A review of the synthesis of α-carbolines

Flavoprotein StnP2 Catalyzes the β-Carboline Formation during the Streptonigrin Biosynthesis

β-Carboline (βC) alkaloids constitute a large family of indole alkaloids that exhibit diverse pharmacological properties, such as antitumor, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial activities. Here, we report that a flavoprotein StnP2 catalyzes the dehydrogenation at C1-N2 of a tetrahydro-β-carboline (THβC) generating a 3,4-dihydro-β-carboline (DHβC), and the DHβC subsequently undergoes a spontaneous dehydrogenation to βC formation involved in the biosynthesis of the antitumor agent streptonigrin. Biochemical characterization showed that StnP2 catalyzed the highly regio- and stereo-selective dehydrogenation, and StnP2 exhibits promiscuity toward different THβCs. This study provides an alternative kind of enzyme catalyzing the biosynthesis of βC alkaloids and enhances the importance of flavoproteins.

Comprehensive review of α-carboline alkaloids: Natural products, updated synthesis, and biological activities

α-carboline (9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole), contains a pyridine ring fused with an indole backbone, is a promising scaffold for medicinal chemistry. In recent decades, accumulating evidence shows that α-carboline natural products and their derivatives possess diverse bioactivities. However, hitherto, there is no comprehensive review to systematically summarize this important class of alkaloids. In this perspective, this paper represents the first review to provide a comprehensive description of α-carbolines including natural products, updated literature of synthesis, and their diverse biological activities. Their biological activities including antitumor, anti-microbial, anti-Alzheimer’s disease, anti-atherosclerosis, and antioxidant activities were hilighted. And the targets and the main structure activity relationships (SARs) will be presented. Finally, challenges and future directions of this class of compounds will be discussed. This review will be helpful in understanding and encouraging further exploration for this group of alkaloids.

Discovery of novel α-carboline derivatives as glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by irreversible cognitive impairment, memory loss, and behavioral disturbances, ultimately resulting in death. The critical roles of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) in tau pathology have also received considerable attention. Based on molecular docking studies, a series of novel α-carboline derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as GSK-3β inhibitors for their various biological activities. Among them, compound ZCH-9 showed the most potent inhibitory activity against GSK-3β, with an IC₅₀ value of 1.71 ± 0.09 µM. The cytotoxicity assay showed that ZCH-9 had low cytotoxicity toward the cell lines SH-SY5Y, HepG2, and HL-7702. Moreover, Western blot analysis indicated that ZCH-9 effectively inhibited hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein in okadaic acid-treated SH-SY5Y cells. The binding mode between ZCH-9 and GSK-3β was analyzed and further clarified throughout the molecular dynamics simulations. In general, these results suggested that the α-carboline-based small-molecule compounds could serve as potential candidates targeting GSK-3β for the treatment of AD.

Road Map for the Construction of High-Valued N-Heterocycles via Denitrogenative Annulation

