Synthesis and radical reaction of 1'-phenylselenonucleosides

The 1'alpha-phenylselenouridine derivative (4) was successfully synthesized via enolization at the 1'-position of the 3',5'-O-TIPDS-2'-ketouridine (1). After the introduction of a vinylsilyl tether as an intramolecular radical acceptor at the 2'-hydroxy group of 4, its atom-transfer radical cyclization reaction, followed by the treatment with TBAF gave 1'alpha-vinyluridine derivative (10). Using this procedure, 1'alpha-vinyluridine (11) and -cytidine (14) were successfully synthesized.

Synthesis and biological activity of cyclic ADP-carbocyclic-ribose and its analogs as stable mimics of Ca(2+)-mobilizing second messenger cyclic ADP-ribose

Cyclic ADP-carbocyclic-ribose (cADPcR, 2) and its several analogs were designed and synthesized as stable mimics of Ca(2+)-mobilizing second messenger cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR, 1). cADPcR was stable and actually caused a significant release of Ca(2+) stronger than that of cADPR.

Highly alpha- and beta-selective radical C-glycosylation reactions using a controlling anomeric effect based on the conformational restriction strategy. A study on the conformation-anomeric effect-stereoselectivity relationship in anomeric radical reactions

We hypothesized that, because the stereoselectivity of anomeric radical reactions was significantly influenced by the anomeric effect, which can be controlled by restricting the conformation of the radical intermediate, the proper conformational restriction of the pyranose ring of the substrates would therefore make highly alpha- and beta-stereoselective anomeric radical reactions possible. Thus, the conformationally restricted 1-phenylseleno-D-xylose derivatives 9 and 10, restricted in a (4)C(1)-conformation, and 11 and 12, restricted in a (1)C(4)-conformation, were designed and synthesized by introducing the proper protecting groups on the hydroxyl groups on the pyranose ring as model substrates for the anomeric radical reactions. The radical deuterations with Bu(3)SnD and the C-glycosylation with Bu(3)SnCH(2)CH [double bond] CH(2) or CH(2) [double bond] CHCN, using the (4)C(1)-restricted substrates 9 and 10, afforded the corresponding alpha-products (alpha/beta = 97:3-85:15) highly stereoselectively, whereas the (1)C(4)-restricted substrates 11 and 12 selectively gave the beta-products (alpha/beta = 1:99-0:100). Thus, stereoselectivity was significantly increased by conformational restriction and was completely inverted by changing the substrate conformation from the (4)C(1)-form into the (1)C(4)-form. Ab initio calculations suggested that the radical intermediates produced from these substrates possessed the typical (4)C(1)- or (1)C(4)-conformation, which was similar to that of the substrates, and that the anomeric effect in these conformations would be the factor controlling the transition state of the reaction. Therefore, the highly alpha- and beta-selective reactions would occur because of the anomeric effect, which could be manipulated by conformational restriction of the substrates, as expected. This would be the first radical C-glycosylation reaction to provide both alpha- and beta-C-glycosides highly stereoselectively.

Total synthesis of nucleobase-modified adenophostin A mimics

The adenophostins exhibit approximately 10-100 times higher receptor binding and Ca2+ mobilising potencies in comparison with the natural second messenger D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]. Despite many synthetic attempts to determine the minimal structural requirement for this unusual behaviour of the adenophostins, few related simplified analogues displaying higher activity than that of Ins(1,4,5)P3 have been reported. However, biological evaluation of such analogues has revealed that one of the key factors for the enhanced biological activity is the adenine moiety. To further understand the effect that the adenine base has upon the activity of the adenophostins, congeners in which this functionality is replaced by uracil, benzimidazole, 2-methoxynaphthalene, 4-methylanisole and 4-methylnaphthalene using the common intermediate 1,2-di-O-acetyl-5-O-benzyl-3-O-(3,4-di-O-acetyl-2,6-di-O-benzyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-ribofuranose have been synthesised using a base replacement strategy. The synthesis of the uracil and benzimidazole analogues was achieved using the Vorbrüggen condensation procedure. The 1'-C-glycosidic analogues were prepared using Friedel-Crafts type C-aryl glycosidation reactions. Phosphate groups were introduced using the phosphoramidite method with subsequent removal of all-benzyl protecting groups by catalytic hydrogenation or catalytic hydrogen transfer. Apart from one analogue with an alpha-glycosidic linkage all compounds were more potent than Ins(1,4,5)P3 and most tended more towards adenophostin in activity. These analogues will be valuable tools to unravel the role that the adenine moiety plays in the potent activity of the adenophostins and demonstrate that this strategy is effective at producing highly potent ligands.

Establishment of CHO cell lines expressing four N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtypes and characterization of a novel antagonist PPDC

To develop an assay system that allows the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subtype-selective antagonistic potency of drugs, we have established Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing the four NMDA receptor subtypes (GluRepsilon1/zeta1-GluRepsilon4/zeta1) heat-indelibly. Using these clonal cells, we found that a novel antagonist, (1S,2R)-1-phenyl-2[(S)-1-aminopropyl]-N,N-diethylcyclopropanecarboxamide, was less selective for the GluRepsilon1/zeta1: the IC(50) values for the GluRepsilon1/zeta1-GluRepsilon4/zeta1 were 41.7, 13.3, 12.6 and 11.5 microM, respectively, while two well-known antagonists, DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid and ifenprodil, showed the known potency and selectivity for each subtype. Thus, the established clonal cells are of use in characterizing the pharmacological properties of drugs that act on NMDA receptors.

Total synthesis of cyclic ADP-carbocyclic-ribose, a stable mimic of Ca2+-mobilizing second messenger cyclic ADP-ribose

The synthesis of cyclic ADP-carbocyclic-ribose (cADPcR, 4) designed as a stable mimic of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR, 1), a Ca2+-mobilizing second messenger, was achieved using as the key step a condensation reaction with the phenylthiophosphate-type substrate 14 to form an intramolecular pyrophosphate linkage. The N-1-carbocyclic-ribosyladenosine derivative 16 was prepared via the condensation between the imidazole nucleoside derivative 17, prepared from AICA-riboside (19), and the readily available optically active carbocyclic amine 18. Compound 16 was then converted to the corresponding 5' '-phosphoryl-5'-phenylthiophosphate derivatives 14. Treatment of 14 with AgNO3 in the presence of molecular sieves (3 A) in pyridine at room temperature gave the desired cyclization product 32 in 93% yield, and subsequent acidic treatment provided the target cADPcR (4). This represents a general method for synthesizing biologically important cyclic nucleotides of this type. 1H NMR analysis of cADPcR suggested that its conformation in aqueous medium is similar to that of cADPR. cADPcR, unlike cADPR, was stable under neutral and acidic conditions, where under basic conditions, it formed the Dimroth-rearranged N6-cyclized product 34. cADPcR was also stable in rat brain membrane homogenate which has cADPR degradation activity. Furthermore, cADPcR was resistant to the hydrolysis by CD38 cADPR hydrolase, while cADPR was rapidly hydrolyzed under the same conditions. When cADPcR was injected into sea urchin eggs, it caused a significant release of Ca2+ in the cells, an effect considerably stronger than that of cADPR. Thus, cADPcR was identified as a stable mimic of cADPR.

