Synthesis enables identification of the cellular target of leucascandrolide A and neopeltolide

Multivariate analysis of metabolic state vulnerabilities across diverse cancer contexts reveals synthetically lethal associations

Targeting the distinct metabolic needs of tumor cells has recently emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The heterogeneous, context-dependent nature of cancer cell metabolism, however, poses challenges in identifying effective therapeutic interventions. Here, we utilize various unsupervised and supervised multivariate modeling approaches to systematically pinpoint recurrent metabolic states within hundreds of cancer cell lines, elucidate their association with tumor lineage and growth environments, and uncover vulnerabilities linked to their metabolic states across diverse genetic and tissue contexts. We validate key findings via analysis of data from patient-derived tumors and pharmacological screens, and by performing new genetic and pharmacological experiments. Our analysis uncovers new synthetically lethal associations between the tumor metabolic state (e.g., oxidative phosphorylation), driver mutations (e.g., loss of tumor suppressor PTEN), and actionable biological targets (e.g., mitochondrial electron transport chain). Investigating the mechanisms underlying these relationships can inform the development of more precise and context-specific, metabolism-targeted cancer therapies.

Neopeltolide and its synthetic derivatives: a promising new class of anticancer agents

Being the first or second cause of death worldwide, cancer represents the most significant clinical, social, and financial burden of any human illness. Despite recent progresses in cancer diagnosis and management, traditional cancer chemotherapies have shown several adverse side effects and loss of potency due to increased resistance. As a result, one of the current approaches is on with the search of bioactive anticancer compounds from natural sources. Neopeltolide is a marine-derived macrolide isolated from deep-water sponges collected off Jamaica's north coast. Its mechanism of action is still under research but represents a potentially promising novel drug for cancer therapy. In this review, we first illustrate the general structural characterization of neopeltolide, the semi-synthetic derivatives, and current medical applications. In addition, we reviewed its anticancer properties, primarily based on in vitro studies, and the possible clinical trials. Finally, we summarize the recent progress in the mechanism of antitumor action of neopeltolide. According to the information presented, we identified two principal challenges in the research, i) the effective dose which acts neopeltolide as an anticancer compound, and ii) to unequivocally establish the mechanism of action by which the compound exerts its antiproliferative effect.

Total Synthesis of (+)-Neopeltolide by the Macrocyclization/Transannular Pyran Cyclization Strategy

An 11-step synthesis of (+)-neopeltolide was developed. The C1-C7 carboxylic acid and the C8-C16 alcohol were prepared, each in six steps, from (R)- and (S)-epichlorohydrin, respectively. After esterification, our tandem macrocyclization/transannular pyran cyclization strategy was applied to a stereocontrolled construction of the neopeltolide macrolactone. The side chain was synthesized in six steps from ethyl 4-oxazolecarboxylate through palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings. A Mitsunobu reaction of the neopeltolide macrolactone and the side chain completed the synthesis.

An Overview of Bioactive 1,3-Oxazole-Containing Alkaloids from Marine Organisms

1,3-Oxazole chemicals are a unique class of five-membered monocyclic heteroarenes, containing a nitrogen atom and an oxygen. These alkaloids have attracted extensive attention from medicinal chemists and pharmacologists owing to their diverse arrays of chemical structures and biological activities, and a series of 1,3-oxazole derivatives has been developed into therapeutic agents (e.g., almoxatone, befloxatone, cabotegravir, delpazolid, fenpipalone, haloxazolam, inavolisib). A growing amount of evidence indicates that marine organisms are one of important sources of 1,3-oxazole-containing alkaloids. To improve our knowledge regarding these marine-derived substances, as many as 285 compounds are summarized in this review, which, for the first time, highlights their sources, structural features and biological properties, as well as their biosynthesis and chemical synthesis. Perspective for the future discovery of new 1,3-oxazole compounds from marine organisms is also provided.

