Acredinones A and B, voltage-dependent potassium channel inhibitors from the sponge-derived fungus Acremonium sp. F9A015

The potential of marine natural products and their synthetic derivatives as drugs targeting ion channels

Ion channels are a type of protein channel that play a vital role in numerous physiological functions by facilitating the passage of ions through cell membranes, thereby enabling ion and electrical signal transmission. As a crucial target for drug action, ion channels have been implicated in various diseases. Many natural products from marine organisms, such as fungi, algae, sponges, and sea cucumber, etc. have been found to have activities related to ion channels for decades. These interesting natural product molecules undoubtedly bring good news for the treatment of neurological and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, 92 marine natural products and their synthetic derivatives with ion channel-related activities that were identified during the period 2000-2024 were systematically reviewed. The synthesis and mechanisms of action of selected compounds were also discussed, aiming to offer insights for the development of drugs targeting ion channels.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective Synthesis of 2-SF5 -Indenols and Further Derivatizations

A palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 2-SF5 -indenols has been developed by reacting commercially available boronic acid derivatives and readily accessible SF5 -alkynes. The present methodology is fully regioselective thanks to the intrinsic polarization of SF5 -alkynes. A selection of downstream functionalizations has been performed to highlight the versatility of 2-SF5 -indenols and indenones as platforms for the design of more complex SF5 -containing molecules.

Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of Indanone via C-H Annulation Reaction of Aldehydes with Norbornenes

A novel methodology for the synthesis of indanone derivates has been developed. The palladium-catalyzed annulation reaction of o-bromobenzaldehydes with norbornene derivatives is achieved through extremely concise reaction processes. The indanone skeleton was established directly via C-H activation of the aldehyde group under a mild reaction condition. This method is simple and practical, which simplified the traditional synthesis method for the rapid construction of indanone.

Synthesis of 2-amidoindenone derivatives through an ynamide carbosilylation/Houben-Hoesch cyclization 2-step sequence

Herein we report the efficient and selective two-step synthesis of various 3-silyl-2-amidoindenones from easily accessible ynamides. This sequence involves a regio- and stereo-selective silylcyanation followed by a Houben-Hoesch type cyclization. Thanks to post-transformations, various 3-substituted 2-amidoindenones could be obtained.

Benzophenones-natural metabolites with great Hopes in drug discovery: structures, occurrence, bioactivities, and biosynthesis

Fungi have protruded with enormous development in the repository of drug discovery, making them some of the most attractive sources for the synthesis of bio-significant and structural novel metabolites. Benzophenones are structurally unique metabolites with phenol/carbonyl/phenol frameworks, that are separated from microbial and plant sources. They have drawn considerable interest from researchers due to their versatile building blocks and diversified bio-activities. The current work aimed to highlight the reported data on fungal benzophenones, including their structures, occurrence, and bioactivities in the period from 1963 to April 2023. Overall, 147 benzophenones derived from fungal source were listed in this work. Structure activity relationships of the benzophenones derivatives have been discussed. Also, in this review, a brief insight into their biosynthetic routes was presented. This work could shed light on the future research of benzophenones.

Antioxidative Indenone and Benzophenone Derivatives from the Mangrove-Derived Fungus Cytospora heveae NSHSJ-2

Seven new polyketides, including four indenone derivatives, cytoindenones A–C (1, 3–4), 3′-methoxycytoindenone A (2), a benzophenone derivative, cytorhizophin J (6), and a pair of tetralone enantiomers, (±)-4,6-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-α-tetralone (7), together with a known compound (5) were obtained from the endophytic fungus Cytospora heveae NSHSJ-2 isolated from the fresh stem of the mangrove plant Sonneratia caseolaris. Compound 3 represented the first natural indenone monomer substituted by two benzene moieties at C-2 and C-3. Their structures were determined by the analysis of 1D and 2D NMR, as well as mass spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations of (±)-7 were determined on the basis of the observed specific rotation value compared with those of the tetralone derivatives previously reported. In bioactivity assays, compounds 1, 4–6 showed potent DPPH· scavenging activities, with EC50 values ranging from 9.5 to 16.6 µM, better than the positive control ascorbic acid (21.9 µM); compounds 2–3 also exhibited DPPH· scavenging activities comparable to ascorbic acid.

Iron-Promoted Oxidative Alkylation/Cyclization of Ynones with 4-Alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines: Access to 2-Alkylated Indenones

An iron-promoted oxidative tandem alkylation/cyclization of ynones with 4-alkyl-substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines for the efficient synthesis of 2-alkylated indenones is described. The process occurs via oxidative homolysis of a C-C σ-bond in 1,4-dihydropyridines to generate an alkyl radical followed by the addition of C-C triple bonds in ynones and intramolecular cyclization. A wide range of alkyl radicals could be efficiently transferred to generate a series of synthetically useful 2-alkylated indenones with excellent selectivity under mild conditions.

