Chondroitin Sulfate Tetrasaccharides: Synthesis,Three‐Dimensional Structure and Interaction with Midkine

The biological activity of midkine, a cytokine implicated in neuro‐ and tumourigenesis, is regulated by its binding to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as heparin and chondroitin sulfate (CS). To better understand the molecular recognition of GAG sequences by this growth factor, the interactions between synthetic chondroitin sulfate‐like tetrasaccharides and midkine were studied by using different techniques. Firstly, a synthetic approach for the preparation of CS‐like oligosaccharides in the sequence GalNAc–GlcA was developed. A fluorescence polarisation competition assay was then employed to analyse the relative binding affinities of the synthetic compounds and revealed that midkine interacted with CS‐like tetrasaccharides in the micromolar range. The 3D structure of these tetramers was studied in detail by a combination of NMR spectroscopy experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy experiments indicate that the CS tetrasaccharides bind to midkine in an extended conformation, with similar saturation effects along the entire sugar chain. These results are compatible with docking studies that suggest an interaction of the tetrasaccharide with midkine in a folded structure. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the interaction between midkine and well‐defined, chemically synthesised CS oligosaccharides and these data can be useful for the design of more active compounds that modulate the biological function of this protein.     

Synthesis of Firefly Luciferin Analogues and Evaluation of the Luminescent Properties

Five new firefly luciferin ( 1 ) analogues were synthesized and their light emission properties were examined. Modifications of the thiazoline moiety in 1 were employed to produce analogues containing acyclic amino acid side chains ( 2 – 4 ) and heterocyclic rings derived from amino acids ( 5 and 6 ) linked to the benzothiazole moiety. Although methyl esters of all of the synthetic derivatives exhibited chemiluminescence activity, only carboluciferin ( 6 ), possessing a pyrroline‐substituted benzothiazole structure, had bioluminescence (BL) activity (λ_max=547 nm). Results of bioluminescence studies with AMP‐carboluciferin (AMP=adenosine monophosphate) and AMP‐firefly luciferin showed that the nature of the thiazoline mimicking moiety affected the adenylation step of the luciferin–luciferase reaction required for production of potent BL. In addition, BL of 6 in living mice differed from that of 1 in that its luminescence decay rate was slower.     

Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Analogues of Ripostatins

Ripostatins are polyene macrolactones isolated from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. They exhibit antibiotic activity by inhibiting bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) through a binding site and mechanism that are different from those of current antibacterial drugs. Thus, the ripostatins serve as starting points for the development of new anti‐infective agents with a novel mode of action. In this work, several derivatives of ripostatins were produced. 15‐Desoxyripostatin A was synthesized by using a one‐pot carboalumination/cross‐coupling. 5,6‐Dihydroripostatin A was constructed by utilizing an intramolecular Suzuki cross‐coupling macrolactonization approach. 14,14′‐Difluororipostatin A and both epimeric 14,14′‐difluororipostatins B were synthesized by using a Reformatsky type aldol addition of a haloketone, Stille cross‐coupling, and ring‐closing metathesis. The RNAP‐inhibitory and antibacterial activities are presented. Structure–activity relationships indicate that the monocyclic keto‐ol form of ripostatin A is the active form of ripostatin A, that the ripostatin C5–C6 unsaturation is important for activity, and that C14 geminal difluorination of ripostatin B results in no loss of activity.     

Solid‐Phase Combinatorial Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Destruxin E Analogues

The solid‐phase combinatorial synthesis of cyclodepsipeptide destruxin E has been demonstrated. The combinatorial synthesis of cyclization precursors 8 was achieved by using a split and pool method on SynPhase Lanterns. The products were successfully macrolactonized in parallel in the solution phase by using 2‐methyl‐6‐nitrobenzoic anhydride and 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine N‐oxide to afford macrolactones 9 , and the subsequent formation of an epoxide in the side chain gave 18 member destruxin E analogues 6 . Biological evaluation of analogues 6 indicated that the N‐MeAla residue was crucial to the induction of morphological changes in osteoclast‐like multinuclear cells (OCLs). Based on structure–activity relationships, azido‐containing analogues 15 were then designed for use as a molecular probe. The synthesis and biological evaluation of analogues 15 revealed that 15 b , in which the Ile residue was replaced with a Lys(N₃) residue, induced morphological changes in OCLs at a sufficient concentration, and modification around the Ile residue would be tolerated for attachment of a chemical tag toward the target identification of destruxin E ( 1 ).     

