Search Results (33)

The efficient synthetic routes and evaluates cytotoxic profiles of denitroaristolochic acids II–V (DAA-II–V) were demonstrated in this study. Based on retrosynthetic analysis, a modular synthetic strategy was developed through Suzuki–Miyaura coupling, Wittig reaction, and bismuth triflate-catalyzed intramolecular Friedel–Crafts cyclization to efficiently construct the phenanthrene core. Process optimization significantly improved yields: aryl bromide intermediate A reached 50.8% yield via bromination refinement, while arylboronic ester intermediate B overcame selectivity limitations. Combining Darzens condensation with Wittig reaction enhanced throughput, achieving 88.4% yield in the key cyclization. Structures were confirmed by NMR and mass spectra. CCK-8 cytotoxicity assays in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells revealed distinct toxicological profiles: DAA-III and DAA-IV exhibited IC₅₀ values of 371 μM and 515 μM, respectively, significantly higher than the nitro-containing prototype AA-I (270 μM), indicating that the absence of nitro group attenuates but does not eliminate toxicity, potentially via altered metabolic activation. DAA-II and DAA-V showed no detectable cytotoxicity within assay limits, suggesting reduced toxicological impact. Structure–activity analysis exhibited that the nitro group is not essential for cytotoxicity, with methoxy substituents exerting limited influence on potency. This challenges the conventional DNA adduct-dependent toxicity paradigm, implying alternative mechanisms like oxidative stress or mitochondrial dysfunction may mediate damage in denitro derivatives. These systematic findings provide new perspectives for AA analog research and a foundation for the rational use and safety assessment of Aristolochiaceae plants. Full article

Unguisins, a class of structurally complex cyclic peptides featuring a γ-aminobutyric acid residue embedded in the skeleton, exhibit diverse biological activities. Here, a new unguisin K, along with three known congeners, was isolated from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus candidus MEFC1001. The biosynthetic pathway was elucidated through gene disruption coupled with in vitro enzymatic characterization. The ugs biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) containing ugsA and ugsB, in conjunction with an extra-clustered gene ugsC, collaborates to synthesize these unguisins. The alanine racemase (AR) UgsC catalyzes the isomerization of Ala and provides d-Ala as the starter unit for the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS). The unique localization of ugsC outside the ugs BGC is different from previously reported unguisin-producing systems where AR genes reside within BGCs. The methyltransferase UgsB mediates a key pre-modification step by methylating phenylpyruvic acid to yield β-methylphenylpyruvate, which is subsequently incorporated as β-methylphenylalanine during NRPS assembly. This represents the first experimental evidence of the β-carbon methylation of Phe residue occurring at the precursor level rather than through post-assembly modification. The NRPS UgsA recruits a variety of amino acids for assembly and cyclization to form mature unguisins. Additionally, genome mining utilizing UgsA as a query identified homologous NRPSs in diverse fungal species, highlighting the potential for unguisin production in fungi. This study enriches the biosynthetic diversity of cyclic peptides and provides guidance for exploring unguisin-like natural products derived from fungi. Full article

An efficient access to novel 2-substituted 1H-imidazole derivatives was developed based on acid-mediated denitrogenative transformation of 5-amino-1,2,3-triazole derivatives available through dipolar azide−nitrile cycloaddition (DCR). The proposed approach includes intramolecular cyclization of 5-amino-4-aryl-1-(2,2-diethoxyethyl) 1,2,3-triazoles followed by triazole ring opening and insertion of in situ formed carbene intermediate into the O-H bond of different alcohols under acidic conditions. Full article