Synthesis of Indenone Derivatives by Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of Sulfoxonium Ylides with 1,3-Diynes

The transition-metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization of sulfoxonium ylides with alkynes formally participates in [4 + 2] annulations to deliver the naphthol scaffolds. In contrast, herein we disclose the first Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation, followed by redox-neutral [3 + 2] annulation of sulfoxonium ylides with 1,3-diynes, which delivers the alkynated indenone derivatives. This protocol features a good functional group tolerance, a broad substrate scope, moderate to excellent yields, and mild reaction conditions. The reaction mechanism was supported through ESI-HRMS by characterizing key intermediates in the catalytic cycle.

Transition-metal-free approaches to 2,3-diarylated indenones from 2-alkynylbenzaldehydes and phenols with tunable selectivity

The first transition-metal-free regioselective synthesis of 2,3-diarylindenones via tandem annulation of 2-alkynylbenzaldehydes with phenols is described. Two different modes of reaction controlled by electronic effects and temperature furnished either "non-rearranged" or "rearranged" indenones in high selectivity.

Palladium-catalysed alkenyl and carbonylative C-C bond activation of cyclobutanones

A palladium catalysed C-C bond activation of cyclobutanones for the construction of alkenyl and carbonylated indanones has been developed. The in situ generated σ-alkylpalladium intermediate VIA C-C bond cleavage of cyclobutanone could be trapped with N-tosylhydrazones and carbon monoxide, respectively. The reactions were carried out under mild conditions with excellent functional group tolerance.

Mechanochemical Solvent-Free Synthesis of Indenones from Aromatic Carboxylic Acids and Alkynes

The mechanochemical solvent-free synthesis of indenones from aromatic carboxylic acids and alkynes was achieved through triflic anhydride (Tf₂O)-induced cyclization reaction. A variety of indenones including a bioactive PPARγ agonist were obtained in up to 90% yield at room temperature. The present protocol has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, high reaction efficiency, and feasibility of scalable synthesis, providing a facile and sustainable route to diverse indenones.

Acremonamide, a Cyclic Pentadepsipeptide with Wound-Healing Properties Isolated from a Marine-Derived Fungus of the Genus Acremonium

Acremonamide (1) was isolated from a marine-derived fungus belonging to the genus Acremonium. The chemical structure of 1 was established using MS, UV, and NMR spectroscopic data analyses. Acremonamide (1) was found to contain N-Me-Phe, N-Me-Ala, Val, Phe, and 2-hydroxyisovaleric acid. The absolute configurations of the four aforementioned amino acids were determined through acid hydrolysis followed by the advanced Marfey's method, whereas the absolute configuration of 2-hydroxyisovaleric acid was determined through GC-MS analysis after formation of the O-pentafluoropropionylated derivative of the (-)-menthyl ester of 2-hydroxyisovaleric acid. As an intrinsic biological activity, acremonamide (1) did not exert cytotoxicity to cancer and noncancer cells and increased the migration and invasion. Based on these activities, the wound healing properties of acremonamide (1) were confirmed in vitro and in vivo.

Marine Sponge-Associated Fungi as Potential Novel Bioactive Natural Product Sources for Drug Discovery: A Review

Marine sponge-associated fungi are promising sources of structurally interesting and bioactive secondary metabolites. Great plenty of natural products have been discovered from spongeassociated fungi in recent years. Here reviewed are 571 new compounds isolated from marine fungi associated with sponges in 2010-2018. These molecules comprised eight different structural classes, including alkaloids, polyketides, terpenoids, meroterpenoids, etc. Moreover, most of these compounds demonstrated profoundly biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antiviral, cytotoxic, etc. This review systematically summarized the structural diversity, biological function, and future potential of these novel bioactive natural products for drug discovery.

Rhenium-Catalyzed Arylation-Acyl Cyclization between Enol Lactones and Organomagnesium Halides: Facile Synthesis of Indenones

A set of rhenium-catalyzed arylation-acyl cyclizations between (hetero)arylmagnesium halides and enol lactones through a cascade C(sp² )-C(sp² )/C(sp² )-C(sp² ) bond formation under mild reaction conditions has been developed. Indeed, a wide range of functional groups on both organomagnesium halides and enol lactones is well tolerated by the simple rhenium catalysis, thus furnishing polyfunctionalized indenones in one-pot fashion and with complete control of the regioselectivity. Moreover, this approach also provides a straightforward synthetic route to neolignan and (iso)pauciflorol F. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the reaction involves a sequence of syn-carborhenation and intramolecular nucleophilic addition.

Recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed annulations for the construction of a 1-indanone core

Transition metal-catalyzed carbon–carbon bond forming reactions are a well accepted strategy for the synthesis of organic compounds. This review gives a brief update on the transition-metal-catalyzed annulations to construct 1-indanone scaffolds.

Biological and Chemical Diversity of Marine Sponge-Derived Microorganisms over the Last Two Decades from 1998 to 2017

Marine sponges are well known as rich sources of biologically natural products. Growing evidence indicates that sponges harbor a wealth of microorganisms in their bodies, which are likely to be the true producers of bioactive secondary metabolites. In order to promote the study of natural product chemistry and explore the relationship between microorganisms and their sponge hosts, in this review, we give a comprehensive overview of the structures, sources, and activities of the 774 new marine natural products from sponge-derived microorganisms described over the last two decades from 1998 to 2017.

Palladium/Norbornene-Catalyzed Indenone Synthesis from Simple Aryl Iodides: Concise Syntheses of Pauciflorol F and Acredinone A

To show the synthetic utility of palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis, here we report concise syntheses of indenone-based natural products, pauciflorol F and acredinone A, which are enabled by direct annulation between aryl iodides and unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydrides. Compared to the previous indenone-preparation approaches, this method allows simple aryl iodides to be used as substrates with complete control of the regioselectivity. The total synthesis of acredinone A features two different Pd/NBE-catalyzed ortho acylation reactions for constructing penta-substituted arene cores, including the development of a new ortho acylation/ipso borylation.

Clathrodin, hymenidin and oroidin, and their synthetic analogues as inhibitors of the voltage-gated potassium channels

We have prepared three alkaloids from the Agelas sponges, clathrodin, hymenidin and oroidin, and a series of their synthetic analogues, and evaluated their inhibitory effect against six isoforms of the K_v1 subfamily of voltage-gated potassium channels, K_v1.1-K_v1.6, expressed in Chinese Hamster ovary (CHO) cells using automated patch clamp electrophysiology assay. The most potent inhibitor was the (E)-N-(3-(2-amino-1H-imidazol-4-yl)allyl)-4,5-dichloro-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide (6g) with IC₅₀ values between 1.4 and 6.1 μM against K_v1.3, K_v1.4, K_v1.5 and K_v1.6 channels. All compounds tested displayed selectivity against K_v1.1 and K_v1.2 channels. For confirmation of their activity and selectivity, compounds were additionally evaluated in the second independent system against K_v1.1-K_v1.6 and K_v10.1 channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes under voltage clamp conditions where IC₅₀ values against K_v1.3-K_v1.6 channels for the most active analogues (e.g. 6g) were lower than 1 μM. Because of the observed low sub-micromolar IC₅₀ values and fairly low molecular weights, the prepared compounds represent good starting points for further optimisation towards more potent and selective voltage-gated potassium channel inhibitors.

Marine natural products

Covering: 2015. Previous review: Nat. Prod. Rep., 2016, 33, 382-431This review covers the literature published in 2015 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 1220 citations (792 for the period January to December 2015) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1340 in 429 papers for 2015), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that lead to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included.

Antioxidative Polyketones from the Mangrove-Derived Fungus Ascomycota sp. SK2YWS-L

Three novel 2,3-diaryl indone derivatives, ascomindones A−C (1−3), and two new isobenzofuran derivatives, ascomfurans A (4) and B (5), together with four know compounds (6−9) were isolated from the culture of a mangrove-derived fungus Ascomycota sp. SK2YWS-L. Their structures were elucidated on the interpretation of spectroscopic data. 1 and 4 were further constructed by analysis of X-ray diffraction. Antioxidant properties based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical scavenging activities and the ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) of the new compounds were assayed. All of them exhibited significant effects, of which 1 showed more potent activity than ascorbic acid in scavenging DPPH radical with IC₅₀ value of 18.1 μM.

Acredinone C and the Effect of Acredinones on Osteoclastogenic and Osteoblastogenic Activity

A new inhibitor, acredinone C (1), of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation was isolated from the culture broth of the fungus Acremonium sp. (F9A015) along with acredinones A (2) and B (3). The structure of acredinone C (1), which incorporates benzophenone and xanthone moieties, was established by the analyses of combined spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D NMR and MS. All of the acredinones studied efficiently inhibited the RANKL-induced formation of TRAP(+)-MNCs in a dose-dependent manner without any cytotoxicity up to 10 μM. Acredinone A showed dual activity in both osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation in vitro and good efficacy in an animal disease model of bone formation.

Hot off the press

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as coprisamide A from a bacterium isolated from Copris tripartitus.