The pursuit for the discovery of new and powerful synthetic methods to access high-value N-heterocycles has been at the forefront of organic chemistry research for more than a century. Considering the importance of N-scaffolds in modern science, over the past few decades, great research efforts have been made to develop efficient synthetic methods for the construction of nitrogen-rich molecules. Among many efforts, transition metal catalyzed denitrogenative annulation reaction has emerged as a cornerstone due to its innate versatility and wider scope of application.The denitrogenative annulation approach offers clear advantages over many existing methods, as it enables effective, single-step interconversion of easily available feedstocks into a variety of other important N-containing heterocyclic frameworks. Recently, transition metal catalyzed denitrogenative annulation reaction of the 1,2,3-triazole via a metal carbene intermediate sparked significant interest in the application of various important heterocycle syntheses. Denitrogenative annulation reaction of 1,2,3-triazoles proceeds via an ionic mechanism. Recently, we demonstrated a new concept for the denitrogenative reaction of triazoles with alkenes and alkynes via in situ generated 2-(diazomethyl)pyridines. The method takes advantage of the inherent properties of a Co(III)-carbene radical intermediate and is the first report of the denitrogenative annulation/cyclopropanation by a radical-activation mechanism.On the other hand, in contrast to the denitrogenative annulation of 1,2,3-triazole, annulation reaction of 1,2,3,4-tetrazole (a surrogate of azide having an important pyridyl unit) via metal nitrene remains a big challenge. Previously, flash vacuum pyrolysis studies had been used for nitrene-nitrene rearrangement of 1,2,3,4-tetrazole at high temperature. This Account summarizes our recent efforts in developing transition metal catalyzed denitrogenative annulation of 1,2,3-triazoles via a radical mechanism and 1,2,3,4-tetrazoles via metal nitrene to access important nitrogen-rich molecules. We demonstrated that the 1,2,3,4-tetrazole under Ir-catalyzed reaction conditions can produce a productive Ir-nitrene intermediate that can successfully be employed for the construction of a wide number of α-carbolines and 7-azaindoles. Moreover, we developed an iron-based unique strategy for the intermolecular denitrogenative annulation reaction between tetrazoles and alkynes. The reaction overcomes the traditional click reaction and proceeds via an unprecedented metalloradical activation mechanism. Furthermore, we used our understanding of tetrazole reactivity to design an iron-catalyzed intramolecular denitrogenative C(sp³)-H amination reaction of primary, secondary, and tertiary centers by using a metalloradical activation concept. At the same time, we also developed a general catalytic method to enable two distinct reactions (1,3-cycloaddition and denitrogenative annulation) using Mn(TPP)Cl that afforded two different classes of nitrogen heterocycles. Mechanistic studies showed that although the click reaction likely proceeds through an ionic mechanism and the denitrogenative annulation reaction likely proceeds via an electrophilic metallonitrene intermediate rather than a metallonitrene radical intermediate. Finally, we report an iron-catalyzed rearrangement reaction (ring expansion/migration) that proceeded with an unprecedented level of selectivity, reactivity, and functional group tolerance offering rapid access to numerous complex N-heterocycles. We believe that our continuous efforts in this field would be beneficial for pharmaceutical industries, drug discovery, and other fields of medicinal chemistry.

Metal-Free and Regioselective Synthesis of Functionalized α-Carbolines via [3 + 3] Annulation of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Acetates of Nitroalkenes with Iminoindolines

A facile, metal-free method for the synthesis of substituted α-carbolines from secondary Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) acetates of nitroalkenes is presented. The cascade reaction of MBH acetates with tosyliminoindolines occurs regioselectively to form various α-carbolines with a wide substrate scope. The reaction involves mild conditions, and the products are formed in high yields within a short reaction time. The amenability of the reaction to scale up and synthetic applications of the products have been demonstrated.

Atroposelective Synthesis of Axially Chiral 4-Aryl α-Carbolines via N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

The first catalytic asymmetric construction of axially chiral 4-aryl α-carboline skeletons has been accomplished through an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed atroposelective formal [3 + 3] annulation of 4-nitrophenyl 3-arylpropiolates with 2-sulfonamidoindolines. The synthetic utility of the title compounds has been demonstrated by the diverse late-stage structural modifications. Density functional theory calculations were also conducted to illuminate the key factors for controlling the origin of the enantioselectivity. This strategy not only provides an efficient pathway to access axially chiral α-carboline atropisomers but also offers a novel catalytic enantioselective mode for the construction of axially chiral heterobiaryls by using NHC-bound alkynyl acylazoliums.

