Total Synthesis of Hyperforin

Photocatalyzed Epimerization of Quaternary Stereocenters

Quaternary stereocenters play a crucial role in shaping both the molecular topology of small molecules and the outcome of stereoselective transformations. While considerable progress has been achieved in constructing highly substituted carbon centers with varied substitution patterns, the stereoselective synthesis of quaternary carbon centers remains a significant challenge. Here we report a protocol for the precise manipulation of quaternary stereocenters through epimerization. The critical design element of our ketone α-epimerization process was developing a photoactive imine, which circumvents the numerous deleterious pathways of carbonyl photochemistry. Excitation of this imine with visible light in the presence of a photocatalyst enables reversible C-C bond cleavage and reformation to vary the stereochemistry of the quaternary center. This approach allows us to override intrinsic stereochemical outcomes of C-C bond construction, therefore providing novel tactics for retrosynthetic planning. The broad utility of this protocol was demonstrated by the topological alteration of various classes of carbocyclic scaffolds bearing diverse functional groups.

Divergent Total Syntheses of Six Crinipellin-Type Diterpenoids through Tandem 4π-Electrocyclization/Dicycloexpansion

Crinipellins are a significant class of naturally occurring highly congested tetraquinane diterpenoids, with many members exhibiting bio-important antibacterial and anticancer activities. However, their complex structures, particularly their dense 5/5/5/5 tetracyclic frameworks, have made efficient synthesis challenging, leading chemists to attempt to create highly efficient and divergent routes. This study presents a concise, divergent synthesis of six crinipellins, completed in just 9-11 steps using commercially available materials. Particular highlights include: (1) a vital one-step 4π-electrocyclization/dicycloexpansion cascade that rapidly constructs the angular/fused tetraquinane scaffold with two contiguous quaternary carbons, and (2) strategic functionalizations through iso-propylation, methylation, and Wacker oxidation/dehydrogenation, enabling the divergent syntheses of the six crinipellin members without using protecting groups. This approach provides a versatile platform for accessing additional crinipellin derivatives, which we believe will benefit medicinal and biological research.

Transannular Acylation Facilitates C5-C9 Bond Formation in Hyperforin Total Synthesis

Hyperforin is considered the flagship congener among polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols due to its compelling and complex molecular architecture, coupled with remarkable biological activity, thus rendering it an appealing synthetic target for chemists over the past two decades. Herein, an innovative linear total synthesis of hyperforin is reported. Our synthesis relies on the formation of the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione framework via transannular acylation of a decorated eight-membered ring, followed by late stage bridgehead substitution.

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (+)-Hyperbeanol A

A bioinspired alkylation dearomatization reaction was developed to construct the 5/6/6 fused-spiro tricyclic core framework and spiro-quaternary carbon chiral center. The usage of this approach for assembling these natural products of spirocyclic polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with an octahydrospiro-[cyclohexan-1,5'-indene] core is demonstrated by the first asymmetric total synthesis of highly oxidized hyperbeanol A.

Isolation and Biomimetic Semisynthesis of Hyperzrones A and B, Two Nor-Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols with a Characteristic Cyclobutane Moiety, from Hypericum beanii

Hyperzrones A (1) and B (2), two unprecedented nor-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with a characteristic cyclobutane moiety, were discovered from Hypericum beanii. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, X-ray crystallography, and quantum chemical calculation methods. A bioinspired semisynthesis of 1 and 2 was achieved from the natural precursor hypercalin B (3), featuring a Favorskii-type rearrangement and a visible-light-mediated [2 + 2] photocycloaddition. Several diverse derivatives were also obtained, providing a compound library for biological studies.

Catalytic prenyl conjugate additions for synthesis of enantiomerically enriched PPAPs

Polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) are a class of >400 natural products with a broad spectrum of bioactivity, ranging from antidepressant and antimicrobial to anti-obesity and anticancer activity. Here, we present a scalable, regio-, site-, and enantioselective catalytic method for synthesis of cyclic β-prenyl ketones, compounds that can be used for efficient syntheses of many PPAPs in high enantiomeric purity. The transformation is prenyl conjugate addition to cyclic β-ketoesters promoted by a readily accessible chiral copper catalyst and involving an easy-to-prepare and isolable organoborate reagent. Reactions reach completion in just a few minutes at room temperature. The importance of this advance is highlighted by the enantioselective preparation of intermediates previously used to generate racemic PPAPs. We also present the enantioselective synthesis of nemorosonol (14 steps, 20% yield) and its one-step conversion to another PPAP, garcibracteatone (52% yield).

