Coordination-driven self-assembly of supramolecular cages: heteroatom-containing and complementary trigonal prisms

The self-assembly of three nanoscopic prisms of approximate size 1 x 4 nm is reported. Tetrahedral carbon, silicon, and phosphorus were used as structure-defining elements in these coordination-based cages. A carbon-based assembly completes a pair of nanoscopic complementary 3-D structures. The formation of the structures is supported by multinuclear NMR, ESI FT-ICR mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis data.

On the total synthesis and determination of the absolute configuration of rishirilide B: exploitation of subtle effects to control the sense of cycloaddition of o-quinodimethides

The total synthesis of racemic rishirilide B has been accomplished. The synthesis serves to define the relative relationships of its stereogenic centers. Also, starting with readily available chiral pool, ent-rishirilide B was synthesized, thereby demonstrating that natural configuration of rishirilide B. The defining step in our total synthesis is the facile cycloreversion of the bis(siloxy)benzocyclobutane and the intermolecular o-quinodimethide Diels-Alder cycloaddition. We believe that the tight regiochemical guidance in this step arises from a meshing of the electron-donating effects of the symmetry-perturbing aromatic OTBS group of the o-quinodimethide diene with the reactivity differential of the dienophile (enedione), modulated by the hydroxyl group at the alpha-position. The validity of the hypothesis of hydroxy-directed activation of its vicinal ketone function in the context of the enedione dienophile warrants further study. This type of activation may find broader applications in distinguishing reactivity profiles of key closely related functional groups in organic substrates.

Novel benzylidene-9(10H)-anthracenones as highly active antimicrotubule agents. Synthesis, antiproliferative activity, and inhibition of tubulin polymerization

A novel series of 10-benzylidene-9(10H)-anthracenones and 10-(phenylmethyl)-9(10H)-anthracenones were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity in an assay based on K562 leukemia cells. The 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene analogue 9h was found to be the most active compound (IC(50) K562: 20 nM). Structure-activity relationships are also considered. The highly active compound 9h and the 2,4-dimethoxy-3-hydroxybenzylidene analogue 9l were tested against five tumor cell lines using the XTT assay, including multidrug resistant phenotypes. Induction of cell death in a variety of tumor cell lines was determined in a monolayer assay using propidium iodide. Noteworthy, all compounds within the series induced elongations in K562 cells similar to vinblastine-treated cells. The effect of the lead compound 9h on K562 cell growth was associated with cell cycle arrest in G2/M. Concentrations for 50% KB/HeLa cells arrested in G2/M after treatment with 9h and 9l were determined and found to be in the range of 0.2 microM. Additionally, we monitored the dose dependent caspase-3-like protease activity in K562 cells and MCF-7/Casp-3 cells treated with 9h, indicating induction of apoptosis. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that 9h caused a shift in tubulin concentration from the polymerized state found in the cell pellet to the unpolymerized state found in the cell supernatant. Seven compounds strongly inhibited tubulin polymerization with activities higher or comparable to those of the reference compounds such as colchicine, podophyllotoxin, and nocodazole. In general, the antiproliferative activity correlated with inhibition of tubulin polymerization. The most active compounds strongly displaced [(3)H]colchicine from its binding site in the tubulin, yielding IC(50) values 3- to 4-fold lower than that of colchicine. The novel benzylidene-9(10H)-anthracenones described in the present study constitute an interesting group of highly active and easily accessible antimitotic agents that inhibit tubulin polymerization.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of N1-(anthracen-9-ylmethyl)triamines as molecular recognition elements for the polyamine transporter

An efficient modular synthesis of N(1)-substituted triamines containing different tether lengths between nitrogen centers was developed. A series of N(1)-(9-anthracenylmethyl)triamines were evaluated for biological activity in L1210 (murine leukemia), alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO)-treated L1210, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), and CHO-MG cell lines. All triamines 8 had increased potency in DFMO-treated L1210 cells. The 4,4- and 5,4-triamine systems had the highest affinity for the polyamine transporter (PAT) with L1210 K(i) values of 1.8 and 1.7 microM, respectively. This trend was also reflected in the CHO studies. Surprisingly, the respective 4,4- and 5,4-triamine systems had 150-fold and 38-fold higher cytotoxicity in CHO cells containing active polyamine transporters. Initial microscopy studies revealed the rapid formation of vesicular structures within A375 melanoma cells treated with the N(1)-(9-anthracenylmethyl)homospermidine (4,4-triamine) conjugate. In summary, the 4,4- and 5,4-triamines were identified as selective vector motifs to ferry anthracene into cells via the PAT.

