Identification of selective inhibitors of sphingosine kinases 1 and 2 through a structure–activity relationship study of 4- epi -jaspine B

[Elucidation of Biological Mechanisms Using Synthetic Natural Products and Their Derivatives]

Natural products are useful sources in the search for biochemical probes and drug leads because of their unique biological activities. However, synthetic studies or functional analyses of polycyclic complex natural products or conjugated lipids (e.g., glycolipids) are often hampered because of their synthesis and handling are challenging. On the basis of rational designs, synthetic studies, and chemical modifications, natural products need to be optimized to more potent compounds with improved activities, selectivities and/or physical properties. We have been synthesizing natural products and their derivatives for the elucidation of their biological mechanisms and discovery of drug leads. This review describes three topics for developing functional compounds derived from natural products for prospective involvement in pharmaceutical research: 1) direct construction of the ergot alkaloid scaffold by palladium catalyzed domino cyclization of amino allenes; 2) identification of novel sphingosine kinase inhibitors through a structure-activity relationship study of jaspine B; and 3) design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel CD1d glycolipid ligands containing modified lipid moieties.

Synthetic analogues of marine cytotoxic jaspine B and its stereoisomers

Synthetic analogues of the cytotoxic jaspine B and its stereochemical congeners have become an attractive target in the synthetic organic community owing to the search for novel therapeutic candidates with more potent anticancer activity, as cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. This review article provides insights into the different approaches and strategies available in the literature for the construction of jaspine B-related compounds.