Synthesis of High‐Mannose Oligosaccharide Analogues through Click Chemistry: True Functional Mimics of Their Natural Counterparts Against Lectins?

Terminal “high‐mannose oligosaccharides” are involved in a broad range of biological and pathological processes, from sperm‐egg fusion to influenza and human immunodeficiency virus infections. In spite of many efforts, their synthesis continues to be very challenging and actually represents a major bottleneck in the field. Whereas multivalent presentation of mannopyranosyl motifs onto a variety of scaffolds has proven to be a successful way to interfere in recognition processes involving high‐mannose oligosaccharides, such constructs fail at reproducing the subtle differences in affinity towards the variety of protein receptors (lectins) and antibodies susceptible to binding to the natural ligands. Here we report a family of functional high‐mannose oligosaccharide mimics that reproduce not only the terminal mannopyranosyl display, but also the core structure and the branching pattern, by replacing some inner mannopyranosyl units with triazole rings. Such molecular design can be implemented by exploiting “click” ligation strategies, resulting in a substantial reduction of synthetic cost. The binding affinities of the new “click” high‐mannose oligosaccharide mimics towards two mannose specific lectins, namely the plant lectin concanavalin A (ConA) and the human macrophage mannose receptor (rhMMR), have been studied by enzyme‐linked lectin assays and found to follow identical trends to those observed for the natural oligosaccharide counterparts. Calorimetric determinations against ConA, and X‐ray structural data support the conclusion that these compounds are not just another family of multivalent mannosides, but real “structural mimics” of the high‐mannose oligosaccharides.     

Design and Synthesis of (13S)‐Methyl‐Substituted Arachidonic Acid Analogues: Templates for Novel Endocannabinoids

Two novel methyl‐substituted arachidonic acid derivatives were prepared in an enantioselective manner from commercially available chiral building blocks, and were found to be excellent templates for the development of (13S)‐methyl‐substituted anandamide analogues. One of the compounds synthesized, namely, (13S,5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)‐13‐methyl‐eicosa‐5,8,11,14‐tetraenoic acid N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)amide, is an endocannabinoid analogue with remarkably high affinity for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor.     

Efficient Total Synthesis of Bongkrekic Acid and Apoptosis Inhibitory Activity of Its Analogues

Bongkrekic acid (BKA), isolated from the bacterium Burkholderia cocovenenans, is an inhibitor of adenine nucleotide translocator, which inhibits apoptosis, and is thus an important tool for the mechanistic investigation of apoptosis. An efficient total synthesis of BKA has been achieved by employing a three‐component convergent strategy based on Kocienski–Julia olefination and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling. It is noteworthy that segment B has been prepared as a new doubly functionalized coupling partner, which contributes to shortening of the number of steps. Torquoselective olefination with an ynolate has also been applied for the efficient construction of an unsaturated ester. Furthermore, it is revealed that 1‐methyl‐2‐azaadamantane N‐oxyl is an excellent reagent for final oxidation to afford BKA in high yield. Based on the total synthesis, several BKA analogues were prepared for structure–activity relationship studies, which indicated that the carboxylic acid moieties were essential for the apoptosis inhibitory activity of BKA. More easily available BKA analogues with potent apoptosis inhibitory activity were also developed.     

Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of (+)‐Gambieric Acid A and Its Analogues

In this study, we report the first total synthesis and complete stereostructure of gambieric acid A, a potent antifungal polycyclic ether metabolite, in detail. The A/B‐ring exocyclic enol ether 32 was prepared through a Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of the B‐ring vinyl iodide 18 and the alkylborate 33 and subsequent closure of the A‐ring by using diastereoselective bromoetherification as the key transformation. Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of 32 with acetate‐derived enol phosphate 49 , followed by ring‐closing metathesis of the derived diene, produced the D‐ring. Subsequent closure of the C‐ring through a mixed thioacetalization completed the synthesis of the A/BCD‐ring fragment 8 . The A/BCD‐ and F′GHIJ‐ring fragments (i.e., 8 and 9 ) were assembled through Suzuki–Miyaura coupling. The C25 stereogenic center was elaborated by exploiting the intrinsic conformational property of the seven‐membered F′‐ring. After the oxidative cleavage of the F′‐ring, the E‐ring was formed as a cyclic mixed thioacetal (i.e., 70 ) and then stereoselectively allylated by using glycosylation chemistry. Ring‐closing metathesis of the diene 3 thus obtained closed the F‐ring and completed the polycyclic ether skeleton. Finally, the J‐ring side chain was introduced by using a Julia–Kocienski olefination in the presence of CeCl₃ to complete the total synthesis of gambieric acid A ( 1 ), thereby unambiguously establishing its complete stereostructure. The present total synthesis enabled us to evaluate the antifungal and antiproliferative activities of 1 and several synthetic analogues.     

Stabilization of the Cysteine‐Rich Conotoxin MrIA by Using a 1,2,3‐Triazole as a Disulfide Bond Mimetic

The design of disulfide bond mimetics is an important strategy for optimising cysteine‐rich peptides in drug development. Mimetics of the drug lead conotoxin MrIA, in which one disulfide bond is selectively replaced of by a 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazole bridge, are described. Sequential copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC; click reaction) followed by disulfide formation resulted in the regioselective syntheses of triazole–disulfide hybrid MrIA analogues. Mimetics with a triazole replacing the Cys4–Cys13 disulfide bond retained tertiary structure and full in vitro and in vivo activity as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Importantly, these mimetics are resistant to reduction in the presence of glutathione, thus resulting in improved plasma stability and increased suitability for drug development.     

From Low to Very High Birefringence in Bis(2‐pyridylimino)isoindolines: Synthesis and Structure–Property Analysis

A series of new substituted 1,3‐bis(2‐pyridylimino)isoindolines—1,3‐bis(2‐pyridylimino)‐5,6‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenoxy)isoindoline ( 2 b ), 1,3‐bis(2‐pyridylimino)‐5,6‐bis(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)isoindoline ( 2 c ), and 1,3‐bis(2‐pyridylimino)‐5‐tert‐butylisoindoline ( 2 d )—were synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The birefringence (Δn) of the crystals of unsubstituted 1,3‐bis(2‐pyridylimino)isoindoline ( 2 a ), 2 b , 2 c , and 2 d were measured and found to vary greatly, with Δn values of 0.0654(3), 0.0629(17), 0.588(10), 0.701(12), respectively. A structure–property relationship for the birefringence values of 2 a – 2 d was outlined and indicated that the anisotropy of the polarizability of the molecules plays a crucial role in the birefringence of the crystals. The greatest birefringence values are achieved when the molecules are oriented in a face‐to‐face configuration intermolecularly, and along the crystallographic face being measured.     

Design,Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Potent Azadipeptide Nitrile Inhibitors and Activity‐Based Probes as Promising Anti‐Trypanosoma brucei Agents

Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei are parasites that cause Chagas disease and African sleeping sickness, respectively. There is an urgent need for the development of new drugs against both diseases due to the lack of adequate cures and emerging drug resistance. One promising strategy for the discovery of small‐molecule therapeutics against parasitic diseases has been to target the major cysteine proteases such as cruzain for T. cruzi, and rhodesain/TbCatB for T. brucei. Azadipeptide nitriles belong to a novel class of extremely potent cysteine protease inhibitors against papain‐like proteases. We herein report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a series of azanitrile‐containing compounds, most of which were shown to potently inhibit both recombinant cruzain and rhodesain at low nanomolar/picomolar ranges. A strong correlation between the potency of rhodesain inhibition (i.e., target‐based screening) and trypanocidal activity (i.e., whole‐organism‐based screening) of the compounds was observed. To facilitate detailed studies of this important class of inhibitors, selected hit compounds from our screenings were chemically converted into activity‐based probes (ABPs), which were subsequently used for in situ proteome profiling and cellular localization studies to further elucidate potential cellular targets (on and off) in both the disease‐relevant bloodstream form (BSF) and the insect‐residing procyclic form (PCF) of Trypanosoma brucei. Overall, the inhibitors presented herein show great promise as a new class of anti‐trypanosome agents, which possess better activities than existing drugs. The activity‐based probes generated from this study could also serve as valuable tools for parasite‐based proteome profiling studies, as well as bioimaging agents for studies of cellular uptake and distribution of these drug candidates. Our studies therefore provide a good starting point for further development of these azanitrile‐containing compounds as potential anti‐parasitic agents.     

Epothilone Analogues with Benzimidazole and Quinoline Side Chains: Chemical Synthesis,Antiproliferative Activity,and Interactions with Tubulin

A series of epothilone B and D analogues bearing isomeric quinoline or functionalized benzimidazole side chains has been prepared by chemical synthesis in a highly convergent manner. All analogues have been found to interact with the tubulin/microtubule system and to inhibit human cancer cell proliferation in vitro, albeit with different potencies (IC₅₀ values between 1 and 150 nM ). The affinity of quinoline‐based epothilone B and D analogues for stabilized microtubules clearly depends on the position of the N‐atom in the quinoline system, while the induction of tubulin polymerization in vitro appears to be less sensitive to N‐positioning. The potent inhibition of human cancer cell growth by epothilone analogues bearing functionalized benzimidazole side chains suggests that these systems might be conjugated with tumor‐targeting moieties to form tumor‐targeted prodrugs.     

New Synthesis of A‐Ring Aromatic Strigolactone Analogues and Their Evaluation as Plant Hormones in Pea (Pisum sativum)

A new general access to A‐ring aromatic strigolactones, a new class of plant hormones, has been developed. The key transformations include in sequence ring‐closing metathesis, enzymatic kinetic resolution and a radical cyclization with atom transfer to install the tricyclic ABC‐ring system. The activity as plant hormones for the inhibition of shoot branching in pea of various analogues synthesized by this strategy is reported.     

Multistep Continuous‐Flow Synthesis in Medicinal Chemistry: Discovery and Preliminary Structure–Activity Relationships of CCR8 Ligands

A three‐step continuous‐flow synthesis system and its application to the assembly of a new series of chemokine receptor ligands directly from commercial building blocks is reported. No scavenger columns or solvent switches are necessary to recover the desired test compounds, which were obtained in overall yields of 49–94 %. The system is modular and flexible, and the individual steps of the sequence can be interchanged with similar outcome, extending the scope of the chemistry. Biological evaluation confirmed activity on the chemokine CCR8 receptor and provided initial structure–activity‐relationship (SAR) information for this new ligand series, with the most potent member displaying full agonist activity with single‐digit nanomolar potency. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first published example of efficient use of multistep flow synthesis combined with biological testing and SAR studies in medicinal chemistry.     

Synthesis of Highly Selective Submicromolar Microcystin‐Based Inhibitors of Protein Phosphatase (PP)2A over PP1

Research and therapeutic targeting of the phosphoserine/threonine phosphatases PP1 and PP2A is hindered by the lack of selective inhibitors. The microcystin (MC) natural toxins target both phosphatases with equal potency, and their complex synthesis has complicated structure–activity relationship studies in the past. We report herein the synthesis and biochemical evaluation of 11 MC analogues, which was accomplished through an efficient strategy combining solid‐ and solution‐phase approaches. Our approach led to the first MC analogue with submicromolar inhibitory potency that is strongly selective for PP2A over PP1 and does not require the complex lipophilic Adda group. Through mutational and structural analyses, we identified a new key element for binding, as well as reasons for the selectivity. This work gives unprecedented insight into how selectivity between these phosphatases can be achieved with MC analogues.