Total synthesis of (±)-leuconolam: intramolecular allylic silane addition to a maleimide carbonyl group

A concise total synthesis of the plant alkaloid (±)-leuconolam (1) has been achieved. A regio- and diastereoselective Lewis-acid mediated allylative cyclization was used to establish, simultaneously, two adjacent tetrasubstituted carbon centers. Furthermore, an essential arene cross-coupling to a hindered haloalkene was enabled by the use of a novel 2-anilinostannane.

Structure-based optimization of angiostatic agent 6DBF7, an allosteric antagonist of galectin-1

Galectin-1 (gal-1), which binds β-galactoside groups on various cell surface receptors, is crucial to cell adhesion and migration, and is found to be elevated in several cancers. Previously, we reported on 6DBF7, a dibenzofuran (DBF)-based peptidomimetic of the gal-1 antagonist anginex. In the present study, we used a structure-based approach to optimize 6DBF7. Initial NMR studies showed that 6DBF7 binds to gal-1 on one side of the β-sandwich away from the lectin's carbohydrate binding site. Although an alanine scan of 6DBF7 showed that the two cationic groups (lysines) in the partial peptide are crucial to its angiostatic activity, it is the hydrophobic face of the amphipath that appears to interact directly with the surface of gal-1. Based on this structural information, we designed and tested additional DBF analogs. In particular, substitution of the C-terminal Asp for alanine and branched alkyl side chains (Val, Leu, Ile) for linear ones (Nle, Nva) rendered the greatest improvements in activity. Flow cytometry with gal-1(-/-) splenocytes showed that 6DBF7 and two of its more potent analogs (DB16 and DB21) can fully inhibit fluorescein isothiocyanate-gal-1 binding. Moreover, heteronuclear single-quantum coherence NMR titrations showed that the presence of DB16 decreases gal-1 affinity for lactose, indicating that the peptidomimetic targets gal-1 as a noncompetitive, allosteric inhibitor of glycan binding. Using tumor mouse models (B16F10 melanoma, LS174 lung, and MA148 ovarian), we found that DB21 inhibits tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth significantly better than 6DBF7, DB16, or anginex. DB21 is currently being developed further and holds promise for the management of human cancer in the clinic.

The hexadehydro-Diels-Alder reaction

o-Benzynes (arynes) are among the most versatile of all reactive (short-lived) intermediates in organic chemistry. These species can be trapped to give products that are valuable from the perspective of both fine (pharmaceuticals) and commodity (agrochemicals, dyes, polymers, etc.) chemicals. Here we show a fundamentally new strategy that unites a de novo generation of benzynes, through the title hexadehydro-Diels–Alder (HDDA) reaction, with their in situ elaboration into structurally complex benzenoid products. In the HDDA reaction a 1,3-diyne is engaged in a [4+2] cycloisomerization with a third (pendant) alkyne–the diynophile–to produce the highly reactive benzyne intermediate. The metal- and reagent-free reaction conditions for this simple, thermal transformation are notable. The subsequent and highly efficient trapping reactions increase the power of the overall process. Finally, we provide examples of how this de novo benzyne generation approach allows new modes of intrinsic reactivity to be revealed.

Oxyanionic sigmatropic rearrangements relevant to cyclooctadienone formation in penostatins I and F

The results of several experiments designed to probe the energetic viability of a reaction path for generation of penostatins I (3) and F (4) via spontaneous [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement are reported. In particular, the enolate derived from the 2-vinyl-6-acyldihydropyran 8-cis gave cyclooctadienone 12 via facile anionic oxy-Claisen rearrangement, demonstrating the feasibility of such an event.

o-(Trialkylstannyl)anilines and Their Utility in Stille Cross-Coupling: Direct Introduction of the 2-Aminophenyl Substituent

We have developed shelf- and air-stable ortho-stannylated aniline reagents that can directly be coupled with alkenyl and aryl halides via Stille cross-coupling. We report i) the efficient preparation of o-(tributylstannyl)aniline (2a) and o-(trimethylstannyl)aniline (2b), ii) the comparison of the reactivities of 2a and 2b with those of related organostannanes in cross-coupling reaction with an alkenyl halide, and iii) the cross-coupling of 2a and 2b with a series of arylhalides and triflate.

