Chapter 6 Therapeutic Use of Bisindole Alkaloids from Catharanthus

Access to Indole-Annulated Medium-Sized Lactams through Protonation/Deuteration-Induced Ring-Opening of Spiroindolines

A protocol has been developed to access indole-annulated eight- and nine-membered lactams through protonation-induced ring-opening of spiroindolines, which are dearomative Heck products of tetrahydro-β-carbolines or hexahydroazepino[3,4-b]indoles. Brønsted acids and nucleophiles were explored and compared in the transformation. A combination of deuterated hydrochloride and deuterated methanol enables deuterative ring-opening of spiroindolines to afford medium-sized lactam diastereoisomers with a deuterium content ratio around 1:1.

TUFT1 Facilitates Metastasis, Stemness, and Vincristine Resistance in Colorectal Cancer via Activation of PI3K/AKT Pathway

Since the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) are increasing in recent years, the research on the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer has attracted more and more attention. Here, our results confirmed that the mRNA expression level and proteins accumulation of TUFT1 were significantly increased in CRC tissues from late-stage CRC patients (III + IV) (p < 0.001), indicated by qPCR and IHC assay. The TUFT1 expression was positively correlated with tumor stage by analyzing 126 specimens from CRC patients. Next, we found that up-regulation of TUFT1 enhanced the migration and invasion of LoVo cells, whereas the down-regulation of TUFT1 observably weakened the migration and invasion of SW837 cells, indicating that TUFT1 promotes the metastasis of CRC cells. In addition, TUFT1 overexpression increased the number of mammary spheres and vincristine resistance of LoVo cells by sphere formation assay and measuring the IC50 value, suggesting the TUFT1 promotes stemness and the vincristine resistance of CRC cells. Finally, we found that TUFT1 overexpression increased p-AKT in LoVo cells, while down-regulation of TUFT1 decreased the p-AKT levels in SW837 cells. Therefore, we determined that the function of TUFT1 in CRC depends on PI3K/AKT pathway. Taken together, these data demonstrated that TUFI1 facilitates metastasis, stemness, and vincristine resistance of colorectal cancer cells via activation of PI3K/AKT pathway, which might act as a promising therapeutic target for CRC.

Reprogramming plant specialized metabolism by manipulating protein kinases

Being sessile, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to balance between growth and defense to survive in the harsh environment. The transition from growth to defense is commonly achieved by factors, such as protein kinases (PKs) and transcription factors, that initiate signal transduction and regulate specialized metabolism. Plants produce an array of lineage-specific specialized metabolites for chemical defense and stress tolerance. Some of these molecules are also used by humans as drugs. However, many of these defense-responsive metabolites are toxic to plant cells and inhibitory to growth and development. Plants have, thus, evolved complex regulatory networks to balance the accumulation of the toxic metabolites. Perception of external stimuli is a vital part of the regulatory network. Protein kinase-mediated signaling activates a series of defense responses by phosphorylating the target proteins and translating the stimulus into downstream cellular signaling. As biosynthesis of specialized metabolites is triggered when plants perceive stimuli, a possible connection between PKs and specialized metabolism is well recognized. However, the roles of PKs in plant specialized metabolism have not received much attention until recently. Here, we summarize the recent advances in understanding PKs in plant specialized metabolism. We aim to highlight how the stimulatory signals are transduced, leading to the biosynthesis of corresponding metabolites. We discuss the post-translational regulation of specialized metabolism and provide insights into the mechanisms by which plants respond to the external signals. In addition, we propose possible strategies to increase the production of plant specialized metabolites in biotechnological applications using PKs.

