Chromone: A Valid Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry

LC-PDA-MS/MS-Based Characterization of Key Phytochemicals in Eurycoma Longifolia Roots

The objective of the study was to fractionate the crude extract of Eurycoma longifolia (E. longifolia) roots and identify the intense peaks using HPLC-PDA-MS/MS, UPLC-MS/MS and H-NMR. Column chromatography was used to fractionate the crude extract into individual fractions using six solvent systems ranged from ethyl acetate, methanol and water in increasing polarity. Two fractions with nearly pure and intense peaks were selected for compound identification. Chromenone (coumarin) and chromone derivatives were putatively identified, besides several previously reported quassinoid glycosides (eurycomanone derived glycoside, 2,3-dehydro-4α-hydroxylongilactone glucoside, eurycomanol glycoside and eurycomanol trimer) in the fraction 11 of 100% methanol. A newly reported compound, namely hydroxyl glyyunanprosapogenin D (838 g/mol) was proposed to be the compound detected in the fraction 11 of 50% ethyl acetate and 50% methanol. This is also the first study to report the identification of chromenones and chromones in E. longifolia extract.

Iodine-Mediated Synthesis of 2-(Methylthio)-4H-chromen-4-ones and Study of Their Halogenation Reactions

An efficient iodine-mediated method is developed for the synthesis of functionalized 2-(methylthio)-4H-chromen-4-ones by intramolecular cyclization of easily accessible 1-(2-benzyloxy-aryl)-3,3-bis-methylsulfanyl-propenones. The synthesized chromen-4-ones turn out to be a key precursor for various kinds of chemical reactions. Mechanistically, we observed that iodine-mediated intramolecular cyclization of ketene dithioacetal proceeded through a radical pathway. 3-Halo-2-(methylthio)-4H-chromen-4-ones were achieved via various two- or one-pot halogenation approaches.

Piperidine-Mediated [3 + 3] Cyclization of 2-Amino-4H-chromen-4-ones and 2-Benzylidenemalononitriles: To Access 2-Aminochromeno[2,3-b]pyridine Derivatives

Piperidine-mediated [3 + 3] cyclization of 2-amino-4H-chromen-4-ones and substituted 2-benzylidenemalononitriles was developed for the synthesis of 2-amino-4-aryl-5H-chromeno[2,3-b]pyridin-5-one derivatives. This novel transformation provides a highly efficient and facile route to functionalized 5H-chromeno[2,3-b]pyridines from readily available substrates under mild reaction conditions.

Synthesis and crystal structure of di-tert-butyl 1″-acetyl-2,2″,9′-trioxo-4a′,9a′-dihydro-1′H,3′H,9′H-dispiro[indoline-3,2′-xanthene-4′,3″-indoline]-1,3′-dicarboxylate, C39H38N2O9

C39H38N2O9, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.9846(6) Å, b = 31.4308(13) Å, c = 11.5739(6) Å, β = 110.712(7)°, V = 3397.4(3) Å3, Z = 4, R gt (F) = 0.0596, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1221, T = 293 K.

Reverse orientation in the ultrasound-assisted [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of nitrile imines with 3-formylchromone-Meldrum's acid adducts

The [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of nitrile imines with 2,2-dimethyl-5-[(4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl)methylene]-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione tends to form the reverse-orientation products under ultrasound irradiation in EtOH in the presence of Et₃N. Evidence for the structure of product 5b was obtained from single-crystal X-ray analysis.

N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [3 + 3] annulation of bromoenals with 2-aminochromones to access chromeno[2,3-b]pyridinones

N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [3 + 3] annulation of bromoenals with 2-aminochromones has been successfully developed. A structurally diverse set of chromeno[2,3-b]pyridinones was efficiently constructed in acceptable to excellent yields. The reaction features mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and easy scale-up.

