Cispentacin, a new antifungal antibiotic. I. Production, isolation, physico-chemical properties and structure

High-performance liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of 2-aminomono- and dihydroxycyclopentanecarboxylic and 2-aminodihydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acids on macrocyclic glycopeptide-based phases

The direct separation of the enantiomers of four 2-aminomono- or dihydroxycyclopentanecarboxylic acids and four 2-aminodihydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acids was performed on chiral stationary phases containing macrocyclic glycopeptide antibiotics such as teicoplanin (Astec Chirobiotic T and T2), teicoplanin aglycone (Chirobiotic TAG) or ristocetin A (Chirobiotic R) as chiral selectors. The effects of the nature of organic modifiers, the pH, the mobile phase composition and the structures of the analytes on the separation were investigated. Chirobiotic TAG, and in some cases Chirobiotic T, proved to be the most useful of these columns. The elution sequence was determined in most cases.

Antifungals: need to search for a new molecular target

In the 1990s, drug resistance has become an important problem in a variety of infectious diseases including human immunodeficiency virus infection, tuberculosis, and other bacterial infections which have profound effects on human health. At the same time, there have been dramatic increase in the incidence of fungal infections, which are probably the result of alterations in immune status associated with the acquired immuno deficiency syndrome epidemic, cancer chemotherapy, and organ and bone marrow transplantation. The rise in the incidence of fungal infections has exacerbated the need for the next generation of antifungal agents, since many of the currently available drugs have undesirable side effects, are ineffective against new or reemerging fungi, or lead to the rapid development of the resistance. This review will focus on the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans, since a large body of work on the factors and mechanism associated with antifungal drug resistance in this organism is reported sufficiently. It will certainly elaborate the probable molecular targets for drug design, discovered to date.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases: essential and still promising targets for new anti-infective agents

The emergence of resistance to existing antibiotics demands the development of novel antimicrobial agents directed against novel targets. Historically, bacterial cell wall synthesis, protein, and DNA and RNA synthesis have been major targets of very successful classes of antibiotics such as beta-lactams, glycopeptides, macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, rifampicins and quinolones. Recently, efforts have been made to develop novel agents against validated targets in these pathways but also against new, previously unexploited targets. The era of genomics has provided insights into novel targets in microbial pathogens. Among the less exploited--but still promising--targets is the family of 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), which are essential for protein synthesis. These targets have been validated in nature as aaRS inhibition has been shown as the specific mode of action for many natural antimicrobial agents synthesized by bacteria and fungi. Therefore, aaRSs have the potential to be targeted by novel agents either from synthetic or natural sources to yield specific and selective anti-infectives. Numerous high-throughput screening programs aimed at identifying aaRS inhibitors have been performed over the last 20 years. A large number of promising lead compounds have been identified but only a few agents have moved forward into clinical development. This review provides an update on the present strategies to develop novel aaRS inhibitors as anti-infective drugs.

In vitro activity and in vivo efficacy of icofungipen (PLD-118), a novel oral antifungal agent, against the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans

Icofungipen (PLD-118) is the representative of a novel class of antifungals, beta amino acids, active against Candida species. It has been taken through phase II clinical trials. The compound actively accumulates in yeast, competitively inhibiting isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase and consequently disrupting protein biosynthesis. As a result, in vitro activity can be studied only in chemically defined growth media without free amino acids that would compete with the uptake of the compound. The MIC of icofungipen was reproducibly measured in a microdilution assay using yeast nitrogen base medium at pH 6 to 7 after 24 h of incubation at 30 to 37 degrees C using an inoculum of 50 to 100 CFU/well. The MICs for 69 Candida albicans strains ranged from 4 to 32 microg/ml. This modest in vitro activity contrasts with the strong in vivo efficacy in C. albicans infection. This was demonstrated in a lethal model of C. albicans infection in mice and rats in which icofungipen showed dose-dependent protection at oral doses of 10 to 20 mg/kg of body weight per day in mice and 2 to 10 mg/kg/day in rats. The in vivo efficacy was also demonstrated against C. albicans isolates with low susceptibility to fluconazole, indicating activity against azole-resistant strains. The efficacy of icofungipen in mice and rats was not influenced by concomitant administration of equimolar amounts of L-isoleucine, which was shown to antagonize its antifungal activity in vitro. Icofungipen shows nearly complete oral bioavailability in a variety of species, and its in vivo efficacy indicates its potential for the oral treatment of yeast infections.