Total Synthesis of the Hexacyclic Sesterterpenoid Niduterpenoid B via Structural Reorganization Strategy

To date, it remains challenging to precisely and efficiently construct structurally intriguing polycarbocycles with densely packed stereocenters in organic synthesis. Niduterpenoid B, a naturally occurring ERα inhibitor, exemplifies this complexity with its intricate polycyclic network comprising 5 cyclopentane and 1 cyclopropane rings, featuring 13 contiguous stereocenters, including 4 all-carbon quaternary centers. In this work, we describe the first total synthesis of niduterpenoid B using a structural reorganization strategy. Key features include the following: (1) an efficient methoxy-controlled cascade reaction that precisely forges a highly functionalized tetraquinane (A-D rings) bearing sterically hindered contiguous quaternary stereocenters; (2) a rhodium-catalyzed [1 + 2] cycloaddition that facilitates the construction of a strained 3/5 bicycle (E-F rings) angularly fused with ring D.

Modular chemoenzymatic synthesis of ten fusicoccane diterpenoids

Fusicoccane diterpenoids display intriguing biological activities, including the ability to act as modulators of 14-3-3 protein-protein interactions. However, their innate structural complexity and diverse oxygenation patterns present enormous synthetic challenges. Here we develop a modular chemoenzymatic approach that combines de novo skeletal construction and late-stage hybrid C-H oxidations to achieve the synthesis of ten complex fusicoccanes in 8-13 steps each. A convergent fragment coupling strategy allowed rapid access to a key tricyclic intermediate, which was subjected to chemical and enzymatic C-H oxidations to modularly prepare five oxidized family members. We also conceived a complementary biomimetic skeletal remodelling strategy to synthetically access five rearranged fusicoccanes with unusual bridgehead double bonds. This work may facilitate future investigation into the biological activities of the fusicoccanes and also inspire the implementation of similar hybrid strategies to provide family-level synthetic solutions to other natural product scaffolds.

The Total Synthesis of Hyperfirin via a Cyclooctadiene Strategy

Polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) combine compelling structural complexity with effective biological activity. The total synthesis of Hyperfirin is reported as one linear sequence. Key to this novel modular strategy is to access the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione framework via transannular acylation of a decorated eight-membered ring, followed by late stage bridgehead substitution. The described route adds flexibility to PPAP construction and broadens the scope of eight-membered ring chemistry.

Total Synthesis of Hypersampsone M

We report the first total synthesis of hypersampsone M, an archetypal member of the homoadamantane polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs). Commencing from cyclohexenone, a key cyclopentene annulation followed by ring-expansion results in an elusive hydrazulene that undergoes a series of unexpected late-stage transformations, ultimately enabling completion of the synthesis. The route detailed herein represents a potentially general strategy for the synthesis of related homoadamantane PPAPs.

Hyperatins A-D, highly oxidized polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum perforatum L. with hypoglycemic potential in liver cells

Hyperatins A-D (1-4), four previously undescribed polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols, were isolated from Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort). Compound 1 possessed a unique octahydroindeno[1,7a-b]oxirene ring system with a rare 2,7-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane fragment. Compounds 2-4 had an uncommon decahydrospiro[furan-3,7'-indeno[7,1-bc]furan] ring system. Their structures were established by spectroscopic analyses and X-ray crystallography. Plausible biosynthetic pathways of 1-4 were also proposed. Compounds 1 and 2 exerted promising hypoglycemic activity by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 expression in liver cells.

Controllable skeletal reorganizations in natural product synthesis

Covering: 2016 to 2023The synthetic chemistry community is always in pursuit of efficient routes to natural products. Among the many available general strategies, skeletal reorganization, which involves the formation, cleavage, and migration of C-C and C-heteroatom bonds, stands out as a particularly useful approach for the efficient assembly of molecular skeletons. In addition, it allows for late-stage modification of natural products for quick access to other family members or unnatural derivatives. This review summarizes efficient syntheses of steroid, terpenoid, and alkaloid natural products that have been achieved by means of this strategy in the past eight years. Our goal is to illustrate the strategy's potency and reveal the spectacular human ingenuity demonstrated in its use and development.