Case study of empirical and computational chemical shift analyses: reassignment of the relative configuration of phomopsichalasin to that of diaporthichalasin

Phomopsichalasin was isolated and assigned structure 1 over 15 years ago. Analysis of its proton NMR data led us to hypothesize that not all aspects of the relative configuration of this structure were correct. We have used both empirical and computational methods to propose an alternative structure. Diaporthichalasin was reported several years ago, and its structure was assigned as 7, a diastereomer of structure 1, and confirmed by a single-crystal X-ray study. We have shown that diaporthichalasin and phomopsichalasin are identical; that is, both have structure 7. Additional aspects of NMR interpretation that provide guidance for avoiding some of the pitfalls that can lead to incorrect structure assignments are discussed. These recommendations/reminders include (i) the use of complementary solvents for acquiring NMR data that break accidental chemical shift degeneracy, (ii) the importance of assigning coupling constants as extensively as possible, and (iii) exercising caution when interpreting correlations in 2D spectra where overlapping resonances are involved.

A simple confined impingement jets mixer for flash nanoprecipitation

Johnson and Prud'homme (2003. AICHE J 49:2264-2282) introduced the confined impingement jets (CIJ) mixer to prepare nanoparticles loaded with hydrophobic compounds (e.g., drugs, inks, fragrances, or pheromones) via flash nanoprecipitation (FNP). We have modified the original CIJ design to allow hand operation, eliminating the need for a syringe pump, and we added a second antisolvent dilution stage. Impingement mixing requires equal flow momentum from two opposing jets, one containing the drug in organic solvent and the other containing an antisolvent, typically water. The subsequent dilution step in the new design allows rapid quenching with high antisolvent concentration that enhances nanoparticle stability. This new CIJ with dilution (CIJ-D) mixer is a simple, cheap, and efficient device to produce nanoparticles. We have made 55 nm diameter β-carotene nanoparticles using the CIJ-D mixer. They are stable and reproducible in terms of particle size and distribution. We have also compared the performance of our CIJ-D mixer with the vortex mixer, which can operate at unequal flow rates (Liu et al., 2008. Chem Eng Sci 63:2829-2842), to make β-carotene-containing particles over a series of turbulent conditions. On the basis of dynamic light scattering measurements, the new CIJ-D mixer produces stable particles of a size similar to the vortex mixer. Our CIJ-D design requires less volume and provides an easily operated and inexpensive tool to produce nanoparticles via FNP and to evaluate new nanoparticle formulation.

Effects of block copolymer properties on nanocarrier protection from in vivo clearance

Drug nanocarrier clearance by the immune system must be minimized to achieve targeted delivery to pathological tissues. There is considerable interest in finding in vitro tests that can predict in vivo clearance outcomes. In this work, we produce nanocarriers with dense PEG layers resulting from block copolymer-directed assembly during rapid precipitation. Nanocarriers are formed using block copolymers with hydrophobic blocks of polystyrene (PS), poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), poly-D,L-lactide (PLA), or poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA), and hydrophilic blocks of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with molecular weights from 1 kg/mol to 9 kg/mol. Nanocarriers with paclitaxel prodrugs are evaluated in vivo in Foxn1(nu) mice to determine relative rates of clearance. The amount of nanocarrier in circulation after 4h varies from 10% to 85% of initial dose, depending on the block copolymer. In vitro complement activation assays are conducted to correlate in vivo circulation to the protection of the nanocarrier surface from complement binding and activation. Guidelines for optimizing block copolymer structure to maximize circulation of nanocarriers formed by rapid precipitation and directed assembly are proposed, relating to the relative sizes of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks, the hydrophobicity of the anchoring block, the absolute size of the PEG block, and polymer crystallinity. The in vitro results distinguish between the poorly circulating PEG(5k)-PCL(9 k) and the better circulating nanocarriers, but could not rank the better circulating nanocarriers in order of circulation time. Analysis of PEG surface packing on monodisperse 200 nm latex spheres indicates that the size of the hydrophobic PCL, PS, and PLA blocks are correlated with the PEG blob size. Suggestions for next steps for in vitro measurements are made.

