Human topoisomerase I poisoning: docking protoberberines into a structure-based binding site model

Summary Using the X-ray crystal structure of the human topoisomerase I (top1) – DNA cleavable complex and the Sybyl software package, we have developed a general model for the ternary cleavable complex formed with four protoberberine alkaloids differing in the substitution on the terminal phenyl rings and covering a broad range of the top1-poisoning activities. This model has the drug intercalated with its planar chromophore between the −1 and +1 base pairs flanking the cleavage site, with the nonplanar portion pointing into the minor groove. The ternary complexes were geometry-optimized and relative interaction energies, computed by using the Tripos force field, were found to rank in correct order the biological potency of the compounds; in addition, the model is also consistent with the top1-poisoning inactivity of berberine, a major prototype of the protoberberine alkaloids. The model might serve as a rational basis for elaboration of the most active compound as a lead structure, in order to develop more potent top1 poisons as next generation anti-cancer drugs.     

Calculation of circular dichroism spectra of michellamines A and C, based on a complete conformational analysis

The first quantum chemical calculation of the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of michellamines has been achieved, based on a complete quantum chemical conformational analysis. Michellamines are dimeric naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids and thus naturally occurring quateraryls, with a large molecular size and flexibility and equipped with stereogenic centers and axes.     

Synthesis of Naturally Occurring Pyrazine and Imidazole Alkaloids from Botryllus LeachiRID=”a”ID=”a”?Dedicated to Prof. G. M?rkl on the occasion of his 75th birthday

The synthesis of the naturally occurring and biologically active alkaloids 1 and 2, first isolated from the red ascidian Botryllus leachi by Duran et al. [1], is described and the structure proposed for Botryllazine B (1) is confirmed. The analytical data for 2-(p-hydroxybenzoyl)-4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)imidazole (2) are discussed and compared with the literature. With special emphasis of ¹H NMR data the tautomerism of aroylimidazolemethanones is described.     

Radical amination with sulfonyl azides: a powerful method for the formation of C-N bonds

A novel reaction for the introduction of an azide moiety by means of a mild radical process is currently under development. Sulfonyl azides are suitable azidating agents for nucleophilic radicals, such as secondary and tertiary alkyl radicals. More electrophilic radicals, such as enolate radicals, do not react with sulfonyl azides. This feature allowed the development of efficient intra- and intermolecular carboazidations of olefins. Due to the versatility of the azido group, this reaction has an important synthetic potential, as already demonstrated by the preparation of the core of several alkaloids, particularly those containing an amino-substituted quaternary carbon center, such as FR901483.     

Transition metal complexes in organic synthesis. Part 68: Iron-mediated total synthesis of mukonine and mukonidine by oxidative cyclization with air as the oxidizing agent

The oxidative cyclization of 5-(2-amino-5-methoxycarbonylphenyl)-substituted tricarbonyl[η⁴-cyclohexa-1,3-diene]iron complexes by air in protic medium provides the corresponding tricarbonyl[η⁴-4a,9a-dihydro-9H-carbazole]iron complexes. This procedure is applied to the total synthesis of the 3-methoxycarbonylcarbazole alkaloids mukonine and mukonidine.     

Total syntheses of hyacinthacine A2 and 7-deoxycasuarine by cycloaddition to a carbohydrate derived nitrone

Practical syntheses of nitrone 8 by two different approaches from sugars are reported. Its use as a versatile intermediate in highly selective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions constitutes the key step for novel total syntheses of hyacinthacine A₂ (3) and 7-deoxycasuarine (20) by simple transformations of a common isoxazolidine adduct.     

手性膦氮配体的合成及其钯配合物催化的不对称烯丙基烷基化反应

以价廉的天然产物辛可宁和奎宁为原料,在温和的条件下方便地合成了两个手性膦氮配体.考察了它们与过渡金属钯配合物在不对称烯丙基烷基化反应中的催化活性和不对称诱导作用.在1,3-二苯基-2-烯丙基-1-醇的乙酸酯与丙二酸二甲酯的反应中,两个配体均表现出中等的手性诱导活性(最高为73.5%e.e.).     

Highly anti-selective conjugate addition of arylcuprates to a γ-alkoxy-α,β-enoate. A new method to address stereochemical challenges presented by Amaryllidaceae alkaloids

Various substituted arylcuprates undergo stereocontrolled additions to a d-mannitol-derived γ-alkoxy-α,β-enoate with exclusive anti-selectivity. The method is well suited for the preparation of a broad range of biologically active Amaryllidaceae alkaloids and their aromatic analogues. A model accounting for the stereochemical outcome of this process is presented.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of 3,4‐Dihydropyran‐2‐ones by Domino Michael Addition and Lactonization with New Asymmetric Organocatalysts: Cinchona‐Alkaloid‐Derived Chiral Quaternary Ammonium Phenoxides

Chiral quaternary ammonium phenoxides were readily prepared from commercially available cinchona alkaloids and proved to be useful new asymmetric organocatalysts. Among various chiral quaternary ammonium phenoxides, a cinchonidine‐derived catalyst that bears both a sterically hindered N1‐9‐anthracenylmethyl group and a strongly electron withdrawing 9‐O‐3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl group were found to be highly effective for the Michael addition of ketene silyl acetals (derived from phenyl carboxylates) and α,β‐unsaturated ketones followed by lactonization. Optically active 3,4‐dihydropyran‐2‐one derivatives were obtained in high yields with excellent control of enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity. This catalyst can be handled in air and stored at room temperature in a sealed bottle without decomposition for at least one month.     

Determination of sophoridine and related lupin alkaloids using tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium electrogenerated chemiluminescence

Electrogenerated chemiluminescences (ECLs) based on tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)₃²⁺) and lupin alkaloids, for instance, sophoridine (SRI), matrine (MT), sophoranol (SR) and sophocarpine (SC) in an aqueous alkaline buffer solution (pH 9.0) are studied. The light emission is mainly caused by an electro-oxidation reaction between tertiary amino group on the alkaloid compounds and Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ in a thin layer flow cell equipped with a glassy carbon disc electrode (22.1 mm²) at the potential of +1.50 V (versus Ag/AgCl). The luminescence wavelength of 610 nm confirmed that ECL is caused by Ru(bpy)₃^2+∗ to its ground state. ECL intensities of these lupin alkaloids are affected by the substituent character, three-dimensional conformation of hydrogen on β-carbon atom. Ionization potentials taken from calculation data further confirm the experimental results. In addition, the factors affecting the determination and HPLC separation of the four alkaloids are also investigated.