Chlorinated bis-indole alkaloids from deep-sea derived Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 11791 with antibacterial and cytotoxic activities

Two new chlorinated bis-indole alkaloids, dionemycin (1) and 6-OMe-7',7″-dichorochromopyrrolic acid (2), along with seven known analogs 3-9, were isolated from the deep-sea derived Streptomyces sp. SCSIO 11791. Their structures were elucidated by extensive HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR data analysis. In vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic assays revealed that, compound 1, shows anti-staphylococcal activity with an MIC range of 1-2 μg/mL against six clinic strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from human and pig. Additionally, compound 1 displayed cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines NCI-H460, MDA-MB-231, HCT-116, HepG2, and noncancerous MCF10A with an IC₅₀ range of 3.1-11.2 μM. Analysis of the structure-activity relationship reveals that the chlorine atom at C-6″ could be pivotal for conferring their bioactivities, thus providing hints on chemical modifications on bis-indole alkaloid scaffold in drug design.

Synthesis of Bisindole Alkaloids from the Apocynaceae Which Contain a Macroline or Sarpagine Unit: A Review

Bisindole natural products consist of two monomeric indole alkaloid units as their obligate constituents. Bisindoles are more potent with respect to their biological activity than their corresponding monomeric units. In addition, the synthesis of bisindoles are far more challenging than the synthesis of monomeric indole alkaloids. Herein is reviewed the enantiospecific total and partial synthesis of bisindole alkaloids isolated primarily from the Alstonia genus of the Apocynaceae family. The monomeric units belong to the sarpagine, ajmaline, macroline, vobasine, and pleiocarpamine series. An up-to-date discussion of their isolation, characterization, biological activity as well as approaches to their partial and total synthesis by means of both synthetic and biosynthetic strategies are presented.

Conversion of the Enzymatically Derived (1S,2S)-3-Bromocyclohexa-3,5-diene-1,2-diol into Enantiomerically Pure Compounds Embodying the Pentacyclic Framework of Vindoline

The enzymatically derived and enantiomerically pure (1S,2S)-3-bromocyclohexa-3,5-diene-1,2-diol (7) has been elaborated over 17 steps into compounds 8 and 32, each of which embodies the pentacyclic framework and much of the functionality associated with the alkaloid vindoline (3). This work sets the stage for effecting the conversion of the related metabolite (1S,6R)-5-ethyl-1,6-dihydroxycyclohexa-2,4-diene-1-carboxylic acid (4) into compound 3, the latter being a biogenetic precursor to the clinically significant anticancer agents vinblastine and vincristine.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Vindoline and (+)-4-epi-Vindoline Based on a 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Tandem Intramolecular [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] Cycloaddition Cascade Initiated by an Allene Dienophile

It is reported that an allene dienophile can initiate a tandem intramolecular [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] cycloaddition cascade of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, that the intermediate cross-conjugated 1,3-dipole (a carbonyl ylide) can participate in an ensuing [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition in a remarkably effective manner, and that the reaction can be implemented to provide the core pentacyclic ring system of vindoline. Its discovery improves a previous total synthesis of (-)-vindoline and was used in a total synthesis of (+)-4-epi-vindoline and (+)-4-epi-vinblastine that additionally enlists an alternative series of late-stage transformations.

Synthesis of (-)-pseudotabersonine, (-)-pseudovincadifformine, and (+)-coronaridine enabled by photoredox catalysis in flow

Natural product modification with photoredox catalysis allows for mild, chemoselective access to a wide array of related structures in complex areas of chemical space, providing the possibility for novel structural motifs as well as useful quantities of less abundant congeners. While amine additives have been used extensively as stoichiometric electron donors for photocatalysis, the controlled modification of amine substrates through single-electron oxidation is ideal for the synthesis and modification of alkaloids. Here, we report the conversion of the amine (+)-catharanthine into the natural products (-)-pseudotabersonine, (-)-pseudovincadifformine, and (+)-coronaridine utilizing visible light photoredox catalysis.

Transannular Diels-Alder/1,3-dipolar cycloaddition cascade of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles: total synthesis of a unique set of vinblastine analogues

A powerful tandem [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] cycloaddition cascade of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles initiated by a transannular [4 + 2] cycloaddition is detailed. An impressive four rings, four carbon-carbon bonds, and six stereocenters are set on each site of the newly formed central six-membered ring in a cascade thermal reaction that proceeds at temperatures as low as 80 °C. The resulting cycloadducts provide the basis for the synthesis of unique analogues of vinblastine containing metabolically benign deep-seated cyclic modifications at the C3/C4 centers of the vindoline-derived subunit of the natural product.

