Efficient synthesis and biological evaluation of all A-ring diastereomers of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its 20-epimer

The Centennial Collection of VDR Ligands: Metabolites, Analogs, Hybrids and Non-Secosteroidal Ligands

Since the discovery of vitamin D a century ago, a great number of metabolites, analogs, hybrids and nonsteroidal VDR ligands have been developed. An enormous effort has been made to synthesize compounds which present beneficial properties while attaining lower calcium serum levels than calcitriol. This structural review covers VDR ligands published to date.

Novel approach to A-ring synthon for Pd-catalyzed synthesis of 1α-hydroxylated vitamin D metabolites

A novel approach to an A-ring synthon for Pd-catalyzed synthesis of 1α-hydroxylated vitamin D metabolites is described. Key step is an asymmetric glyoxylate ene reaction to access a highly diastereomerically pure α-hydroxy ester. Subsequent stereospecific transformation to an anti-1,3-diol and appropriate chemical modifications at both ends of the acyclic precursor leads to a diastereomerically and enantiomerically pure silylated anti-1,3-diol enyne, serving as a versatile A-ring synthon for its use in vitamin D synthesis.

Autoxidation of Isotachysterol: Formation of New Epoxides

Autoxidation of isotachysterol under atmospheric oxygen in the dark at ambient temperature produces two new epoxides: ( 3S,5R)- and ( 3S,5S)-5,10-epoxy-isotachy sterols.

An improved methodology for the synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxy-20-epi-vitamin D3 (MC 1288) and Gemini analog Ro-438-3582

Control over the C-20 stereochemistry allows a versatile method to introduce novel side-chains into the vitamin D scaffold.

Synthesis of Denosomin-Vitamin D3 Hybrids and Evaluation of Their Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Activities

As an extension of previously conducted studies on developing an anti-Alzheimer's disease agent, denosomin (1-deoxy-24-norsominone, an artificial inducer of neurite elongation), derivatives were designed and synthesized based on the hypothesis that our denosomin would exhibit axonal extension activity via a 1,25D(3)-membrane-associated, rapid response steroid-binding protein (1,25D(3)-MARRS) pathway. The biological assay revealed that the hybridization of characteristic δ-lactone in denosomin and the triene moiety in VD(3) was effective to enhance the nerve re-extension activity in amyloid β (Aβ)-damaged neurons.

An efficient synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxy-20-epi-vitamin D3

The synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxy-20-epi-vitamin D3 (1) by Pd(0)-catalyzed coupling between the boronate ester (2) and the enol triflate (3) is described. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Vitamin D Workshop'.

26- and 27-Methyl groups of 2-substituted, 19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxylated vitamin D compounds are essential for calcium mobilization in vivo

Twelve new analogs of 19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D36-17, were prepared by a multi-step procedure from known alcohols 18 and 19. We have examined the influence of removing two methyl groups located at C-25, as well as the 25-hydroxy group, on the biological in vitro and in vivo biological activity. Surprisingly, removal of the 26- and 27-methyl groups from either the 2α-methyl or 2-methylene-19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 reduced vitamin D receptor binding, HL-60 differentiation, and 25-hydroxylase transcription in vitro only slightly to moderately (compounds 6-13). However, these compounds were devoid of in vivo bone mobilization activity and had markedly reduced activity on intestinal calcium transport. The analogs 14-17 with a 2β-methyl substitution had little or no activity in vitro and in vivo as expected from previous work.

Total synthesis of (-)-jiadifenin

As easy as ABCD: (-)-Jiadifenin was synthesized in eighteen reaction steps from 1-[(E)-(4'-bromo-2'-butenyl)oxy]-4-methoxybenzene. Key features of this synthesis include: 1) Ireland-Claisen rearrangement to produce the two contiguous quaternary centers at C5 and C6 simultaneously, 2) intramolecular Pauson-Khand reaction (IMPKR) to concurrently construct the A and B rings, and 3) [2+2] photo-cycloaddition to generate the all-carbon quaternary center at C9.