Sequential Dieckmann cyclization enables the total synthesis of 7-epi-clusianone and 18-hydroxy-7-epi-clusianone

A unified approach for the construction of the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione core of polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) was reported. This approach involves a sequential process of two distinct Dieckmann condensation reactions from the linear precursor. Using this method, the divergent total synthesis of the natural products 7-epi-clusianone and 18-hydroxy-7-epi-clusianone and the formal synthesis of sampsonione P were achieved. Additionally, other key steps to realize this strategy include RuCl3-catalyzed oxidative olefin cleavage and Pd-catalyzed Tsuji-Trost decarboxylative allylation. The synthesis indicated that bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-triones could also be constructed via 6-membered intermediates.

Neurotrophic Natural Products

Neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3, NT4) can decrease cell death, induce differentiation, as well as sustain the structure and function of neurons, which make them promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. However, neurotrophins have not been very effective in clinical trials mostly because they cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier owing to being high-molecular-weight proteins. Thus, neurotrophin-mimic small molecules, which stimulate the synthesis of endogenous neurotrophins or enhance neurotrophic actions, may serve as promising alternatives to neurotrophins. Small-molecular-weight natural products, which have been used in dietary functional foods or in traditional medicines over the course of human history, have a great potential for the development of new therapeutic agents against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In this contribution, a variety of natural products possessing neurotrophic properties such as neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth promotion (neuritogenesis), and neuroprotection are described, and a focus is made on the chemistry and biology of several neurotrophic natural products.

Bioinspired Total Synthesis of Hyperireflexolides A and B

Hyperireflexolides A and B were synthesized in six steps via the dearomatization and fragmentation of a simple acylphloroglucinol starting material. The dearomatized acylphloroglucinol undergoes a sequence of oxidative radical cyclization, retro-Dieckmann fragmentation, stereodivergent intramolecular carbonyl-ene reactions, and final α-hydroxy-β-diketone rearrangements to give the target natural products. This sequence is based on a biosynthetic proposal that claims the hyperireflexolides as highly rearranged polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), which is supported by the structural revision of hyperireflexolide B.

A Shapeshifting Roadmap for Polycyclic Skeletal Evolution

Polycyclic ring systems are ubiquitous three-dimensional (3D) structural motifs central to the function of many biologically active small molecules and organic materials. Indeed, subtle changes to the overall molecular shape and connectivity of atoms in a polycyclic framework (i.e., isomerism) can drastically alter its function and properties. Unfortunately, direct evaluation of these structure-function relationships typically requires the development of distinct synthetic strategies toward a specific isomer. Dynamic, "shapeshifting" carbon cages present a promising approach for sampling isomeric chemical space but are often difficult to control and are largely limited to thermodynamic mixtures of positional isomers about a single core scaffold. Here, we describe the development of a new shapeshifting C9-chemotype and a chemical blueprint for its evolution into structurally and energetically diverse isomeric ring systems. By leveraging the unique molecular topology of π-orbitals interacting through-space (homoconjugation), a common skeletal ancestor evolved into a complex network of valence isomers. This unusual system represents an exceedingly rare small molecule capable of undergoing controllable and continuous isomerization processes through the iterative use of just two chemical steps (light and organic base). Computational and photophysical studies of the isomer network provide fundamental insight into the reactivity, mechanism, and role of homoconjugative interactions. Importantly, these insights may inform the rational design and synthesis of new dynamic, shapeshifting systems. We anticipate this process could be a powerful tool for the synthesis of structurally diverse, isomeric polycycles central to many bioactive small molecules and functional organic materials.

Total synthesis and structural reassignment of garcinielliptone FC, a polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol with diverse bioactivity

Garcinielliptone FC (GFC) was assigned to be a type A polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol (PPAP) and was found to exhibit diverse biological activities. Now we revise the structure of GFC to xanthochymol, a type B PPAP, via NMR and total synthesis methods. The total syntheses of (±)-xanthochymol and (±)-cycloxanthochymol were accomplished in 12 and 13 steps, respectively.