Significance of substrate hydrophobicity for recognition by an oligopeptide transporter (PEPT1)

Our previous paper [(1999) Bioconjugate Chem. 10, 24-31] pointed out that hydrophobicity of substrates/inhibitors plays an important role in the recognition by an oligopeptide transporter (PEPT1) expressed in the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2. To determine the significance of that hydrophobicity, we have now synthesized dipeptide analogues conjugating the epsilon-amino group of Lys in Val-Lys with aliphatic carboxylic acids: acetic acid (C2), propanoic acid (C3), pentanoic acid (C5), hexanoic acid (C6), and decanoic acid (C10). The affinities of these conjugates were estimated by their inhibition of the accumulation rate of Gly-Sar, a well-established substrate for PEPT1. With the increase in length of the hydrocarbon chain of the conjugates, i.e., in the hydrophobicity of the conjugates, the inhibition strengthened. Dixon-Webb plot analysis of the inhibition by the C10-conjugated dipeptide showed competitive inhibition. The trans-stimulation effect of Val-Lys conjugated to C10 or C5 on the uptake of Ceftibuten was observed using rat brush border membrane vesicles. This findings showed that these conjugates are transportable substrates. These results confirmed that the hydrophobicity of substrates/inhibitor is one of the factors in the recognition by PEPT1.

An efficient method for the preparation of 1'alpha-branched-chain sugar pyrimidine ribonucleosides from uridine: the first conversion of a natural nucleoside into 1'-substituted ribonucleosides

The 1'alpha-phenylselenouridine derivative 13 was successfully synthesized by enolization of the 3',5'-O-TIPDS-2'-ketouridine 8, and was subjected to a radical reaction with a vinylsilyl tether--an efficient procedure for preparing 1'alpha-branched-chain sugar pyrimidine nucleosides. Successive treatment of 8 with LiHMDS and PhSeCl in THF at < -70 degrees C gave the desired 1'-phenylseleno products in 85% yield as an anomeric mixture of the 1'alpha-product 11 and the 1'beta-product 12 (11/12= 2.5:1). Highly stereoselective reduction at the 2'-carbonyl of the 1'alpha-product 11 occurred from the beta-face by using NaBH4/CeCl3 in MeOH, and subsequent introduction of a dimethylvinylsilyl tether at the 2'-hydroxyl gave the radical reaction substrate 14. The photochemical radical atom-transfer reaction of 14 by using a high-pressure mercury lamp proceeded effectively in benzene to give the exo-cyclized PhSe-transferred product 18, in which (PhSe)2 proved to be essential as an additive for radical atom-transfer cyclization reactions. Subsequent phenylseleno-group elimination of 18 gave the sugar-protected 1'alpha-vinyluridine. With this procedure, 1'alpha-vinyluridine (22) and -cytidine (25), designed to be potential antitumor agents, were successfully synthesized. This study is the first example of functionalization at the anomeric 1'-position of a nucleoside by starting from a natural nucleoside to produce a ribo-type 1'-modified nucleoside.

Structural determinants of adenophostin A activity at inositol trisphosphate receptors

Adenophostin A is the most potent known agonist of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptors. Ca(2+) release from permeabilized hepatocytes was 9.9 +/- 1.6-fold more sensitive to adenophostin A (EC(50), 14.7 +/- 2.4 nM) than to InsP(3) (145 +/- 10 nM), consistent with the greater affinity of adenophostin A for hepatic InsP(3) receptors (K(d) = 0.48 +/- 0.06 and 3.09 +/- 0.33 nM, respectively). Here, we systematically modify the structures of the glucose, ribose, and adenine moieties of adenophostin A and use Ca(2+) release and binding assays to define their contributions to high-affinity binding. Progressive trimming of the adenine of adenophostin A reduced potency, but it fell below that of InsP(3) only after complete removal of the adenine. Even after substantial modifications of the adenine (to uracil or even unrelated aromatic rings, retaining the beta-orientation), the analogs were more potent than InsP(3). The only analog with an alpha-ribosyl linkage had massively decreased potency. The 2'-phosphate on the ribose ring of adenophostin A was essential and optimally active when present on a five-membered ring in a position stereochemically equivalent to its location in adenophostin A. Xylo-adenophostin, where xylose replaces the glucose ring of adenophostin A, was only slightly less potent than adenophostin A, whereas manno-adenophostin (mannose replacing glucose) had similar potency to InsP(3). These results are consistent with the relatively minor role of the 3-hydroxyl of InsP(3) (the equivalent is absent from xylo-adenophostin) and greater role of the equatorial 6-hydroxyl (the equivalent is axial in manno-adenophostin). This is the first comprehensive analysis of all the key structural elements of adenophostin A, and it provides a working model for the design of related high-affinity ligands of InsP(3) receptors.

Intracellular Ca(2+)-mobilizing adenine nucleotides. Synthesis and biological activity of cyclic ADP-carbocyclic-ribose and C-glycosidic analog of adenophostin A

We designed novel Ca(2+)-mobilizing purine nucleotides, cyclic ADP-carbocyclicribose 4, and its inosine congener 5, and C-glycosidic adenophostin A 6. In the synthesis of cADPR analogs, the intramolecular condensation to form the pyrophosphate linkage should be the key step. We developed an efficient method for forming such an intramolecular pyrophosphate linkage by the activation of the phenylthiophosphate group with I2 or AgNO3. Using this method, we achieved to synthesize the target compounds 4 and 5. The synthesis of C-glycosidic analog 6 of adenophostin A was achieved using a temporary silicon-tethered radical coupling reaction for constructing (3'alpha, 1" alpha)-C-glycosidic structure as the key step.

Synthesis and biological activities of cyclic ADP-carbocyclic-ribose and its analogs

An efficient synthesis of cyclic ADP-carbocyclic-ribose (2), as a stable mimic for cyclic ADP-ribose, was achieved. Treatment of N1-carbocyclic-ribosyladenosine bisphosphate derivative 10 with AgNO3 in the presence of molecular sieves 3A in pyridine gave the desired cyclic product in 93% yield, which was deprotected to give the target cyclic ADP-carbocyclic-ribose (2).