Structural exploration of multifunctional monoamine oxidase B inhibitors as potential drug candidates against Alzheimer's disease

AD is one of the most typical neurodegenerative disorders that suffer many seniors worldwide. Recently, MAO inhibitors have received increasing attention not only for their roles involved in monoamine neurotransmitters metabolism and oxidative stress but also for their additional neuroprotective and neurorescue effects against AD. The curiosity in MAO inhibitors is reviving, and novel MAO-B inhibitors recently developed with ancillary activities (e.g., Aβ aggregation and AChE inhibition, anti-ROS and chelating activities) have been proposed as multitarget drugs foreshadowing a positive outlook for the treatment of AD. The current review describes the recent development of the design, synthesis, and screening of multifunctional ligands based on MAO-B inhibition for AD therapy. Structure-activity relationships and rational design strategies of the synthetic or natural product derivatives (chalcones, coumarins, chromones, and homoisoflavonoids) are discussed.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-styrylchromone derivatives as selective monoamine oxidase B inhibitors

A series of 3-styrylchromone derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B inhibitory activities. Most of all derivatives inhibited MAO-B selectively, except compound 21. Compound 19, which had a methoxy group at R² on the chromone ring and chlorine at R⁴ on phenyl ring, potently inhibited MAO-B, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.2 nM. Compound 1 showed the highest MAO-B selectivity, with a selectivity index of >3700. Further analysis of these compounds indicated that compounds 1 and 19 were reversible and mixed-type MAO-B inhibitors, suggesting that their mode of action may be through tight-binding inhibition to MAO-B. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses of the 3-styrylchromone derivatives were conducted using their pIC₅₀ values, through Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) and Dragon. There were 1796 descriptors of MAO-B inhibitory activity, which showed significant correlations (P < 0.05). Further investigation of the 3-styrylchromone structures as useful scaffolds was performed through three-dimensional-QSAR studies using AutoGPA, which is based on the molecular field analysis algorithm using MOE. The MAO-B inhibitory activity model constructed using pIC₅₀ value index exhibited a determination coefficients (R²) of 0.972 and a Leave-One-Out cross-validated determination coefficients (Q²) of 0.914. These data suggest that the 3-styrylchromone derivatives assessed herein may be suitable for the design and development of novel MAO inhibitors.

Rapid synthetic approaches to libraries of diversified 1,2-dihydrochromeno[2,3-c]pyrrole-3,9-diones and 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrazol-6(1H)-ones

An efficient and practical synthetic procedure for libraries of diversified 1,2-dihydrochromeno[2,3-c]pyrrole-3,9-diones using a multicomponent process is presented. A convenient synthetic procedure for obtaining functionalized 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrazol-6(1H)-ones via ring-opening strategy has also been developed. This protocol was found to be compatible with a wide range of substituents and paves the way for the practical synthesis of title compounds with a broad range of substituents under mild condition. The products can be easily isolated by crystallization without the use of chromatography.

Structure activity relationship of 3-nitro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-chromene derivatives as P2Y6 receptor antagonists

Various 6-alkynyl analogues of a known 3-nitro-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-chromene antagonist 3 of the Gq-coupled P2Y6 receptor (P2Y6R) were synthesized using a Sonogashira reaction to replace a 6-iodo group. The analogues were tested in a functional assay consisting of inhibition of calcium mobilization in P2Y6R-expressing astrocytoma cells elicited by native P2Y6R agonist UDP. 6-Ethynyl and 6-cyano groups were installed, and the alkynes were extended through both alkyl and aryl spacers. The most potent antagonists, with IC50 of ~1 µM, were found to be trialkylsilyl-ethynyl 7 and 8 (3-5 fold greater affinity than reference 3), t-butyl prop-2-yn-1-ylcarbamate 14 and p-carboxyphenyl-ethynyl 16 derivatives, and 3 and 8 displayed surmountable antagonism of UDP-induced production of inositol phosphates. Other chain-extended terminal carboxylate derivatives were less potent than the corresponding methyl ester derivatives. Thus, the 6 position in this chromene series is suitable for derivatization with flexibility of substitution, even with sterically extended chains, without losing P2Y6R affinity. However, a 3-carboxylic acid or 3-ester substitution did not serve as a nitro bioisostere, as the affinity was eliminated. These compounds provide additional ligand tools for the underexplored P2Y6R, which is a target for inflammatory, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.