Total synthesis and evaluation of a key series of C5-substituted vinblastine derivatives

A remarkably concise seven- to eight-step total synthesis of a systematic series of key vinblastine derivatives is detailed and used to characterize the importance and probe the role of the C5 ethyl substituent (R = H, Me, Pr, CH=CH(2), C[triple bond]CH, CH(2)OH, and CHO vs Et). The analogues, which bear deep-seated structural changes accessible only by total synthesis, were prepared using a powerful intramolecular [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] cycloaddition cascade of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles ideally suited for use in the assemblage of the vindoline-derived lower subunit followed by their incorporation into the vinblastine analogues through the use of a single-step biomimetic coupling with catharanthine. The evaluation of the series revealed that the tubulin binding site surrounding this C5 substituent is exquisitely sensitive to the presence (Et > H, 10-fold), size (Me < or = Et > Pr, 10-fold), shape (Et > CH=CH(2) and C[triple bond]CH, > 4-fold), and polarity (Et > CHO > CH(2)OH, >10-20-fold) of this substituent and that on selected occasions only a C5 methyl group may provide analogues that approach the activity observed with the naturally occurring C5 ethyl group.

Asymmetric total synthesis of vindoline

A concise asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-vindoline (1) is detailed based on a tandem intramolecular [4+2]/[3+2] cycloaddition cascade of a 1,3,4-oxadiazole inspired by the natural product structure, in which the tether linking the initiating dienophile and oxadiazole bears a chiral substituent that controls the facial selectivity of the initiating Diels-Alder reaction and sets absolute stereochemistry of the remaining six stereocenters in the cascade cycloadduct. This key reaction introduces three rings and four C-C bonds central to the pentacyclic ring system setting all six stereocenters and introducing essentially all the functionality found in the natural product in a single step. Implementation of the approach also required the development of a unique ring expansion reaction to provide a six-membered ring suitably functionalized for introduction of the Delta (6, 7)-double bond found in the core structure of vindoline and defined our use of a protected hydroxymethyl group as the substituent used to control the stereochemical course of the cycloaddition cascade.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of cytotoxic anhydrovinblastine amide derivatives

A series of 3-demethoxycarbonyl-3-amide methyl anhydrovinblastine derivatives (5b-24b) was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their proliferation inhibition activities against two tumor cell lines (A549 and HeLa). Most of the amide anhydrovinblastine derivatives exhibited potent cytotoxicity, with the size of the introduced substituents being the foremost factor in determining the resultant cytotoxic activity. Test results in vivo against sarcoma 180 of three potent compounds (6b, 12b, and 24b) indicated that the introduction of an amide group at the 22-position of anhydrovinblastine (1e) improved both potency and toxicity.

Total synthesis of vinblastine, vincristine, related natural products, and key structural analogues

