The total synthesis of streptonigrin and related antitumor antibiotic natural products

Zirconium oxide nano-catalyzed synthesis of pharmacologically important bis(indolyl)methanes: a highly efficient and mild approach

We report herein a highly efficient and mild approach for synthesizing pharmacologically active bis(indolyl)methanes 3a-z, utilizing ZrO2 nanoparticles as a catalyst. The method involves a condensation reaction between indole and diverse aromatic aldehydes in acetonitrile under mild conditions. The ZrO2 nano-catalyst prepared via a co-precipitation method demonstrates exceptional efficacy, leading to favourable yields of the target bis(indolyl)methanes 3a-z. The versatility of this methodology is highlighted through substrate screening, showcasing its applicability to various aromatic aldehydes.

Exploring the Therapeutic Marvels: A Comprehensive Review on the Biological Potential of Quinoline-5,8-Dione

Quinoline-5,8-diones, also referred to as 5,8-quinolinediones or quinolinequinones, have been researched extensively for their antiproliferative effects, where they displayed great results. Other than anticancer, they exhibit multiple activities such as antimalarial, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Natural quinolinequinones have also been known for their significant activities. The review highlights the diverse biological activities exhibited by synthetic quinoline- 5,8-diones over the past two decades. Continued research in this field is warranted to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of these intriguing compounds and their derivatives for future drug development. By comprehensively evaluating the therapeutic applications and biological activities of quinoline-5,8-dione derivatives, this review endeavors to provide researchers and practitioners with a valuable resource that will foster informed decision-making and inspire further investigations into harnessing the immense potential of this intriguing scaffold for the benefit of human health.

A Dynamic Thermodynamic Resolution Strategy for the Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Streptonigrin

We report that axially chiral biaryl boronic esters can be generated with control of atroposelectivity by a Binol-mediated dynamic thermodynamic resolution process. These intermediates can be progressed to enantioenriched products through stereoretentive functionalization of the carbon-boron bond. Finally, we have exploited this method in the first highly stereoselective total synthesis of P-streptonigrin.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel S-alkyl Phthalimide- and S-benzyl-oxadiazole-quinoline Hybrids as Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase and Acetylcholinesterase

New S-alkyl phthalimide 5a-f and S-benzyl 6a-d analogs of 5-(2-phenylquinolin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol (4) were prepared by reacting 4 with N-bromoalkylphthalimide and CF₃-substituted benzyl bromides in excellent yields. Spectroscopic techniques were employed to elucidate the structures of the synthesized molecules. The inhibition activity of newly synthesized molecules toward MAO-A, MAO-B, and AChE enzymes, was also assessed. All these compounds showed activity in the submicromolar range against all enzymes. Compounds 5a and 5f were found to be the most potent compounds against MAO-A (IC₅₀ = 0.91 ± 0.15 nM) and MAO-B (IC₅₀ = 0.84 ± 0.06 nM), while compound 5c showed the most efficient acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 1.02± 0.65 μM). Docking predictions disclosed the docking poses of the synthesized molecules with all enzymes and demonstrated the outstanding potency of compounds 5a, 5f, and 5c (docking scores = -11.6, -15.3, and -14.0 kcal/mol against MAO-A, MAO-B, and AChE, respectively). These newly synthesized analogs act as up-and-coming candidates for the creation of safer curative use against Alzheimer's illness.

Structure based design, synthesis, and evaluation of anti-CML activity of the quinolinequinones as LY83583 analogs

Quinone-based small molecules are the promising structures for antiproliferative drug design and can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Among them, one of the quinolinequinones, named as 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinequinone, LY83583 has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells as an inhibitor of cyclase. The biological potential of all synthesized compounds as the analogs of the identified lead molecule LY83583 that possessed the antiproliferative efficiency was determined. The two series of the LY83583 analogs containing electron-withdrawing or electron-donating group(s) were synthesized and subsequently in vitro evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against K562, Jurkat, MT-2, and HeLa cell lines using MTT assay. All the LY83583 analogs showed antiproliferative activity with good IC₅₀ values (less than positive control imatinib). Four analogs from each series were also selected for the determination of selectivity against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The analog AQQ15 showed high potency towards all cancer cell lines with almost similar selectivity of imatinib. In order to get a better insight into cytotoxic effects of the analog AQQ15 in K562 cells, further apoptotic effects due to annexin V/ethidium homodimer III staining, ABL1 kinase inhibition, and DNA cleaving ability were examined. The analog AQQ15 induced apoptotic cell death in K562 cells with 34.6% compared to imatinib (6.5%). This analog showed no considerable ABL1 kinase inhibitory activity but significant DNA cleavage activity indicating DNA fragmentation-induced apoptosis. Besides, molecular docking studies revealed that the analog AQQ15 established proper interactions with the deoxyribose sugar attached with the nucleobases adenine and guanidine respectively, in the minor groove of the double helix of DNA. In silico predicted pharmacokinetic parameters of this analog were found to comply with the standard range making it an efficient anticancer drug candidate for further research.