Hyperforin: A natural lead compound with multiple pharmacological activities

Hypericum perforatum L. (Clusiaceae), commonly known as St. John's wort, has a rich historical background as one of the oldest and most widely studied herbal medicines. Hyperforin is the main antidepressant active ingredient of St. John's wort. In recent years, hyperforin has attached increasing attention due to its multiple pharmacological activities. In this review, the information on hyperforin was systematically summarized. Hyperforin is considered to be a lead compound with diverse pharmacological activities including anti-depression, anti-tumor, anti-dementia, anti-diabetes and others. It can be obtained by extraction and synthesis. Further pharmacological studies and more precise detection methods will help develop a value for hyperforin. In addition, structural modification and pharmaceutical preparation technology will be beneficial to promoting the research progress of hyperforin based innovative drugs. Although these works are full of known and unknown challenges, researchers are still expected to make hyperforin play a greater value.

Dearomative logic in natural product total synthesis

Covering: 2011 to 2022The natural world is a prolific source of some of the most interesting, rare, and complex molecules known, harnessing sophisticated biosynthetic machinery evolved over billions of years for their production. Many of these natural products represent high-value targets of total synthesis, either for their desirable biological activities or for their beautiful structures outright; yet, the high sp3-character often present in nature's molecules imparts significant topological complexity that pushes the limits of contemporary synthetic technology. Dearomatization is a foundational strategy for generating such intricacy from simple materials that has undergone considerable maturation in recent years. This review highlights the recent achievements in the field of dearomative methodology, with a focus on natural product total synthesis and retrosynthetic analysis. Disconnection guidelines and a three-phase dearomative logic are described, and a spotlight is given to nature's use of dearomatization in the biosynthesis of various classes of natural products. Synthetic studies from 2011 to 2021 are reviewed, and 425 references are cited.

Intramolecular Tricarbonyl-Ene Reactions and α-Hydroxy-β-Diketone Rearrangements Inspired by the Biosynthesis of Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols

Structurally unique natural products pose biosynthetic puzzles whose solution can inspire new chemical reactions. Herein, we propose a unified biosynthetic pathway towards some complex meroterpenoids-the hyperireflexolides, biyoulactones, hybeanones and hypermonones. This hypothesis led to the discovery of uncatalyzed, intramolecular carbonyl-ene reactions that are spontaneous at room temperature. We also developed an anionic cascade reaction featuring an α-hydroxy-β-diketone rearrangement and an intramolecular aldol reaction to access four distinct natural product scaffolds from a common intermediate.

Total Synthesis of a PPAP, Nemorosonol, Using a Tandem Michael Addition-Intramolecular Aldol Reaction

A strategy for constructing a tricyclo[4.3.1.0^3,7]decane skeleton, which is common to many polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols, has been established. The key step was a tandem Michael addition-intramolecular aldol reaction with 3-ethoxy-1-phenyl-2-proyn-1-one, which affords a tricyclo[4.3.1.0^3,7]decane skeleton having a benzoyl group at the C8 position and an appropriate oxygen functional group at the C9 position. This synthetic strategy led to the total synthesis of nemorosonol, which was accomplished in 12 steps from 2-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one.

Recent advances in the synthesis of natural products containing the phloroglucinol motif

Covering: June 2009 to 2021Natural products containing a phloroglucinol motif include simple and oligomeric phloroglucinols, polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols, phloroglucinol-terpenes, xanthones, flavonoids, and coumarins. These compounds represent a major class of secondary metabolites which exhibit a wide range of biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypoglycaemic properties. A number of these compounds have been authorized for therapeutic use or are currently being studied in clinical trials. Their structural diversity and utility in both traditional and conventional medicine have made them popular synthetic targets over the years. In this review, we compile and summarise the recent synthetic approaches to the natural products bearing a phloroglucinol motif. Focus has been given on ingenious strategies to functionalize the phloroglucinol moiety at multiple positions. The isolation and bioactivities of the compounds are also provided.

Bioinspired Total Synthesis of Erectones A and B, and the Revised Structure of Hyperelodione D

The field of biomimetic synthesis seeks to apply biosynthetic hypotheses to the efficient construction of complex natural products. This approach can also guide the revision of incorrectly assigned structures. Herein, we describe the evolution of a concise total synthesis and structural reassignment of hyperelodione D, a tetracyclic meroterpenoid derived from a Hypericum plant, alongside some biogenetically related natural products, erectones A and B. The key step in the synthesis of hyperelodione D forms six stereocentres and three rings in a bioinspired cascade reaction that features an intermolecular Diels-Alder reaction, an intramolecular Prins reaction and a terminating cycloetherification.