Molecular requirements for targeting the polyamine transport system. Synthesis and biological evaluation of polyamine-anthracene conjugates

A series of nine N(1)-(9-anthracenylmethyl)tetraamines (e.g., Ant-4,4,4-tetraamine) were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity in L1210, alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO)-treated L1210, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO), and CHO-MG cell lines. Surprisingly, the 3,3,4- and 3,4,3-tetraamine motifs had the same or decreased cytotoxicity in DFMO-treated L1210 cells, whereas the rest of the tetraamine systems were usually more cytotoxic and gave lower IC(50) values in this treated cell line. The most sensitive derivatives to DFMO treatment were the Ant-4,4,3- and Ant-4,4,4-tetraamine analogues, which were 7 and 5 times more cytotoxic in DFMO-treated L1210 cells, respectively. K(i) values for each of the anthracenylmethyl(Ant)-polyamine conjugates were determined in L1210 cells and revealed that these systems are high-affinity ligands for the polyamine transporter (PAT). Mixed results were observed in the CHO and CHO-MG assays. The 4,4,4- and 5,4,4-tetraamine motifs were 3 times more toxic to CHO cells with active polyamine transporters. For example, the Ant-4,4,4-tetraamine conjugate displayed IC(50) values of 11 microM in CHO cells and 33 microM in CHO-MG cells, a PAT-deficient cell line. This suggested that these derivatives used the PAT in part to access cells. However, most of the other tetraamine derivatives had similar potencies in both the CHO and CHO-MG cell lines. In terms of vector design, higher affinity for the PAT (lower K(i) values) did not translate into higher potency for the tetraamine conjugate. In contrast, the related triamine systems, which had micromolar K(i) values in L1210 cells, were more efficacious and selective. In one case, the 4,4-triamine motif imparted 150-fold higher potency in CHO cells than the CHO-MG mutant. A deconvolution microscopy study in A375 melanoma cells revealed a rapid internalization of the Ant-4,4-triamine as fluorescent vesicles, whereas the Ant-4,4,4-tetraamine remained mostly at the cell surface. These findings help define the key characteristics required for selective delivery of polyamine-drug conjugates into cell types with active polyamine transporters.

Effects of a series of dihydroanthracene derivatives on drug efflux in multidrug resistant cancer cells

A set of 9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethano and ethenoanthracene derivatives was tested with the aim to quantify the effect observed on drug efflux. Structure activity relationships and molecular modeling studies allowed to define topological display of pharmacophoric groups for these reversal agents.

New strategies and building blocks for functionalised 9,10-bis(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-9,10-dihydroanthracene derivatives, including pyrrolo-annelated derivatives and pi-extended systems with intramolecular charge-transfer

A range of new functionalised 9,10-bis(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-9,10-dihydroanthracene (TTFAQ) derivatives have been synthesised from the key di(halomethyl) building blocks, 10-[4,5-bis(bromomethyl)-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene]-anthracene-9(10H)-one 10, 10-[4,5-bis(chloromethyl)-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene]anthracene-9(10H)-one 11 and 9-[4,5-bis(chloromethyl)-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene]-10-[4,5-bis(hexylsulfanyl)- 1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene]-9,10-dihydroanthracene 18. A Diels-Alder strategy comprising trapping of the transient exocyclic diene 19, which is derived from 18, with 1,4-naphthoquinone leads to the aromatised TTFAQ anthraquinone system 21. Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination of 21 with the anion generated from reagent 22 gave the fused bis(TTFAQ) structure 23. Pyrrolo-annelated derivatives 30-34 have been obtained in a sequence of reactions from compound 10. Mono-formylation of the pyrrole ring of 32 and 33 under Vilsmeier conditions gave 35 and 36 which upon reaction with 2,4,5,7-tetranitrofluorene gave the donor-pi-acceptor diads 38 and 39. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) in solution for all the TTFAQ derivatives shows the typical quasi-reversible two-electron oxidation wave of the TTFAQ core at potentials which vary slightly depending on the substituents. For example, the value of Eox is raised by the electron withdrawing anthraquinone and tetranitrofluorene units of 21 and 38, respectively. The CV of the conjugated TTFAQ dimer 23 showed two, two-electron oxidation waves corresponding to the sequential formation of 23(2+) and 23(4+) (delta Eox = 130 mV) providing evidence for a significant intramolecular electronic interaction, i.e. the dication 23(2+) acts as a conjugated donor-pi-acceptor diad, thereby raising the oxidation potential of its partner TTFAQ unit. Spectroelectrochemical studies on 23 support this explanation. A strong intramolecular charge transfer band at lambda max 538 nm is seen in the UV-Vis spectra of the TTFAQ-pi-tetranitrofluorene diads 38 and 39. The X-ray crystal structures are reported for compounds 30, 33 and 34. The pyrrolo-TTFAQ moiety adopts a saddle-shape with the central ring of the dihydroanthracene moiety folded along the C(9) ... C(10) vector in each case. Significant intermolecular interactions are observed in the structures.