A novel streptonigrin type alkaloid from the Streptomyces flocculus CGMCC 4.1223 mutant ΔstnA/Q2

Streptonigrin (STN) is a highly functionalized aminoquinone alkaloid with broad and potent antitumor activities. Previously, the biosynthetic gene cluster of STN was identified in Streptomyces flocculus CGMCC 4.1223, revealing an α/β-hydrolase (StnA) and a methyltransferase (StnQ2). In this work, a double mutant ΔstnA/Q2 was constructed by genetic manipulation and produced a novel derivative of STN, named as streptonigramide. Structure of streptonigramide was established by spectroscopic analyses. Its biosynthetic pathway has been proposed as well.

Oxidative Phosphorylation—an Update on a New, Essential Target Space for Drug Discovery in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

New drugs with new mechanisms of action are urgently required to tackle the global tuberculosis epidemic. Following the FDA-approval of the ATP synthase inhibitor bedaquiline (Sirturo®), energy metabolism has become the subject of intense focus as a novel pathway to exploit for tuberculosis drug development. This enthusiasm stems from the fact that oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) and the maintenance of the transmembrane electrochemical gradient are essential for the viability of replicating and non-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the etiological agent of human tuberculosis (TB). Therefore, new drugs targeting this pathway have the potential to shorten TB treatment, which is one of the major goals of TB drug discovery. This review summarises the latest and key findings regarding the OxPhos pathway in M. tb and provides an overview of the inhibitors targeting various components. We also discuss the potential of new regimens containing these inhibitors, the flexibility of this pathway and, consequently, the complexity in targeting it. Lastly, we discuss opportunities and future directions of this drug target space.

5,8-Quinolinedione Scaffold as a Promising Moiety of Bioactive Agents

Natural 5,8-quinolinedione antibiotics exhibit a broad spectrum of activities including anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and antimalarial activities. The structure-activity research showed that the 5,8-quinolinedione scaffold is responsible for its biological effect. The subject of this review report is a presentation of the pharmacological activity of synthetic 5,8-quinolinedione compounds containing different groups at C-6 and/or C-7 positions. The relationship between the activity and the mechanism of action is included if these data have been included in the original literature. The review mostly covers the period between 2000 and 2019. Previously published literature data were used to present historical points.

Inverse Electron Demand Diels-Alder Reactions of Heterocyclic Azadienes, 1-Aza-1,3-Butadienes, Cyclopropenone Ketals, and Related Systems. A Retrospective

A summary of the investigation and applications of the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction is provided that have been conducted in our laboratory over a period that now spans more than 35 years. The work, which continues to provide solutions to complex synthetic challenges, is presented in the context of more than 70 natural product total syntheses in which the reactions served as a key strategic step in the approach. The studies include the development and use of the cycloaddition reactions of heterocyclic azadienes (1,2,4,5-tetrazines; 1,2,4-, 1,3,5-, and 1,2,3-triazines; 1,2-diazines; and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles), 1-aza-1,3-butadienes, α-pyrones, and cyclopropenone ketals. Their applications illustrate the power of the methodology, often provided concise and nonobvious total syntheses of the targeted natural products, typically were extended to the synthesis of analogues that contain deep-seated structural changes in more comprehensive studies to explore or optimize their biological properties, and highlight a wealth of opportunities not yet tapped.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 3-Cyano-2-(1H-Indol-3-yl)Pyridine Derivatives by a Multicomponent Reaction

Preparation of a series of 3-cyano-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyridine derivatives through the one-pot multicomponent coupling of aromatic aldehydes, aromatic ketones, 3-(cyanoacetyl)indole and ammonium acetate is studied in the present article. All these compounds were obtained in good yield and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, IR and elementary analysis.