Catalytic Reactions and Energy Conservation in the Cytochrome bc1 and b6f Complexes of Energy-Transducing Membranes

This review focuses on key components of respiratory and photosynthetic energy-transduction systems: the cytochrome bc1 and b6f (Cytbc1/b6f) membranous multisubunit homodimeric complexes. These remarkable molecular machines catalyze electron transfer from membranous quinones to water-soluble electron carriers (such as cytochromes c or plastocyanin), coupling electron flow to proton translocation across the energy-transducing membrane and contributing to the generation of a transmembrane electrochemical potential gradient, which powers cellular metabolism in the majority of living organisms. Cytsbc1/b6f share many similarities but also have significant differences. While decades of research have provided extensive knowledge on these enzymes, several important aspects of their molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We summarize a broad range of structural, mechanistic, and physiological aspects required for function of Cytbc1/b6f, combining textbook fundamentals with new intriguing concepts that have emerged from more recent studies. The discussion covers but is not limited to (i) mechanisms of energy-conserving bifurcation of electron pathway and energy-wasting superoxide generation at the quinol oxidation site, (ii) the mechanism by which semiquinone is stabilized at the quinone reduction site, (iii) interactions with substrates and specific inhibitors, (iv) intermonomer electron transfer and the role of a dimeric complex, and (v) higher levels of organization and regulation that involve Cytsbc1/b6f. In addressing these topics, we point out existing uncertainties and controversies, which, as suggested, will drive further research in this field.

A look around the West Indies: The spices of life are secondary metabolites

Natural products possess a wide range of bioactivities with potential for therapeutic usage. While the distribution of these molecules can vary greatly there is some correlation that exists between the biodiversity of an environment and the uniqueness and concentration of natural products found in that region or area. The Caribbean and pan-Caribbean area is home to thousands of species of endemic fauna and flora providing huge potential for natural product discovery and by way, potential leads for drug development. This can especially be said for marine natural products as many of are rapidly diluted through diffusion once released and therefore are highly potent to achieve long reaching effects. This review seeks to highlight a small selection of marine natural products from the Caribbean region which possess antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and antipathogenic properties while highlighting any synthetic efforts towards bioactive analogs.

Design and synthesis of potent inhibitors of bc1 complex based on natural product neopeltolide

Neopeltolide, a natural product isolated from deep-water sponge specimen of the family neopeltidae, has been proven to be a novel inhibitor of cytochrome bc₁. In this study, a series of neopeltolide derivatives was designed by replacing the 14-membered macrolactone with indole ring and confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and HRMS. Based on the binding mode of 12h with bc₁ complex, the IC₅₀ values of compounds 16a-f (ranging from 0.70 to 1.46 μM) were improved significantly than the ester derivatives 12a-u by replacing the ester with amide linker. Subsequently, the molecular docking results indicated that compound 16e could form a π-π interaction with Phe274 and two H-bonds with Glu271 and His161 and the latter H-bond was found to account for its high activity. The present work accelerates the discovery of novel bc₁ complex inhibitors to deal with the resistance that the existing bc₁ complex inhibitors are facing and provides a valuable idea for the design of new fungicides.

Fluorescence-labeled neopeltolide derivatives for subcellular localization imaging

Design, synthesis and functional analysis of fluorescent derivatives of neopeltolide, an antiproliferative marine macrolide, are reported herein. Live cell imaging using the fluorescent derivatives showed rapid cellular uptake and localization within the endoplasmic reticulum as well as the mitochondria.

Design and Synthesis of Anti-Cancer Chimera Molecules Based on Marine Natural Products

In this paper, the chemical conjugation of marine natural products with other bioactive molecules for developing an advanced anti-cancer agent is described. Structural complexity and the extraordinary biological features of marine natural products have led to tremendous research in isolation, structural elucidation, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation. In addition, this basic scientific achievement has made it possible to hybridize two or more biologically important skeletons into a single compound. The hybridization strategy has been used to identify further opportunities to overcome certain limitations, such as structural complexity, scarcity problems, poor solubility, severe toxicity, and weak potency of marine natural products for advanced development in drug discovery. Further, well-designed marine chimera molecules can function as a platform for target discovery or degradation. In this review, the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of recent marine chimera molecules are presented.