Synthesis of 2-alkyl-chroman-4-ones via cascade alkylation-dechlorination of 3-chlorochromones

An efficient and mild synthetic approach for 2-alkyl-substituted chroman-4-ones via zinc-mediated cascade decarboxylative β-alkylation and dechlorination of 3-chlorochromones was developed. This transformation employed commercially available starting materials and was performed under mild conditions without heat, visible light, peroxide or heavy metals. Moreover, various alkyl NHPI esters with functional groups and differently substituted 3-chlorochromones were tolerated, affording the targeted products with moderate to excellent yields. This protocol could be utilized to construct a diverse library of 2-substituted chroman-4-one derivatives, which could be useful in the discovery of lead compounds for drug discovery in the future.

A review on diverse heterocyclic compounds as the privileged scaffolds in non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors

Breast cancer, emerging malignancy is common among women due to overexpression of estrogen. Estrogens are biosynthesized from androgens by aromatase, a cytochrome P450 enzyme complex, and play a pivotal role in stimulating cell proliferation. Therefore, deprivation of estrogen by blocking aromatase is considered as the effective way for the inhibition and treatment of breast cancer. In recent years, various non-steroidal heterocyclic functionalities have been extensively developed and studied for their aromatase inhibition activity. This review provides information about the structural-activity relationship of heterocycles (Type II) towards aromatase. This aids the medicinal chemist around the significance of different heterocyclic moieties and helps to design potent aromatase inhibitors.

A novel synthetic microtubule inhibitor exerts antiproliferative effects in multidrug resistant cancer cells and cancer stem cells

The success of cancer chemotherapy is limited by multidrug resistance (MDR), which is mainly caused by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression. In the present study, we describe a novel microtubule inhibitor, 5-(N-methylmaleimid-3-yl)-chromone (SPC-160002), that can be used to overcome MDR. A synthetic chromone derivative, SPC-160002, showed a broad spectrum of anti-proliferative effects on various human cancer cells without affecting P-gp expression and its drug efflux function. Treatment with SPC-160002 arrested the cell cycle at the M phase, as evidenced using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, and increased the levels of mitotic marker proteins, including cyclin B, pS10-H3, and chromosomal passenger complex. This mitotic arrest by SPC-160002 was mediated by promoting and stabilizing microtubule polymerization, similar to the mechanism observed in case of taxane-based drugs. Furthermore, SPC-160002 suppressed the growth and sphere-forming activity of cancer stem cells. Our data herein strongly suggest that SPC-160002, a novel microtubule inhibitor, can be used to overcome MDR and can serve as an attractive candidate for anticancer drugs.

Studies on the affinity of 6-[(n-(cyclo)aminoalkyl)oxy]-4H-chromen-4-ones for sigma 1/2 receptors

Sigma (σ) receptors represent attractive targets for the development of potential agents for the treatment of several disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and neuropathic pain. In the search for multitarget small molecules (MSMs) against such disorders, we have re-discovered chromenones as new affine σ₁/σ₂ ligands. 6-(4-(Piperidin-1-yl)butoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (7), a previously identified MSM with potent dual-target activities against acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase B, also exhibited σ₁/σ₂ affinity. 6-(3-(Azepan-1-yl)propoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (20) showed a K _i value for σ₁ of 27.2 nM (selectivity (σ₁/σ₂) = 28), combining the desired σ₁ receptor affinity with a dual inhibitory capacity against both acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase. 6-((5-Morpholinopentyl)oxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (12) was almost equipotent to S1RA, an established σ₁ receptor antagonist.

