SPF-32629 A and B, Novel Human Chymase Inhibitors Produced by Penicillium sp

Iterative synthesis of nitrogen-containing polyketide via oxime intermediates

Typical polyketides consist of C, H, and O atoms, whereas several types of N-containing polyketides are known to show intriguing properties. Because conventional synthetic approaches for such compounds focus on only specific structures, a more general method is desirable. Here, we have developed an iterative synthesis of nitrogen-containing polyketide. Chain elongation of carboxylic acid via decarboxylative Claisen condensation with malonic acid half thioester was iteratively performed to construct carbon frameworks. β-Keto groups formed by the chain elongation were appropriately converted to O-methyl oximes for incorporation of nitrogen atoms. Cyclization of the resulting oxime intermediates followed by reductive N–O cleavage afforded structurally diverse nitrogen-containing polyketides such as 2-pyridone, 4-aminopyrone, and 4-aminosalicylate. This method was finally applied to the synthesis of (R)-6-aminomellein, which is a nitrogen-substituted derivative of bioactive compound, (R)-6-methoxymellein. The versatility of the present method would enable the synthesis of diverse polyketides with nitrogen functional groups, which can be potentially utilized for the development of novel bioactive compounds.

An iterative synthesis of nitrogen-containing polyketides has been developed. Structurally diverse polyketides with nitrogen functional groups were obtained by the uniform protocol.

Novel Insight into the in vivo Function of Mast Cell Chymase: Lessons from Knockouts and Inhibitors

Mast cells are now recognized as key players in diverse pathologies, but the mechanisms by which they contribute in such settings are only partially understood. Mast cells are packed with secretory granules, and when they undergo degranulation in response to activation the contents of the granules are expelled to the extracellular milieu. Chymases, neutral serine proteases, are the major constituents of the mast cell granules and are hence released in large amounts upon mast cell activation. Following their release, chymases can cleave one or several of a myriad of potential substrates, and the cleavage of many of these could potentially have a profound impact on the respective pathology. Indeed, chymases have recently been implicated in several pathological contexts, in particular through studies using chymase inhibitors and by the use of chymase-deficient animals. In many cases, chymase has been shown to account for mast cell-dependent detrimental effects in the respective conditions and is therefore emerging as a promising drug target. On the other hand, chymase has been shown to have protective roles in other pathological settings. More unexpectedly, chymase has also been shown to control certain homeostatic processes. Here, these findings are reviewed.

Reaction of β-enaminones and acetylene dicarboxylates: synthesis of substituted 1,2-dihydropyridinones

Synthesis of dihydropyridinones was achieved by reaction of β-enaminones with acetylene dicarboxylates without using transition metal/catalyst.

SPF32629A and SPF32629B: enantioselective synthesis, determination of absolute configuration, cytotoxicity and antibacterial evaluation

We report herein an efficient enantioselective synthesis of SPF32629A and SPF32629B through one-pot enantioselective reduction and protecting-group-free regioselective O-acylation strategy. The absolute configuration of the enantiomerically pure isomers was established by Mosher ester analysis. The inhibitory potencies of the synthesized compounds were assayed in vitro against a panel of microorganisms and against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Compounds 2, 11 and 12 displayed moderate to potent antibacterial activity against all the tested strains and compounds 7, 8, 2, 11 and 12 exhibited significant cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 values ranging from 2.92 to 4.14 μg/ml and 8-11 μM.

Mast Cell Proteases

Mast cells (MCs) are traditionally thought of as a nuisance for its host, for example, by causing many of the symptoms associated with allergic reactions. In addition, recent research has put focus on MCs for displaying harmful effects during various autoimmune disorders. On the other hand, MCs can also be beneficial for its host, for example, by contributing to the defense against insults such as bacteria, parasites, and snake venom toxins. When the MC is challenged by an external stimulus, it may respond by degranulation. In this process, a number of powerful preformed inflammatory "mediators" are released, including cytokines, histamine, serglycin proteoglycans, and several MC-specific proteases: chymases, tryptases, and carboxypeptidase A. Although the exact effector mechanism(s) by which MCs carry out their either beneficial or harmful effects in vivo are in large parts unknown, it is reasonable to assume that these mediators may contribute in profound ways. Among the various MC mediators, the exact biological function of the MC proteases has for a long time been relatively obscure. However, recent progress involving successful genetic targeting of several MC protease genes has generated powerful tools, which will enable us to unravel the role of the MC proteases both in normal physiology as well as in pathological settings. This chapter summarizes the current knowledge of the biology of the MC proteases.