Pyrrole-type compounds are widely known for their potential biological activity. However, methods for synthesizing 2,3,4,5-tetrasubstituted pyrroles remain limited. This study explores an intramolecular cyclocondensation of 2-amino acid-derived enamines to yield novel 1-(5-substituted-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)ethan-1-ones. Using ʟ-alanine, ʟ-tyrosine, ʟ-phenylalanine, and ʟ-tryptophan, the corresponding 2-amino esters were synthesized, converted into enamines, and cyclized under microwave irradiation (55–86% yield). The highest yield was obtained from methyl ʟ-phenylalaninate (R¹ = CH₂Ph, R⁴ = Me). Steric hindrance from bulkier groups reduced yields, while the electronic nature of R¹ influenced reactivity. Structural analysis (NMR, HR-ESI-MS) confirmed product identities, and a 5-exo-trig cyclization mechanism explained base-mediated deprotonation and steric effects. These findings highlight steric and electronic factors in this cyclocondensation, guiding reaction optimization for valuable heterocycles. Full article

A pyridine-fused triazapentalene shows weak fluorescence in solution and is readily accessible via nitrene-mediated cyclization. In this study, a modified Cadogan reaction was used to synthesize HetATAP 1. Palladium-catalyzed reactions have been used as post-functionalization methods. Interestingly, modified Suzuki cross-couplings with various boronic acids resulted in poor to moderate yields of HetATAPs 2–5 which were arylated at the azole moiety. Direct CH arylation of HetATAP 1 gave the products with the same regiochemistry in satisfactory yields. The structures of HetATAPs 2–5 were confirmed using NMR analysis. In addition, the photophysical properties of HetATAPs 1–5 were studied under various conditions. Particularly, the emission of HetATAPs 2–5 is enhanced in the solid and aggregate state. Full article

New tool development for various nucleic acid applications is an essential task in RNA nanotechnology. Here, we determined the ability of self-limited complex formation by a pair of oligoribonucleotides carrying two pairwise complementary blocks connected by a linker of different lengths in each chain. The complexes were analyzed using UV melting, gel shift assay analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We have demonstrated the spontaneous formation of various self-limited and concatemer complexes. The linear concatemer complex is formed by a pair of oligomers without a linker in at least one of them. Longer linkers resulted in the formation of circular complexes. The self-limited complexes formation was confirmed using the toehold strand displacement. The MD simulations indicate the reliability of the complexes’ structure and demonstrate their dynamics, which increase with the rise of complex size. The linearization of 2D circular complexes into 1D structures and a reverse cyclization process were demonstrated using a toehold-mediated approach. The approach proposed here for the construction and directed modification of the molecularity and shape of complexes will be a valuable tool in RNA nanotechnology, especially for the rational design of therapeutic nucleic acids with high target specificity and the programmable response of the immune system of organisms. Full article

As a new approach, pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines were synthesized through the cyclization of 2-formylpyrrole-based enaminones in the presence of ammonium acetate. The enaminones were prepared with a straightforward method, reacting the corresponding alkyl 2-(2-formyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)acetates, 2-(2-formyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)acetonitrile, and 2-(2-formyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)acetophenones with DMFDMA. Analogous enaminones elaborated from alkyl (E)-3-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)acrylates were treated with a Lewis acid to afford indolizines. The antifungal activity of the series of substituted pyrroles, pyrrole-based enaminones, pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines, and indolizines was evaluated on six Candida spp., including two multidrug-resistant ones. Compared to the reference drugs, most test compounds produced a more robust antifungal effect. Docking analysis suggests that the inhibition of yeast growth was probably mediated by the interaction of the compounds with the catalytic site of HMGR of the Candida species. Full article