Novel vitamin D receptor ligands having a carboxyl group as an anchor to arginine 274 in the ligand-binding domain

Vitamin D3 is metabolized into the hormonally active form, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1), via 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (2) which is the most abundant circulating metabolite. Introduction of the 1alpha-hydroxyl group into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (2) to produce 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1) increases the VDR binding affinity by approximately 1000-fold. The X-ray crystal structure of human VDR in complex with 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1) shows that, together with Ser-237, the 1alpha-hydroxyl group of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1) makes hydrogen bonds with Arg-274, single mutation of which results in impaired ligand recognition. In 2002, lithocholic acid, which possesses a carboxyl group at position C24, was demonstrated to be a weak VDR ligand. We speculated that the carboxylic acid of lithocholic acid could be recognized by Arg-274 in the ligand-binding domain of VDR. In view of the significance of Arg-274 to direct the 1alpha-hydroxyl group, as well as the results with lithocholic acid and its derivatives, we designed the C2 modified analogues of 25-hydroxylvitamin D3 (2) having a carboxyl group, instead of the 1-hydroxyl group, for better electrostatic interaction to the guanidinium side-chain of arginine.

Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of 20-epi-eldecalcitol [20-epi-1alpha,25-dihydroxy-2beta-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D3: 20-epi-ED-71]

Eldecalcitol [1alpha,25-dihydroxy-2beta-(3-hydroxypropoxy)vitamin D3, developing code: ED-71] is an analog of active vitamin D3, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] that possesses a hydroxypropoxy substituent at the 2beta-position of 1,25(OH)2D3. Eldecalcitol has potent biological effects on bone and is now in preparation for approval as a promising medicine for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan. To explore chemical structure-biological activity relationships between eldecalcitol and related analogs, we have already synthesized 1-epi-eldecalcitol, 3-epi-eldecalcitol, and 1,3-diepi-eldecalcitol with inherent biological interests of each targeted analog and evaluated their biological responses. It has been reported that 20-epi-1,25(OH)2D3, a diastereomer of 1,25(OH)2D3 that possesses an inverted methyl substituent at the 20-position of the side chain, shows remarkably enhanced biological activities compared to parental compound, 1,25(OH)2D3. As a continuation of our modification studies on eldecalcitol, we took great interest in 20-epi-eldecalcitol and its biological responses. In this paper, the synthesis of 20-epi-eldecalcitol by the Trost coupling reaction between the A-ring fragment and the C/D-ring fragment as well as in vitro preliminary biological evaluation of 20-epi-eldecalcitol are described. In the induction of human myeloid leukemia cell (HL-60) differentiation, inhibition of the human histiocytic lymphoma cell (U937) proliferation, and increase in osteocalcin concentration in the human osteosarcoma cell (MG-63), 20-epi-eldecalcitol showed significantly enhanced activity compared to eldecalcitol.

In Pursuit of an Ideal C-C Bond-Forming Reaction: Development and Applications of the Hydrovinylation of Olefins

Attempts to introduce the highly versatile vinyl group into other organic molecules in a chemo-, regio- and stereoselective fashion via catalytic activation of ethylene provided challenging opportunities to explore new ligand and salt effects in homogeneous catalysis. This review provides a personal account of the development of enantioselective reactions involving ethylene.

Structural refinement of seco-steroidal skeleton and the biological activity through nuclear receptors

1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1) regulates a variety of biological actions through vitamin D receptor (VDR), including calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, bone remodeling, cellular proliferation and differentiation and many other functions. To enhance its potency and to study the structure/function relationship, we synthesized a series of analogs of 1 with a modification at the C-2alpha position. Introducing 2alpha-methyl, 2alpha-(3-hydroxypropyl), or 2alpha-(3-hydroxypropoxy) group increased its binding affinity for the VDR 2- to 4-fold compared to 1. The crystal structures of the VDR bound to these analogs provide a molecular explanation for the interaction between the 2alpha-substituents and water molecules exist in the VDR-ligand binding domain. Based on the accumulated knowledge in VDR agonists, we synthesized 2-substituted analogs of 'double side chain' (gemini), 19-norvitamin D(3) (MART-10), TEI-9647 (VDR antagonist), 1-alkylated vitamin D(3), 14-epi-previtamin D(3) etc. Gemini analogs showed potent HL-60 cell differentiation activity (13-38 times compared to 1), and MART-10 exhibited remarkable antiproliferative activity on PZ-HPV-7 cells even at 10(-10) M. (24S)-2alpha-(3-Hydroxypropoxy)-24-propyl-TEI-9647 showed potent VDR antagonism, and its IC(50) value was 7.4 pM against 10 nM of 1. 1alpha-Methyl-2alpha-(3-hydroxypropyl)-25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) improved the binding affinity for the mutant VDR(Arg274Leu), which causes hereditary vitamin D resistant rickets. 1alpha,25-Dihydroxy-2alpha-methyl-14-epi-previtamin D(3) showed moderate osteocalcin transcriptional activity on HOS cells. We theorize that modification at A-ring alone and in combination with functionalization of the other parts of the vitamin D molecule would provide important new information on the mechanism of vitamin D actions that could lead to the development of new therapeutic regimes for the treatment of various diseases.