Traceless point-to-axial chirality exchange in the atropselective synthesis of biaryls/heterobiaryls

A strategy for establishing a chiral axis from stereogenic centers via elimination or oxidative aromatization with a high level of chirality transfer was developed.

Iodine mediated in situ generation of R-Se–I: application towards the construction of pyrano[4,3-b]quinoline heterocycles and fluorescence properties

Iodine mediated in situ generation of R-Se–I and its application towards the construction of pyrano[4,3-b]quinolin-1-one derivatives.

Beyond a solvent: triple roles of dimethylformamide in organic chemistry

N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) is frequently used as an aprotic solvent in chemical transformations in laboratories of academia as well as in those of chemical industry. In the present review, we will reveal that DMF is actually something much more than a solvent. It is a unique chemical since, as well as being an effective polar aprotic solvent, it can play three other important roles in organic chemistry. It can be used as a reagent, a catalyst, and a stabilizer.

Evaluation of A-ring fused pyridine d-modified androstane derivatives for antiproliferative and aldo-keto reductase 1C3 inhibitory activity

New A-ring pyridine fused androstanes in 17a-homo-17-oxa (d-homo lactone), 17α-picolyl or 17(E)-picolinylidene series were synthesized and validated by X-ray crystallography, HRMS, IR and NMR spectroscopy. Novel compounds 3, 5, 8 and 12 were prepared by treatment of 4-en-3-one or 4-ene-3,6-dione d-modified androstane derivatives with propargylamine catalyzed by Cu(ii), and evaluated for potential anticancer activity in vitro using human cancer cell lines and recombinant targets of steroidal anti-cancer drugs. Pyridine fusion to position 3,4 of the A-ring may dramatically enhance affinity of 17α-picolyl compounds for CYP17 while conferring selective antiproliferative activity against PC-3 cells. Similarly, pyridine fusion to the A-ring of steroidal d-homo lactones led to identification of new inhibitors of aldo-keto reductase 1C3, an enzyme targeted in acute myeloid leukemia, breast and prostate cancers. One A-pyridine d-lactone steroid 5 also has selective submicromolar antiproliferative activity against HT-29 colon cancer cells. None of the new derivatives have affinity for estrogen or androgen receptors in a yeast screen, suggesting negligible estrogenicity and androgenicity. Combined, our results suggest that A-ring pyridine fusions have potential in modulating the anticancer activity of steroidal compounds.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Sulfur Derivatives of Quinolinium Salts

A novel method for cleavage of the dithiine ring in 5,12-(dimethyl)-thioqinantrenium bis-chloride 1 "via" reaction with sodium hydrosulfide leads to 1-methyl-3-mercaptoquinoline-4(1H)-thione 2. Further transformation of thiol and thione functions of compound 2 leads to a series of sulfide and disulfide derivatives of quinolinium salts 4 and 6. 1-Methyl-4-chloro-3-benzylthioquinoline chloride 8 was obtained by N-alkylating 4-chloro-3-benzylthioquinoline using dimethyl sulfate. Antimicrobial activity of the obtained compounds was investigated using six Gram-positive and six Gram-negative bacterial strains, as well as Candida albicans yeast. Greater activity was demonstrated towards Gram-positive strains. MIC values for compounds and with benzylthio 4d and benzoylthio 4f substituents in 3-quinoline position were found to be in the 0.5-1 μg/mL range, at a level similar to that of ciprofloxacin (reference). Compounds 4d and 4f also demonstrated interesting antifungal properties (MIC = 1).

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.

Copper-catalyzed cascade reaction: synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-b]quinolinones from 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbonitriles with (aryl)methanamines

Cu-catalyzed cascade reaction of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbonitriles with benzyl amines using sodium hydroxide in aerobic atmosphere has been developed for the synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline-4-ones.

A new heptadentate picolinate-based ligand and its corresponding Gd(iii) complex: the effect of pendant picolinate versus acetate on complex properties

Replacing one picolinate pendant by acetate group in H₄bpeda ligand, the synthesised bis(aquated) Gd(iii) complex of ligand H4peada showed better stability and r₁ relaxivity for its potential use as MRI contrast agent.

Synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant activity of novel 2-phenyl-quinoline analogs derivatized at position 4 with aromatically substituted 4H-1,2,4-triazoles

A set of novel quinolone-triazole conjugates (12-31) were synthesized in three steps in good yields starting from 2-phenylquinoline-4-carboxylic acid. All the intermediates, as well as the final 1,2,4-triazolyl quinolines were fully characterized by their detailed spectral analysis utilizing different techniques such as IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and finally mass spectrometry. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro for their potential antibacterial activity and their preliminary safety profile was assessed through cytotoxicity assay. Additionally, six selected conjugates were evaluated for their antioxidative properties on the basis of density functional theory calculations, using radical scavenging assay (DPPH) and cellular antioxidant assay. The reported results encourage further investigation of selected compounds and are shading light on their potential pharmacological use.

Identification of (2S,3S)-β-Methyltryptophan as the Real Biosynthetic Intermediate of Antitumor Agent Streptonigrin

Streptonigrin is a potent antitumor antibiotic, active against a wide range of mammalian tumor cells. It was reported that its biosynthesis relies on (2S,3R)-β-methyltryptophan as an intermediate. In this study, the biosynthesis of (2S,3R)-β-methyltryptophan and its isomer (2S,3S)-β-methyltryptophan by enzymes from the streptonigrin biosynthetic pathway is demonstrated. StnR is a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent aminotransferase that catalyzes a transamination between L-tryptophan and β-methyl indolepyruvate. StnQ1 is an S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent C-methyltransferase and catalyzes β-methylation of indolepyruvate to generate (R)-β-methyl indolepyruvate. Although StnR exhibited a significant preference for (S)-β-methyl indolepyruvate over the (R)-epimer, StnQ1 and StnR together catalyze (2S,3R)-β-methyltryptophan formation from L-tryptophan. StnK3 is a cupin superfamily protein responsible for conversion of (R)-β-methyl indolepyruvate to its (S)-epimer and enables (2S,3S)-β-methyltryptophan biosynthesis from L-tryptophan when combined with StnQ1 and StnR. Most importantly, (2S,3S)-β-methyltryptophan was established as the biosynthetic intermediate of the streptonigrin pathway by feeding experiments with a knockout mutant, contradicting the previous proposal that stated (2S,3R)-β-methyltryptophan as the intermediate. These data set the stage for the complete elucidation of the streptonigrin biosynthetic pathway, which would unlock the potential of creating new streptonigrin analogues by genetic manipulation of the biosynthetic machinery.

Synthesis, Structure and Cytotoxic Activity of Mono- and Dialkoxy Derivatives of 5,8-Quinolinedione

A series of 5,8-quinolinedione derivatives containing one or two alkoxy groups was synthesized and characterized by ¹H- and (13)C-NMR, IR and MS spectra. X-ray diffraction was used to investigate the crystal structures of 6-chloro-7-(2-cyjanoethoxy)-5,8-quinolinedione and 6,7-di(2,2,2-trifloroethoxy)-5,8-quinolinedione. All studied compounds were tested in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines and human normal fibroblasts. Most of the compounds showed higher cytotoxicity than the starting compound, 6,7-dichloro-5,8-quinolinedione, and cisplatin, which was used as a reference agent.

Metal free TBHP-promoted intramolecular carbonylation of arenes via radical cross-dehydrogenative coupling: synthesis of indenoquinolinones, 4-azafluorenones and fluorenones

Analogues of indenoquinolinones, 4-azafluorenones and fluorenones were accessed in good to excellent yields. One of the synthesized derivative is known for antibacterial activity.

Visible light-induced aerobic C–N bond activation: a photocatalytic strategy for the preparation of 2-arylpyridines and 2-arylquinolines

An efficient method for accessing arylpyridines and arylquinolines via visible light-induced aerobic C–N bond activation is described.

Aerobic C-N bond activation: a simple strategy to construct pyridines and quinolines

Inspired by the autoxidation processes, a dioxygen induced C-N bond activation of primary alkyl amines was demonstrated toward the synthesis of pyridines and quinolines. The transition-metal free conditions with O2 as the sole oxidant make this transformation very attractive. Notably, the substrate applicability of different kinds of ketones is greatly broadened for this transformation.