Natural Product Neopeltolide as a Cytochrome bc1 Complex Inhibitor: Mechanism of Action and Structural Modification

The marine natural product neopeltolide was isolated from a deep-water sponge specimen of the family Neopeltidae. Neopeltolide has been proven to be a new type of inhibitor of the cytochrome bc₁ complex in the mitochondrial respiration chain. However, its detailed inhibition mechanism has remained unknown. In addition, neopeltolide is difficult to synthesize because of its very complex chemical structure. In the present work, the binding mode of neopeltolide was determined for the first time by integrating molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area calculations, which showed that neopeltolide is a Q_o site inhibitor of the bc₁ complex. Then, according to guidance via inhibitor-protein interaction analysis, structural modification was carried out with the aim to simplify the chemical structure of neopeltolide, leading to the synthesis of a series of new neopeltolide derivatives with much simpler chemical structures. The calculated binding energies (Δ G_cal) of the newly synthesized analogues correlated very well ( R² = 0.90) with their experimental binding free energies (Δ G_exp), which confirmed that the computational protocol was reliable. Compound 45, bearing a diphenyl ether fragment, was successfully designed and synthesized as the most potent candidate (IC₅₀ = 12 nM) against porcine succinate cytochrome c reductase. The molecular modeling results indicate that compound 45 formed a π-π interaction with Phe274 and two hydrogen bonds with Glu271 and His161. The present work provides a new starting point for future fungicide discovery to overcome the resistance that the existing bc₁ complex inhibitors are facing.

Conformation-guided analogue design identifies potential antimalarial compounds through inhibition of mitochondrial respiration

The synthesis of a 2-methyl-substituted analogue of the natural product, neopeltolide, is reported in an effort to analyze the importance of molecular conformation and ligand-target interactions in relation to biological activity. The methyl substitution was incorporated via highly diastereoselective ester enolate alkylation of a late-stage intermediate. Coupling of the oxazole sidechain provided 2-methyl-neopeltolide and synthetic neopeltolide via total synthesis. The substitution was shown to maintain the conformational preferences of its biologically active parent compound through computer modeling and NMR studies. Both compounds were shown to be potential antimalarial compounds through the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in P. falciparum parasites.

A Synthetic Analogue of Neopeltolide, 8,9-Dehydroneopeltolide, Is a Potent Anti-Austerity Agent against Starved Tumor Cells

Neopeltolide, an antiproliferative marine macrolide, is known to specifically inhibit complex III of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC). However, details of the biological mode-of-action(s) remain largely unknown. This work demonstrates potent cytotoxic activity of synthetic neopeltolide analogue, 8,9-dehydroneopeltolide (8,9-DNP), against starved human pancreatic adenocarcinoma PANC-1 cells and human non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. 8,9-DNP induced rapid dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential and depletion of intracellular ATP level in nutrient-deprived medium. Meanwhile, in spite of mTOR inhibition under starvation conditions, impairment of cytoprotective autophagy was observed as the lipidation of LC3-I to form LC3-II and the degradation of p62 were suppressed. Consequently, cells were severely deprived of energy sources and underwent necrotic cell death. The autophagic flux inhibited by 8,9-DNP could be restored by glucose, and this eventually rescued cells from necrotic death. Thus, 8,9-DNP is a potent anti-austerity agent that impairs mitochondrial ATP synthesis and cytoprotective autophagy in starved tumor cells.

Approach to the Synthesis of the C1-C11 and C14-C18 portion of Leucascandrolide A

An asymmetric synthesis of the C1 to C11 and C14 to C18 fragments of the macrocyclic portion of the antibiotic Leucascandrolide A was achieved in 21 total steps from an achiral dienoate. The key 4-hydroxy-2,5-pyran portion of the natural product was established by oxy-Michael cyclization of a 5,7,9,11-tetraol intermediate, which in turn was established by an iterative asymmetric-hydration of dienoates. Alternative strategies for establishing the polyol stereochemistry were explored.