Taming Shapeshifting Anions: Total Synthesis of Ocellatusone C

Guided by a synthetic design aimed at late-stage diversification, we report the preparation of unusual shapeshifting anions and their subsequent application to the total synthesis of the polyketide natural product ocellatusone C. Site-selective core functionalization of a readily accessible bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane architecture sets the stage for shape-selective side chain installation via a nonfluxional π-allyl Pd-complex derived from a barbaralyl-type anion. Several interesting chemical findings, including substituent-dependent bridged bicycloisomerism and the isolation of a stabilized, 3° carbon-bound Pd-ketone enolate complex, are reported.

Enantioselective Synthesis of (-)-10-Hydroxyacutuminine

An enantioselective synthesis of (-)-10-hydroxyacutuminine is reported. Central to our strategy is a photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition that forges two of the quaternary stereocenters present in the acutumine alkaloids. A subsequent retro-aldol/Dieckmann sequence furnishes the spirocyclic cyclopentenone. Efforts to chlorinate the acutumine scaffold at C10 under heterolytic or radical deoxychlorination conditions led to the synthesis of an unexpected cyclopropane-containing pentacycle.

Pd-Catalyzed Enantioselective Dearomative Allylic Annulation to Access PPAPs Analogues

Polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) share a common bicyclo[3.3.1]alkenone core structure and attract numerous attention from synthetic organic chemists due to their fascinating biological properties and associated synthetic challenges. We present herein that Pd-phosphoramidite catalysts promote the enantioselective dearomative allylic annulation reaction between allyl desoxyhumulones and allylic dicarbonates, affording PPAPs analogues in good yields and enantioselectivities. The reaction likely proceeds through two-step dearomative allylation by Pd, and the C-allylation pathway is the dominant mechanistic model.

Unprecedented polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with anti-Alzheimer's activity from St. John's wort

Hyperforones A–J (1–10), ten degraded and reconstructed polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) with six different types of unusual architectures, were isolated from Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort). Compound 1 is characterized by an unprecedented 1,5-epoxyfuro[3′,4′:1,5]cyclopenta[1,2-c]oxecine ring system; compounds 2 and 3 represent the first PPAPs with a contracted B-ring leading to the unique 5/5 core skeletons; compound 4, a proposed biosynthetic precursor of 2, is defined by an oxonane-2,7-dione architecture; compound 5 features an unusual spiro[furo[3′,4′:1,5]cyclopenta[1,2-b]oxepine-3,2′-oxetane] ring system; compounds 6–8 possess a rare macrocyclic lactone ring in addition to the newly formed C-ring; and compounds 9 and 10 contain a newly formed six-membered C-ring, which constructed the unexpected 6/6 scaffold with the B-ring. Hypothetic biosynthetic pathways to generate these scaffolds starting from the classic [3.3.1]-type PPAPs helped to elucidate their origins and validate their structural assignments. Compounds 4 and 6 simultaneously displayed notable activation of PP2A (EC₅₀: 258.8 and 199.0 nM, respectively) and inhibition of BACE1 in cells (IC₅₀: 136.2 and 98.6 nM, respectively), and showed better activities than the positive controls SCR1693 (a PP2A activator, EC₅₀: 413.9 nM) and LY2811376 (a BACE1 inhibitor, IC₅₀: 260.2 nM). Furthermore, compound 6 showed better therapeutic effects with respect to the reduction of pathological and cognitive impairments in 3 × Tg AD mice than LY2811376. Compound 6 represents the first multitargeted natural product that could activate PP2A and simultaneously inhibit BACE1, which highlights compound 6 as a promising lead compound and a versatile scaffold in AD drug development.

Ten PPAPs with unusual skeletons were isolated from H. perforatum. 6 represents the first multitargeted natural product that could activate PP2A and simultaneously inhibit BACE1, which highlights 6 as a promising lead compound in AD drug development.

Polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with immunosuppressive activity from Hypericum perforatum and absolute configurations assignment of previously reported analogues

Hyperformitins A-I (1-9), nine undescribed polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) with double-bond migration, along with four new isomers hyperformitins J-M (10-13), were isolated from Hypericum perforatum. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic analyses including HRESIMS, IR, UV, NMR, and ECD, as well as optical rotation (OR) calculations. The absolute configurations of previously reported analogues, garsubellins D and C as well as garcinielliptones L and M, were assigned for the first time by NMR spectra and specific rotations analyses assisting with OR calculations. Selected compounds were tested for their immunosuppressive activities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced B lymphocyte proliferation. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 11 showed inhibition activities against the proliferation of B lymphocyte with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.1 to 9.7 μM. Furthermore, the neuroprotective activities of the isolates against corticosterone (CORT)-induced injury in PC12 cells were also tested, and compounds 1, 12, and 13 exhibited neuroprotective effects with cell viabilities of 68.0%, 71.3%, and 68.4%, respectively under the concentration of 10 μM.

Chemical investigations into the biosynthesis of the gymnastatin and dankastatin alkaloids

Electrophilic natural products have provided fertile ground for understanding how nature inhibits protein function using covalent bond formation. The fungal strain Gymnascella dankaliensis has provided an especially interesting collection of halogenated cytotoxic agents derived from tyrosine which feature an array of reactive functional groups. Herein we explore chemical and potentially biosynthetic relationships between architecturally complex gymnastatin and dankastatin members, finding conditions that favor formation of a given scaffold from a common intermediate. Additionally, we find that multiple natural products can also be formed from aranorosin, a non-halogenated natural product also produced by Gymnascella sp. fungi, using simple chloride salts thus offering an alternative hypothesis for the origins of these compounds in nature. Finally, growth inhibitory activity of multiple members against human triple negative breast cancer cells is reported.

Total synthesis sheds light on biosynthetic relationships among the chlorinated gymnastatin and dankastatin alkaloids.

An invocation for computational evaluation of isomerization transforms: cationic skeletal reorganizations as a case study

Covering: 2010 to 2020This review article describes how cationic rearrangement reactions have been used in natural product total synthesis over the last decade as a case study for the many productive ways by which isomerization reactions are enabling for synthesis. This review argues that isomerization reactions in particular are well suited for computational evaluation, as relatively simple calculations can provide significant insight.

Annulative Methods in the Synthesis of Complex Meroterpene Natural Products

From the venerable Robinson annulation to the irreplaceable Diels-Alder cycloaddition, annulation reactions have fueled the progression of the field of natural product synthesis throughout the past century. In broader terms, the ability to form a cyclic molecule directly from two or more simpler fragments has transformed virtually every aspect of the chemical sciences from the synthesis of organic materials to bioconjugation chemistry and drug discovery. In this Account, we describe the evolution of our meroterpene synthetic program over the past five years, enabled largely by the development of a tailored anionic annulation process for the synthesis of hydroxylated 1,3-cyclohexanediones from lithium enolates and the reactive β-lactone-containing feedstock chemical diketene.First, we provide details on short total syntheses of the prototypical polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol (PPAP) natural products hyperforin and garsubellin A, which possess complex bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane architectures. Notably, these molecules have served as compelling synthetic targets for several decades and induce a number of biological effects of relevance to neuroscience and medicine. By merging our diketene annulation process with a hypervalent iodine-mediated oxidative ring expansion, bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane architectures can be easily prepared from simple 5,6-fused bicyclic diketones in only two chemical operations. Leveraging these two key chemical reactions in combination with various other stereoselective transformations allowed for these biologically active targets to be prepared in racemic form in only 10 steps.Next, we extend this strategy to the synthesis of complex fungal-derived meroterpenes generated biosynthetically from the coupling of 3,5-dimethylorsellinic acid (DMOA) and farnesyl pyrophosphate. A Ti(III)-mediated radical cyclization of a terminal epoxide was used to rapidly prepare a 6,6,5-fused tricyclic ketone which served as an input for our annulation/rearrangement process, ultimately enabling a total synthesis of protoaustinoid A, an important biosynthetic intermediate in DMOA-derived meroterpene synthesis, and its oxidation product berkeleyone A. Through a radical-based, abiotic rearrangement process, the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane cores of these natural products could again be isomerized, resulting in the 6,5-fused ring systems of the andrastin family and ultimately delivering a total synthesis of andrastin D and preterrenoid. Notably, these isomerization transformations proved challenging when employing classic, acid-induced conditions for carbocation generation, thus highlighting the power of radical biomimicry in total synthesis. Finally, further oxidation and rearrangement allowed for access to terrenoid and the lactone-containing metabolite terretonin L.Overall, the merger of annulative diketene methodology with an oxidative rearrangement transformation has proven to be a broadly applicable strategy to synthesize bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-containing natural products, a class of small molecules with over 1000 known members.