Synthesis of halogen derivatives of benzo[h]chromene and benzo[a]anthracene with promising antimicrobial activities

The synthesis of novel 7-(4-halophenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-12-oxa-9,11-diaza-benzo[a]anthracene derivatives has been reported. The key intermediate 3-amino-9-chloro-1-(4-halophenyl)-1H-benzo[h]chromene-2-carbonitrile (3) was obtained by treating 4-halobenzylidenmalononitriles (1a-c) and ethyl 4-halobenzylidenmalonates (1d-f) with 4-chloro-1-naphthol (2) in ethanolic piperidine solution. Antimicrobial activity was shown for most of the synthesized compounds.

Carboxyethylester-polyrotaxanes as a new calcium chelating polymer: synthesis, calcium binding and mechanism of trypsin inhibition

A carboxyethylester-polyrotaxane was synthesized as a novel calcium chelating polymer in the field of oral drug delivery and characterized in terms of mechanism of trypsin inhibition. Here, carboxyethylester (CEE) groups are introduced to all the primary hydroxyl groups in alpha-cyclodextrins (alpha-CDs), which are threaded onto a poly(ethylene glycol) chain capped with bulky end-groups (polyrotaxane). The solubility of the CEE-polyrotaxane in physiological conditions increased with pH, indicating ionization-related solubility similar to conventional polyacrylates. The ability of calcium (Ca2+) chelation was found to increase in the order of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)>CEE-polyrotaxanez.Gt;CEE-alpha-CD, suggesting that the increased density of carboxyl groups enhances the Ca2+ chelating ability. The activity of trypsin was inhibited by these compounds in the same order of the calcium chelation. However, the inhibitory effect of CEE-polyrotaxane was reduced by adding excess Ca2+ without precipitation that was observed in the presence of PAA. Such the reduced inhibition and precipitation by CEE-alpha-CD was not observed. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of CEE-polyrotaxane is due to Ca2+ chelation from trypsin without non-specific interaction.

Preparation and biological evaluation of the new chlorin photosensitizer T3,4BCPC for detection and treatment of tumors

The new water-soluble photosensitizer 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[3,4-bis(carboxymethyleneoxy)phenyl]chlorin (T3,4BCPC) has been prepared, characterized and labeled with 99mTc radionuclide. The radiotracer was evaluated for tissue distribution in Wistar rats. Accumulation of administrated activities in the liver, kidney, bladder and large intestine at 4 h post-injection indicated that the labeled ligand was largely eliminated through the renal and partly through the hepatobiliary system. In vivo biodistribution studies of the labeled compound were carried out in rodent and murine tumor models in comparison with other tumor-seeking radiopharmaceuticals such as 99mTc(V)-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), 201thallous chloride (TlCl) and 99mTc-citrate using a gamma camera computer system. In N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU)-induced rat mammary tumors, the labeled ligand showed a five-fold tumor to muscle (T/M) ratio compared to 99mTc(V)-DMSA (3-fold) and 201TlCl (3-fold). In the case of C(3)H/J virus-induced spontaneous mammary tumors, the differences were not marked. However, in the transplanted rat C(6)-glioma, the T/M ratio of the labeled compound was appreciably higher (four-fold) than that noted with 99mTc(V)-DMSA (two-fold), 201TlCl (three-fold) and 99mTc-citrate (more than three-fold). These findings suggest that the radiolabeled T3,4BCPC may have potential for the detection of cancer. In order to ascertain the efficacy of the compound for photodynamic therapy applications, a preclinical PDT study was carried out in fibrosarcoma-bearing mice after injecting 5.0 mg/kg body weight of the T3,4BCPC. A laser dose of 20 mW for 60 s resulted in 80% destruction of tumors. These data suggest that this molecule could be useful for PDT of cancer. The labeled agent could also be useful in monitoring the progression/regression of tumors before, during, and after chemotherapy, radiation therapy or PDT.