Identification and Optimization of the First Highly Selective GLUT1 Inhibitor BAY-876

Despite the long‐known fact that the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT1 is one of the key players safeguarding the increase in glucose consumption of many tumor entities even under conditions of normal oxygen supply (known as the Warburg effect), only few endeavors have been undertaken to find a GLUT1‐selective small‐molecule inhibitor. Because other transporters of the GLUT1 family are involved in crucial processes, these transporters should not be addressed by such an inhibitor. A high‐throughput screen against a library of ∼3 million compounds was performed to find a small molecule with this challenging potency and selectivity profile. The N‐(1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)quinoline‐4‐carboxamides were identified as an excellent starting point for further compound optimization. After extensive structure–activity relationship explorations, single‐digit nanomolar inhibitors with a selectivity factor of >100 against GLUT2, GLUT3, and GLUT4 were obtained. The most promising compound, BAY‐876 [N⁴‐[1‐(4‐cyanobenzyl)‐5‐methyl‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl]‐7‐fluoroquinoline‐2,4‐dicarboxamide], showed good metabolic stability in vitro and high oral bioavailability in vivo.

Enantioselective Alcohol C-H Functionalization for Polyketide Construction: Unlocking Redox-Economy and Site-Selectivity for Ideal Chemical Synthesis

The development and application of stereoselective and site-selective catalytic methods that directly convert lower alcohols to higher alcohols are described. These processes merge the characteristics of transfer hydrogenation and carbonyl addition, exploiting alcohols and π-unsaturated reactants as redox pairs, which upon hydrogen transfer generate transient carbonyl-organometal pairs en route to products of C-C coupling. Unlike classical carbonyl additions, stoichiometric organometallic reagents and discrete alcohol-to-carbonyl redox reactions are not required. Additionally, due to a kinetic preference for primary alcohol dehydrogenation, the site-selective modification of glycols and higher polyols is possible, streamlining or eliminating use of protecting groups. The total syntheses of several iconic type I polyketide natural products were undertaken using these methods. In each case, the target compounds were prepared in significantly fewer steps than previously achieved.

Mechanism of inhibition of human glucose transporter GLUT1 is conserved between cytochalasin B and phenylalanine amides

Cancerous cells have an acutely increased demand for energy, leading to increased levels of human glucose transporter 1 (hGLUT1). This up-regulation suggests hGLUT1 as a target for therapeutic inhibitors addressing a multitude of cancer types. Here, we present three inhibitor-bound, inward-open structures of WT-hGLUT1 crystallized with three different inhibitors: cytochalasin B, a nine-membered bicyclic ring fused to a 14-membered macrocycle, which has been described extensively in the literature of hGLUTs, and two previously undescribed Phe amide-derived inhibitors. Despite very different chemical backbones, all three compounds bind in the central cavity of the inward-open state of hGLUT1, and all binding sites overlap the glucose-binding site. The inhibitory action of the compounds was determined for hGLUT family members, hGLUT1-4, using cell-based assays, and compared with homology models for these hGLUT members. This comparison uncovered a probable basis for the observed differences in inhibition between family members. We pinpoint regions of the hGLUT proteins that can be targeted to achieve isoform selectivity, and show that these same regions are used for inhibitors with very distinct structural backbones. The inhibitor cocomplex structures of hGLUT1 provide an important structural insight for the design of more selective inhibitors for hGLUTs and hGLUT1 in particular.

Contemporary Strategies for the Synthesis of Tetrahydropyran Derivatives: Application to Total Synthesis of Neopeltolide, a Marine Macrolide Natural Product

Tetrahydropyrans are structural motifs that are abundantly present in a range of biologically important marine natural products. As such, significant efforts have been paid to the development of efficient and versatile methods for the synthesis of tetrahydropyran derivatives. Neopeltolide, a potent antiproliferative marine natural product, has been an attractive target compound for synthetic chemists because of its complex structure comprised of a 14-membered macrolactone embedded with a tetrahydropyran ring, and twenty total and formal syntheses of this natural product have been reported so far. This review summarizes the total and formal syntheses of neopeltolide and its analogues, highlighting the synthetic strategies exploited for constructing the tetrahydropyran ring.

Discovery of cytochrome bc1 complex inhibitors inspired by the natural product karrikinolide

Novel and potent inhibitors targeting the cytochrome bc₁ complex were discovered from the natural product karrikinolide for the first time.

