Trachyspic acid 19-butyl ester, a new inhibitor of Plk1 polo box domain-dependent recognition from uncharacterized fungus RKGS-F2684

Polo-like Kinase 1 Inhibitors in Human Cancer Therapy: Development and Therapeutic Potential

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays an important role in a variety of cellular functions, including the regulation of mitosis, DNA replication, autophagy, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). PLK1 overexpression is often associated with cell proliferation and poor prognosis in cancer patients, making it a promising antitumor target. To date, at least 10 PLK1 inhibitors (PLK1i) have been entered into clinical trials, among which the typical kinase domain (KD) inhibitor BI 6727 (volasertib) was granted "breakthrough therapy designation" by the FDA in 2013. Unfortunately, many other KD inhibitors showed poor specificity, resulting in dose-limiting toxicity, which has greatly impeded their development. Researchers recently discovered many PLK1i with higher selectivity, stronger potency, and better absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) characteristics. In this review, we emphasize the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of PLK1i, providing insights into new drugs targeting PLK1 for antitumor clinical practice.

Heparanase Inhibitors in Cancer Progression: Recent Advances

BACKGROUND

An endo-β-glucuronidase enzyme, Heparanase (HPSE), degrades the side chains of polymeric heparan sulfate (HS), a glycosaminoglycan formed by alternate repetitive units of D-glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid/L-iduronic acid. HS is a major component of the extracellular matrix and basement membranes and has been implicated in processes of the tissue's integrity and functional state. The degradation of HS by HPSE enzyme leads to conditions like inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. An elevated HPSE expression with a poor prognosis and its multiple roles in tumor growth and metastasis has attracted significant interest for its inhibition as a potential anti-neoplastic target.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature from journal publication websites and electronic databases such as Bentham, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, USFDA, etc., about HPSE, its structure, functions, and role in cancer.

RESULTS

The present review is focused on Heparanase inhibitors (HPIns) that have been isolated from natural resources or chemically synthesized as new therapeutics for metastatic tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases in recent years. The recent developments made in the HPSE structure and function are also discussed, which can lead to the future design of HPIns with more potency and specificity for the target.

CONCLUSION

HPIns can be a better target to be explored against various cancers.

Total Synthesis of (+)-Trachyspic Acid 19-n-Butyl Ester

The first total synthesis of the alkyl citrate trachyspic acid 19-n-butyl ester (1) is described. A formal [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of the silylketene acetal derived from lactone 6 with di-n-butylacetylene dicarboxylate 7 provided the cyclobutene diester 5 with a dr >20:1. Acid-mediated rearrangement of 5 followed by lactone ring-opening and ester protecting group manipulation eventually provided orthogonally protected aldehyde 3. A Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi coupling between 3 and vinyl iodide 4 followed by oxidation of the resultant allylic alcohol gave enone 16, which was converted into the triester 17 (dr 6:1) by a spirocyclization/oxidative cleavage/elimination sequence. Removal of the t-butyl esters then afforded trachyspic acid 19-n-butyl ester (1).

Structure and biological activity of Metarhizin C, a stereoisomer of BR-050 from Tolypocladium album RK17-F0007

Metarhizin C, a stereoisomer of BR-050 was isolated from a fungus Tolypocladium album RK17-F0007 through a screening program to search for new antitumor compounds. A structure of the isomer was determined by spectroscopic methods including detailed analysis of NOESY correlation and mass spectrometry, and found to be identical to that of 3-desacylmetarhizin A with the absolute structure. Previously, it had been isolated by Kikuchi et al and proposed as BR-050 including the stereo-structure. However, detailed analysis for the newly isolated isomer confirmed that 3-desacylmetarhizin A was not identical to BR-050. Therefore, we assigned it metarhizin C as a new BR-050 isomer. Metarhizin C showed selective cytotoxicity against osteosarcoma MG-63 cells in a glucose independent condition with IC₅₀ value of 0.79 µg/ml, while > 30 µg/ml of IC₅₀ value in a normal condition, and inhibited a mitochondrial respiration.

Targeting Heparanase in Cancer: Inhibition by Synthetic, Chemically Modified, and Natural Compounds

Heparanase is an endoglycosidase involved in remodeling the extracellular matrix and thereby in regulating multiple cellular processes and biological activities. It cleaves heparan sulfate (HS) side chains of HS proteoglycans into smaller fragments and hence regulates tissue morphogenesis, differentiation, and homeostasis. Heparanase is overexpressed in various carcinomas, sarcomas, and hematological malignancies, and its upregulation correlates with increased tumor size, tumor angiogenesis, enhanced metastasis, and poor prognosis. In contrast, knockdown or inhibition of heparanase markedly attenuates tumor progression, further underscoring the potential of anti-heparanase therapy. Heparanase inhibitors were employed to interfere with tumor progression in preclinical studies, and selected heparin mimetics are being examined in clinical trials. However, despite tremendous efforts, the discovery of heparanase inhibitors with high clinical benefit and minimal adverse effects remains a therapeutic challenge. This review discusses the key roles of heparanase in cancer progression focusing on the status of natural, chemically modified, and synthetic heparanase inhibitors in various types of malignancies.

Recent progress in the isolation, bioactivity, biosynthesis, and total synthesis of natural spiroketals

The isolation, bioactivity, biosynthesis, and total synthesis of natural spiroketals from 2011 to July 2017 have been summarized in this review.