Diverse compounds from pleuromutilin lead to a thioredoxin inhibitor and inducer of ferroptosis

The chemical diversification of natural products provides a robust and general method for the creation of stereochemically rich and structurally diverse small molecules. The resulting compounds have physicochemical traits different from those in most screening collections, and as such are an excellent source for biological discovery. Herein, we subject the diterpene natural product pleuromutilin to reaction sequences focused on creating ring system diversity in few synthetic steps. This effort resulted in a collection of compounds with previously unreported ring systems, providing a novel set of structurally diverse and highly complex compounds suitable for screening in a variety of different settings. Biological evaluation identified the novel compound ferroptocide, a small molecule that rapidly and robustly induces ferroptotic death of cancer cells. Target identification efforts and CRISPR knockout studies reveal that ferroptocide is an inhibitor of thioredoxin, a key component of the antioxidant system in the cell. Ferroptocide positively modulates the immune system in a murine model of breast cancer and will be a useful tool to study the utility of pro-ferroptotic agents for treatment of cancer.

Diverse compounds from pleuromutilin lead to a thioredoxin inhibitor and inducer of ferroptosis

The chemical diversification of natural products provides a robust and general method for the creation of stereochemically rich and structurally diverse small molecules. The resulting compounds have physicochemical traits different from those in most screening collections, and as such are an excellent source for biological discovery. Herein, we subject the diterpene natural product pleuromutilin to reaction sequences focused on creating ring system diversity in few synthetic steps. This effort resulted in a collection of compounds with previously unreported ring systems, providing a novel set of structurally diverse and highly complex compounds suitable for screening in a variety of different settings. Biological evaluation identified the novel compound ferroptocide, a small molecule that rapidly and robustly induces ferroptotic death of cancer cells. Target identification efforts and CRISPR knockout studies reveal that ferroptocide is an inhibitor of thioredoxin, a key component of the antioxidant system in the cell. Ferroptocide positively modulates the immune system in a murine model of breast cancer and will be a useful tool to study the utility of pro-ferroptotic agents for treatment of cancer.

Antiretroviral (HIV-1) activity of azulene derivatives

The antiretroviral activity of azulene derivatives was detected for the first time. A series of eighteen diversely substituted azulenes was synthesized and tested in vitro using HIV-1 based virus-like particles (VLPs) and infectious HIV-1 virus in U2OS and TZM-bl cell lines. Among the compounds tested, the 2-hydroxyazulenes demonstrated the most significant activity by inhibiting HIV-1 replication with IC50 of 2-10 and 8-20 μM for the VLPs and the infectious virus, respectively. These results indicate that azulene derivatives may be potentially useful candidates for the development of antiretroviral agents.

Chemo- and Regioselective Functionalization of Nortrilobolide: Application for Semisynthesis of the Natural Product 2-Acetoxytrilobolide

The difference in reactivity of the hexaoxygenated natural product thapsigargin (1) and the pentaoxygenated nortrilobolide (3) was compared in order to develop a chemo- and regioselective method for the conversion of nortrilobolide (3) into the natural product 2-acetoxytrilobolide (4). For the first time, a stereoselective synthesis of 2-acetoxytrilobolide (4) is described, which involves two key reactions: the first chemical step was a one-pot substitution-oxidation reaction of an allylic ester into its corresponding α,β-unsaturated ketone. The second process consisted of a stereoselective α'-acyloxylation of the key intermediate α,β-unsaturated ketone to afford its corresponding acetoxyketone, which was converted into 2-acetoxytrilobolide (4) in a few steps. This innovative approach would allow the synthesis of a broad library of novel and valuable penta- and hexaoxygenated guaianolides as potential anticancer agents.

Production of the pepper aroma compound, (-)-rotundone, by aerial oxidation of α-guaiene

The aroma link between pepper and wine has recently been elucidated to be due to the important aroma compound rotundone. To date, rotundone is the only known impact odorant with a peppery aroma. Although the concentration found in products of natural origin is small, the odor detection threshold is among the lowest of any natural product yet discovered. We report herein the identification of the first known precursor to rotundone, namely, α-guaiene, and that one mechanism of transformation is simple aerial oxidation.