(1S,2R)-1-Phenyl-2-[(S)-1-aminopropyl]-N,N-diethylcyclopropanecarboxamide (PPDC), a new class of NMDA-receptor antagonist: molecular design by a novel conformational restriction strategy

We have found that milnacipran, a clinically useful antidepressant due to its inhibition of the re-uptake of serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline, is also a non-competitive NMDA-receptor antagonist. Based on the cyclopropane structure of milnacipran, conformationally restricted analogs were designed and synthesized. Of these analogs, (1S,2R)-1-phenyl-2-[(S)-1-aminopropyl]-N,N-diethylcyclopropanecarboxamide (PPDC) is 30-fold stronger than milnacipran as an NMDA-receptor antagonist with virtually no inhibitory effect on the neurotransmitter re-uptake. PPDC was identified as a new class of NMDA-receptor antagonist because it has a mode of action different from that of the previous antagonists; it selectivly binds the GluRepsilon3/GluRzeta1 and GluRepsilon4/GluRzeta1 subtype receptors in an agonist-independent allosteric manner. Functional assays of PPDC with the Xenopus oocytes system and cultured mouse neurons under voltage-clamp conditions confirmed that it acts as a potent NMDA-receptor antagonist. PPDC effectively protected against NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in both cultured mouse cerebral cortex and delayed neuronal death in a gerbil ischemic model. It was also active in a reserpine-treated mouse Parkinsons disease model. Thus, PPDC may be a candidate for a clinically useful NMDA-receptor antagonist, since the development of previous NMDA-receptor antagonists as drugs has been hindered by various undesirable side effects.

Targeting and anti-tumor efficacy of liposomal 5'-O-dipalmitoylphosphatidyl 2'-C-cyano-2'-deoxy-1-beta-D-arabino-pentofuranosylcytosine in mice lung bearing B16BL6 melanoma

2'-C-cyano-2'-deoxy-1-beta-D-arabino-pentofuranosylcytosine (CNDAC) is a potent anti-cancer agent, and we previously observed that liposomal formulation of 5'-O-dipalmitoylphosphatidyl derivative of CNDAC (DPP-CNDAC) is desirable for targeting. For targeting to pulmonary cancer, we investigated the in vivo behavior of liposomes containing DPP-CNDAC by a non-invasive method using positron emission tomography. Liposomes composed of DPP-CNDAC and cholesterol (DPP-CNDAC/CH liposomes) were markedly accumulated in mice lung bearing B16BL6 melanoma. In metastatic pulmonary cancer model, DPP-CNDAC/CH liposomes significantly reduced the lung colonization in a dose-dependent manner. The activity was significantly superior to conventional liposomal formulation or soluble CNDAC. These results suggest that DPP-CNDAC/CH liposomes are useful for metastatic pulmonary cancer.

Synthesis of pyrimidine 2'-deoxy ribonucleosides branched at the 2'-position via radical atom-transfer cyclization reaction with a vinylsilyl group as a radical-acceptor tether

Recently, we developed a regio- and stereoselective method for introducing a vinyl group at the position beta to a hydroxyl group in halohydrins or alpha-phenylselenoalkanols via a radical atom-transfer cyclization reaction with a vinylsilyl group as a temporary connecting radical-acceptor tether. The synthesis of 2'-deoxy-2'-C-vinyl- and 2'-deoxy-2'-C-hydroxymethyluridines (7 and 8, respectively) and the corresponding 2'-deoxycytidine congeners (10 and 11, respectively), which were designed as potential antitumor and/or antiviral agents, was achieved using this radical atom-transfer cyclization as the key step. When the 2'-deoxy-2'-iodo-5'-O-monomethoxytrityl (MMTr) uridine derivative 19a, bearing a vinylsilyl group at the 3'-hydroxyl group, was heated with (Me(3)Sn)(2) and AIBN in benzene, the corresponding radical atom-transfer product was generated, which in turn was successively treated with tetrabutylammonium fluoride and TBSCl/imidazole to give the desired 2'-deoxy-5'-O-MMTr-3'-O-TBS-2'-C-vinyluridine (25). Compound 25 was successfully converted into the target 2'-deoxy-2'-branched pyrimidine ribonucleosides 7, 8, 10, and 11.

Synthesis of the C-glycosidic analogue of adenophostin A and its uracil congener as potential IP(3) receptor ligands. Stereoselective construction of the C-glycosidic structure by a temporary silicon-tethered radical coupling reaction

Synthesis of the C-glycosidic analogue 9 of adenophostin A, a very potent IP(3) receptor agonist, and its uracil congener 10 was achieved via a temporary silicon-tethered radical coupling reaction as the key step. Phenyl 3,4, 6-tri-O-(p-methoxybenzyl)-1-seleno-beta-D-glucopyranoside (27) and 3-deoxy-3-methylene-1, 2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-erythro-pentofuranose (30) were connected by a dimethylsilyl tether to give the radical coupling reaction substrate 24, which was successively treated with Bu(3)SnH/AIBN in benzene and TBAF in THF to give the coupling product 25 with the desired (3alpha,1'alpha)-configuration as the major product. From 25, the targets 9 and 10 were synthesized via introduction of adenine or uracil base by Vorbrüggen's method and phosphorylation of the hydroxyls by the phosphoramidite method.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides: useful tool for search and assessment of new targets for anti-malarial drugs

We investigated about targeting for new antimalarial drugs using antisense (AS) oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs). Synthetic nuclease-resistant ODNs (phosphorothioate (PS) ODNs and ODNs containing 4'alpha-C-(2-aminoethyl)thymidines (4'-amino ODNs)) which target mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) iron-sulfur subunit (IP), had antimalarial activity (EC50; about 1.0 microM). Furthermore we showed that intra-parasitic SDH IP mRNA levels, which were detected using quantitative RT-PCR assay, were decreased 13% of control after the 24 h expose to SDH IP AS. From the results, we conclude that SDH has potential as the target for novel antimalarials, and AS ODNs is effective for search and assessment of targets for new antimalarial drugs.

Synthetic study on carbocyclic analogs of cyclic ADP-ribose, a novel second messenger: an efficient synthesis of cyclic IDP-carbocyclic-ribose

An efficient synthesis of cyclic IDP-carbocyclic-ribose, as a stable mimic for cyclic ADP-ribose, was achieved. 8-Bromo-N1-carbocyclic-ribosylinosine derivative 10, prepared from N1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)inosine derivative 5 and an optically active carbocyclic amine 6, was converted to 8-bromo-N1-carbocyclic-ribosylinosine bisphosphate derivative 15. Treatment of 15 with I2 in the presence of molecular sieves in pyridine gave the desired cyclic product 16 quantitatively, which was deprotected and reductively debrominated to give the target cyclic IDP-carbocyclic-ribose (3).