An Environmentally Benign Cascade Reaction of 1,1-Enediamines (EDAMs) for Site-Selective Synthesis of Highly Functionalized 2,10-Dihydro-1H-imidazo[1',2':1,6]pyrido[2,3-b]indoles and Pyrroles

A novel protocol for the synthesis of pyrido[2,3-b]indoles (α-carbolines, 3) from (E)-3-(2-oxo-2-phenylethylidene) indolin-2-one derivatives 1 and 1,1-enediamine (EDAM) 2a via an unexpected cascade reaction in ethanol was developed. Pyrido[2,3-b]indole derivatives 4 were obtained by the same reaction, albeit by stirring the mixture for a longer period of time (about 48 h). As a result, two kinds of functionalized α-carbolines 3 and 4 were synthesized by the facile reaction of the (E)-3-(2-oxo-2-phenylethylidene)indolin-2-one derivatives and 2-(nitromethylene)imidazolidine under basic conditions (Cs₂CO₃) in ethanol. In addition, a diverse array of EDAM substrates (2b-2k) were tested in this reaction to afford the expected target compounds 5. This protocol is suitable for the combinatorial and parallel syntheses of natural-like products, including highly functionalized α-carbolines and pyrroles, especially 2-oxoindolin-3-yl pyrroles. This approach features several advantages, such as being a simple and practical operation (requiring only filtration and washing without column chromatography), furnishing excellent yields (72-98%), and producing diverse libraries of target compounds with potential biological activities.

Pd(0)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Heck reaction of 2/3-Aryl(amino)methyl-3/2-bromoindoles: Syntheses of 3,4-Benzo[c]-β-carbolines, Benzo[4,5]isothiazolo[2,3-a]indole 5,5-Dioxides, and 1,2-Benzo[a]-γ-carbolines

One-pot synthesis of 3,4-benzo[c]-β-carbolines was achieved from 2-aryl(tosylamino)methyl-3-bromoindoles via 10 mol % Pd(OAc)₂/PPh₃-mediated intramolecular Heck coupling using K₂CO₃ as a base in DMF at 110 °C with concomitant aromatization through an elimination of tosylsulfinic acid. Under identical conditions, the isomeric 3-aryl(tosylamino)methyl-2-bromoindoles upon intramolecular Heck reaction furnished benzo[4,5]isothiazolo[2,3-a]indole 5,5-dioxides instead of the expected γ-carbolines. However, synthesis of the expected γ-carboline framework, 3-tosyl-6,9-dihydro-1,2-benzo[a]-γ-carbolines, could be achieved from 3-aryl(tosylamino)methyl-2-bromoindoles containing a mesitylene sulfonyl unit as a protecting group on the indole nitrogen.

Benzannulation strategies for the synthesis of carbazoles, indolocarbazoles, benzocarbazoles, and carbolines

This review presents a critical and authoritative analysis of several exciting benzannulation approaches developed in the past decade for the construction of carbazoles, indolocarbazoles, benzocarbazoles, and carbolines.

Design and Efficient Synthesis of RalA Inhibitors Containing the Dihydro-α-carboline Scaffold

Ras-related protein RalA is a member of the Ras small GTPases superfamily. Its activation plays an important role in regulating tumor initiation, invasion, migration, and metastasis. In this study, we designed a new type of RalA inhibitor containing a dihydro-α-carboline scaffold. The structurally new dihydro-α-carboline derivatives could be efficiently synthesized in good yields through a newly developed three-component [3+2+1] cyclization reaction. Evaluation of the biological activity showed that some of the dihydro-α-carboline derivatives can inhibit RalA/B and proliferative activities of NSCLC cell lines. The 4-(pyridin-3-yl)-dihydro-α-carboline compound (3 o) was found to be the most potent derivative, with IC₅₀ values of 0.43±0.03, 0.64±0.07, 0.93±0.10, and 1.54±0.15 μM against A549, H1299, H460, and H1975 cells, respectively. Mechanism investigation suggested that 3 o inhibits the RalA/B activation of A549, down-regulates Bcl-2, stimulates cytochrome c and PARP cleavage, and induces cell apoptosis. A molecular docking study revealed that 3 o can form stable hydrogen bonds with residues of RalA. Moreover, amide-π and alkyl-π interactions also contributed to the affinity between 3 o and RalA.