Breakdown of interference rules in azulene, a nonalternant hydrocarbon

We have designed and synthesized five azulene derivatives containing gold-binding groups at different points of connectivity within the azulene core to probe the effects of quantum interference through single-molecule conductance measurements. We compare conducting paths through the 5-membered ring, 7-membered ring, and across the long axis of azulene. We find that changing the points of connectivity in the azulene impacts the optical properties (as determined from UV-vis absorption spectra) and the conductivity. Importantly, we show here that simple models cannot be used to predict quantum interference characteristics of nonalternant hydrocarbons. As an exemplary case, we show that azulene derivatives that are predicted to exhibit destructive interference based on widely accepted atom-counting models show a significant conductance at low biases. Although simple models to predict the low-bias conductance do not hold with all azulene derivatives, we demonstrate that the measured conductance trend for all molecules studied actually agrees with predictions based on the more complete GW calculations for model systems.

1,2,3-Triazole-containing derivatives of rupestonic acid: click-chemical synthesis and antiviral activities against influenza viruses

Two series of rupestonic acid derivatives, (1-substituted-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl 2-((5R,8S,8aS)-3,8-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydroazulen-5-yl)acrylate and N-(1-substituted-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl 2-((5R,8S,8aS)-3,8-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,2,4,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydroazulen-5-yl)acrylamide were easily and efficiently synthesized via click chemistry. These compounds were tested for their in vitro activities against various strains of influenza A virus (H1N1, oseltamivir resistant H1N1, H3N2) and influenza B virus. The results showed that nine compounds were active against the H1N1 strain of influenza A virus and among them the best one 14a, was as active as the reference drugs, Oseltamivir and Ribavirin. Some of them were also active on the Oseltamivir resistant H1N1 strain. In regards to influenza B virus, twenty-one compounds over thirty were active and seven of them 7b, 8b, 9b, 10a, 11b, 12b, 13b showed better activity than Ribavirin. The structure-activity relationship of these compounds is discussed on the basis of each type of the viruses studied. Furthermore, four best representative compounds 7b, 10a, 12b and 14a were evaluated in a plaque assay experiment using MDCK cells and RBV as control compound and the results showed that 7b, 10a and 12b were better than RBV in inhibiting plaque formation, in good accordance with their anti-influenza B activities.

Anti-UV activity of newly-synthesized water-soluble azulenes

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported that azulene-related compounds can protect cells from UV-induced cytotoxicity. However, due to their high water insolubility, their anti-UV activity could not be accurately determined. In the present study, we newly-synthesized a total of nine derivatives with higher water solubility, and re-investigated their anti-UV activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cytotoxicity of these compounds against three human normal oral and three human oral cells squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (OSCCs) was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The concentration that reduced the viable cell number by 50% (CC(50)) and the concentration that increased the viability of UV-irradiated cells to 50% (EC(50)) were determined by the dose-response curves. Anti-UV activity (SI) was determined by the ratio of CC(50) to EC(50). The tumor specificity was determined by the ratio of the mean CC(50) value for the normal cells to that for OSCC cells. Apoptosis induction was evaluated by DNA fragmentation and caspase activation.

RESULTS

All compounds except one (sodium 7-isopropyl-3-ethylazulene-1-sulfonate) were new compounds, and showed some tumor specificity (TS value=1.4 to 3.5), without induction of hormesis or apoptosis at lower and higher concentrations, respectively. Sodium 3-methylazulene-1-sulfonate showed the highest tumor specificity and potent anti-UV activity, approximately one half that of sodium ascorbate, the positive control.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest the possible applicability of newly-synthesized water-soluble azulenes as skin care products protecting from UV irradiation.

Hormetic and UV-protective effects of azulene-related compounds

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported a possible anti-inflammatory activity of azulene-, tropolone- and azulenequinone-related compounds. To further pursue the newly discovered biological activity of these compounds, five compounds that inhibited nitric oxide production by activated macrophages were investigated for their possible hormetic and anti-radiation effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Viable cell number of human oral normal cells (gingival fibroblast, pulp cell and periodontal ligament fibroblast) and three oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines on treatment with various concentrations of each azulene-related compound was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Apoptosis induction was monitored by caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation.

RESULTS

Among five compounds, only benzo[b]cyclohepta[e][1,4]thiazine slightly stimulated the growth of all three normal cell types, but not tumor cell lines, at concentrations slightly higher than cytotoxic concentrations. Using a newly established evaluation system for UV-induced cellular damage, we found that this compound slightly but significantly protected the cells from UV-induced cellular injury, and its effect was synergistically enhanced by sodium ascorbate.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest the possible application of benzo[b]cyclohepta[e][1,4]thiazine in UV protection therapy.