Ligand tuning in asymmetric hydrovinylation of 1,3-dienes: a stereoselective route to either steroid-C20 (S) or -C20 (R) derivatives

1,3-Dienes derived from steroidal D-ring C 17-ketones undergo Ni(II)-catalyzed hydrovinylation to give 1,2- or 1,4-addition of ethylene. Using finely tuned phosphoramidite ligands, it is possible to synthesize either the C 20 ( R)- or ( S)-derivatives without mutual contamination. The proportion of the 1,4-adduct, which is also formed stereoselectively, can be minimized by optimizing the reaction conditions. Because the two alkenes in the resultant dienes have differing steric demands for many potential reactions, and are ideally juxtaposed for further D-ring functionalization, these intermediates could be useful for the preparation of biologically important compounds such as vitamin D analogs and various antitumor steroidal glycosides.

Incorporation of histone deacetylase inhibition into the structure of a nuclear receptor agonist

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D) regulates gene expression by signaling through the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) transcription factor and exhibits calcium homeostatic, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) alter nuclear and cytoplasmic protein acetylation, modify gene expression, and have potential for treatment of cancer and other indications. The function of nuclear receptor ligands, including 1,25D, can be enhanced in combination with HDACi. We designed triciferol, a hybrid molecule in which the 1,25D side chain was replaced with the dienyl hydroxamic acid of HDACi trichostatin A. Triciferol binds directly to the VDR, and functions as an agonist with 1,25D-like potency on several 1,25D target genes. Moreover, unlike 1,25D, triciferol induces marked tubulin hyperacetylation, and augments histone acetylation at concentrations that largely overlap those where VDR agonism is observed. Triciferol also exhibits more efficacious antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities than 1,25D in four cancer cell models in vitro. The bifunctionality of triciferol is notable because (i) the HDACi activity is generated by modifying the 1,25D side chain without resorting to linker technology and (ii) 1,25D and HDACi have sympathetic, but very distinct biochemical targets; the hydrophobic VDR ligand binding domain and the active sites of HDACs, which are zinc metalloenzymes. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of combining HDAC inhibition with nuclear receptor agonism to enhance their therapeutic potential.

Quantification of fat-soluble vitamins in human breast milk by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Sensitive quantification method for fat-soluble vitamins in human breast milk by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed. Vitamins A, D and E were extracted from 10.0 mL of breast milk after saponifying by basic condition. Vitamin K derivatives were extracted from 3.0 mL of breast milk after lipase treatment. The corresponding stable isotope-labeled compounds were used as internal standards. For the determination of vitamin D compounds, derivatization with a Cookson-type reagent was performed. All fat-soluble vitamins were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in the positive ion mode. The detection limits of all analytes were 1-250 pg per 50 microL. The recoveries of fat-soluble vitamins were 91-105%. Inter-assay CV values of each vitamin were 1.9-11.9%. The mean concentrations of retinol, vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, alpha-tocopherol, phylloquinone and menaquinone-4 were 0.455 microg/mL, 0.088 ng/mL, 0.081 ng/mL, 5.087 microg/mL, 3.771 ng/mL, and 1.795 ng/mL, respectively (n=82). This method makes possible to determine fat-soluble vitamins with a wide range of polarities in human breast milk. The assay may be useful for large-scale studies.

Ligands with a 3,3-diphenylpentane skeleton for nuclear vitamin D and androgen receptors: Dual activities and metabolic activation

Ligands possessing dual vitamin D(3) (VD(3))-agonistic and androgen-antagonistic activities with various activity spectra were prepared based on a substituted 3,3-diphenylpentane (DPP) skeleton. Among the compounds, (R,S)-DPP-1023 [(R,S)-7b] and (S,S)-DPP-0123 [(S,S)-7c] showed the most potent vitamin D(3)-agonistic activity [with potency comparable to that of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-VD(3))] and nuclear androgen receptor (AR)-binding activity (with higher affinity than that of hydroxyflutamide), respectively. Metabolic activation (reduction of the carbonyl group) of pivaloyl analogs [DPP-1113 (3a), DPP-1013 (3b), DPP-0113 (3c), and DPP-0013 (3d)] in HL-60 cells was found to be necessary for binding to nuclear vitamin D(3) receptor (VDR).