The macrocyclic tetrapeptide CJ-15,208 (cyclo[Phe-D-Pro-Phe-Trp]) and its D-Trp isomer exhibit kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonism which prevents stress-induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-conditioned place preference. Here, we evaluated the effects of substitution of Trp and D-Trp on the peptides’ opioid activity, antinociceptive tolerance, and the ability to prevent relapse to extinguished drug-CPP. Six analogs were synthesized using a combination of solid-phase peptide synthesis and cyclization in solution. The analogs were evaluated in vitro for opioid receptor affinity in radioligand competition binding assays, efficacy in the [³⁵S]GTPγS assay, metabolic stability in mouse liver microsomes, and for opioid activity and selectivity in vivo in the mouse 55 °C warm-water tail-withdrawal assay. Potential liabilities of locomotor impairment, respiratory depression, acute tolerance, and conditioned place preference (CPP) were also assessed in vivo, and the ameliorating effect of analogs on the reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-place preference was assessed. Substitutions of other D-amino acids for D-Trp did not affect (or in one case increased) KOR affinity, while two of the three substitutions of an L-amino acid for Trp decreased KOR affinity. In contrast, all but one substitution increased mu opioid receptor (MOR) affinity in vitro. The metabolic stabilities of the analogs were similar to those of their respective parent peptides, with analogs containing a D-amino acid being much more rapidly metabolized than those containing an L-amino acid in this position. In vivo, CJ-15,208 analogs demonstrated antinociception, although potencies varied over an 80-fold range and the mediating opioid receptors differed by substitution. KOR antagonism was lost for all but the D-benzothienylalanine analog, and the 2′-naphthylalanine analog instead demonstrated significant delta opioid receptor (DOR) antagonism. Introduction of DOR antagonism coincided with reduced acute opioid antinociceptive tolerance and prevented stress-induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-CPP. Full article

Pyrrole-ligated 1,3,4-oxadiazole is a very important pharmacophore which exhibits broad therapeutic effects such as anti-tuberculosis, anti-epileptic, anti-HIV, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. A one-pot Maillard reaction between D-Ribose and an L-amino methyl ester in DMSO with oxalic acid at 2.5 atm and 80 °C expeditiously produced pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde platform chemicals in reasonable yields, which were utilized for the synthesis of pyrrole-ligated 1,3,4-oxadiazoles. Benzohydrazide reacted with the formyl group of the pyrrole platforms to provide the corresponding imine intermediates, which underwent I₂-mediated oxidative cyclization to the pyrrole-ligated 1,3,4-oxadiazole skeleton. The structure and activity relationship (SAR) of the target compounds with varying alkyl or aryl substituents of the amino acids and electron-withdrawing or electron-donating substituents on the phenyl ring of benzohydrazide were evaluated for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii as representative Gram(–) and Gram(+) bacteria. Branched alkyl groups from the amino acid showed better antibacterial activities. Absolutely superior activities were observed for 5f-1 with an iodophenol substituent against A. baumannii (MIC < 2 μg/mL), a bacterial pathogen that displays a high resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Full article

Herein, advanced intermediates were synthesized through Ugi four-component reactions of isocyanides, aldehydes, masked amino aldehyde, and carboxylic acids, including N-protected amino acids. The presence of a masked aldehyde enabled acid-mediated deprotection and subsequent cyclization via the carbonyl carbon and the amide nitrogen. Utilizing N-protected amino acid as a carboxylic acid component, Ugi intermediates could be cyclized from two possible directions to target 3,4-dihydropyrazin-2(1H)-ones. Cyclization to the amino terminus (westbound) and to the carboxyl terminus (eastbound) was demonstrated. Deliberate selection of building blocks drove the reaction regioselectively and yielded diverse heterocycles containing a 3,4-dihydropyrazin-2(1H)-one core, pyrazin-2(1H)-one, and piperazin-2-one, as well as a tricyclic framework with a 3D architecture, 2,3-dihydro-2,6-methanobenzo[h][1,3,6]triazonine-4,7(1H,5H)-dione, from Ugi adducts under mild reaction conditions. The latter bridged heterocycle was achieved diastereoselectively. The reported chemistry represents diversity-oriented synthesis. One common Ugi advanced intermediate was, without isolation, rapidly transformed into various nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Full article