Metal-Catalyzed Cyclotrimerization Reactions of Cyanamides: Synthesis of 2-Aryl-α-carbolines

The synthesis of annulated 2-aryl-α-carboline heterocycles is described using transition metal catalysis. A linear strategy is described that uses Rh(I) catalysis to form the α-carboline scaffold by [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization. Alternatively, a tandem catalytic approach using a Pd(II) precatalyst afforded the same target molecules by mediating a Sonogashira reaction and a [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization in the same reaction flask. In each case, nine different 2-aryl-α-carbolines have been prepared in high to modest isolated yields.

Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl- and Ester Group-Substituted α-Carbolines via Iron-Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization Reaction

An efficient approach to prepare trifluoromethyl-α-carbolines and ester group-substituted α-carbolines via the tandem cyclization reaction of 2-(2-aminophenyl)acetonitriles and trifluoromethyl 1,3-diones or β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters was reported. The transformation proceeded smoothly in the presence of catalytic environmental-benign iron salts, which are used to prepare the desired products in moderate to good yields.

Dehydrative Transformation of Spirooxindoles to Pyrido[2,3-b]indoles via POCl3

A two-step one-pot efficient synthesis of pyrido[2,3-b]indoles via reaction between isatin, α-amino acid, and dipolarophile has been developed. The initial 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between the reactants that is performed in the presence of either CuI or methanol results in spirooxindoles that undergo POCl₃-mediated intramolecular dehydrative transformation to afford the title compounds.

A Unified Strategy for the Synthesis of β-Carbolines, γ-Carbolines, and Other Fused Azaheteroaromatics under Mild, Metal-Free Conditions

An efficient, unified approach for the synthesis of β-carbolines, γ-carbolines, and other fused azaheteroaromatics has been realized under metal-free conditions, from propargylic amines and (hetero)aromatic aldehydes. This unified strategy provides β- and γ-carbolines as well as a range of fused azaheteroaromatics with a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. The formal synthesis of oxopropalines D and G has been achieved on gram scale (3a), in a one-pot reaction from commercially available materials (previous shortest reported route to 3a was 5 steps). NMR studies of the conversion of imine intermediate 3aa to β-carboline 3a were conducted and revealed that the reaction proceeded through an allene intermediate.

γ-Carboline Synthesis by Heterocyclization of TosMIC Derivatives

A new method for the synthesis of γ-carbolines by a heterocyclization that involves α-indol-2-ylmethyl TosMIC derivatives and different electrophiles has been developed. This methodology has been successfully applied to the synthesis of several highly substituted γ-carbolines.

StnK2 catalysing a Pictet–Spengler reaction involved in the biosynthesis of the antitumor reagent streptonigrin

StnK2 is a new Pictet–Spenglerase specifically catalyzing a (1R,3S,4S)-tetrahydro-β-carboline scaffold as the biosynthetic intermediate of the antitumor reagent streptonigrin.

Regioselective switching approach for the synthesis of α and δ carboline derivatives

A metal-free protocol for accessing both α and δ-carboline derivatives, starting from a common indolylchalcone oxime ester precursor is reported.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of novel 3,9-substituted α-carboline derivatives with high cytotoxic activity against colorectal cancer cells

In our continued focus on 1-benzyl-3-(5-hydroxymethyl-2-furyl)indazole (YC-1) analogs, we synthesized a novel series of 3,9-substituted α-carboline derivatives and evaluated the new compounds for antiproliferactive effects. Structure activity relationships revealed that a COOCH3 or CH2OH group at position-3 and substituted benzyl group at position-9 of the α-carboline nucleus were crucial for maximal activity. The most active compound, 11, showed high levels of cytotoxicity against HL-60, COLO 205, Hep 3B, and H460 cells with IC50 values of 0.3, 0.49, 0.7, and 0.8 μM, respectively. The effect of compound 11 on the cell cycle distribution demonstrated G2/M arrest in COLO 205 cells. Furthermore, mechanistic studies indicated that compound 11 induced apoptosis by activating death receptor and mitochondria dependent apoptotic signaling pathways in COLO 205 cells. The new 3,9-substituted α-carboline derivatives exhibited excellent anti-proliferative activities, and compound 11 can be used as a promising pro-apoptotic agent for future development of new antitumor agents.