Synthesis and effects on chloroquine susceptibility in Plasmodium falciparum of a series of new dihydroanthracene derivatives

To suggest a mechanism of action for drugs capable to reverse the chloroquine resistance, a new set of 9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethano and ethenoanthracene derivatives was synthesized and compounds were tested with the aim to assess their effect on chloroquine susceptibility in Plasmodium falciparum resistant strains. With respect to this, reversal of resistance and change in drug accumulation were compared. Structure-activity relationship and molecular modeling studies made it possible to define a pharmacophoric moiety for reversal agents and to propose a putative model of interaction with some selected amino acids.

Synthesis and pharmacology of benzoxazines as highly selective antagonists at M(4) muscarinic receptors

Previously, we reported on PD 102807 (41) as being the most selective synthetic M(4) muscarinic antagonist identified to date. Synthesized analogues of 41 showed no improvement in affinity and selectivity at that time. However, several newly synthesized compounds exhibit a 7-fold higher affinity at M(4) receptors and demonstrate a selectivity of at least 100-fold over all other muscarinic receptor subtypes. For example, compound 28 showed an affinity of pK(i) = 9.00 at M(4) receptors and a selectivity of M(1)/M(4) = 13 183-fold, M(2)/M(4) = 339-fold, M(3)/M(4) = 151-fold, and M(5)/M(4) = 11 220-fold. This high selectivity along with high affinity has not been reported for any synthetic muscarinic antagonist, nor for natural occurring M(4) antagonists such as the M(4) selective Eastern Green Mamba venom MT3 (M(4) pK(b) = 8.7, M(1)/M(4) = 40-fold, M(2)/M(4) > or = 500-fold, M(3)/M(4) > or = 500-fold, and M(5)/M(4) > or = 500-fold). Derivative 24, a compound with a high selectivity pattern as well, has been tested for in vivo efficacy. It was able to block the L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine accumulation produced by CI-1017, an M(1)/M(4) selective muscarinic agonist, in the mesolimbic region and striatum, which suggests that 24 is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and confirms the pharmacokinetic data obtained on this compound. This is evidence that suggests that agonist-induced increase in catecholamine synthesis observed in these regions is mediated by M(4) receptors.

First artificial receptors and chemosensors toward phosphorylated peptide in aqueous solution

The first fluorescent chemosensors toward a native phosphorylated peptide are successfully synthesized. Dinuclear zinc(II)-dipicolylamine-based anthracene (1, 2) can selectively recognize and sense phosphorylated species with an increase in the fluorescence intensity. We also demonstrated that these artificial receptors fluorometrically detect a phosphorylated peptide with high affinity (>107 M-1) in aqueous solution.

Geometry-affinity relationships of the selective serotonin receptor ligand 9-(aminomethyl)-9,10-dihydroanthracene

With the exception of its two aromatic rings and basic nitrogen atom, 9-(aminomethyl)-9,10-dihydroanthracene (AMDA; 1) is remarkably devoid of the pharmacophore features usually associated with high-affinity receptor ligands such as the heteroatom hydrogen bonding features of the endogenous ligand serotonin. AMDA does contain a phenylethylamine skeleton within a tricyclic ring system, and the presence of the second aromatic group is necessary for optimal receptor affinity. The structural requirements for the binding of AMDA at 5-HT(2A) receptors were investigated with respect to the geometric relationship between the two aromatic rings. It appears that the geometry of the AMDA parent is in the optimal range for fold angle between aromatic moieties. Evaluation of conformationally constrained derivatives of AMDA suggests that a chain extended trans, gauche form is most likely responsible for high affinity.