Herein we report a feasible study concerning the synthesis and the in vitro antimicrobial activity of some new homodrimane sesquiterpenoids with a benzimidazole unit. Based on some homodrimane carboxylic acids, on their acyl chlorides and intermediate monoamides, a series of seven N-homodrimenoyl-2-amino-1,3-benzimidazoles and 2-homodrimenyl-1,3-benzimidazoles was synthesized. The syntheses involved the decarboxylative cyclization and condensation of the said acids or acyl chlorides with o-phenylendiamine and 2-aminobenzimidazole, as well as the p-TsOH-mediated cyclodehydration of the said monoacylamides. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been fully confirmed, including by the X-ray diffraction. Their biological activities were evaluated on five species of fungi (Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. frequentans, and Alternaria alternata) and two strains of bacteria (Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Compounds 7 and 20 showed higher antifungal (MIC = 0.064 and 0.05 μg/mL) and antibacterial (MIC = 0.05 and 0.032 μg/mL) activities compared to those of the standards: caspofungin (MIC = 0.32 μg/mL) and kanamycin (MIC = 2.0 μg/mL), and compounds 4, 10, 14, and 19 had moderate activities. Full article

A novel double aza-oxa[7]helicene was synthesized from the commercially available N¹,N⁴-di(naphthalen-2-yl)benzene-1,4-diamine and p-benzoquinone in two steps. Combining the acid-mediated annulation with the electrochemical sequential reaction (oxidative coupling and dehydrative cyclization) afforded this double hetero[7]helicene. Moreover, the structural and optical features of this molecule have been studied using X-ray crystallographic analysis, and the absorption and emission behaviors were rationalized based on DFT calculations. Full article

Peptides inherently feature the favorable properties of being easily synthesized, water-soluble, biocompatible, and typically non-toxic. Thus, boronic acid has been widely integrated with peptides with the goal of discovering peptide ligands with novel biological activities, and this effort has led to broad applications. Taking the integration between boronic acid and peptide as a starting point, we provide an overview of the latest research advances and highlight the versatile and robust functionalities of boronic acid. In this review, we summarize the diverse applications of peptide boronic acids in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, including the identification of covalent reversible enzyme inhibitors, recognition, and detection of glycans on proteins or cancer cell surface, delivery of siRNAs, development of pH responsive devices, and recognition of RNA or bacterial surfaces. Additionally, we discuss boronic acid-mediated peptide cyclization and peptide modifications, as well as the facile chemical synthesis of peptide boronic acids, which paved the way for developing a growing number of peptide boronic acids. Full article

We have developed a photochemical ATRA/ATRC reaction that is mediated by halogen bonding interactions. This reaction is caused by the reaction of malonic acid ester derivatives containing bromine or iodine with unsaturated compounds such as alkenes and alkynes in the presence of diisopropylethylamine under visible light irradiation. As a result of various control experiments, it was found that the formation of complexes between amines and halogens by halogen-bonding interaction occurs in the reaction system, followed by the cleavage of the carbon–halogen bonds by visible light, resulting in the formation of carbon radicals. In this reaction, a variety of substrates can be used, and the products, cyclopentenes and cyclopentanes, were obtained by intermolecular addition and intramolecular cyclization. Full article

A library of 2,4,6,7-tetrasubstituted-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridines was prepared from easily accessible 1-phenyl-3-(2-phenylethynyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde via an iodine-mediated electrophilic cyclization of intermediate 4-(azidomethyl)-1-phenyl-3-(phenylethynyl)-1H-pyrazoles to 7-iodo-2,6-diphenyl-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridines followed by Suzuki cross-couplings with various boronic acids and alkylation reactions. The compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against K562, MV4-11, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. The most potent compounds displayed low micromolar GI₅₀ values. 4-(2,6-Diphenyl-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridin-7-yl)phenol proved to be the most active, induced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) cleavage, activated the initiator enzyme of apoptotic cascade caspase 9, induced a fragmentation of microtubule-associated protein 1-light chain 3 (LC3), and reduced the expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The obtained results suggest a complex action of 4-(2,6-diphenyl-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridin-7-yl)phenol that combines antiproliferative effects with the induction of cell death. Moreover, investigations of the fluorescence properties of the final compounds revealed 7-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,6-diphenyl-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine as the most potent pH indicator that enables both fluorescence intensity-based and ratiometric pH sensing. Full article