Antitumor agent calixarene 0118 targets human galectin-1 as an allosteric inhibitor of carbohydrate binding

Calix[4]arene compound 0118 is an angiostatic agent that inhibits tumor growth in mice. Although 0118 is a topomimetic of galectin-1-targeting angiostatic amphipathic peptide Anginex, we had yet to prove that 0118 targets galectin-1. Galectin-1 is involved in pathological disorders like tumor endothelial cell adhesion and migration and therefore presents a relevant target for therapeutic intervention against cancer. Here, (15)N-(1)H HSQC NMR spectroscopy demonstrates that 0118 indeed targets galectin-1 at a site away from the lectin's carbohydrate binding site and thereby attenuates lactose binding to the lectin. Flow cytometry and agglutination assays show that 0118 attenuates binding of galectin-1 to cell surface glycans, and the inhibition of cell proliferation by 0118 is found to be correlated with the cellular expression of the lectin. In general, our data indicate that 0118 targets galectin-1 as an allosteric inhibitor of glycan/carbohydrate binding. This work contributes to the clinical development of antitumor calixarene compound 0118.

A concise total synthesis of (±)- and (-)-okilactomycin D

The spirotetronate okilactomycin D (7) has been efficiently synthesized by a route featuring a substrate-controlled, diastereoselective (8:1) intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) reaction of 11. The assigned absolute configuration of (-)-7 was confirmed.

A Strategy for Control of "Random" Copolymerization of Lactide and Glycolide: Application to Synthesis of PEG-b-PLGA Block Polymers Having Narrow Dispersity

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biodegradable copolymer that is also acceptable for use in a variety of biomedical applications. Typically, a random PLGA polymer is synthesized in a bulk batch polymerization using a tin-based catalyst at high temperatures. This methodology results in relatively broad polydispersity indexes (PDIs) due to transesterification, and the polymer product is often discolored. We report here the use of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene (DBU), a known, effective, and convenient organocatalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters, to synthesize random copolymers of lactide and glycolide. The polymerization kinetics of the homo- and copolymerizations of lactide and glycolide were explored via NMR spectroscopy. A novel strategy that employs a controlled addition of the more reactive glycolide monomer to a solution containing the lactide monomer, the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macroinitiator, and DBU catalyst was developed. Using this tactic (semi-batch polymerization), we synthesized a series of block copolymers that exhibited excellent correlation of the expected and observed molecular weights and possessed narrow PDIs. We also measured the thermal properties of these block copolymers and observed trends based on the composition of the block copolymer. We also explored the need for experimental rigor in several aspects of the preparations and have identified a set of convenient reaction conditions that provide polymer products that retain the aforementioned desirable characteristics. These polymerizations proceed rapidly at room temperature and without the need for tin-based catalysts to provide PEG-b-PLGAs suitable for use in biomedical investigations.

Receptor screening technologies in the evaluation of Amazonian ethnomedicines with potential applications to cognitive deficits

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Amazonian peoples utilize a variety of psychoactive plants that may contain novel biologically active compounds. Efforts to investigate such remedies in terms of neuropharmacology have been limited.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

This study identified Amazonian ethnomedicines with potential for the treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and dementias, and characterized their interactions with CNS neurotransmitter receptors in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Approximately 300 Amazonian species with folk uses or constituents indicative of central nervous system activity were incorporated into a database constructed from literature searches, herbarium surveys, and interviews with traditional practitioners. Approximately 130 of these targeted species were collected in Loreto province, Peru, and 228 fractions derived from them were screened in 31 radioreceptor assays via the resources of the NIMH Psychoactive Drug Screening Program. A subset was also screened in functional assays at selected serotonin, muscarinic, and adrenergic receptors.