An overview of hydroxypyranone and hydroxypyridinone as privileged scaffolds for novel drug discovery

Hydroxypyranone and hydroxypyridinone are important oxygen-containing or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic nucleus and attracted increasing attention in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery over the past decade. Previous literature reports revealed that hydroxypyranone and hydroxypyridinone derivatives exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, and anti-diabetic activities. In this review, we systematically summarized the literature reported biological activities of hydroxypyranone and hydroxypyridinone derivatives. In particular, we focus on their biological activity, structure-activity relationship (SAR), mechanism of action, and interaction mechanisms with the target. The collected information is expected to provide rational guidance for the development of clinically useful agents from these pharmacophores.

In silico identification and validation of triarylchromones as potential inhibitor against main protease of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

The ongoing pandemic due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused COVID-19 has emerged as a severe threat to the life of human kind. The identification and designing of appropriate and reliable drug molecule for the treatment of COVID-19 patients is the pressing need of the present time. Among different drug targets, the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 is being considered as most effective target. In addition to the drug repurposing, different compounds of natural as well as synthetic origins are being investigated for their efficacy against different drug targets of SARS-CoV-2 virus. In that context, the chromone based natural flavonols have also exhibited significant antiviral properties against different targets of SARS-CoV-2. The in silico studies presented here discloses the efficacy of triarylchromones (TAC) as potential inhibitor against main protease of SARS-CoV-2. The molecular docking and ADMET study performed using 14 arylchromones which could easily be accessed through simple synthetic protocols, revealed best binding affinities in case of TAC-3 (-11.2 kcal/mol), TAC-4 (-10.5 kcal/mol), TAC-6 (-11.2 kcal/mol), TAC-7 (-10.0 kcal/mol). Additional validation studies including molecular dynamics simulation and binding energy calculation using MMGBSA for protein ligand complex for 100 ns revealed the best binding interaction of TAC-3, TAC-4, TAC-6, TAC-7 against main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the in vitro and preclinical validation of identified compounds will help us to understand the molecular mechanisms of regulation of TACs against SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and QSAR Studies of 3-Iodochromone Derivatives as Potential Fungicides

Despite the emergence of novel biotechnological and biological solutions, agrochemicals continue to play an important role in crop protection. Fungicide resistance is becoming a major problem; numerous cases of fungicide resistance have occurred worldwide in the last decade, resulting in the loss of several fungicides. The discovery of new molecules has therefore assumed critical importance in crop protection. In our quest for biologically active molecules, we herein report the synthesis of a series of twenty-one 3-Iodochromone derivatives (4a-4u), in a two-step process by condensation of 2-hydroxyacetophenone derivatives (2a-2u) with N,N-dimethylformamidedimethylacetal yielding enaminones (3a-3u), followed by cyclization with iodine to corresponding 3-iodochromones. Characterization of these compounds was done by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and LC-HRMS techniques. All synthesized compounds were screened for their fungicidal activity against Sclerotium rolfsii. Among these 6,8-Dichloro-3-iodochromone 4r was found to be most active (ED50 = 8.43 mg L-1). 2D-Quantitative Structural Activity Relationship (2D-QSAR) analysis was also performed by generating three different models viz., Multiple Linear Regression (MLR, Model 1), Principal Component Regression (PCR, Model 2), and Partial Least Squares (PLS, Model 3). Predictive power and statistical significance of these models were assessed with external and internal validation and leave one-out cross-validation was used for verification. In QSAR study, MLR (Model 1) was found to be best having correlation coefficient (r2) 0.943, cross-validated correlation coefficient (q2) 0.911 and r2pred 0.837. It was observed that DeltaEpsilonC, T_2_Cl_6, T_2_F_6, T_T_F_3, and ZCompDipole are the major descriptors which influence the fungicidal activity of 3-Iodochromone derivatives. The physicochemical parameters were estimated by the VLifeMDS 4.6 software. The QSAR study results will be helpful for structure optimization to improve the activity.