Fluorescence sensing of ionic analytes in water: from transition metal ions to vitamin B13

The fluorescence chemosensor ATMCA has been realised by appending an anthrylmethyl group to an amino nitrogen of TMCA (2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-trimethoxycyclohexane), a tripodal ligand selective for divalent first-row transition metal ions in water. The ATMCA ligand can act as a versatile sensor for ZnII and CuII ions. Its sensing ability can be switched by simply tuning the operating conditions. At pH 5, ATMCA detects copper(II) ions in aqueous solutions by the complexation-induced quenching of the anthracene emission. Metal ion concentrations < 1 microM can be readily detected and very little interference is exerted by other metal ions. At pH 7, ATMCA signals the presence of ZnII ions at concentrations < 1 microM by a complexation-induced enhancement of the fluorescence. Again the sensor is selective for ZnII over several divalent metal ions, with the exception of CuII, CoII and HgII. Most interestingly, the [ZnII(atmca)]2+ complex can act as a fluorescence sensor for specific organic species, notably selected dicarboxylic acids and nucleotides, by the formation of ternary ligand/zinc/substrate complexes. The oxalate anion is detected in concentrations <0.1 mM; however, no effects on the system's fluorescence is observed in the presence of monocarboxylic acids and long-chain dicarboxylic acids. Among the nucleotides, those containing an imide or amide function are readily detected and an unprecedented high sensitivity for guanine derivatives allows the determination of this nucleotide for 0.05-0.5 mM solutions. Moreover, [ZnII(atmca)]2+ is a very effective and selective sensor in the case of vitamin B13 (orotic acid) in sub-micromolar concentrations. The operative features of the systems investigated are also clearly suitable for intracellular analyses. The factors at the source of organic substrate recognition, here briefly discussed, are of paramount importance for further developments in the applicability of these sensing systems.

2-Arylalkyl-substituted anthracenones as inhibitors of 12-lipoxygenase enzymes. 2. Structure-activity relationships of the linker chain

A series of 2-arylalkyl-substituted anthracenones were tested as inhibitors of three types of 12-lipoxygenase isoforms in epidermal homogenate of mice, bovine platelets and porcine leukocytes. Their inhibitory activities were compared with those to inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme in bovine leukocytes. The compounds were synthesised by Marschalk, Wittig or Horner-Emmons reaction at the anthracenedione stage and then reduced to the anthracenones. Structure-activity relationship for the chain linking the anthracenone nucleus and the phenyl ring terminus was investigated. The 2-phenylethyl analogues were among the most potent inhibitors, and 3,4-dimethoxy-substituted 10f was identified as a selective inhibitor of the 12-LO enzymes over 5-LO. Selectivity for 12-LO isoforms was observed with an increase in the overall lipophilicity of the inhibitors. However, none of the linker chains of the 2-substituted anthracenones provided inhibitors that were able to discriminate between the 12-LO isoforms.

Synthesis and cytotoxicity of 9-alkoxy-1,5-dichloroanthracene derivatives in murine and human cultured tumor cells

9-Alkoxy-1,5-dichloroanthracenes were successfully prepared. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro on rat glioma C6 cell lines and human hepatoma G2 cell lines, respectively. Alkylation of 1,5-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenone with either the appropriate alcohols or alkyl chlorides in the presence of sulfuric acid or sodium hydride, respectively, furnished this structural class of anthracenes. Contrary to mitoxantrone, cytotoxic properties were observed as documented by the reactivity of the novel compounds and potent in vitro activity against C6 cells and hep G2 cells over a wide range of structural variants. Among these compounds, 5c, 5h, 5l and 5n are potent cytotoxins. They inhibit C6 cell growth in culture, indicated by using 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide sodium salt (XTT) colorimetric assay. By using this assay it was also shown that 5c, 5d and 5l possess potent cytotoxicity on hep G2 cells. The most active compound displaying in vitro cytotoxicity was the 9-butoxy derivative 5h with IC50 values 0.02 microM against C6 cells, as compared with mitoxantrone with IC50 values 0.07 microM. The most active compound displaying in vitro cytotoxicity against hep G2 cells was 5c with IC50 values 1.7 microM (mitoxantrone: 0.8 microM). Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of these compounds with respect to the nature of the alkoxy substitution in the 9 position are discussed for both cell lines.