Quantitative structure-activity relationship studies of vitamin D receptor affinity for analogues of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. 1: WHIM descriptors

The weighted holistic invariant molecular (WHIM) approach has been applied to the study of the VDR affinity of 86 vitamin D analogues. A model able to describe more than 71% of the variance in the experimental activity was developed with the use of the mentioned approach. In contrast, none of three different approaches, including the use of BCUT, Galvez topological charge indices, and 2D autocorrelations descriptors, was able to explain more than 38% of the variance in the mentioned property, even with more variables in the equation.

A perspective on how the Vitamin D sterol/Vitamin D receptor (VDR) conformational ensemble model can potentially be used to understand the structure-function results of A-ring modified Vitamin D sterols

The steroid hormone 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-Vitamin D(3) (1,25D) activates both genomic and non-genomic intracellular signaling cascades. It is also well recognized that co-incubation of 1,25D with its C-1 epimer, 1beta,25D (HL), suppresses the efficiency of the non-genomic signal activated by 1,25D alone and that its C-3 epimer, 3alpha-1,25D (HJ) is nearly as potent as 1,25D in suppressing PTH secretion, believed to be propagated by 1,25D's genomic signaling. Both these sterols lack the hypercalcemic effect induced by pharmacological doses of 1,25D and have reduced VDR affinity compared to 1,25D, as measured in a steroid competition assay. Recent functional studies suggest that the VDR is required for both non-genomic and genomic signaling. Along these lines we have recently proposed a Vitamin D sterol/VDR conformational ensemble model that posits the VDR contains two distinct, yet overlapping ligand binding sites, and that the potential differential stabilities of 1,25D and HL in these two pockets can be used to explain their different non-genomic signaling properties. The overlapping region is predominantly occupied by the sterol's A-ring when it is bound to either the genomic ligand binding pocket (G-pocket), defined by X-ray crystallography, or the alternative ligand binding pocket (A-pocket), discovered using in silico techniques (directed docking). Therefore, to gain further insight into the potential application of this model we docked the other A-ring diastereomer [(1beta,3alpha)=HH] of 1,25D and its 1- and 3-deoxy forms (25D and CF, respectively) to the A- and G-pockets to assess their potential stabilities in the pockets, relative to 1,25D. The models were then used to provide putative mechanistic arguments for their known structure-function experimental results. This model may provide new insights into how Vitamin D sterols that uncouple the unwanted hypercalcemic effect from attractive growth inhibitory/differentiation properties can do so by differentially stabilizing different subpopulations of VDR conformational ensemble members.

Determination of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Human Plasma Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography−Tandem Mass Spectrometry

We report here the development of a precise and sensitive method to determine 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D(2)/ -D(3)) in human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass-mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (LC-APCI-MS/MS). The method involves the use of deuterated 25-OH-D(3) as an internal standard compound for 25-OH-D(2)/-D(3), which was synthesized in our laboratory, and the selection of a precursor and product ion with a MS/MS multiple reaction monitoring method. The average intraassay and interassay variation values (relative standard deviation) were 5.7 and 2.5%, respectively, for 25-OH-D(3) and 4.5 and 5.1%, respectively, for 25-OH-D(2). The average spiked recoveries from authentic compounds added to normal human plasma samples for 25-OH-D(3) and 25-OH-D(2) were 103.8 and 98.8%, respectively. Mean plasma concentrations of 25-OH-D(3) and 25-OH-D(2) in healthy subjects were 20.5 and 0.4 ng/mL, respectively. We conclude that this novel LC-APCI-MS/MS method would be useful for the evaluation of the vitamin D status in postmenopausal women and elderly subjects and provide useful information in the diagnosis of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency, as well as for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis with vitamin D.