Alicyclic β-amino acids in Medicinal Chemistry

The structural element of alicyclic beta-amino acids shows some remarkable biological effects: For some 5- and 6-membered beta-amino acids a unique anti fungal activity has been observed, 7-membered beta-amino acid derivatives have been investigated for neurological disorders. The application of 5-, 6- and 7-membered alicyclic beta-amino acids in Medicinal Chemistry will be reported. [structure: see text]

A New Strategy To Produce β-Peptides: Use of Alicyclic β-Lactams

On p-methylbenzhydrylamine (MBHA) resin, by means of t-Boc chemistry, several tetrapeptides (H-Ala-ACXC-Ala-Gly-NH(2)) containing cyclic beta-amino acid units were prepared. These units were introduced into the growing peptide chain by using Boc-protected beta-lactams with KCN as catalyst in DMF. The method was applicable for both racemic and enantiomeric beta-lactams.

Comparison of the separation efficiencies of Chirobiotic T and TAG columns in the separation of unusual amino acids

Two macrocyclic antibiotic type chiral stationary phases (CSPs), based on native teicoplanin and teicoplanin aglycone, Chirobiotic T and Chirobiotic TAG, respectively, were evaluated for the high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of enantiomers of 15 unnatural conformationally constrained alpha-amino acids, Phe and Tyr analogs, and 12 beta-amino acids having cycloalkane or cycloalkene skeletons. The chromatographic results are given as the retention, separation and resolution factors along with the enantioselective free energy difference corresponding to the separation of the enantiomers. It is clearly established that in most cases the aglycone is responsible for the enantioseparation of amino acids. The difference in enantioselective free energy between the aglycone CSP and the teicoplanin CSP was between 0.02 and 0.30 kcal mol(-1) for these particular amino acids. The resolution factors are higher with the aglycone CSP. Although the sugar units generally decrease the resolution of amino acid enantiomers, they can contribute significantly to the resolution of some unusual amino acid analogs. By application of these two CSPs excellent resolutions were achieved for most of the investigated compounds by using reversed phase or polar organic mobile mode systems. The separation conditions were optimized by variation of the mobile phase composition.

Asymmetric synthesis of the stereoisomers of 2-amino-5-carboxymethyl-cyclopentane-1-carboxylate

The stereoisomers of 2-amino-5-carboxymethyl-cyclopentane-1-carboxylate may be prepared stereoselectively from diester derivatives of (E,E)-octa-2,6-diendioc acid, with the key step utilising the conjugate addition of homochiral lithium N-benzyl-N- alpha-methylbenzylamide. The trans-C(1)-C(2)-stereoisomers are readily prepared via a diastereoselective tandem conjugate addition cyclisation protocol with lithium (R)-N-benzyl-N- alpha-methylbenzylamide, with subsequent hydrogenolysis and ester hydrolysis giving the (1R,2R,5R)- and (1R,2R,5S)- beta-amino diacids in good yields. The preparation of the cis-C(1)-C(2)-stereoisomers utilises a protocol involving N-oxidation and Cope elimination of the major diastereoisomeric product arising from conjugate addition and cyclisation, giving homochiral (R)-5-carboxymethyl-cyclopentene-1-carboxylate. Conjugate addition of either lithium (R)- or (S)-N-benzyl-N- alpha-methylbenzylamide to (R)-5-carboxymethyl-cyclopentene-1-carboxylate, and diastereoselective protonation with 2,6-di-tert-butyl phenol gives, after hydrogenolysis and ester hydrolysis, the (1S,2R,5R)- and (1R,2S,5R)- beta-amino diacids in good yield. The use of (S)-N-benzyl-N- alpha-methylbenzylamide in the initial conjugate addition and cyclisation reaction, and subsequent repetition of the elimination and conjugate addition strategy allows stereoselective access to all stereoisomers of 2-amino-5-carboxymethyl-cyclopentane-1-carboxylate.

Liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of spin-labelled β-amino acids

Direct and indirect high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods were developed for the enantioseparation of spin-labelled, cyclic, chiral beta-amino acids containing nitroxide free radicals, trans-3-amino- 1-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-4-carboxylic acid (trans-POAC), cis-4-amino-1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-3-carboxylic acid (cis-beta-TOAC) and their N-Fmoc-protected analogues, synthesized in racemic and enantiomerically pure forms. The direct method involved the use of a Chiralcel OD-RH column, while indirect separation was carried out by application of either 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl isothiocyanate or (S)-N-(4-nitrophenoxycarbonyl)-phenylalanine methoxyethyl ester as chiral derivatizing agent. Use of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl-5-L-alanine amide (Marfey's reagent) as chiral derivatizing agent failed because of the low of yield of the derivatization reaction. Selection and variation of the mobile phase was restricted by the sensitivity of the spin-labelled amino acids to acidic conditions. Conditions affording the best resolution were found and the differences in separation capability of the methods were noted. The sequence of elution of the enantiomers was determined by different methods and, in the case of the beta-TOAC analogues, the absolute configurations of the enantiomers corresponding to each peak were identified.