UV-vis spectroscopy and semiempirical quantum chemical studies on methyl derivatives of annulated analogues of azafluoranthene and azulene dyes

Paper reports the measured optical absorption and fluorescence spectra of 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-7-methyl-1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline (MCPDPPQ), as well as 6-methyl-1,3-diphenyl-3H-indeno[1,2,3-de]pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline (MDPIPQ) and 9-methyl-6-phenyl-6H-5,6,7-triazadibenzo[f,h]naphtho[3,2,1-cd]azulene (MPTNA) representing cyclized five- or seven-membered regioisomeric products of MCPDPPQ, respectively. The spectra has been recorded in solvents of different polarity and compared with the results of quantum chemical calculations performed by means of the semiempirical method PM3 in combination with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Cyclization of MCPDPPQ into MDPIPQ or MPTNA is accompanied by a significant red shift of the first optical absorption and fluorescence bands. While the solvent polarity rises all the dyes exhibit the blue shift of the first absorption band and the red shift of the fluorescence band. These trends have been reproduced within the semiempirical calculations in combination with the Lippert-Mataga dielectric polarization model and explained by specific orientations of the dipole moments in the ground and excited states. All dyes may be considered as candidates for the luminescent or electroluminescent applications. Depending on solvent polarity they emit light in the green-yellow range of the visible spectra.

Golgi-modifying properties of macfarlandin E and the synthesis and evaluation of its 2,7-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one core

Golgi-modifying properties of the spongian diterpene macfarlandin E (MacE) and a synthetic analog, t-Bu-MacE, containing its 2,7-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one moiety are reported. Natural product screening efforts identified MacE as inducing a novel morphological change in Golgi structure defined by ribbon fragmentation with maintenance of the resulting Golgi fragments in the pericentriolar region. t-Bu-MacE, which possesses the substituted 2,7-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one but contains a tert-butyl group in place of the hydroazulene subunit of MacE, was prepared by chemical synthesis. Examination of the Golgi-modifying properties of MacE, t-Bu-MacE, and several related structures revealed that the entire oxygen-rich bridged-bicyclic fragment is required for induction of this unique Golgi organization phenotype. Further characterization of MacE-induced Golgi modification showed that protein secretion is inhibited, with no effect on the actin or microtubule cytoskeleton being observed. The conversion of t-Bu-MacE and a structurally related des-acetoxy congener to substituted pyrroles in the presence of primary amines in protic solvent at ambient temperatures suggests that covalent modification might be involved in the Golgi-altering activity of MacE.

Pyridylazulenes: synthesis, color changes, and structure of the colored product

A facile method for the synthesis of 1- and 2-pyridylazulenes, and of 1,3-dipyridylazulenes, is described. Color and spectral changes of these pyridylazulenes upon the addition of either acid or metal ions were investigated in detail. The color changed from blue to red upon the addition of trifluoroacetic acid or soft metal ions, depending on the substitution patterns of the pyridyl group on the azulene skeleton. The structures of the protonated or coordinated products were examined on the basis of the spectral data. It was found that the protonation or coordination of metal ions occurred on the nitrogen atom of the pyridine ring, but not on the carbon atom of azulene ring. The transition intervals of several pyridylazulenes for use as pH indicators were also determined.

Relationship between electronic structure and cytotoxic activity of azulenes

The structure-activity relationship of the cytotoxic activity of azulene and azulene derivatives was discussed, using theoretically calculated results. In order to clearly divide the azulenes into three groups according to their functional groups, the CC50, four different dipole moments (muG, muESP-G, muwand muESP-W) and heats of formation (deltaHf) of the azulenes [1-24] were separately calculated in two states, gas-phase and water, by the conductor-like screening model/parametric method 3 (COSMO/PM3). For the halogenated azulenes and isopropyl azulenes, the cytotoxic activity might follow the three quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) parameters: deltadeltaHf, HOMO energy and muw Whereas, for the other ten compounds [3-5, 7-8, 10, 15-18], the cytotoxic activity might be related to the three QSAR parameters, deltadeltaHf, LUMO energy and muG

Total synthesis of two novel subpicomolar sarco/endoplasmatic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase inhibitors designed by an analysis of the binding site of thapsigargin

Analysis of molecular interaction fields based on the published crystal structure of thapsigargin bound to the sarco/endoplasmatic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and analysis of the volume and shape of the ligand binding site and of the SERCA-thapsigargin interactions have enabled design of two new compounds inhibiting SERCA in the subpicomolar range. The two inhibitors were synthesized using (S)-carvone as starting material and found to be 3 and 10 times more potent than thapsigargin.