New derivatives of 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3 with two substituents at C-2: synthesis and biological activity

To examine the effect of 2,2-disubstitution on the biological activities of 19-norvitamin D analogs, novel 2,2-disubstituted-(20R)- and (20S)-1alpha,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3 analogs were prepared and their biological activities were studied. All the synthesized analogs possessing hydrophobic 2alpha-substituents were more active than the corresponding 2beta-isomers both in binding to the vitamin D receptor and in activating gene transcription. The 2alpha-methyl-2beta-hydroxy analog 9b was found to have markedly higher transcriptional activity (32-fold) than the natural ligand 1a, although the two had the same binding affinity to the vitamin D receptor. To our knowledge, this analog is among the most potent of 19-norvitamin D analogs.

Design and Efficient Synthesis of 2α-(ω-Hydroxyalkoxy)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 Analogues, Including 2-epi-ED-71 and Their 20-Epimers with HL-60 Cell Differentiation Activity

A concise and efficient synthetic approach to 2 alpha-(omega-hydroxyalkoxy)-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (4a-c), including 2-epi-ED-71, was developed starting from D-glucose as a chiral template for the construction of the 2 alpha-modified A-ring precursors (11a-c). It was found that the best ligand for the bovine thymus vitamin D receptor (VDR) in this series is 4b, which has 1.8 times greater binding affinity for the bovine thymus VDR than that of the natural hormone 1. Interestingly, potency in the induction of HL-60 cell differentiation for 4a-c was almost the same or weaker than that of 1 despite the strong binding affinity for the VDR. Next, we were interested in the "double modification"of 1 based on 4a-c with C20-epimerization, affording 2 alpha-(omega-hydroxyalkoxy)-20-epi-1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (20-epi-4a-c). All three 2 alpha-substituted 20-epi analogues of 1 (20-epi-4a-c) exhibited stronger binding affinities for the VDR, and their conformations in the ligand binding domain of VDR were analyzed by molecular modeling. Double-modified analogues of 20-epi-4a-c showed marked HL-60 cell differentiation activity, and 20-epi-4a possesses an activity 58-fold higher than that of the natural hormone 1.

Metabolism of A-ring diastereomers of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by CYP24A1

The metabolism of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) (1alpha,3beta) and its A-ring diastereomers, 1beta,25(OH)(2)D(3) (1beta,3beta), 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-3-epi-D(3) (1alpha,3alpha), and 1beta,25(OH)(2)-3-epi-D(3) (1beta,3alpha), was examined to compare the substrate specificity and reaction specificity of CYP24A1 between humans and rats. The ratio between C-23 and C-24 oxidation pathways in human CYP24A1-dependent metabolism of (1alpha,3alpha) and (1beta,3alpha) was 1:1, although the ratio for (1alpha,3beta) and (1beta,3beta) was 1:4. These results indicate that the orientation of the hydroxyl group at the C-3 position determines the ratio between C-23 and C-24 oxidation pathways. A remarkable increase of metabolites in the C-23 oxidation pathway was also observed in rat CYP24A1-dependent metabolism. The binding affinity of human CYP24A1 for A-ring diastereomers was (1alpha,3beta)>(1alpha,3alpha)>(1beta,3beta)>(1beta,3alpha), indicating that both hydroxyl groups at C-1 and C-3 positions significantly affect substrate-binding. The information obtained in this study is quite useful for understanding substrate recognition of CYP24A1 and designing new vitamin D analogs.

Synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-26,23-lactams (DLAMs), a novel series of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 antagonist

Novel vitamin D(3) analogs having a lactam structure in their side chains, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)-26,23-lactams (DLAMs), were designed based on the principle of regulation of the folding of helix-12 in the vitamin D nuclear receptor (VDR). The new analogs were synthesized via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction and subsequent reduction of the isoxazolidine as key steps. Among the analogs, (23S,25S)-DLAM-01 (4a) and (23S,25S)-DLAM-1P (5a) bind strongly to VDR. Moreover, these analogs were found to inhibit the differentiation of HL-60 cells induced by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3).