Side-chain control of beta-peptide secondary structures

As one of the most important families of non-natural polymers with the propensity to form well-defined secondary structures, the beta-peptides are attracting increasing attention. The compounds incorporating beta-amino acid residues have found various applications in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry. The conformational pool of beta-peptides comprises several periodic folded conformations, which can be classified as helices, and nonpolar and polar strands. The latter two are prone to form pleated sheets. The numerous studies that have been performed on the side-chain dependence of the stability of the folded structures allow certain conclusions concerning the principles of design of the beta-peptide foldamers. The folding propensity is influenced by local torsional, side-chain to backbone and long-range side-chain interactions. Although beta-peptide foldamers are sensitive to solvent, the systematic choice of the side-chain pattern and spatiality allows the design of the desired specific secondary structure. The application of beta-peptide foldamers may open up new directions in the synthesis of highly organized artificial tertiary structures with biochemical functions.

Enantioselective hydrogenation of tetrasubstituted olefins of cyclic beta-(acylamino)acrylates

Hydrogenation of a series of cyclic beta-(acylamino)acrylates with tetrasubstituted olefins has been accomplished successfully with the use of Ru catalysts with chiral biaryl ligands such as C3-TunaPhos, and up to over 99% ee's have been achieved. This methodology provides an efficient catalytic method for the synthesis of both cis and trans chiral cyclic beta-amino acid derivatives.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and their inhibitors as a novel family of antibiotics

The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of pathogenic microorganisms and the slow progress in new antibiotic development has led in recent years to a resurgence of infectious diseases that threaten the well-being of humans. The result of many microorganisms becoming immune to major antibiotics means that fighting off infection by these pathogens is more difficult. The best strategy to get around drug resistance is to discover new drug targets, taking advantage of the abundant information that was recently obtained from genomic and proteomic research, and explore them for drug development. In this regard, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) provide a promising platform to develop novel antibiotics that show no cross-resistance to other classical antibiotics. During the last few years there has been a comprehensive attempt to find the compounds that can specifically target ARSs and inhibit bacterial growth. In this review, the current status in the development of ARS inhibitors will be briefly summarized, based on their chemical structures and working mechanisms.

Novel antifungal beta-amino acids: synthesis and activity against Candida albicans

A series of novel beta-amino acids has been synthesized and tested for their in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans. A steep SAR was observed. beta-Amino acid 21 (BAY 10-8888/PLD-118) revealed the most favourable activity-tolerability profile and was selected for clinical studies as a novel antifungal for the oral treatment of yeast infections.

Asymmetric synthesis of (1R,2S,3R)-3-methylcispentacin and (1S,2S,3R)-3-methyltranspentacin by kinetic resolution of tert-butyl (±)-3-methylcyclopentene-1-carboxylate

Conjugate addition of lithium dibenzylamide to tert-butyl (+/-)-3-methylcyclopentene-1-carboxylate occurs with high levels of stereocontrol, with preferential addition of lithium dibenzylamide to the face of the cyclic alpha,beta-unsaturated acceptor anti- to the 3-methyl substituent. High levels of enantiorecognition are observed between tert-butyl (+/-)-3-methylcyclopentene-1-carboxylate and an excess of lithium (+/-)-N-benzyl-N-alpha-methylbenzylamide (10 eq.) (E > 140) in their mutual kinetic resolution, while the kinetic resolution of tert-butyl (+/-)-3-methylcyclopentene-1-carboxylate with lithium (S)-N-benzyl-N-alpha-methylbenzylamide proceeds to give, at 51% conversion, tert-butyl (1R,2S,3R,alphaS)-3-methyl-2-N-benzyl-N-alpha-methylbenzylaminocyclopentane-1-carboxylate consistent with E > 130, and in 39% yield and 99 +/- 0.5% de after purification. Subsequent deprotection by hydrogenolysis and ester hydrolysis gives (1R,2S,3R)-3-methylcispentacin in > 98% de and 98 +/- 1% ee. Selective epimerisation of tert-butyl (1R,2S,3R,alphaS)-3-methyl-2-N-benzyl-N-alpha-methylbenzylaminocyclopentane-1-carboxylate by treatment with KO'Bu in 'BuOH gives tert-butyl (1S,2S,3R,alphaS)-3-methyl-2-N-benzyl-N-alpha-methylbenzylaminocyclopentane-1-carboxylate in quantitative yield and in > 98% de, with subsequent deprotection by hydrogenolysis and ester hydrolysis giving (1S,2S,3R)-3-methyltranspentacin hydrochloride in > 98% de and 97 +/- 1% ee.

