Strigolactones,from Plants to Human Health: Achievements and Challenges

Strigolactones (SLs) are a class of sesquiterpenoid plant hormones that play a role in the response of plants to various biotic and abiotic stresses. When released into the rhizosphere, they are perceived by both beneficial symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi and parasitic plants. Due to their multiple roles, SLs are potentially interesting agricultural targets. Indeed, the use of SLs as agrochemicals can favor sustainable agriculture via multiple mechanisms, including shaping root architecture, promoting ideal branching, stimulating nutrient assimilation, controlling parasitic weeds, mitigating drought and enhancing mycorrhization. Moreover, over the last few years, a number of studies have shed light onto the effects exerted by SLs on human cells and on their possible applications in medicine. For example, SLs have been demonstrated to play a key role in the control of pathways related to apoptosis and inflammation. The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms behind their action has inspired further investigations into their effects on human cells and their possible uses as anti-cancer and antimicrobial agents.     

A short and efficient annelation sequence for the synthesis of bicyclic intermediates in the total synthesis of strigol and its analogues

Summary A new annelation sequence was developed for the bicyclic diones2, intermediates in the total synthesis of strigol (1) and its analogues. The first step of the sequence is the conjugate addition of nitro alcohols4 to cyclopentenone5, followed by an alkylative cyclization step and dehydrogenation.

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Eine kurze und effiziente Anellierungsmethode zur Synthese bicyclischer Zwischenprodukte in der Totalsynthese von Strigol und seinen Analogen

Zusammenfassung Eine neue Anellierungsmethode zur Herstellung der bicyclischen Dione2 (Zwischenprodukte in der Totalsynthese von Strigol (1) und seiner Analogen) wurde entwickelt. Der erste Schritt besteht in einer konjugierten Addition der Nitroalkohole4 an die Cyclopentenone5. Anschließend erfolgen eine alkylierende Cyclisierung und eine Wasserstoffabspaltung.