The first synthesis of herbicidin B, a tricyclic-sugar adenine nucleoside antibiotic, using samarium diiodide-promoted aldol-type C-glycosidation reaction as a key-step

A first total synthesis of the nucleoside antibiotic herbicidin B (1) was achieved in which a novel aldol-type C-glycosidation reaction promoted by samarium diiodide (SmI2) was used as a key step. Construction of the desired stereochemistry of the tricyclic-sugar moiety was successfully achieved by conformational restriction strategy based on repulsion between adjacent bulky protecting groups on the pyranose ring.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and adenophostin analogues induce responses in turtle olfactory sensory neurons

Using the whole-cell mode of the patch-clamp technique, we recorded inward currents in response to inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and adenophostin analogues in turtle olfactory sensory neurons. Dialysis of IP3 into the neurons induced inward currents with an increase in membrane conductance in a dose-dependent manner under the voltage-clamp conditions (holding potential -70 mV). The application of Ca2+-free Ringer solution to neurons previously dialysed with IP3 induced inward currents that were reversibly inhibited by application of Na+, Ca2+-free Ringer solution, normal Ringer solution or 10 microM ruthenium red. Dialysis of the adenophostin analogues, novel IP3 receptor ligands, also induced inward currents with an increase in membrane conductance. The magnitude of the responses to the adenophostin analogues varied among these derivatives. The application of Ca2+-free Ringer solution to neurons previously dialysed with the adenophostin analogues induced inward currents that were inhibited by the application of normal Ringer solution. The reversal potential of inward currents induced by an adenophostin analogue was similar to that induced by IP3, suggesting that inward currents induced by the adenophostin analogue were generated by a similar ionic mechanism to that induced by IP3. The present study demonstrated that IP3-mediated transduction pathways exist in turtle olfactory receptor neurons and that adenophostin analogues act as agonists of IP3.

Nucleosides and nucleotides. 192. Toward the total synthesis of cyclic ADP-carbocyclic-ribose. Formation of the intramolecular pyrophosphate linkage by a conformation-restriction strategy in a syn-form using a halogen substitution at the 8-position of the adenine ring

The synthesis of cyclic ADP-carbocyclic-ribose (2), as a stable mimic for cyclic ADP-ribose, was investigated. Construction of the 18-membered backbone structure was successfully achieved by condensation of the two phosphate groups of 19, possibly due to restriction of the conformation of the substrate in a syn-form using an 8-chloro substituent at the adenine moiety. SN2 reactions between an optically active carbocyclic unit 8, which was constructed by a previously developed method, and 8-bromo-N6-trichloroacetyl-2',3'-O-isopropylideneadenosine 9c gave N-1-carbocyclic derivative, which was deprotected to give 5'-5"-diol derivatives 18. When 18 was treated with POCl3 in PO(OEt)3, the bromo group at the 8-position was replaced to give N-1-carbocyclic-8-chloroadenosine 5',5"-diphosphate derivative 19 in 43% yield. Treatment of 19 with 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride gave the desired intramolecular condensation product 20 in 10% yield. This is the first chemical construction of the 18-membered backbone structure containing an intramolecular pyrophosphate linkage of a cADPR-related compound with an adenine base.

Transcriptional control of Borna disease virus (BDV) in persistently BDV-infected cells

Regulation of viral RNA levels in infected cells is considered important in the investigation of viral transcription and replication. Amounts of Borna disease virus (BDV) RNAs were increased in confluent persistently BDV-infected MDCK cells (MDCK/BDV) cells, while maintained at low levels in growing cells. The amount of 1.9-kb RNA without cap formation and polyadenylation at the 5' and 3' ends respectively were remarkably increased (200% per day) in confluent MDCK/BDV cells. Both the full-length genomic and anti-genomic RNAs were increased accompained by 1.9-kb RNA, suggesting the transcription of the 1.9-kb RNA was important for replication of BDV. Ribavirin has an inhibitory effect on replication and transcription of BDV at concentrations from 1 to 10 microgram/ml [Mizutani T et al., Arch Virol (1998)143: 2039-2 044]. BDV transcripts were decreased with ribavirin treatment and increased after its removal which indicated that ribavirin has a reversible inhibitory effect on BDV transcription. Furthermore, BDV transcription was also decreased by two agents, RMNPA and EICAR, which selectively inhibit enzyme activity related to cap formation at the 5' end of mRNA. On the contrary, when the growing MDCK/BDV cells were treated with actinomycin D, transcripts of BDV RNA were increased for 24 h. These agents and culture conditions in this study were found to be useful tools for up-and down-regulation of BDV transcription in persistently BDV-infected cells.

Synthesis of conformationally restricted analogs of baclofen, a potent GABAB receptor agonist, by the introduction of a cyclopropane ring

Conformationally restricted analogs of baclofen (2), i.e., 5, 6, and their enantiomers ent-5, and ent-6, the conformations of which were restricted by introducing a cyclopropane ring, were designed as potential GABAB receptor ligands. Reaction of (R)-epichlorohydrin [(R)-7] and (4-chlorophenyl)acetonitrile in the presence of NaNH2 in benzene/tetrahydrofuran gave chiral cyclopropane derivatives 11 and 12, which were then converted into the target compounds 5 and 6, respectively. Their corresponding enantiomers, ent-5 and ent-6, were also synthesized starting from (S)-epichlorohydrin [(S)-7].

Nucleosides and nucleotides. 185. Synthesis and biological activities of 4'alpha-C-branched-chain sugar pyrimidine nucleosides

A series of 4'alpha-C-branched-chain pyrimidine nucleosides was synthesized from 2'-deoxycytidine or uridine. In the 2'-deoxycytidine series, the substituent at the 4'alpha-position affected cytotoxicity against L1210 mouse leukemic cells in vitro in the order Me (23) > CN (22) > C(symbol)CH (21) > CH=CH(2) (19) > Et (24) > CH=CHCl (20). However, uridine and cytidine derivatives with ethynyl and cyano groups at the 4'alpha-position did not show any cytotoxicity. The antiviral activities of these nucleosides against HSV-1, HSV-2, and HIV-1 in vitro were also examined. Compounds 22 and 23 showed antiviral activities against HSV-1 and HSV-2 without showing significant toxicity to the host cells (MRC-5 cells). Although almost all of the nucleosides showed anti-HIV-1 activities, they were also cytotoxic to the host cells (MT-4).