Metabolism of 20-epimer of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by CYP24: species-based difference between humans and rats

The 20-epi form of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1alpha,25(OH)(2)-20-epi-D(3)) is expected as drugs for leukemia, other cancers or psoriasis, because it shows several-hundred fold enhanced ability to induce cell differentiation and growth inhibition than 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) while its calcemic activity is only slightly elevated. In this study, we compared the human and rat CYP24-dependent metabolism of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-20-epi-D(3) by using the Escherichia coli expression system. The HPLC and LC-MS analyses of the metabolites revealed that rat CYP24 converted 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-20-epi-D(3) to 25,26,27-trinor-1alpha(OH)-24(COOH)-20-epi-D(3) through 1alpha,24,25(OH)(3)-20-epi-D(3) and 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-24-oxo-20-epi-D(3). The binding affinity of trinor-1alpha(OH)-24(COOH)-20-epi-D(3) for vitamin D receptor (VDR) was less than 1/4000 of that of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-20-epi-D(3). These results suggest that rat CYP24 can almost completely inactivate 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-20-epi-D(3). On the other hand, human CYP24 mainly converted 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-20-epi-D(3) to its putative demethylated compound with a hydroxyl group, via 1alpha,24,25(OH)(3)-20-epi-D(3), 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-24-oxo-20-epi-D(3), and 1alpha,23,25(OH)(3)-24-oxo-20-epi-D(3). All of these metabolites showed considerable affinity for vitamin D receptor. These results clearly demonstrate the species-based difference between human and rat on the CYP24-dependent metabolism of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-20-epi-D(3).

Concise synthesis and biological activities of 2α-Alkyl- and 2α-(ω-Hydroxyalkyl)-20- epi -1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3

We found a concise route to the Trost A-ring precursor enyne for synthesizing 2alpha-alkylated 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1) from D-glucose. The enynes were coupled with the 20-epi-CD ring part to study the effect of the double modification of 2alpha-substitution and 20-epimerization upon biological activities of 1. The novel three analogues of 2alpha-alkyl- and four analogues of 2alpha-(omega-hydroxyalkyl)-20-epi-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (5b-d and 6a-d) showed higher binding affinity for vitamin D receptor (VDR) and more potent activity in induction of HL-60 cell differentiation than those of the natural hormone 1.

Design and synthesis of potent vitamin D receptor antagonists with A-ring modifications: remarkable effects of 2alpha-methyl introduction on antagonistic activity

Novel A-ring analogues of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) antagonist (3a), ZK-159222, and its 24-epimer (3b) were convergently synthesized. Preparation of the CD-ring portions with the side chains of 3a,b, followed by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling with the A-ring enyne precursors (15a,b), (3S,4S,5R)- and (3S,4S,5S)-bis[(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy]-4-methyloct-1-en-7-yne, afforded the 2alpha-methyl-introduced analogues (4a,b) and their 3-epimers (5a,b). The biological profiles of the hybrid analogues were assessed in terms of affinity for VDR, and antagonistic activity to inhibit HL-60 cell differentiation induced by the natural hormone, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). The analogue 4a showed an approximately fivefold higher antagonistic activity compared with 3a. The 2alpha-methyl introduction into 3a increased the receptor affinity, thereby enhancing VDR antagonism. This approach to design potent antagonists based on hybridization of structural motifs in the A-ring and in the side chain may prove to be valuable.

Synthesis of novel hapten derivatives of 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 and its 20-epi analogue

Hapten derivatives of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and its 20-epimer were synthesized and conjugated to a carrier protein for raising polyclonal antibodies. The haptens were linked through spacers at C-16, thereby exposing both the A-ring and the side chain of the molecules, to maximize antibody specificity. The spacers were introduced via stereoselective hydroboration of 16-ene intermediates as the key step. In immunoassays, the antibodies raised toward the natural hormone were selective to this compound over derivatives with modifications in the A-ring or the side chain. The antibodies toward the 20-epimer, however, were unable to recognize modifications in the side chain.

Design and efficient synthesis of new stable 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3 analogues containing amide bond

The design and synthesis of new 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D(3) analogues 3a-c, which have an amide bond in the molecule instead of the diene, are described. The A-ring moiety was constructed by a (3S,5S)-3,5-dihydroxypiperidine derivative (9, 11, or 13) prepared from D-mannose, and a CD-ring carboxylic acid 16 was synthesized from Grundmann's ketone. Coupling those parts gave desired 3a-c in good yield. This strategy can be applied in combinatorial chemistry; therefore, those compounds would be applicable as useful tools in the development of new drugs.

