Absolute configuration of main chain of AAL-toxins

Jasisoquinolines A and B, architecturally new isoquinolines, from a marine sponge Jaspis sp

Two architecturally new isoquinolines, jasisoquinolines A and B, were isolated from a marine sponge Jaspis sp. as cathepsin B inhibitors. Their structures were determined by a combination of spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. Both jasisoquinolines A and B inhibit cathepsin B with an IC(50) value of 10 μg/mL.

Schulzeines A-C, new alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from the marine sponge Penares schulzei

Three new alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, schulzeines A-C (1-3), were isolated from the marine sponge Penares schulzei. Their structures were elucidated by spectral analysis and chemical degradations to be the isoquinoline alkaloids, encompassing two amino acids, and C(28) fatty acid, the last of which was sulfated. Absolute stereochemistry of schulzeines was determined by application of the modified Mosher analysis to fragments obtained by chemical degradation. Schulzeines A-C inhibit alpha-glucosidase with IC(50) values of 48-170 nM.

Exploration of the P1 SAR of aldehyde cathepsin K inhibitors

The synthesis and biological activity of a series of aldehyde inhibitors of cathepsin K are reported. Exploration of the properties of the S(1) subsite with a series of alpha-amino aldehyde derivatives substituted at the P(1) position afforded compounds with cathepsin K IC(50)s between 52 microM and 15 nM.

Stereocontrol of 1,5-related stereocentres using an intermediate silyl group—the diastereoselectivity of nucleophilic attack on a double bond adjacent to a stereogenic centre carrying a silyl group

R-5-Methylcyclohex-2-enone 1 reacts successively with the phenyldimethylsilylzincate reagent and acetaldehyde to give with regiocontrol the aldols 7, dehydration of which creates the E-exocyclic double bond of the alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone 2. Conjugate addition of the ethylcuprate reagent to this compound takes place with high (96:4) selectivity in favour of the R stereoisomer 12, hydrolysis of which gives (2R,3R,5S,2'R)-2-(but-2'-yl)-3-dimethyl(phenyl)silyl-5-methylcyclohexanone 3. The oxime acetate of this ketone undergoes fragmentation in the presence of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate to give 3R,7R,5E-3,7-dimethylnon-5-enonitrile 4, in which an open-chain 1,5-stereochemical relationship is set up with a high level of stereocontrol. A similar sequence adding 4-methylpentylcuprate to the enone 2, and fragmentation gives 3R,7R,5E-3,7,11-trimethyldodec-5-enonitrile 20. Reduction and hydrogenation of this nitrile gives 3R,7R-3,7,11-trimethyldodecanal 22, which can be converted into phytol 25. The ketoaldehyde 29 reacts with samarium iodide to give only the alcohol 30, in which the radical anion has attacked from the top surface just like the cuprate reagents in their reactions with the ketone 2.

Fumonisins, mycotoxins of increasing importance: their nature and their effects

The fumonisins (FBs) are a group of closely related mycotoxins that are prevalent in maize. They were isolated from strains of Fusarium moniliforme (Sheldon), which were implicated in the aetiology of human oesophageal cancer in the Transkei, South Africa. Their discovery explained the cause of equine encephalomalacia, or "hole in the head" syndrome, when it was found by feeding trials in horses that they elicited the disease. Subsequently, they were found to cause hepatic cancer in rats and pulmonary oedema in pigs, with most animal species tested showing liver and kidney damage. FB1 is the most important of the group and, although poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, its action is at the cellular level, affecting sphingolipid metabolism. Ceramides derived from sphingosine metabolism are cell regulatory factors affecting, among other things, DNA synthesis. Because FB1 has a close molecular resemblance to sphinganine, it interferes with ceramide biosynthesis and, hence, the processes that it regulates, which is thought to explain its carcinogenic properties. Studies on the FBs are still at a relatively early stage, but it is already clear that they play an important role in animal mycotoxicoses and, by implication, in human disease. A more positive aspect is that they will be used in elucidating the role of sphingolipids in cellular regulation.

Chemistry and biological activity of AAL toxins

AAL toxins and fumonisins comprise a family of highly reactive, chemically related mycotoxins that disrupt cellular homeostasis in both plant and animal tissues. Two critical issues to resolve are the detection of the entire family in food matricies and the mode of cellular disruption. Analysis of the entire set of chemical congeners in food matrices is difficult but has been achieved by a combination of different HPLC and mass spectrometry strategies. The mode of cellular disruption is unknown but likely involves changes associated with the inhibition of ceramide synthase in both plants and animals. Toxin treated cells exhibit morphological and biochemical changes characteristic of apoptosis. Further evaluation of the specific genetic and biochemical changes that occur during toxin-induced cell death may aid in understanding the mole of the action of these mycotoxins.