Nucleosides and nucleotides. 186. Synthesis and biological activities of pyrimidine carbocyclic nucleosides with a hydroxyamino group instead of a hydroxymethyl group at the 4'-position of the sugar moiety

Pyrimidine carbocyclic nucleosides with a hydroxyamino group instead of a hydroxymethyl group at the 4'-position of the sugar moiety were designed as potential antitumor and/or antiviral agents. Pd (O)-catalyzed reactions of enantiomerically pure (+)-(1R,4S)-4-[(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy]-1-(ethoxycarbonylo xy)-2- cyclopentene (9) with N3-benzoylthymine and -uracil gave carbocyclic nucleosides 10 and 11. Subsequent Pd (O)-catalyzed reactions of N3-benzoyl-1-[(1R,4S)-4-(ethoxycarbonyloxy)-2-cyclopenten-1- yl]thymine (14) and -uracil (15) with O-benzylhydroxylamine smoothly gave the hydroxyamino-substituted carbocyclic nucleosides 16 and 17. From these nucleosides, the target compounds were prepared after deprotection or further reactions. The 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (D4T) analogue 20 was the most effective compound, with IC50 values of 27.3 and 34.5 microM against KB and L1210 cells in vitro. Carbocyclic analogues of uridine and cytidine (29 and 32) were less effective than 20 against both cell lines.

Nucleosides and nucleotides. 183. Synthesis of 4'alpha-branched thymidines as a new type of antiviral agent

A series of 4'alpha-branched thymidines was synthesized and evaluated as potential antiviral agents. 4'-Ethylthymidine (3), 4'-ethenylthymidine (5), and 4'-ethynylthymidine (6) exhibited potent anti-HSV-1 and anti-HIV-1 activities with no significant cytotoxicity.

Open channel block of NMDA receptors by conformationally restricted analogs of milnacipran and their protective effect against NMDA-induced neurotoxicity

We investigated the blocking effect of the conformationally restricted analogs of milnacipran on NMDA receptors by recording the whole-cell currents of Xenopus oocytes injected with rat brain mRNA and the single channel currents of cultured hippocampal neurons under voltage-clamp conditions. Their protective effect against excitotoxicity was also investigated on cultured cortex neurons. All conformationally restricted analogs examined blocked activated NMDA receptors, though their structures were quite different from known NMDA receptor blockers. The analogs with a (1S, 2R, 1'S)-configuration such as PPDC ((1S, 2R)-1-phenyl-2[(S)-1-aminopropyl]-N,N-diethylcyclopropanecarboxamide+ ++) had lower IC50 values than those with other configurations. The empirical Hill coefficients for each compound were close to unity, indicating a 1:1 stoichiometry for the block. PPDC decreased the maximum responses to both N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) and glycine without altering their dissociation constants. The blocking effect was enhanced on hyperpolarization. PPDC had no effects on other glutamate receptor subtypes (AMPA, kainate, and metabotropic glutamate receptors) or other neurotransmitter receptors (GABA(A), 5HT2C, and AChM1 receptors) produced by the oocytes. PPDC decreased the mean open time of NMDA receptors without decreasing their elementary conductance. The microscopic blocking rate constant was 2.8x10(7) M(-1)s(-1). The macroscopic unblocking rate constant of PPDC was much faster than that of MK-801. Only the analogs with the (1S, 2R, 1'S)-configuration protected the cultures against NMDA-induced neurotoxicity, though they failed to protect against kainate-induced neurotoxicity. These results show that conformationally restricted analogs, at least PPDC, selectively blocked open channels of NMDA receptors.

Conjugation of dipeptide to fluorescent dyes enhances its affinity for a dipeptide transporter (PEPT1) in human intestinal Caco-2 cells

Dipeptide transporters in small intestine have a very wide substrate specificity, so that the transporter sometimes serves as a carrier for peptide-like compounds. We have synthesized dipeptide analogues conjugated at an epsilon-amino group of Lys in Val-Lys or Lys-Sar with fluorescent compounds such as fluorescein isothiocyanate and coumarin-3-carboxylic acid. Uptakes of these peptide analogues were examined by measuring intracellular accumulations into monolayers of the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2 expressing the dipeptide transporter PEPT1. Kinetic analysis and effects of addition either of uncoupler (protonophore) or by Gly-Sar, one of the good substrates of PEPT1, revealed that fluorescent dipeptides were taken up by passive diffusion. In contrast, these analogues remarkably inhibited the Gly-Sar uptake by Caco-2 cells. Among the fluorescent analogues synthesized in this paper, Val-Lys(Flu) was the most potent competitive inhibitor against the Gly-Sar uptake with an inhibition constant of 5 microM. This value is the smallest among those ever reported: Val-Lys(Flu) has the highest affinity for PEPT1 among chemicals ever reported. The importance of the hydrophobic part of the substrate was pointed out.

Synthesis and biological activity of conformationally restricted analogues of milnacipran: (1S, 2R)-1-phenyl-2-[(R)-1-amino-2-propynyl]-N,N- diethylcyclopropanecarboxamide is a novel class of NMDA receptor channel blocker

Conformationally restricted analogues of (+/-)-(Z)-2-aminomethyl-1-phenyl-N,N-diethylcyclopropanecarboxamide++ + [milnacipran, (+/-)-1] were designed on the basis of its characteristic cyclopropane structure and were synthesized enantioselectively to develop efficient NMDA receptor antagonists. Among these analogues, (1S,2R)-1-phenyl-2-[(R)-1-amino-2-propynyl]-N, N-diethylcyclopropanecarboxamide (2d) had one of the most potent affinities for the receptor, with a Ki value of 0.29 microM. The blockade of NMDA receptor channels expressed by Xenopus oocytes by 2d was investigated in detail, and 2d was identified as a new class of open channel blocker against this receptor.

Nucleosides and nucleotides. 176. 2'-Deoxy-2'-hydroxylaminocytidine: a new antitumor nucleoside that inhibits DNA synthesis although it has a ribonucleoside structure

The design and synthesis of potential antitumor antimetabolites 2'-deoxy-2'-hydroxylaminouridine (2'-DHAU) and -cytidine (2'-DHAC) are described. We found that 2'-DHAC in neutral solution generated 2'-aminoxy radicals at room temperature. 2'-DHAC inhibited the growth of L1210 and KB cells, with IC50 values of 1.58 and 1.99 microM, respectively, more potently than 2'-DHAU, with IC50 values of 34.5 and 27.3 microM, respectively. 2'-DHAC was effective against 9 human cell lines, with IC50 values of in the micromolar range. The in vivo antitumor activity of 2'-DHAC was also examined using the mouse leukemia P388 model, which gave a T/C value 167%. Phosphorylation of 2'-DHAC by uridine/cytidine kinase was essential for its cytotoxicity, as suggested by a competition experiment using several common nucleosides. Inhibition of DNA synthesis was the predominant mechanism of action of 2'-DHAC, although it has a ribo-configuration.