Diastereoseletive Transannular Oxa-Conjugate Addition Generates the 2,6-cis-Disubstituted Tetrahydropyran of Neopeltolide

Transannular 2,6-disubstituted pyrans, like the one found in the cytotoxic marine natural product neopeltolide, are a key functional group in many polyketides. While oxa-conjugate additions have been shown to provide direct and rapid access to tetrahydropyrans in acyclic neopeltolide intermediates, a transannular strategy for construction of this ring system in a macrocyclic core has not been investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that a transannular oxa-conjugate addition strategy is a viable approach to the construction of the bicyclic core of neopeltolide. We show that transannular addition occurs readily with an α,β-unsaturated ketone as the Michael acceptor and does not occur when an α,β-unsaturated ester is the Michael acceptor. Our data indicates that oxa-conjugate addition is reversible and that the stereochemical outcome can be under thermodynamic control. Using computational chemistry, we show that the lowest energy diastereomer is the desired cis-pyran found in neopeltolide, and we experimentally demonstrate that the trans and cis diastereomers are interconvertible under reaction conditions with the cis-pyran product predominating. This oxa-conjugate addition strategy should provide a viable route to accessing the fully elaborated macrocyclic core of neopeltolide.

Identification of fumarate hydratase inhibitors with nutrient-dependent cytotoxicity

Development of cell-permeable small molecules that target enzymes involved in energy metabolism remains important yet challenging. We describe here the discovery of a new class of compounds with a nutrient-dependent cytotoxicity profile that arises from pharmacological inhibition of fumarate hydratase (also known as fumarase). This finding was enabled by a high-throughput screen of a diverse chemical library in a panel of human cancer cell lines cultured under different growth conditions, followed by subsequent structure-activity optimization and target identification. While the highest cytotoxicity was observed under low glucose concentrations, the antiproliferative activities and inhibition of oxygen consumption rates in cells were distinctly different from those displayed by typical inhibitors of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. The use of a photoaffinity labeling strategy identified fumarate hydratase as the principal pharmacological target. Final biochemical studies confirmed dose-dependent, competitive inhibition of this enzyme in vitro, which was fully consistent with the initially observed growth inhibitory activity. Our work demonstrates how the phenotypic observations combined with a successful target identification strategy can yield a useful class of pharmacological inhibitors of an enzyme involved in the operation of tricarboxylic acid cycle.

Strategies and Methods for the Synthesis of Anticancer Natural Product Neopeltolide and its Analogs

Neopeltolide, isolated in 2007, with its novel structural features and potent anti cancer cell proliferation activity, has attracted a tremendous amount of synthetic efforts. This review briefly and chronologically summarizes each of the synthesis with the main focus on the strategies and methodologies for the construction of its cis-tetrahydropyran-containing macrolactone core.

Recent applications of the hetero Diels–Alder reaction in the total synthesis of natural products

The synthetic utility and potential power of the Diels–Alder (D–A) reaction in organic chemistry is evident.

Design and synthesis of analogues of natural products

In this article strategies for the design and synthesis of natural product analogues are summarized and illustrated with some selected examples.

Programmed cell death induced by (-)-8,9-dehydroneopeltolide in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells under energy stress conditions

(+)-Neopeltolide is a marine macrolide natural product that exhibits potent antiproliferative activity against several human cancer cell lines. Previous study has established that this natural product primarily targets the complex III of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. However, the biochemical mode-of-actions of neopeltolide have not been investigated in detail. Here we report that (-)-8,9-dehydroneopeltolide (8,9-DNP), a more accessible synthetic analogue, shows potent cytotoxicity against human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells preferentially under energy stress conditions. Nuclear morphology analysis, as well as DNA ladder assay, indicated that 8,9-DNP induced significant nuclear condensation/fragmentation and DNA fragmentation, and these events could be suppressed by preincubating the cells with a pan-caspase inhibitor, N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (zVAD). Immunoblot analysis demonstrated the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and the cleavage of full-length caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). These results indicated that 8,9-DNP induced caspase-dependent apoptotic programmed cell death under energy stress conditions. It was also found that 8,9-DNP induced non-apoptotic cell death in the presence/absence of zVAD under energy stress conditions. Immunoblot analysis showed the intracytosolic release of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), although it did not further translocate to the nucleus. It appears most likely that, in the presence of zVAD, 8,9-DNP triggered necrotic cell death as a result of severe intracellular ATP depletion.