Preparation of methyl (1R,2S,5S)- and (1S,2R,5R)-2-amino-5-tert-butyl-cyclopentane-1-carboxylates by parallel kinetic resolution of methyl (RS)-5-tert-butyl-cyclopentene-1-carboxylate

Comparison of the kinetic and parallel kinetic resolutions of methyl (RS)-5-tert-butyl-cyclopentene-1-carboxylate allows for the efficient synthesis of both (1R,2S,5S)- and (1S,2R,5R)-enantiomers of methyl 2-amino-5-tert-butyl-cyclopentane-1-carboxylate.

Asymmetric synthesis of (1R,2S,3R)-gamma-methyl-cis-pentacin by a kinetic resolution protocol

The asymmetric synthesis of (1R,2S,3R)-3-methyl-2-amino-cyclopentane carboxylic acid has been achieved via kinetic resolution of racemic tert-butyl 3-methyl-cyclopentene-1-carboxylate with homochiral lithium (S)-N-benzyl-N-alpha-methylbenzylamide.

Highly diastereoselective nitrone cycloaddition onto a chiral ketene equivalent: asymmetric synthesis of cispentacin

[reaction: see text] A highly diastereoselective intramolecular nitrone cycloaddition onto a chiral ketene equivalent, obtained by Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination of either enantiomer of bis-sulfinyl phosphonate 6, is described. Cycloaddition gave 5,5-disubstituted isoxazolidine 10 in good yield as a single diastereomer. Catalytic hydrogenolysis of 10 furnished either enantiomer of optically pure cis-2-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid.

A diffusible analogue of N(3)-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid with antifungal activity

N(3)-(4-Methoxyfumaroyl)-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (FMDP), a specific and potent inactivator of glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN-6-P) synthase from Candida albicans, exhibits relatively poor anticandidal activity, with an MIC value amounting to 50 microg ml(-1) (200 microM). Uptake of FMDP into C. albicans cells follows saturation kinetics and is sensitive to the action of metabolic inhibitors, thus indicating the active transport mechanism. However, the acetoxymethyl ester of FMDP penetrates the fungal cell membrane by free diffusion and is rapidly hydrolysed by C. albicans cytoplasmic enzymes to release the free FMDP. This mechanism gives rise to continuous accumulation of the enzyme inhibitor and results in higher antifungal activity of the FMDP ester (MIC=3.1 microg ml(-1), 10 microM). These results show that the 'pro-drug' approach can be successfully applied for the enhancement of antifungal activity of glutamine analogues that inhibit GlcN-6-P synthase.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis

Aminoacyl-tRNAs are substrates for translation and are pivotal in determining how the genetic code is interpreted as amino acids. The function of aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis is to precisely match amino acids with tRNAs containing the corresponding anticodon. This is primarily achieved by the direct attachment of an amino acid to the corresponding tRNA by an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, although intrinsic proofreading and extrinsic editing are also essential in several cases. Recent studies of aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis, mainly prompted by the advent of whole genome sequencing and the availability of a vast body of structural data, have led to an expanded and more detailed picture of how aminoacyl-tRNAs are synthesized. This article reviews current knowledge of the biochemical, structural, and evolutionary facets of aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis.

Alicyclic beta-amino acids: useful synthons in drug research

The syntheses, transformations and some of the biological features of 2-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid and related alicyclic beta-amino acids are discussed.

Emerging novel antifungal agents

Promising new compounds have recently been identified in an effort to supplement the relatively sparse portfolio of antifungal drugs. Many of these compounds have defined mechanisms of action against fungal cells and have, in some cases, aided the identification of new selective targets in fungi. For most of these compounds, however, factors such as a narrow spectrum of activity, susceptibility to efflux pumps, protein binding, serum inactivation and poor pharmaceutical properties prevent their use in the clinic. Even so, these compounds are novel substrates for synthetic modifications that could lead to the discovery of future antifungal drugs.