Nucleosides and nucleotides. 175. Structural requirements of the sugar moiety for the antitumor activities of new nucleoside antimetabolites, 1-(3-C-ethynyl-beta-D-ribo-pentofuranosyl)cytosine and -uracil1

We previously designed 1-(3-C-ethynyl-beta-d-ribo-pentofuranosyl)uracil (EUrd) and its cytosine congener (ECyd) as potential multifunctional antitumor nucleoside antimetabolites. They showed potent and broad-spectrum antitumor activity against various human and mouse tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. To clarify the structure-activity relationship of the sugar moiety, various 3'-C-carbon-substituted analogues, such as 1-propynyl, 1-butynyl, ethenyl, ethyl, and cyclopropyl derivatives, of ECyd and EUrd were synthesized. We also prepared 3'-deoxy analogues and 3'-homologues of ECyd and EUrd with different configurations to determine the role of the 3'-hydroxyl group and the length between the 3'-carbon atom and the ethynyl group and a 2'-ethynyl derivative of ECyd to determine the spatial requirements of the ethynyl group. The in vitro tumor cell growth inhibitory activities of these nucleosides against mouse leukemic L1210 and human KB cells showed that ECyd and EUrd were the most potent inhibitors in the series, with IC50 values of 0.016 and 0.13 microM for L1210 cells and 0.028 and 0.029 microM for KB cells, respectively. Only 3'-C-1-propynyl and -ethenyl derivatives of ECyd showed greatly reduced cytotoxicity. We found that the cytotoxic activity of these nucleosides predominantly depended on their first phosphorylation by uridine/cytidine kinase.

Antitumor activity of 5'-O-dipalmitoylphosphatidyl 2'-C-cyano-2'-deoxy-1-beta-D-arabino-pentofuranosylcytosine is enhanced by long-circulating liposomalization

We previously synthesized the 5'-O-diacylphosphatidyl derivative of 2'-C-cyano-2'-deoxy-1-beta-D-arabino-pentofuranosylcytosine (CNDAC), a novel antitumor nucleoside, and observed it to have a high antitumor activity. Since this compound is readily incorporated into liposomal membranes, we liposomalized the compound using a formulation for conventional and long-circulating liposomes, and investigated the antitumor activity of liposomal 5'-O-dipalmitoylphosphatidyl CNDAC (DPP-CNDAC). Long-circulating liposomes composed of DPP-CNDAC, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and palmityl-D-glucuronide (PGlcUA) (2:2:2:1 as a molar ratio), as well as liposomes containing dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) instead of palmityl-D-glucuronide and those composed of only DPP-CNDAC, were injected intravenously into Meth A sarcoma-bearing mice. DPP-CNDAC showed suppression of tumor growth, whereas CNDAC did not at the same concentration, suggesting that 5'-phosphatidylation is useful to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, liposomal DPP-CNDAC reduced the acute toxicity, and liposomes containing PGlcUA showed more enhanced activities of reducing tumor growth and increasing the lifetime of the mice than liposomes containing DPPG. To obtain a higher therapeutic efficacy, we injected long-circulating liposomal DPP-CNDAC 5 times. The tumor growth was suppressed to 13.2% (86.8% inhibition), and the survival time of the tumor-bearing mice increased to 128.5% with one completely cured mouse out of five. Next, the effect of DPP-CNDAC incorporation on the in vivo behavior of PGlcUA and DPPG liposomes was examined by a non-invasive method using positron emission tomography (PET). Liposomes were labeled with [2-(18)F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose, and administered to tumor-bearing mice. PET images and time-activity curves indicated that DPP-CNDAC/PGlcUA-liposomes tended to accumulate in tumor tissues a little bit more than DPP-CNDAC/DPPG-liposomes, although the difference between the two kinds of liposomal distribution was not as marked as between PGlcUA and DPPG liposomes, suggesting that DPP-CNDAC incorporation partly affected the liposomal behavior in vivo but that the long-circulating character of PGlcUA-liposomes might not be fully abolished. Thus, the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of long circulating liposomalized DPP-CNDAC observed here may be due to passive targeting of DPP-CNDAC to the tumor tissue, making this formulation of DPP-CNDAC useful for cancer chemotherapy.

Stereospecificity of 6'-C-neplanocin A analogues as inhibitors of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase activity and human immunodeficiency virus replication

The R- and S-isomers of 6'-C-neplanocin A analogues, which are all known as inhibitors of S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) hydrolase, were studied for their inhibitory effects on Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication and HIV-1 Tat-mediated transactivation. The R-isomers showed much greater activity against AdoHcy hydrolase than the S-isomers. The same differential activity was observed against the HIV-1 replication and the Tat transactivation.

Neplanocin A, a potent inhibitor of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, potentiates granulocytic differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells induced by all-trans retinoic acid

Several neplanocin A analogs were synthesized and their growth-inhibiting and differentiation-inducing activities on myelogenous leukemia cells were examined. An adenosine kinase-ineffective analog of neplanocin A was effective in inducing differentiation, suggesting that phosphorylation of the nucleoside is not essential for inducing the differentiation of leukemia cells. Neplanocin A induced functional and morphological differentiation of HL-60 cells, but did not effectively induce differentiation of NB4, a cell line derived from a leukemia patient with t(15;17). However, these cells have been known to undergo granulocytic differentiation upon treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and are used as a model for differentiation therapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Preexposure of NB4 cells to low concentrations of neplanocin A greatly enhanced the ATRA-induced differentiation of the cells, whereas representative antileukemic drugs such as cytosine arabinoside and daunomycin did not enhance this differentiation. A clinical strategy that combines intermittent treatment with neplanocin A analogs and a low dose of ATRA may increase the clinical response and decrease the adverse effects of ATRA.

New neplanocin analogues. VIII. Synthesis and biological activity of 6'-C-ethyl, -ethenyl, and -ethynyl derivatives of neplanocin A

This report describes the synthesis and antiviral effects of (6'R)-6'-C-ethynyl, -ethenyl, and -ethyl derivatives of neplanocin A (7a, 8a, and 9a, respectively) and the corresponding 6'S-diastereomers (7b, 8b, and 9b, respectively), as examples of 6'-C-substituted analogues of neplanocin A. Grignard reaction of the 6'-formyl derivative 4, which was readily prepared from neplanocin A, with ethynylmagnesium bromide gave a diastereomeric mixture of the corresponding 1,2-addition products 5a and 5b. After removal of the protecting groups, (6'R)- and (6'S)-6'-C-ethynylneplanocin A's (7a, 7b) were separated. The corresponding ethenyl derivatives 8a and 8b and ethyl derivatives 9a and 9b were prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of 7a and 7b, respectively. As compared to neplanocin A, the new neplanocin A derivatives were much weaker inhibitors of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase, the R-diastereomers being more inhibitory than the S-diastereomers. The decreasing order of activity was 7a > 8a > 7b > 9a > 8b > 9b. The cytotoxicity (for CEM cells) followed exactly the same order. Of these compounds, (6'R)-6'-C-ethynylneplanocin A (7a, RENPA) showed an antiviral activity spectrum that was comparable to, and an antiviral specificity that was higher than, that of neplanocin A. RENPA was particularly active against those viruses (i.e. vaccinia virus, vesicular stomatitis virus) that are known to be highly sensitive to AdoHcy hydrolase inhibitors.