Thiosemicarbazone(s)-anchored water soluble mono- and bimetallic Cu(ii) complexes: enzyme-like activities, biomolecular interactions, anticancer property and real-time live cytotoxicity

The reactions of CuCl2·2H2O with chromone thiosemicarbazone ligands containing a -H or -CH3 substituent on terminal N yielded monometallic Cu(ii) complexes [Cu(HL1)Cl2] (1) and [Cu(HL2)Cl2] (2), whereas bimetallic Cu(ii) complexes [Cu(μ-Cl)(HL3)]2Cl2 (3), [Cu(μ-Cl)(HL4)]2Cl2 (4) and [Cu(μ-Cl)(L5)]2 (5) were obtained when a -C2H5, -C6H11 or -C6H5 substituent was present, respectively, in the ligands. The complexes were characterized using elemental analyses, UV-Vis, FT-IR, EPR, mass and TGA studies. The structures of neutral monometallic and dicationic bimetallic complexes were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction, and they exhibited a distorted square pyramidal geometry around Cu(ii) ions. The catecholase-mimicking activity of complexes 1-5 was examined spectrophotometrically, and the results revealed that all the complexes except 5 had the ability to oxidize 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) to 3,5-di-tert-butylquinone (3,5-DTBQ) under aerobic conditions with moderate turnover numbers. In order to find the possible complex-substrate intermediates, a mass spectrometry study was carried out for complexes 1-4 in the presence of 3,5-DTBC. The phosphatase-like activity of 1-5 was also investigated using 4-nitrophenylphosphate (4-NPP) as a model substrate. All the complexes exhibited excellent phosphatase activity in DMF-H2O medium. The complexes displayed significant biomolecular interactions and antioxidant potential. Complex 3 showed good interaction with apoptotic CASP3 protein, VEGFR2 and PIM-1 kinase receptors as revealed by a molecular docking study. Complexes (3-5) exhibited promising cytotoxicity against HeLa-cervical cancer cells with IC50 values of 2.24 (3), 2.25 (4) and 3.77 (5) μM, respectively, and showed a two-fold higher activity than cisplatin. The active complex 3 showed complete inhibition of colony formation at 10 μM concentration. In addition, the acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EB) staining and real-time live cell imaging results confirmed that complex 3 induced cell death in HeLa cells.

Promising drug discovery strategies for sirtuin modulators: what lessons have we learnt?

INTRODUCTION

Sirtuins, NAD-dependent protein deacetylases, require NAD⁺ for enzymatic activity. Recent research has indicated that sirtuins have a key role in the regulation of gene expression, the cell cycle, apoptosis, neurodegeneration and several age-related diseases. In mammals, there are seven sirtuin isoforms (SIRT-1-7) that catalyze specific lysine substrate deacetylation.

AREAS COVERED

This review explains the current information on the structure, function and importance of sirtuin modulators. It also explores the possible therapeutic applications of sirtuin modulators and related small molecules in the context of various diseases.

EXPERT OPINION

Sirtuin's modulators open a new area of research for targeting pathological conditions. Sirtuin modulators, through their targeted function, may provide a possible tool for the amelioration of various diseases. However, the search of activators/inhibitors for sirtuins needs further research. The structural elucidation of sirtuins will create an understanding for the development of isoform-specific selective modulators. This could be a useful tool to determine the functions of individual sirtuins as potential therapeutic agents.

Chemical Structure and Biological Activities of Secondary Metabolites from Salicornia europaea L

Salicornia europaea L. is a halophyte that grows in salt marshes and muddy seashores, which is widely used both as traditional medicine and as an edible vegetable. This salt-tolerant plant is a source of diverse secondary metabolites with several therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the chemical structure and biological activities of secondary metabolites isolated from Salicornia europaea L.

