N₂-type Lycopodium alkaloid consisting of a quinolizidine with a 6-dimethylaminohexyl side chain, hupermine A (1), was isolated from the club moss of Huperzia phlegmaria, and the structure and relative stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data.     

A new rearranged and a new seco-ent-kaurane diterpenoids from Isodon parvifolius

Parvifoline X (1), a new rearranged ent-kaurane diterpenoid, and parvifoline Y (2), a new 8,15-seco-ent-kaurane diterpenoid, were isolated from the leaves of Isodon parvifolius. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR analysis, and supported by a biogenetic pathway. Parvifoline X (1), possessing a new 15(8→11)-abeo-7α,20-epoxy-ent-kaurane skeleton, was found from the genus Isodon for the first time. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against A549, HT-29, and K562 cell lines. Parvifoline Y (2) was the most cytotoxic against A549 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 4.97 μM.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and properties of three new mixed-ligand d metal complexes constructed from pyridinecarboxylate and in situ generated amino-tetrazole ligand

Three new metal-organic frameworks, [Zn(atz)(nic)]_n(1), [Zn(atz)(isonic)]_n·nHisonic(2) and [Cd(atz)(isonic)]_n(3) (Hnic=nicotinic acid, Hisonic=isonicotinic acid), have been firstly synthesized by employing mixed-ligand of pyridinecarboxylate with the in situ generated ligand of 5-amino-tetrazolate(atz⁻), and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TGA and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The results revealed that 1 presents a two-dimensional (2D) “sql” topological network constructed from the linear chain subunit of Zn(nic)₂ and atz⁻ ligand. A remarkable feature of 2 is a 2-fold interpenetrated diamondoid network with free Hisonic molecules locating in the channels formed by the zigzag chain subunits of Zn(isonic)₂. Complex 3 is a 3D non-interpenetrated pillared framework constructed from the double chain subunits of Cd-COO⁻-Cd. It possesses a rarely observed (4,6)-connected “fsc” topology. The thermal stabilities and fluorescent properties of the complexes were investigated. All of these complexes exhibited intense fluorescent emissions in the solid state at room temperature.     

Neomerane-type sesquiterpenoids from Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia

Valeneomerins A–D, two new neomerane-type sesquiterpenoids and two new nor-sesquiterpenoids, were isolated from the roots of Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia. Among them, valeneomerin A (1) was identified as a sesquiterpenoid with an unprecedented 15,3-lactone loop while valeneomerin C (3) and valeneomerin D (4) were determined to be nor-sesquiterpenoids with a new 15-reductive neomerane-type carbon skeleton. Their structures were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and Cu Kα X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 exhibited significant neuroprotective effects against H₂O₂ induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells with viability of 49.8, 40.9, and 44.6% each at 50 μM, respectively, in contrast to positive control (catechin, 50 μM) with viability of 32.6%.     

Dictyotadimer A, a new dissymmetric bis-diterpene from a brown alga of the genus Dictyota

A phytochemical investigation of a Mediterranean brown alga (Dictyota sp.) led to the isolation of a novel C₄₀bis-diterpene, named dictyotadimer A. The chemical structure of this unusual dissymmetric dimer, characterized by a C-C linkage between two different xenicane units, was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR analyses together with HR-ESI mass spectrometry. The relative configuration of the two diterpenoid components was determined by NOESY NMR correlations and molecular modeling. A plausible biogenetic pathway of dictyotadimer A was also proposed.     

Novel bioactive vic-dioxime ligand containing piperazine moiety: Synthesis,X-ray crystallographic studies, 2D NMR applications and complexation with Ni(II)

A new vic-dioxime ligand bearing an important pharmacophore substituent, anti-1-(4-benzylpiperazine-1-yl) phenylglyoxime (LH₂) (Scheme 1), has been synthesized and its nickel(II) complex was obtained by the reaction of NiCl₂·6H₂O and the ligand. The characterization of the newly formed compounds was performed by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1D NMR (¹H, ¹³C, DEPT), 2D NMR (HMBC), ESI mass-spectrometry, TG/DTA, X-ray crystallography. The antibacterial activity was also studied against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Streptococcus mutans RSHM 676, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Lactobacillus acidophilus RSHM 06029, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, E. coli ATCC 35218, Pseudomonasaeruginosa ATCC 27853. The antimicrobial test results indicated that all the compounds have mild antibacterial activity against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacterial species.     

Agariblazeispirols A and B, an unprecedented skeleton from the cultured mycelia of the fungus, Agaricus blazei

Agariblazeispirols A and B, which have a unique steroidal skeleton, have been isolated from the cultured mycelia of Agaricus blazei (Agaricaceae). The absolute structure of Agariblazeispirol A was established to be (20S,22R,23R,24S)-13β,22:22,25-diepoxy-5-methoxy-14β-methyl-18-nor-des-A-ergosta-5,7,9,11-tetraen-23-ol by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectral data, and X-ray analysis. The structure of Agariblazeispirol B was elucidated to be a stereoisomer of agariblazeispirol A at its carbon 22, (20S,22S,23R,24S)-13β,22:22,25-diepoxy-5-methoxy-14β-methyl-18-nor-des-A-ergosta-5,7,9,11-tetraen-23-ol by comparison of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectral data with those of agariblazeispirol A. Both compounds showed a moderate circumvention of drug resistance on mouse leukemia P388/VCR cells.