New neplanocin analogues. IX. A practical preparation of (6'R)-6'-C-methylneplanocin A (RMNPA), a potent antiviral agent, and the determination of its 6'-configuration. Diastereoselective deamination by adenosine deaminase

We previously synthesized (6'R)- and (6'S)-6'-C-methylneplanocin A's (2a and 2b, respectively), and found that one of them has a potent antiviral activity, though its 6'-configuration has not been confirmed. This report describes the determination of the 6'-configuration and practical preparation of the antivirally active diastereomer. The 6'-configuration of the active diastereomer was determined as R by the modified Mosher's method as well as by synthesizing 2b from the known cyclopentenone derivative 10. A practical method for preparing the 6'R-diastereomer was developed by using diastereoselective deamination with Ado deaminase as the key step. Treatment of the diastereomeric mixture of 2a and 2b, which was prepared via an addition reaction of Me3Al with the 6'-formyl derivative 3, with Ado deaminase from calf intestine, deaminated 2b selectively to give the corresponding (6'S)-inosine congener 5, and left the desired 2a not deaminated. After silica gel column chromatography, 2a was obtained in a pure form.

Synthesis and biological activity of conformationally restricted analogs of milnacipran: (1S,2R)-1-phenyl-2-[(S)-1-aminopropyl]-N,N-diethylcyclopropanecarboxami de, an efficient noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist

We recently demonstrated that (+/-)-(Z)-2-(aminomethyl)-1-phenyl-N,N-diethylcyclopropanecarboxamide [milnacipran, (+/-)-1], an inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT), was a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist. On the basis of the cyclopropane structure of (+/-)-1, conformationally restricted analogs with different stereochemistries, namely 1-phenyl-2-(1-aminoalkyl)-N,N-diethylcyclopropanecarboxamindes (2, 3, ent-2, and ent-3), were designed and synthesized. Among these analogs, 2a, 2b, and 2f, with (1S,2R,1'S)-configuration, were more efficient than milnacipran as NMDA receptor antagonists; these compounds significantly inhibited the binding of [3H]MK-801 at IC50 = 0.35 +/- 0.08, 0.20 +/- 0.024, and 0.16 +/- 0.02 microM, respectively, and blocked the response of voltage-clamped oocytes to NMDA, surpassing the effects of (+/-)-1. Although both the 1'-methyl analog 2a and the 1'-vinyl analog 2f, like (+/-)-1, strongly inhibited 5-HT uptake in vitro, the corresponding 1'-ethyl analog 2b was devoid of the inhibitory effect on 5-HT uptake, while it was about 30 times more potent as an NMDA receptor antagonist than (+/-)-1.

New neplanocin analogues. 7. Synthesis and antiviral activity of 2-halo derivatives of neplanocin A

The syntheses and the antiviral activities of 2-halo derivatives of neplanocin A (1b,c), (6'R)-6'-C-methylneplanocin A (2b), and dehydroxymethylneplanocin A (3b,c) are described. SN2 reaction of the known cyclopentenyl units 12 and 13 with 2-haloadenines under basic conditions gave the protected carbocyclic nucleosides 14b,c and 15b,c, respectively. Starting from the cyclopentenone derivative 5, the optically active tosyloxycyclopentene derivative 11 was prepared, which was similarly condensed with 2-fluoroadenine to give the protected (6'R)-6'-C-methyl derivative 16b. Deprotection of these compounds afforded the target 2-halo derivatives of neplanocin A. Of these new compounds, 2-fluoroneplanocin A (1b) showed an antiviral potency and a spectrum that was comparable to that of neplanocin A (1a). It was particularly active against vaccinia virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, parainfluenza virus, reovirus, arenaviruses (Junin, Tacaribe), and human cytomegalovirus, i.e., those viruses that fall within the purview of the S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase inhibitors.

The FIAU Derivative (2′S)-2′-Deoxy-2′-C-Methyl-5-Iodouridine (SMIU) is a Novel, Less Cytotoxic and Potent anti-HSV and anti-VZV Agent

In this study, the anti-herpetic activities of novel 2′-methyl nucleoside analogues which were substituted at the 5 position of the pyrimidine with a halogen were investigated. The 2′-fluoro-5-iodo-aracytosine (FIAC) congeners (2′S)-2′-deoxy-2′- C-methylcytidine which were substituted with Br or I at the 5 position (SMBC or SMIC); and 2′-fluoro-5-iodo-arauridine (FIAU) congeners (2′S)-2′-deoxy-2′-C-methyluridine which were substituted with Br or I at the 5 position (SMBU or SMIU), proved to have potent antiviral activities against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) but not against herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2). SMIU has a higher selective index against HSV-1 than FIAU, and both SMIC and SMIU showed higher inhibitory effects against VZV replication than aciclovir. The four effective compounds were not inhibitory to a thymidine kinase (TK)-negative HSV-1 strain, and this result indicates that phosphorylation of the compounds by HSV or VZV-TK is necessary for the activation of these compounds.

New neplanocin analogues. 6. Synthesis and potent antiviral activity of 6'-homoneplanocin A1

The design, synthesis, and antiviral activities of 6'-homoneplanocin A (HNPA, 3) and its congeners having nucleobases other than adenine, such as 3-deazaadenine (4), guanine (5), thymine (6), and cytosine (7), were described. Starting from the known cyclopentenone derivative 8, the optically active (mesyloxy)cyclopentene derivative 15 was prepared, which was condensed with nucleobases then deprotected to give target compounds 3-7. Of these compounds, HNPA showed an antiviral activity spectrum that was comparable to, and an antiviral specificity that was higher than, that of neplanocin A. HNPA proved particularly active against human cytomegalovirus, vaccinia virus, parainfluenza virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and arenaviruses, which is compatible with an antiviral action targeted at S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase. HNPA appears to be a promising candidate drug for the treatment of these viruses.