Influence of polyamine architecture on the transport and topoisomerase II inhibitory properties of polyamine DNA-intercalator conjugates

An efficient five-step synthetic method was developed to access a series of spermine derivatives containing appended acridine, anthracene, and 7-chloroquinoline motifs. The derivatives were composed of a spermine fragment covalently tethered at its N4 and N9 positions to an aromatic nucleus via an aliphatic chain (e.g., 8: acridine -[C4 aliphatic tether]-spermine-[C4 aliphatic tether]-acridine). The distance separating the spermine and aromatic nuclei was altered via different tethers composed of four or five methylene units. These bis ligands (8, 9, 12, and 13) were shown to inhibit human DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) activity at 5 microM. Enzymatic activity was assessed as the ability to unknot (decatenate) and cleave kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). Polyamine conjugation did not disrupt the ability of the acridine-spermine conjugates 8 and 9 to inhibit topo II activity as compared with the 9-aminoacridine and 9-(N-butyl)aminoacridine controls (at 5 microM). The parent polyamines, spermine (5 microM) and spermidine (10 microM), had little effect on topo II activity. In general, the bis-substituted spermine derivatives (8, 9, 12, and 13) were more efficient topo II inhibitors at 5 microM than their monosubstituted spermidine counterparts (22-25) at 10 microM. Within the bisintercalator spermine series, insertion of an additional methylene unit (i.e., C5 tethers) increased potency 2-fold (8, bis-C4-acridine, 47 h IC(50) = 40 microM; 9, bis-C5-acridine, IC(50) = 17 microM). Comparison of the bis- and monoacridine spermine motifs (8 and 17) revealed a 4-fold increase in potency for the latter architecture (94 h IC(50) for 8, 74 microM; for 17, 17 microM). In general the bisintercalators (8, 9, 12, and 13) behaved as cytostatic agents, while the monosubstituted acridine and anthracene derivatives (22-25) were cytotoxic. Anthracene-containing conjugates were generally more toxic than their acridine counterparts in an L1210 (murine leukemia) cell assay. Of the conjugates tested the (monointercalator)-spermine motif (e.g., 17) had the highest affinity for the L1210 polyamine transporter as revealed by spermidine protection experiments.

A new fluorescent chemosensor for copper ions based on tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK)

[structure: see text]. A new fluorescent chemosensor for Cu2+ ions was synthesized by modifying the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) with 9-carbonylanthracene via the standard Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis method. While significant fluorescence quenching was observed from the molecule upon binding with Cu2+, addition of Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ to the peptide solution caused a minimum fluorescence emission spectral change, indicating a high specificity of this chemosensor for Cu2+ ions. Effects of pH were also investigated.

Studies on anthracenes. 2. Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of 9-acyloxy 1,8-dichloroanthracene derivatives

The synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of 9-acyloxy 1,8-dichloroanthracene derivatives are described. The system selectively reduces the carbonyl group flanked by the peri substituents of the anthracenediones to give the corresponding 1,8-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenone. Simple acylation of anthracenone occurred with appropriate acyl chlorides in CH2Cl2 with a catalytic amount of pyridine to give the 9-acyloxy-1,8-dichloroanthracene derivatives. Considerable interest has developed in the mechanism of how anthracenones achieve this desirable selectivity. These compounds were evaluated in vitro for their ability to inhibit the growth of human oral epidermoid carcinoma cells (KB cell line), human cervical carcinoma cells of ME 180 (GBM 8401) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, respectively, as compared to mitoxantrone. The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of 9-acyloxy 1,8-dichloroanthracenes against these above cell lines revealed for most of the compounds a cytotoxic potency lower than that of mitoxantrone. The most active compounds were thus selected for further in vitro biological evaluation and structural modification.

Studies on anthracenes. 3. Synthesis, lipid peroxidation and cytotoxic evaluation of 10-substituted 1,5-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenone derivatives

The synthesis of a series of 1,5-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenones bearing O-linked and N-linked substituents in the 10-position are described. Previous studies have shown that 9-acyloxy 1,5-dichloroanthracenes and 9-acyloxy 1,8-dichloroanthracenes displayed a potential cytotoxic effect. These results have encouraged us in further investigation of potential anthracenone derivatives. Therefore, a series of 10-substituted 1,8-dichloro-9(10H)-anthracenone derivatives were synthesized. These compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of human oral epidermoid carcinoma cells (KB cell line), human cervical carcinoma cells of ME 180 (GBM 8401) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, respectively. Compounds 3c and 4c of this series compare favorably in the KB cellular assay with mitoxantrone. Compound 4c showed combined inhibitory action against KB, GBM and CHO cell growth, respectively. In addition, redox property of the compounds for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in model membranes was determined. Compounds 4b and 4d exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid, (+)-alpha-tocopherol and mitoxantrone, respectively.