Full details of the development of a direct coupling of catharanthine with vindoline to provide vinblastine are described along with key mechanistic and labeling studies. Following an Fe(III)-promoted coupling reaction initiated by generation of a presumed catharanthine radical cation that undergoes a subsequent oxidative fragmentation and diastereoselective coupling with vindoline, addition of the resulting reaction mixture to an Fe(III)-NaBH(4)/air solution leads to oxidation of the C15'-C20' double bond and reduction of the intermediate iminium ion directly providing vinblastine (40-43%) and leurosidine (20-23%), its naturally occurring C20' alcohol isomer. The yield of coupled products, which exclusively possess the natural C16' stereochemistry, approaches or exceeds 80% and the combined yield of the isomeric C20' alcohols is >60%. Preliminary studies of Fe(III)-NaBH(4)/air oxidation reaction illustrate a generalizable trisubstituted olefin scope, identify alternatives to O(2) trap at the oxidized carbon, provide a unique entry into C20' functionalized vinblastines, and afford initial insights into the observed C20' diastereoselectivity. The first disclosure of the use of exo-catharanthine proceeding through Delta(19',20')-anhydrovinblastine in such coupling reactions is also detailed with identical stereochemical consequences. Incorporating either a catharanthine N-methyl group or a vindoline N-formyl group precludes Fe(III)-promoted coupling, whereas the removal of the potentially key C16 methoxy group of vindoline does not adversely impact the coupling efficiency. Extension of these studies provided a total synthesis of vincristine (2) via N-desmethylvinblastine (36, also a natural product), 16-desmethoxyvinblastine (44) and 4-desacetoxy-16-desmethoxyvinblastine (47) both of which we can now suggest are likely natural products produced by C. roseus, desacetylvinblastine (62) and 4-desacetoxyvinblastine (59), as well as a series of key analogues bearing systematic modifications in the vindoline subunit. Their biological evaluation provided additional insights into the key functionality within the vindoline subunit contributing to the activity and sets the foundation on which further, more deep-seated changes in the structures of 1 and 2 will be explored in future studies.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of cytotoxic ester and ether anhydrovinblastine derivatives

Two new series of 3-demethoxycarbonyl-3-ester and 3-demethoxycarbonyl-3-ether methyl anhydrovinblastine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against human non-small-cell lung cancer (A549) and cervical epithelial adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cell lines. Ester anhydrovinblastine derivatives exhibited potent cytotoxicity, whereas the ether analogues were much less active. The size of the introduced substituents was the foremost factor in determining the resultant cytotoxic activity. Compound 12b showed a similar cytotoxic potency to the positive control, anhydrovinblastine (1a).

Direct coupling of catharanthine and vindoline to provide vinblastine: total synthesis of (+)- and ent-(-)-vinblastine

A direct coupling of cantharanthine with vindoline to provide vinblastine is detailed along with key mechanistic and labeling studies. Following an Fe(III)-promoted coupling reaction initiated by generation of a presumed cantharanthine amine radical cation that undergoes a subsequent oxidative fragmentation and diastereoselective coupling with vindoline, addition of the resulting reaction mixture to an Fe(III)-NaBH4/air solution leads to oxidation of the C15'-C21' double bond and reduction of the intermediate iminium ion directly providing vinblastine (43%) and leurosidine (23%), its naturally occurring C21' alcohol isomer. The yield of coupled products, which exclusively possess the natural C16' stereochemistry, approaches or exceeds 80% and the combined yield of the isomeric C21' alcohols is 66%.

Total synthesis of (-)- and ent-(+)-vindoline and related alkaloids

A concise 11-step total synthesis of (-)- and ent-(+)-vindoline (3) is detailed based on a unique tandem intramolecular [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] cycloaddition cascade of a 1,3,4-oxadiazole inspired by the natural product structure, in which three rings and four C-C bonds are formed central to the characteristic pentacyclic ring system setting all six stereocenters and introducing essentially all the functionality found in the natural product in a single step. As key elements of the scope and stereochemical features of the reaction were defined, a series of related natural products of increasing complexity were prepared by total synthesis including both enantiomers of minovine (4), 4-desacetoxy-6,7-dihydrovindorosine (5), 4-desacetoxyvindorosine (6), and vindorosine (7) as well as N-methylaspidospermidine (11). Subsequent extensions of the approach provided both enantiomers of 6,7-dihydrovindoline (8), 4-desacetoxyvindoline (9), and 4-desacetoxy-6,7-dihydrovindoline (10).

Total synthesis of (-)- and ent-(+)-vindoline

[reaction: see text] Two exceptionally concise total syntheses of (-)- and ent-(+)-vindoline are detailed enlisting a diastereoselective tandem [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] cycloaddition of a 1,3,4-oxadiazole. The unique reaction cascade assembles the fully functionalized pentacyclic ring system of vindoline in a single step that forms four C-C bonds and three rings while introducing all requisite functionality and setting all six stereocenters within the central ring including three contiguous and four total quaternary centers.