The synthesis and evaluation of 10- and 12-membered ring benzofused enediyne amino acids

Carborane-Containing Hydroxamate MMP Ligands for the Treatment of Tumors Using Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT): Efficacy without Tumor Cell Entry

New carborane-bearing hydroxamate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) ligands have been synthesized for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) with nanomolar potency against MMP-2, -9 and -13. New analogs are based on MMP inhibitor CGS-23023A, and two previously reported MMP ligands 1 (B1) and 2 (B2) were studied in vitro for BNCT activity. The boronated MMP ligands 1 and 2 showed high in vitro tumoricidal effects in an in vitro BNCT assay, exhibiting IC₅₀ values for 1 and 2 of 2.04 × 10^-2 mg/mL and 2.67 × 10^-2 mg/mL, respectively. The relative killing effect of 1 to L-boronophenylalanine (BPA) is 0.82/0.27 = 3.0, and that of 2 is 0.82/0.32 = 2.6, whereas the relative killing effect of 4 is comparable to boronophenylalanine (BPA). The survival fraction of 1 and 2 in a pre-incubation boron concentration at 0.143 ppm ¹⁰B and 0.101 ppm ¹⁰B, respectively, were similar, and these results suggest that 1 and 2 are actively accumulated through attachment to the Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)VII cells. Compounds 1 and 2 very effectively killed glioma U87 delta EGFR cells after BNCT. This study is noteworthy in demonstrating BNCT efficacy through binding to MMP enzymes overexpressed at the surface of the tumor cell without tumor cell penetration.

(Hetero)aromatics from dienynes, enediynes and enyne–allenes

Recent advances in the synthesis of (hetero)aromatics starting from polyenes, such as dienynes, enediynes and enyne–allenes, are discussed.

Opening Enediyne Scissors Wider: pH-Dependent DNA Photocleavage by meta-Diyne Lysine Conjugates

Photochemical activation of meta-diynes incapable of Bergman and C1-C5 cyclizations still leads to efficient double-strand DNA cleavage. Spatial proximity of the two arylethynyl groups is not required for efficient DNA photocleavage by the enediyne-lysine conjugates. Efficiency of the cleavage is a function of the external pH and DNA damage is strongly enhanced at pH < 7. The pH-dependence of the DNA photocleavage activity stems from the protonation states of lysine amino groups, the internal electron donors responsible for intramolecular PET quenching and deactivation of the photoreactive excited states. DNA-binding analysis suggests intercalative DNA binding for phenyl substituted conjugate and groove binding for TFP-substituted conjugate. Additional insights in the possible mechanism for DNA damage from the ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) scavenger experiments found that generation of singlet oxygen is partially involved in the DNA damage.

Design and synthesis of N-alkyldeoxynojirimycin derivatives with improved metabolic stability as inhibitors of BVDV and Tacaribe virus

Novel N-alkyldeoxynojirimycins (NADNJs) based on our previous lead 3 were designed, synthesized and tested in metabolic assays and in virus cultures. NADNJs containing terminal tertiary benzamide, sulfonamide, urea, and oxazolidinone moieties were discovered to have improved metabolic stability compared to 3, while maintaining submicromolar EC50 against BVDV and Tacaribe virus; and low cytotoxicity.

Design and synthesis of enediyne-peptide conjugates and their inhibiting activity against chymotrypsin

Novel enediyne-amino acid conjugates 1-4 have been synthesized. All of these effectively target the enzyme chymotrypsin inhibiting its proteolytic activity. The conjugate with a directly linked phenyl alanine is the most effective inhibitor with a K(i) of 3 microM. The mode of inhibition is mostly competitive or of a mixed type depending on the nature of the inhibitor.