Arylation of ortho-Hydroxyarylenaminones by Sulfonium Salts and Arenesulfonyl Chlorides: An Access to Isoflavones

Herein we disclose three new methods for the straightforward and efficient synthesis of 3-arylchromones following the arylation of ortho-hydroxyarylenaminones by vast diversities of bench-stable and easy-to-use sulfonium salts and arenesulfonyl chlorides. Both developed methods, namely the light-mediated photoredox and electrophilic arylation, showed good efficiency, and are feasible for the preparation of 3-arylchromones in good-to-excellent yields. This work showcases the first described attempt where the sulfonium salts and arenesulfonyl chlorides were successfully utilized for the construction of the chromone heterocycle system.

Synthesis and reactivity of 3-(1-alkynyl)chromones

For the first time, the literature data on the methods of synthesis and reactivity of 3-(1-alkynyl)chromones are summarized and systematized. The main method for obtaining these compounds is the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of 3-halochromones with terminal acetylenes, and their most important chemical properties include the transformation into furans, reactions with dinucleophiles, ambiphilic [4+2]- and [4+3]-cyclizations, and also dimerization and mixed condensation of 2-methyl-3-(1-alkynyl)chromones due to the vinylogous methyl group. Except for the oxacyclization to furans, chemical transformations of 3-(1-alkynyl)chromones are accompanied by pyrone ring transformation, in which not only the carbonyl group but also the triple bond can participate. This significantly increases the synthetic value of these compounds and ensures the production of more complex heterocyclic systems based on them. The mechanisms of the reactions are discussed, the conditions for their implementation and the yields of the resulting products are indicated.

The bibliography includes 80 references.

Uncatalyzed diastereoselective synthesis of alkyliminofurochromone-derived benzylmalononitriles via a three-component cascade reaction: competition between Diels-Alder cycloaddition and Michael addition

Diastereoselective Michael addition reactions of 3-(alkylamino)-9H-furo[3,4-b]chromen-9-one intermediate, produced from the [1 + 4] cycloaddition/tautomerization reaction between 3-formylchromones and alkyl isocyanide in dry CH₂Cl₂, with arylidene malononitrile were developed to afford a wide range of functionalized 2-((S)-((R,Z)-3-(alkylimino)-9-oxo-3,9-dihydro-1H-furo[3,4-b]chromen-1-yl)(aryl)methyl)malononitrile derivatives in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities under mild conditions. Excellent diastereoselectivity has been achieved to yield products containing two stereogenic carbons and one stereogenic imine group. Two C-C and one C-O bonds were selectively formed to provide new alkylated iminofurochromones in good yields.

A Novel 4H-Chromen-4-One Derivative from Marine Streptomyces ovatisporus S4702T as Potential Antibacterial and Anti-Cancer Agent

BACKGROUND

Marine actinomycetes are among indispensable sources of natural bioactive compounds with unique antimicrobial and anti-cancer activities.

OBJECTIVE

Herein, it was aimed to elucidate bioactive potential of a marine-derived Streptomyces ovatisporus S4702T, isolated previously.

METHODS

Streptomyces ovatisporus S4702T was cultured in N-Z Amine broth and extraction was carried out using different organic solvents. Bioassay guided purification was followed by chemical characterization using NMR and LC-MS/MS. The compound was then evaluated for its antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.

RESULTS

Etyl acetate extracts gave the highest antibacterial activity and chemical characterization of this extract indicated the formula as C15H29O5N3 and the corresponding possible molecular structure as 4H-chromen-4-one derivative. It was found highly potent against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 (MIC: 0.25 µg ml-1) and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 (MBC: 0.5 µg ml-1). It has no remarkable antioxidant activity, but higher EC50 value and less cytotoxicity against normal cells. The EC50 values of this chromen derivative were found as 9.68 µg ml-1 for human colon carcinoma, 9.93 µg ml-1 for human prostate adenocarcinoma and 25.5 µg ml-1 for human embryonic kidney cells.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the presented 4H-chromen-4-one derivative is a remarkable bioactive compound with potent antibacterial and cytotoxic activity. With its high bioactive potential, it is proposed as a good candidate in medicine.