Synthesis and Multiplexed Activity Profiling of Synthetic Acylphloroglucinol Scaffolds

Reported here are novel formic-acid-mediated rearrangements of dearomatized acylphloroglucinols to access a structurally diverse group of synthetic acylphloroglucinol scaffolds (SASs). Density-functional theory (DFT) optimized orbital and stereochemical analyses shed light on the mechanism of these rearrangements. Products were evaluated by multiplexed activity profiling (MAP), an unbiased platform which assays multiple biological readouts simultaneously at single-cell resolution for markers of cell signaling, and can aid in distinguishing genuine activity from assay interference. MAP identified a number of SASs that suppressed pS6 (Ser235/236), a marker for activation of the mTOR and ERK signaling pathways. These results illustrate how biomimetic synthesis and multiplexed activity profiling can reveal the pharmacological potential of novel chemotypes by diversity-oriented synthesis.

Innovation of hypervalent(iii) iodine in the synthesis of natural products

The focus article discusses the innovation of hypervalent(iii) iodine regarding skeletal rearrangement, cycloaddition and cyclization, and sp³ C–H functionalization in natural product synthesis.

Two new seco-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol from Hypericum sampsonii

Two rare seco-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (1 and 2) were isolated from Hypericum sampsonii. Compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal activity to resistant cancer cells, HepG2/ADR and MCF-7/ADR.

Strategies towards endo-type B polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols: total synthesis of regio-hyperibone L and (+)-epi-clusianone

The first and general method for the total synthesis of regio-hyperibone L and (+)-epi-clusianone via domino Dieckmann cyclization was developed.

Potential Drug Candidates to Treat TRPC6 Channel Deficiencies in the Pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Ischemia

Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral ischemia are among the many causative neurodegenerative diseases that lead to disabilities in the middle-aged and elderly population. There are no effective disease-preventing therapies for these pathologies. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed the TRPC6 channel to be a promising molecular target for the development of neuroprotective agents. TRPC6 channel is a non-selective cation plasma membrane channel that is permeable to Ca²⁺. Its Ca²⁺-dependent pharmacological effect is associated with the stabilization and protection of excitatory synapses. Downregulation as well as upregulation of TRPC6 channel functions have been observed in Alzheimer’s disease and brain ischemia models. Thus, in order to protect neurons from Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral ischemia, proper TRPC6 channels modulators have to be used. TRPC6 channels modulators are an emerging research field. New chemical structures modulating the activity of TRPC6 channels are being currently discovered. The recent publication of the cryo-EM structure of TRPC6 channels should speed up the discovery process even more. This review summarizes the currently available information about potential drug candidates that may be used as basic structures to develop selective, highly potent TRPC6 channel modulators to treat neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral ischemia.

Catalytic enantioselective construction of vicinal quaternary carbon stereocenters

This review summarizes the advances in the catalytic enantioselective construction of vicinal quaternary carbon stereocenters, introduces major synthetic strategies and discusses their advantages and limitations, highlights the application of known protocols in the total synthesis of natural products, and outlines the synthetic opportunities.

This review summarizes the advances in catalytic enantioselective construction of vicinal quaternary carbon stereocenters, introduces major synthetic strategies and discusses their advantages and limitations, and outlines the synthetic opportunities.