Determination of absolute configuration of 1,3-diols by the modified Mosher's method using their di-MTPA esters

1,3-Diols are frequently involved in biologically important compounds and, therefore, determination of the stereochemistry of these structural elements, in particular those in acyclic systems, has been one of the focuses of attention in natural products chemistry. The modified Mosher's method, commonly used for the determination of the absolute configuration of secondary alcohols, was applied to determine the absolute configuration of 1,3-diols with their di-MTPA esters. Several epimeric pairs of syn- and anti-1,3-diols with known absolute configurations were converted to the corresponding di-MTPA esters and the iDelta;delta values were then calculated. For the acyclic syn-1,3-diols, the iDelta;delta values were systematically arranged as predicted from the basic concept of the modified Mosher's method, demonstrating that the method is valid for these compounds. In contrast, the iDelta;delta values were irregularly arranged for the acyclic anti-1,3-diols and, accordingly, this method is not valid for these cases. These results are complementary to those of the previously reported CD exciton chirality method and, hence, the combined use of the modified Mosher's method and the CD exciton chirality method can determine the absolute configuration of the acyclic 1,3-diols. Also, this method is successfully applicable to cyclic 1,3-diols irrespective of their relative stereochemistry.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of all A-ring stereoisomers of 5,6-trans-2-methyl-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and their 20-epimers: possible binding modes of potent A-ring analogues to vitamin D receptor

BACKGROUND

The secosteroid 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1) has a wide variety of biological activities, which makes it a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer, psoriasis and osteoporosis. Insight into the structure-activity relationships of the A-ring of 1 is still needed to assist the development of more potent and selective analogues as candidate chemotherapeutic agents, as well as to define the molecular mode of action.

RESULTS

All possible A-ring stereoisomers of 5,6-trans-2-methyl-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (6a-h) and their 20-epimers (7a-h) were designed and efficiently synthesized. The dependence of the affinities for vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D binding protein (DBP), as well as the HL-60 cell differentiation-inducing activity, upon the stereochemistry of the A-ring and at C20 in the side chain was evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

The binding affinities and potency of the 5,6-trans and 5,6-cis analogues were enhanced by a 2-methyl substituent in a certain orientation. Molecular docking studies based upon the X-ray crystal structure of VDR suggested that the axial 2-methyl group would be accommodated in a pocket surrounded by hydrophobic amino acid residues in the ligand binding domain, resulting in enhanced interaction.

Parallel synthesis of a vitamin D(3) library in the solid-phase

A highly efficient synthesis of the vitamin D(3) system on solid support is described. Two synthetic strategies for the solid-phase synthesis of vitamin D(3) were developed. One is for 11-hydroxy analogues, and the other is for most other synthetic analogues. In the latter strategy, the sulfonate-linked CD-ring 58 was initially immobilized on PS-DES resin to give solid-supported CD-ring 63 (Scheme 10). Similarly, solid-supported CD-ring 63 was prepared by attachment of the CD-ring 10 to the chlorosulfonate resin 64. The vitamin D(3) system was synthesized by Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction of the A-ring phosphine oxide to a solid-supported CD-ring, followed by simultaneous introduction of the side chain and cleavage from resin with a Cu(I)-catalyzed Grignard reagent. Parallel synthesis of the vitamin D(3) analogues was accomplished by a split and pool methodology utilizing radio frequency encoded combinatorial chemistry, and a manual parallel synthesizer for side chain diversification and deprotection. Additionally, we demonstrated the synthesis of various A-rings in a similar protocol for efficient preparation of building blocks.

Highly potent cell differentiation-inducing analogues of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: synthesis and biological activity of 2-methyl-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with side-chain modifications

Eight 2-methyl substituted analogues of 20-epi-22R-methyl-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (5) and 20-epi-24,26,27-trihomo-22-oxa-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (6: KH-1060) were convergently synthesized. Preparation of the CD-ring portions with modified side chains of 5 and 6, followed by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling with the A-ring enyne synthons (20a-d), (3S,4S,5R)-, (3S,4R,5R)-, (3S,4S,5S)- and (3R,4R,5S)-3,5-bis[(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy]-4-methyloct-1-en-7-yne, afforded two sets of four A-ring stereoisomers of 20-epi-2,22-dimethyl-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (7a-d) and 20-epi-24,26,27-trihomo-2-methyl-22-oxa-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (8a-d). The biological profiles of the hybrid analogues were assessed in terms of affinity for vitamin D receptor (VDR) and HL-60 cell differentiation-inducing activity in comparison with the natural hormone. The combined modifications of the A-ring at the 2-position and the side chain yielded analogues with high potency.