Diaportheone A Analogues Instigate a Neuroprotective Effect by Protecting Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells from Oxidative Stress

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains an incurable neurodegenerative illness. Oxidative stress resulting in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the abnormal deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) are the major pathological hallmarks associated with AD. In search for small molecules targeting multiple pathways of AD and of no known molecular targets, the neuroprotective effects of the synthetic chromones diaportheone A1 and diaportheone A2, analogues of the natural product diaportheone A, were investigated. Chromones are heterocyclic compounds bearing the benzoannelated γ-pyrone moiety and were regarded as an important class of organic molecules due to their diverse pharmacological activities. The influence of the compounds on the inhibition of Aβ aggregation was determined by Thioflavin T (ThT) assay, and the cell viability, ROS, and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated with human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Results showed that both compounds inhibited the Aβ aggregation at 80.41% and 73.68% for diaportheone A1 and diaportheone A2, respectively. Increased cell viabilities were observed from the protection by both compounds using Aβ- or H₂O₂-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Both compounds also reduced the intracellular ROS level in Aβ- or H₂O₂-induced SH-SY5Y cells at 10 and 20 μM concentrations, and increased the mitochondrial membrane potentials in Aβ-induced SH-SY5Y cells at 20 μM concentration. Molecular docking experiments using the Aβ protein models 2MXU and 2BEG also indicated a good agreement with the experimental data. The results demonstrated for the first time the oxidative stress effects associated with the chromones diaportheone A1 and diaportheone A2 as potential neuroprotective therapeutic agents against AD.

The small molecule ZY-214-4 may reduce the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus by inhibiting pigment production

BACKGROUND

In recent years, clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates have become highly resistant to antibiotics, which has raised concerns about the ability to control infections by these organisms. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of a new small molecule, ZY-214-4 (C19H11BrNO4), on S. aureus pigment production.

RESULTS

At the concentration of 4 μg/mL, ZY-214-4 exerted a significant inhibitory effect on S. aureus pigment synthesis, without affecting its growth or inducing a toxic effect on the silkworm. An oxidant sensitivity test and a whole-blood killing test indicated that the S. aureus survival rate decreased significantly with ZY-214-4 treatment. Additionally, ZY-214-4 administration significantly reduced the expression of a pigment synthesis-related gene (crtM) and the superoxide dismutase genes (sodA) as determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. ZY-214-4 treatment also improved the survival rate of S. aureus-infected silkworm larvae.

CONCLUSIONS

The small molecule ZY-214-4 has potential for the prevention of S. aureus infections by reducing the virulence associated with this bacterium.

Antibiofilm Activity of Small-Molecule ZY-214-4 Against Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is the most important pathogenic bacteria in humans. As the resistance of S. aureus to existing antibiotics is increasing, there is an urgent need for new anti-infective drugs. S. aureus biofilms cause persistent infections and resist complete eradication with antibiotic therapy. The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of the novel small-molecule ZY-214-4 (C₁₉H₁₁BrNO₄) on S. aureus biofilm formation. At a subinhibitory concentration (4 μg/ml), ZY-214-4 had no effect on the growth of S. aureus strains and also showed no cytotoxicity in human normal bronchial epithelial cells (Bease-2B). The results of a semi-quantitative biofilm test showed that ZY-214-4 prevented S. aureus biofilm formation, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. ZY-214-4 significantly suppressed the production of polysaccharide intercellular adhesion and prevented cell aggregation, and also inhibited the mRNA expression of icaA and other biofilm-related genes (eno, clfA/B, fnbB, fib, ebpS, psmα, and psmβ) in clinical S. aureus isolates. Thus, at a subinhibitory concentration, ZY-214-4 inhibits biofilm formation by preventing cell aggregation, highlighting its clinical potential for preventing or treating S. aureus infections.