Syntheses of Complex Terpenes from Simple Polyprenyl Precursors

From structure elucidation and biogenesis to synthetic methodology and total synthesis, terpene natural products have profoundly influenced the development of organic chemistry. Moreover, their myriad functional attributes range from fragrance to pharmaceuticals and have had great societal impact. Ruzicka's formulation of the "biogenetic isoprene rule," a Nobel Prize winning discovery now over 80 years old, allowed for identification of higher order terpene (aka "isoprenoid") structures from simple five-carbon isoprene fragments. Notably, the isoprene rule still holds pedagogical value to students of organic chemistry today. Our laboratory has completed syntheses of over two dozen terpene and meroterpene structures to date, and the isoprene rule has served as a key pattern recognition tool for our synthetic planning purposes. At the strategic level, great opportunity exists in finding unique and synthetically simplifying ways to connect the formal C₅ isoprene fragments embedded in terpenes. Biomimetic cationic polyene cyclizations represent the earliest incarnation of this idea, which has facilitated expedient routes to certain terpene polycycle classes. Nonetheless, a large swath of terpene chemical space remains inaccessible using this approach.In this Account, we describe strategic insight into our endeavors in terpene synthesis published over the last five years. We show how biosynthetic understanding, combined with a desire to utilize abundant and inexpensive [C₅]_n building blocks, has led to efficient, abiotic syntheses of multiple complex terpenes with disparate ring systems. Informed by nature, but unconstrained by its processes, our synthetic assembly exploits chemical reactivity across diverse reaction types-including radical, anionic, pericyclic, and metal-mediated transformations.First, we detail an eight-step synthesis of the cembrane diterpene chatancin from dihydrofarnesal using a bioinspired-but not -mimetic-cycloaddition. Next, we describe the assembly of the antimalarial cardamom peroxide using a polyoxygenation cascade to fuse multiple units of molecular oxygen onto a dimeric skeleton. This three-to-four-step synthesis arises from (-)-myrtenal, an inexpensive pinene oxidation product. We then show how a radical cyclization cascade can forge the hallmark cyclooctane ring system of the complex sesterterpene 6-epi-ophiobolin N from two simple polyprenyl precursors, (-)-linalool and farnesol. To access the related, more complex metabolite 6-epi-ophiobolin A, we exploited the plasticity of our synthetic route and found that use of geraniol (C₁₀) rather than farnesol (C₁₅) gave us the flexibility needed to address the additional oxidation found in this congener. Following this work, we describe two strategies to access several guaianolide sesquiterpenes. Retrosynthetic disconnection to monoterpenes, carvone or (-)-linalool, coupled with a powerful allylation strategy allowed us to address guaianolides with disparate stereochemical motifs. Finally, we examine a semisynthetic approach to the illicium sesquiterpenes from the abundant 15-carbon feedstock terpene (+)-cedrol using an abiotic ring shift and multiple C-H oxidation reactions inspired by a postulated biosynthesis of this natural product class.

Programmable meroterpene synthesis

The bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane architecture is a privileged structural motif found in over 1000 natural products with relevance to neurodegenerative disease, bacterial and parasitic infection, and cancer among others. Despite disparate biosynthetic machinery, alkaloid, terpene, and polyketide-producing organisms have all evolved pathways to incorporate this carbocyclic ring system. Natural products of mixed polyketide/terpenoid origins (meroterpenes) are a particularly rich and important source of biologically active bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-containing molecules. Herein we detail a fully synthetic strategy toward this broad family of targets based on an abiotic annulation/rearrangement strategy resulting in a 10-step total synthesis of garsubellin A, an enhancer of choline acetyltransferase and member of the large family of polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols. This work solidifies a strategy for making multiple, diverse meroterpene chemotypes in a programmable assembly process involving a minimal number of chemical transformations.

Reversal of Calcium Dysregulation as Potential Approach for Treating Alzheimer's Disease

Despite decades of research and effort, there is still no effective disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Most of the recent AD clinical trials were targeting amyloid pathway, but all these trials failed. Although amyloid pathology is a hallmark and defining feature of AD, targeting the amyloid pathway has been very challenging due to low efficacy and serious side effects. Alternative approaches or mechanisms for our understanding of the major cause of memory loss in AD need to be considered as potential therapeutic targets. Increasing studies suggest that Ca2+ dysregulation in AD plays an important role in AD pathology and is associated with other AD abnormalities, such as excessive inflammation, increased ROS, impaired autophagy, neurodegeneration, synapse, and cognitive dysfunction. Ca2+ dysregulation in cytosolic space, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and mitochondria have been reported in the context of various AD models. Drugs or strategies, to correct the Ca2+ dysregulation in AD, have been demonstrated to be promising as an approach for the treatment of AD in preclinical models. This review will discuss the mechanisms of Ca2+ dysregulation in AD and associated pathology and discuss potential approaches or strategies to develop novel drugs for the treatment of AD by targeting Ca2+ dysregulation.