RESULTS

Ninety-one samples displayed ≥60% inhibition of radioligand binding activity in receptor assays; 135 samples displayed agonist or antagonist activity (or both) in functional assays.

CONCLUSIONS

Potential CNS activity was detected in about 40% of the samples screened, with some correlations to both folk uses and phytochemical constituents. These results may point to novel and potentially therapeutic CNS active compounds.

Access to functionalized steroid side chains via modified Julia olefination

Various functionalized steroidal side chains were conveniently accessed by a modified Julia olefination strategy using a common sulfone donor and an appropriate α-branched aldehyde acceptor. For the coupling of these hindered classes of reaction partners (and in contrast to typically observed trends), the benzothiazolyl(BT)-sulfone anion gave superior outcomes compared to the phenyltetrazolyl(PT)-sulfone anion.

Total synthesis of (-)-callipeltoside A

A total synthesis of (-)-callipeltoside A (1) has been achieved. The core macrocycle was made via a dual macrolactonization/pyran hemiketal formation reaction, developed to circumvent issues related to the reversible nature of acylketene formation from β-keto lactone substrates. Initial approaches to the core of the natural product that revolved around ring-closing metathesis (RCM) and relay ring-closing metathesis (RRCM) reactions are also described.

Synthesis and olfactory activity of unnatural, sulfated 5β-bile acid derivatives in the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)

A variety of unnatural bile acid derivatives (9a-9f) was synthesized and used to examine the specificity with which the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) olfactory system detects these compounds. These compounds are analogs of petromyzonol sulfate (PS, 1), a component of the sea lamprey migratory pheromone. Both the stereochemical configuration at C5 (i.e., 5α vs. 5β) and the extent and sites of oxygenation (hydroxylation or ketonization) of the bile acid derived steroid skeleton were evaluated by screening the compounds for olfactory activity using electro-olfactogram recording. 5β-Petromyzonol sulfate (9a) elicited a considerable olfactory response at sub-nanomolar concentration. In addition, less oxygenated systems (i.e., 9b-9e) elicited olfactory responses, albeit with less potency. The sea lamprey sex pheromone mimic 9f (5β-3-ketopetromyzonol sulfate) was also examined and found to produce a much lower olfactory response. Mixture studies conducted with 9a and PS (1) suggest that stimulation is occurring via similar modes of activation, demonstrating a relative lack of specificity for recognition of the allo-configuration (i.e., 5α) in sea lamprey olfaction. This attribute could facilitate design of pheromone analogs to control this invasive species.

Room temperature acylketene formation? 1,3-Dioxin-4-ones via silver(I) activation of phenylthioacetoacetate in the presence of ketones

Silver(I) activation of thioacetoacetates in the presence of ketones produces 1,3-dioxin-4-ones. Mechanistic studies addressing the intermediacy of an acylketene intermediate are described.

Long-range shielding effects in the (1)H NMR spectra of Mosher-like ester derivatives

The relative magnitudes of the chemical shift differences (Deltadeltas) in the two diastereomers of menthyl esters of known chiral derivatizing agents (CDAs) were compared to those of the alpha-methoxy-alpha-trifluoromethyl-1-naphthylacetyl (MTN((1))A) analogues I. Discrimination of the terminal diastereotopic methyl resonances in esters of the homologous, symmetrical carbinols II was evaluated. Remarkably, the methyls differed in the MTN((1))A esters III even when n = 15; an unexpected crossover in the sign of the Deltadelta values was also observed.