Binding Motifs in the Naked Complexes of Target Amino Acids with an Excerpt of Antitumor Active Biomolecule: An Ion Vibrational Spectroscopy Assay

The structures of proton-bound complexes of 5,7-dimethoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (1) and basic amino acids (AAs), namely, histidine (His) and lysine (Lys), have been examined by means of mass spectrometry coupled with IR ion spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. This selection of systems is based on the fact that 1 represents a portion of glabrescione B, a natural small molecule of promising antitumor activity, while His and Lys are protein residues lining the cavity of the alleged receptor binding site. These species are thus a model of the bioactive adduct, although clearly the isolated state of the present study bears little resemblance to the complex biological environment. A common feature of [1+AA+H]⁺ complexes is the presence of a protonated AA bound to neutral 1, in spite of the fact that the gas-phase basicity of 1 is comparable to those of Lys and His. The carbonyl group of 1 acts as a powerful hydrogen-bond acceptor. Within [1+AA+H]⁺ the side-chain substituents (imidazole group for His and terminal amino group for Lys) present comparable basic properties to those of the α-amino group, taking part to a cooperative hydrogen-bond network. Structural assignment, relying on the comparative analysis of the infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectrum and calculated IR spectra for the candidate geometries, derives from an examination over two frequency ranges: 900-1800 and 2900-3700 cm^-1 . Information gained from the latter one proved especially valuable, for example, pointing to the contribution of species characterized by an unperturbed carboxylic OH or imidazole NH stretching mode.

Regioselective synthesis of fused oxa-heterocycles via iodine-mediated annulation of cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with propargylic alcohols

The synthesis of structurally diverse fused oxa-heterocycles is established through the iodine-mediated cascade annulation of cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with propargylic alcohols.

Recent advances of chromone-based reactants in the catalytic asymmetric domino annulation reaction

Chiral polycyclic chromanones are important heterocyclic frameworks that constitute the core structures of many natural products and bioactive molecules.

S, Kumar S. M, Bankapur A, Sinha RK, Simon L, Chidangil S. Effect of OH substitution in 3-benzylchroman-4-ones: crystallographic, CSD, DFT, FTIR, Hirshfeld surface, and energy framework analysis

3-Benzylchroman-4-ones (homoisoflavanones) are oxygen-containing heterocycles with a sixteen-carbon skeleton. They belong to the class of naturally occurring polyphenolic flavonoids with limited occurrence in nature and possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antihistaminic, antimutagenic, antiviral, and angioprotective properties. Recently, we reported the synthesis and anticancer activity studies of fifteen 3-benzylchroman-4-one molecules, and most of them were proven to be effective against BT549 and HeLa cells. In this work, we report the single-crystal X-ray crystallographic studies of two molecules 3-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-4-one and 3-[(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-4-one. The single crystals were grown using a novel laser-induced crystallization technique. We observed that the 3-benzylchroman-4-one derivative bearing OH substitution at the 2′ position adopted different conformation due to formation of dimers through O–H⋯O, and C–H⋯O intermolecular hydrogen bondings. The role of OH substitution in the aforementioned conformational changes was evaluated using density functional theory (DFT), Hirshfeld surface, energy framework and FTIR spectroscopy analysis. In addition, we have carried out a Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) study to understand the conformational changes using five analogue structures. X-ray crystallographic, computational, and spectroscopic studies of 3-benzylchroman-4-ones provided an insight into the role of substitution at benzyl moieties in stabilizing the three-dimensional (3D) structures.

Laser-induced crystallization, single crystal X-ray crystallography, CSD, DFT, FTIR, Hirshfeld surface, and energy frameworks analysis of two new 3-benzylchroman-4-one structures.

Kinetic resolution of azaflavanones via a RuPHOX-Ru catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation

The kinetic resolution of azaflavanones has been established via RuPHOX-Ru catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation, providing chiral azaflavanones and azaflavanols in high yields with up to >20 : 1 dr and 99.7% ee.