Socially responsive effects of brain oxidative metabolism on aggression

Despite ongoing high energetic demands, brains do not always use glucose and oxygen in a ratio that produces maximal ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. In some cases glucose consumption exceeds oxygen use despite adequate oxygen availability, a phenomenon known as aerobic glycolysis. Although metabolic plasticity seems essential for normal cognition, studying its functional significance has been challenging because few experimental systems link brain metabolic patterns to distinct behavioral states. Our recent transcriptomic analysis established a correlation between aggression and decreased whole-brain oxidative phosphorylation activity in the honey bee (Apis mellifera), suggesting that brain metabolic plasticity may modulate this naturally occurring behavior. Here we demonstrate that the relationship between brain metabolism and aggression is causal, conserved over evolutionary time, cell type-specific, and modulated by the social environment. Pharmacologically treating honey bees to inhibit complexes I or V in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway resulted in increased aggression. In addition, transgenic RNAi lines and genetic manipulation to knock down gene expression in complex I in fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) neurons resulted in increased aggression, but knockdown in glia had no effect. Finally, honey bee colony-level social manipulations that decrease individual aggression attenuated the effects of oxidative phosphorylation inhibition on aggression, demonstrating a specific effect of the social environment on brain function. Because decreased neuronal oxidative phosphorylation is usually associated with brain disease, these findings provide a powerful context for understanding brain metabolic plasticity and naturally occurring behavioral plasticity.

Synthesis of tetrahydropyran/tetrahydrofuran-containing macrolides by palladium-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylative macrolactonizations

A novel Pd-catalyzed cascade alkoxycarbonylative macrolactonization to construct tetrahydropyran/tetrahydrofuran-containing bridged macrolactones in one step from alkendiols is described. Products with various ring sizes and substituents were obtained. Challenging macrolactones involving tertiary alcohols were synthesized smoothly as well. Mechanistically, experimental evidence to support a trans-oxypalladation step has been provided. The method was applied to the synthesis of potent anticancer compound 9-demethylneopeltolide.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of (+)-neopeltolide analogues: importance of the oxazole-containing side chain

We describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of (+)-neopeltolide analogues with structural modifications in the oxazole-containing side chain. Evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of newly synthesized analogues against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells and PANC-1 human pancreatic carcinoma cells have shown that the C19-C20 and C26-C27 double bonds within the oxazole-containing side chain and the terminal methyl carbamate group are essential for potent activity.

Exploring the role of mitochondrial UQCRB in angiogenesis using small molecules

Bioactive small molecules are powerful tools used to evaluate protein function under physiological and pathological conditions. Over recent decades, utilization of a variety of biologically active small molecules in basic research and clinical applications has provided tremendous benefits in understanding the molecular mechanisms of biology and accelerating drug development. This review focuses on recent advances in the identification of new small molecules and their target proteins for exploring angiogenesis at the molecular level. In particular, we focus on the oxygen-sensing role of ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase binding protein (UQCRB) of mitochondrial Complex III through identification of the protein target and the mode of action of a natural small molecule, terpestacin. The positive feedback approach of chemistry and biology provides a new way to explore functional roles of proteins and to translate this information into practical applications.

Enantioselective total synthesis of macrolide (+)-neopeltolide

The asymmetric total synthesis of the anti-proliferative macrolide (+)-neopeltolide has been completed. The stereochemically defined trisubstituted tetrahydropyran ring was constructed via a catalytic hetero-Diels-Alder reaction creating two new chiral centers in a highly diastereoselective manner. The other key features of this synthesis included Brown's asymmetric allylation to install the requisite C-11 and C-13 stereocenters. The synthesis of the oxazole side chain consisted of a hydrozirconation of an alkynyl stannane to establish the Z stereochemistry, followed by a palladium catalyzed cross coupling to introduce the desired Z olefin in the oxazole side chain.