A Useful Modification of the Evans Magnesium Halide-Catalyzed anti-Aldol Reaction: Application to Enolizable Aldehydes

A practical protocol for use of the magnesium halide-catalyzed anti-aldol reaction of an Evans N-acyloxazolidinone with enolizable aldehydes is reported. The yields of anti-aldol adducts for saturated or unsaturated and branched or unbranched aliphatic aldehydes are preparatively useful.

Dynamic kinetic resolution during a vinylogous Payne rearrangement: a concise synthesis of the polar pharmacophoric subunit of (+)-scyphostatin

The diastereomeric epoxycyclohexenols 3a/b (obtained via a Wharton rearrangement of a bis-epoxycyclohexanone precursor) were shown to undergo interconversion via a facile vinylogous Payne rearrangement. Mechanistic issues were probed; the doubly O-deuterated analogues underwent this equilibration more slowly than the parent dihydroxy compounds. It was possible to kinetically resolve the mixture of 3a/b under equilibrating conditions by use of Amano PS. This DKR is additionally noteworthy because it sets four stereocenters in a single event.

Abstract A141: Synthesis and bioactivity of core-expanded calixarene-based antitumor agents

Anginex, a synthetic 33mer β-sheet-forming peptide, is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Previous studies demonstrate that Anginex, through binding to one of the hydrophobic faces of human galectin-1 (hGal-1), prevents endothelial cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, induces apoptosis in angiogenically-activated endothelial cells (ECs), and suppresses tumor growth in animal models. Since small molecules have several pharmacologic advantages over therapeutic peptides, we sought to design a small molecule peptidomimetic of anginex. Calix[4]arene was chosen as the basic scaffold to mimic the approximate molecular dimensions, amphipathicity, and cationic topology of Anginex. Chemical modification of the hydrophobic (upper rim) and hydrophilic (lower rim) faces of calix[4]arene resulted in the discovery of a lead compound, 0118, possessing in vitro and in vivo activities similar to that of anginex. These studies reveal that small hydrophobic groups on the upper rim and dimethylaminoethylacetamide (DMAEA) moieties on the lower rim of 0118 are important for its biologic activity.

Until now, structure-activity relationship (SAR) development of calixarene has focused on modifications of its hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. Since the hGal-1-Anginex binding site is a hydrophobic surface, we hypothesize that a larger hydrophobic calixarene surface area will translate into enhanced bioactivity. We have chosen calix[6]arene and tetrathiacalix[4]arene as tools to explore the core-expanded SAR of our lead compound. A calix[6]arene analog of 0118 not only has a larger hydrophobic footprint, but also a greater intra-annular topoisomerization rate which should allow for greater conformational space sampling and, therefore, better inducible fit within its molecular receptor. The tetrathiacalix[4]arene derivative, with its longer C-S bonds (relative to the methylene bonds of calix[4]arene and calix[6]arene), should allow for a hydrophobic footprint larger than the parent 0118 but smaller than that of the calix[6]arene analog. The current studies focus on the synthesis and biologic activity of these 0118 core-expanded derivatives.

Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A141.

Maleimide Functionalized Poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL-PEG-MAL): Synthesis, Nanoparticle Formation, and Thiol Conjugation

Carboxylic acid terminated poly(ε-caprolactone)s (PCL-COOHs) with narrow polydispersity were synthesized and coupled with poly(ethylene glycol) (HO-PEG-OH) to afford PCL-PEG-OH copolymers. The hydroxyl groups in the PCL-PEG-OHs were then converted to maleimide groups to afford maleimide terminated PCL-PEG-MALs that contained 70-90% maleimide functionality. Nanoparticles with maleimide functionality on their surfaces were prepared by impingement mixing. Particle sizes and size distributions were determined by dynamic light scattering. Conjugation of reduced glutathione with model maleimides and two MAL-functional nanoparticles was also demonstrated. The amount of accessible maleimide on the particle surface was measured using Ellman's reagent to range between ~51-67%.