Synthesis and antiviral activity of 5-substituted (2'S)-2'-deoxy-2'-C-methylcytidines and -uridines

Synthesis of several 5-substituted (2'S)-2'-deoxy-2'-C-methylcytidines (8) and -uridines (6, 11) has been accomplished using radical deoxygenation of the 2'-tert-alcohols via their methyl oxalyl esters as a key reaction. Anti-herpes simplex virus type-1 and -2, and anti-varicella-zoster virus activities of the newly synthesized nucleosides were evaluated. Among them, the 5-iodouracil derivative 6e showed the most potent activity against herpes simplex virus type-1, with an EC50 of 0.14 micrograms/mL without showing cytotoxicity up to 100 micrograms/mL, but had a weak activity against herpes simplex virus type-2 and no activity against varicella-zoster virus up to 50 micrograms/mL in vitro. Although the 5-fluorocytosine derivative 8b had a potent anti-herpes simplex virus type-1 activity (EC50 = 0.22 micrograms/mL), it was rather cytotoxic to the CCRF-HSB-2 human T-cell line (IC50 > or = 1.0 microgram/mL).

(+/-)-(Z)-2-(aminomethyl)-1-phenylcyclopropanecarboxamide derivatives as a new prototype of NMDA receptor antagonists

(+/-)-(Z)-2-(Aminomethyl)-1-phenylcyclopropane-N,N-diethylcarbo xamide (milnacipran, 1), a clinically useful antidepressant, and its derivatives were prepared by an improved method and were evaluated as NMDA receptor antagonists. Of these, milnacipran (1), its N-methyl and N,N-dimethyl derivatives, 7 and 8, respectively, and its homologue 12 at the aminomethyl moiety had binding affinity for the receptor in vitro (IC50: 1, 6.3 +/- 0.3 microM; 7, 13 +/- 2.1 microM; 8, 88 +/- 1.4 microM; 12, 10 +/- 1.2 microM). These also protected mice from NMDA-induced lethality. These compounds would be important as anovel prototype for designing potent NMDA-receptor antagonists because of their characteristic structure, which clearly differentiated them from known competitive and noncompetitive antagonists to the receptor.

Nucleosides and nucleotides--CXXXVII. Antitumor phospholipids with 5-fluorouridine as a cytotoxic polar-head: synthesis of 5'-phosphatidyl-5-fluorouridines by phospholipase D-catalyzed transphosphatidylation

5'-Phosphatidyl-5-fluorouridines, with the same backbone structure as that of natural phospholipids, in which a polar-head group of usual phospholipids is replaced by 5-fluorouridine, were designed to be potent antitumor agents. 5'-Phosphatidyl-5-fluorouridines with a variety of diacyl or dialkyl residues in the glycerol moiety, were synthesized by phospholipase D-catalyzed transphosphatidylation from the corresponding phosphatidylcholine and 5-fluorouridine. These new compounds were evaluated in mice with experimental tumors by ip and po administration. Dipalmitoyl and distearoyl derivatives 1b and 1c had the greatest antitumor activity against both P388 leukemia and Meth A fibrosarcoma in mice.

Therapeutic effect of reticuloendothelial system (RES)-avoiding liposomes containing a phospholipid analogue of 5-fluorouracil, dipalmitoylphosphatidylfluorouridine, in Meth A sarcoma-bearing mice

Reticuloendothelial system (RES)-avoiding liposomes are known to accumulate in tumor tissues due to passive targeting. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylfluorouridine (DPPF), a potent antitumor agent readily incorporated into the lipid bilayer, was embedded in RES-avoiding liposomes modified with a uronic acid derivative, palmityl-D-glucuronide (PGlcUA). The therapeutic effect of DPPF in PGlcUA-liposomes was examined in tumor-bearing mice. Free or liposomal DPPF was injected intravenously into BALB/c mice bearing subcutaneously implanted Meth A sarcomas. The RES-avoiding liposomal formulation using PGlcUA was effective in reducing tumors, and prolonging survival time compared with free DPPF and also DPPF in conventional liposomes. Therefore, PGlcUA-liposomes might be of practical use as drug carriers for anticancer agents, especially their derivatives for embedding in liposomal membranes.

New neplanocin analogues. IV. 2-Fluoroneplanocin A: an adenosine deaminase-resistant equivalent of neplanocin A

2-Fluoro- and 2-chloroneplanocin A's (2 and 3) were synthesized as an adenosine deaminase resistant-equivalent of neplanocin A, and evaluated for their antitumor and antiviral activities. Of these, 2 was completely resistant to adenosine deaminase and showed more significant antitumor and antiviral activities than neplanocin A.

Deacylation-reacylation cycle: a possible absorption mechanism for the novel lymphotropic antitumor agent dipalmitoylphosphatidylfluorouridine in rats

Dipalmitoylphosphatidylfluorouridine (DPPF) is a potent antitumor agent that selectively gains access to the lymphatic system. To determine whether DPPF enters the lymph in an unmodified form, we administered DPPF orally to rats and analyzed lymph collected from a cannula in the thoracic duct. Although lymph was found to contain only very low levels of DPPF, two congeners of DPPF were detected at high levels. Instrumental analysis demonstrated that these congeners are 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoylphosphatidylfluorouridine (PAPF) and 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-phosphatidylfluorouridine (PLPF). PAPF and PLPF levels in thoracic lymph were shown to be approximately 30 times higher than those in plasma. These results suggest that DPPF is absorbed from the intestinal tract via the deacylation-reacylation cycle for the uptake of phospholipids and is selectively delivered to the lymphatic route after oral administration. DPPF is a candidate drug for the treatment of tumor metastasis, especially in cases where metastasis has occurred via the lymphatic route.

New neplanocin analogues. 1. Synthesis of 6'-modified neplanocin A derivatives as broad-spectrum antiviral agents

Novel neplanocin A analogues modified at the 6'-position, i.e., 6'-deoxy analogues (2, 3, 6, 9, 20), 6'-O-methylneplanocin A (15), and 6'-C-methylneplanocin A's (22a and 22b) have been synthesized and evaluated for their antiviral activity in a wide variety of DNA and RNA virus systems. These compounds showed an activity spectrum that conforms to that of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitors. They were particularly active against pox- (vaccinia), paramyxo-(parainfluenza, measles, respiratory syncytial), arena- (Junin, Tacaribe), rhabdo- (vesicular stomatitis), reo-, and cytomegalovirus. In order of (increasing) antiviral activity, the compounds ranked as follows: 3 less than 15 approximately 20 less than 6 less than 9 approximately 2 less than 22a. Of the two diastereomeric forms of 22, only 22a was active; 22a surpassed neplanocin A both in antiviral potency and selectivity. Compound 22a appears to be a promising candidate drug for the treatment of pox-, paramyxo-, arena-, rhabdo-, reo-, and cytomegalovirus infections.