[Reagents for modification of protein-nucleic complexes. III. Site-specific photomodification of elongation complex of DNA polymerase beta with arylazide derivatives of primers sensitized with fluorescent ATP gamma-amide]

ATP gamma-amides containing in gamma-N-position 1-methylpyrene, 9-methylanthracene, 10-chloro-9-methylanthracene, and 3-methylperylene residues were synthesized and characterized. These compounds were used as sensitizers of site-specific photomodification of the reconstituted elongating complex of the mammalian DNA polymerase beta. The photomodification was carried out with the use of photoaffine reagents, which were synthesized in situ by the 5'-(32)P-labeled primers extension with photoactive analogues of dCTP containing in the exo-N-position of cytosine various perfluoroarylazide groups. The effect of structures of the sensitizers and photoactive reagents on the efficiency and selectivity of photolinking of primers to the enzyme and template, as well as formation of a number of other photomodification products was studied. It was shown that the sensitizers containing 10-chloro-9-methylanthracene and 3-methylperylene residues allow preparation of photolinks in such irradiation conditions when photomodification in their absence is not essentially observed.

2-arylalkyl-substituted anthracenones as inhibitors of 12-lipoxygenase enzymes. 1. Structure-activity relationships of the terminal aryl ring

A series of 2-arylmethyl-substituted anthracenones were synthesized and tested as inhibitors of three types of 12-lipoxygenase isoforms in epidermal homogenate of mice, bovine platelets and porcine leucocytes. Their inhibitory activities were compared with those to inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme in bovine leucocytes. Structure-activity relationships are described with particular emphasis on modifications of the terminal aryl nucleus. The ability of the compounds to selectively inhibit the 12-lipoxygenase enzymes was dependent on a high overall lipophilicity of the inhibitor, whereas compounds with decreased lipophilicity were also inhibitors of the 5-LO enzyme. Among the more lipophilic inhibitors, the unsubstituted 2-phenylmethyl analogue 6a as well as the carboxylic acid ester 6q appeared to be selective inhibitors of platelet-type 12-LO isoform.

2,2-Dimethyl-2H-anthra[2,3-b]pyran-6,11-diones: a new class of cytotoxic compounds

The synthesis and cytotoxic activity of some new 2,2-dimethyl-2H-anthra[2,3-b]pyran-6,11-diones is described. Certain compounds possess interesting activity against murine leukemia L-1210 cells. Relationships between the biological activity and the pyrano-ring conformations are discussed.

Antipsoriatic anthrones with modulated redox properties. 5. Potent inhibition of human keratinocyte growth, induction of keratinocyte differentiation, and reduced membrane damage by novel 10-arylacetyl-1,8-dihydroxy-9(10H)-anthracenones

The synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SARs) of a series of novel 10-arylacetyl-1,8-dihydroxy-9(10H)-anthracenones are described. Acylation of anthralin with either the appropriate arylacetyl chlorides or arylacetic acids in the presence of pyridine or via the coupling agent dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), respectively, furnished this structural class of antipsoriatic agents. Potential antipsoriatic activity was evaluated in complementary assays specifically addressed to three important aspects of psoriasis. First, several compounds were identified which are equally potent as inhibitors of human keratinocyte growth as the antipsoriatic agent anthralin. Furthermore, improved ratio of antiproliferative activity to cytotoxicity is demonstrated by the reduced potential of the novel analogues to induce membrane damage, which is a benefit of their reduced ability to generate oxygen radicals as documented by deoxyribose degradation. Second, analogue 3o bearing a hydroxamate functional group was also a highly potent inhibitor of LTB(4) biosynthesis in addition to its excellent antiproliferative activity. SARs of these inhibitors of both keratinocyte growth and LTB(4) biosynthesis with respect to the nature of the para-substitution in the 10-phenylacetyl side chain are discussed. Third, the compounds were also evaluated for their ability to induce the formation of cornified envelope protein in keratinocytes. Cross-linking of cellular protein as a marker of terminal differentiation of keratinocytes was observed for many 10-arylacetyl analogues at concentrations required to arrest cell growth. This newly uncovered activity of the novel anthracenones suggests antipsoriatic potential with respect to disturbance of keratinocyte differentiation, in addition to hyperproliferative and inflammatory aspects of psoriasis.