Concise synthesis and biological assessment of (+)-neopeltolide and a 16-member stereoisomer library of 8,9-dehydroneopeltolide: identification of pharmacophoric elements

We describe herein a concise synthesis of (+)-neopeltolide, a marine macrolide natural product that elicits a highly potent antiproliferative activity against several human cancer cell lines. Our synthesis exploited the powerful bond-forming ability and high functional group compatibility of olefin metathesis and esterification reactions to minimize manipulations of oxygen functionalities and to maximize synthetic convergency. Our findings include a chemoselective olefin cross-metathesis reaction directed by H-bonding, and a ring-closing metathesis conducted under non-high dilution conditions. Moreover, we developed a 16-member stereoisomer library of 8,9-dehydroneopeltolide to systematically explore the stereostructure-activity relationships. Assessment of the antiproliferative activity of the stereoisomers against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma, MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma, HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma, and P388 murine leukemia cell lines has revealed marked differences in potency between the stereoisomers. This study provides comprehensive insights into the structure-activity relationship of this important antiproliferative agent, leading to the identification of the pharmacophoric structural elements and the development of truncated analogues with nanomolar potency.

Stereoselective synthesis of the macrolactone core of (+)-neopeltolide

A stereoselective synthesis of the macrolactone core of the potent anticancer agent neopeltolide is disclosed. The key steps of the synthesis include asymmetric allylation using Krische' protocol, conjugate reduction using MacMillan's methodology, and an asymmetric hetero-Diels-Alder reaction using Jacobsen's catalyst. Substrate controlled diastereoselective 1,3-anti reduction of a keto alcohol, Luche reduction followed by Ireland-Claisen rearrangement, oxymercuration, and reductive lithiation are other key steps.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of neopeltolide and analogs

The synthesis of neopeltolide analogues that contain variations in the oxazole-containing side chain and in the macrolide core are reported along with the GI(50) values for these compounds against MCF-7, HCT-116, and p53 knockout HCT-116 cell lines. Although biological activity is sensitive to changes in the macrocycle and the side chain, several analogues displayed GI(50) values of <25 nM. Neopeltolide and several of the more potent analogues were significantly less potent against p53 knockout cells, suggesting that p53 plays an auxiliary role in the activity of these compounds.

Natural products from the Lithistida: a review of the literature since 2000

Lithistid sponges are known to produce a diverse array of compounds ranging from polyketides, cyclic and linear peptides, alkaloids, pigments, lipids, and sterols. A majority of these structurally complex compounds have very potent and interesting biological activities. It has been a decade since a thorough review has been published that summarizes the literature on the natural products reported from this amazing sponge order. This review provides an update on the current taxonomic classification of the Lithistida, describes structures and biological activities of 131 new natural products, and discusses highlights from the total syntheses of 16 compounds from marine sponges of the Order Lithistida providing a compilation of the literature since the last review published in 2002.

Concise formal synthesis of (+)-neopeltolide

A concise formal synthesis of (+)-neopeltolide (1) has been accomplished. The synthesis demonstrated high atom efficiency employing only one step of functional group protection. Key steps involved iridium-catalyzed double asymmetric carbonyl allylation, palladium-catalyzed intramolecular alkoxycarbonylation, ruthenium-catalyzed olefin isomerization, and ring-closing metathesis.

Studies for the enantiocontrolled preparation of substituted tetrahydropyrans: Applications for the synthesis of leucascandrolide A macrolactone

Strategies for the stereocontrolled preparations of 2,6-cis-and 2,6-trans-substituted tetrahydropyrans have been devised. These studies have explored methodology for asymmetric induction in SE' reactions using chiral 1,3,2-diazaborolidine controllers. Reactions with aldehydes at -78 °C yield nonracemic 1,5-diols for chemoselective internal backside displacements. This concept is developed as a flexible and reliable strategy in studies toward leucascandrolide A macrolactone 2 via the sequential applications of SE' reactions leading to the C1-C9 aldehyde 14, and the bis-tetrahydropyran 59, respectively.

The Lithistida: important sources of compounds useful in biomedical research

Lithistid sponges have been an important source of structurally complex natural products with potent biological activities. Examples of compounds marketed as biological markers along with recent advances in defining the modes of action and biomedical potential of lithistid-derived compounds are presented.