Isolation and identification of cytokinins from Euglena gracilis transfer ribonucleic acid.

Three ribonucleosides responsible for cytokinin activity in Euglena gracilis var Bacillaris tRNA have been isolated and identified as 6-(3-methyl-2-butenylamino)-9-beta-D-ribofuranosylpurine, 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl-cis-2-butenylamino)-9-beta-D-ribofuranosylpurine, and 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-butenylamino)-2-methylthio-9-beta-D-ribofuranosylpurine. The structures of these compounds were assigned on the basis of their chromatographic properties and ultraviolet and mass spectra which were identical with those of the corresponding synthetic compounds. The elution profiles of cytokinin bioassay activity and of 35S radioactivity suggest the presence of a trace amount of 6-(3-methyl-2-butenylamino)-2-methylthio-9-beta-D-ribofuranosylpurine.     

Properties, metabolisms, and applications of l-proline analogues

Due to the unique role of l-proline in the folding and structure of protein, a variety of synthetic proline analogues have been developed. l-Proline analogues have been proven to be valuable reagents for studying cellular metabolism and the regulation of macromolecule synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In addition to these fundamental researches, they are useful compounds for industrial use. For instance, microorganisms that overproduce l-proline have been obtained by isolating mutants resistant to l-proline analogues. They are also promising candidates for tuning the biological, pharmaceutical, or physicochemical properties of naturally occurring or de novo designed peptides. Among l-proline analogues, l-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (l-AZC) is a toxic non-proteinogenic amino acid originally found in lily of the valley plants and trans-4-hydroxy-l-proline (4-l-THOP) is the most abundant component of mammalian collagen. Many hydroxyprolines (HOPs), such as 4-l-THOP and cis-4-hydroxy-l-proline (4-l-CHOP), are useful chiral building blocks for the organic synthesis of pharmaceuticals. In addition, l-AZC and 4-l-CHOP, which are potent inhibitors of cell growth, have been tested for their antitumor activity in tissue culture and in vivo. In this review, we describe the recent discoveries regarding the physiological properties and microbial production and metabolism of l-proline analogues, particularly l-AZC and HOPs. Their applications in fundamental research and industrial use are also discussed.     

Study on the mutagenicity of nifurtimox and eight derivatives with the L-arabinose resistance test of Salmonella typhimurium

The mutagenicity of nifurtimox (nfx) and 8 nfx analogues has been investigated with the L-arabinose forward-mutation assay of Salmonella typhimurium. The nfx analogues tested were obtained by replacing the 3-methyl-4-yl-tetrahydro-1,4-thiazine-1,1-dioxide group of the parent compound with the following other groups: indazol-1-yl (1); pyrazol-1-yl (2); benzimidazol-1-yl (3); 1,2,4-triazol-4-yl (4); 1-methyl-3-methylthio-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl-5-thione (5); 3,5-bis(methylthio)-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl (6); 1-adamantyl (7); 4,6-diphenylpyridin-1-yl-2-one (8). The mutagenic activity of each chemical was determined by the standard plate-incorporation test, in the presence or absence of the S9 activation mixture. The 9 compounds were mutagenic and exhibited linear dose-mutagenic response relationships. They were direct-acting mutagens and showed a nearly 1000-fold range in mutagenic potency from chemical 1 to nfx. In most cases, the addition of S9 mixture to the test plates decreased the mutagenicity of compounds. This effect was particularly noticeable in the case of chemicals 1-3, 5 and 7 where a more than 70% decrease in mutagenic activity was observed in the presence of the S9 mixture. The mutagenic potency of compounds in the Ara test showed a negative linear correlation with previously reported antitrypanosomal activity. Thus, chemicals 6 and 8 with in vitro activities against Trypanosoma cruzi clearly superior to that of nfx showed 2 of the lowest mutagenic potencies in the Ara test and these were only somewhat higher than the mutagenicity of the reference drug.     

PNA-RELATED OLIGONUCLEOTIDE MIMICS AND THEIR EVALUATION FOR NUCLEIC ACID HYBRIDIZATION STUDIES AND ANALYSIS

DNA mimics containing phosphonate analogues of PNAs (pPNAs), particularly PNA-pPNA hybrids as well as hetero-oligomers consisted of pPNA units and PNA-like molecules on the base of trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (HypNA) have been synthesized. The evaluation of their effectiveness in assays based on the hybridization technique in the comparison with natural oligonucleotides and classical PNAs has shown a high potential of these mimics as sensor molecules for nucleic acid based diagnostics and as molecular probes for mRNA isolation.     

Occurrence of stereoisomers of 1-(2'-pyrrolidinethione-3'-yl)- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid in fermented radish roots and their different mutagenic properties

Stereoisomers of the tetrahydro-beta-carboline derivative, 1-(2-pyrrolidinethione)-3-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline- 3-carboxylic acid (PTCC), were formed from L-tryptophan with 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate, and their mutagenic properties and contents in different types of the radish products were studied. The isomers were identified as (1S*, 3S*, 3R*)- and (1R*, 3S*, 3R*)-PTCCs; the former was found as the major compound but had no mutagenic activity, while the latter was mutagenic toward Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 in the presence of a rat microsomal fraction. Both (1S*, 3S*, 3R*)- and (1R*, 3S*, 3R*)-PTCC were detected in a ratio of about 4:1 in a product fermented for 8 months, but only a trace was apparent in products manufactured within a few weeks.     

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 1-[1,2,4-triazol-3-yl] and 1-[1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-3-methylthio-6,7-dihydrobenzo[c]thiophen-4(5H)ones

A series of 1-[1,2,4-triazol-3-yl] and 1-[1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-3-methylthio-6,7-dihydrobenzo[c]thiophen-4(5H)ones were synthesized and tested to demonstrate in vitro antimicrobial activity. Some of these compounds exhibited a good activity against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis.     

Cytotoxic activity of (S)-goniothalamin and analogues against human cancer cells

(R)- and (S)-Goniothalamin (1) and analogues 2-9 were efficiently prepared in high overall yield and enantiomeric purity, and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated against eight human cancer cell lines. A structure-activity relationship study (SAR) allowed us to establish the relevant structural features for the cytotoxic activity of goniothalamin analogues. In addition, we have identified non-natural form of goniothalamin (S)-1 and analogue 5 as the highest and more selective cytotoxic compounds against kidney cancer cell growth (786-0) with IC50 = 4 and 5 nM, respectively, and compound 8 (IC50 = 4 nM) as the more potent against breast cancer cells with resistance phenotype for adryamycin (NCI.ADR).     

Two novel hexadepsipeptides with several modified amino acid residues isolated from the fungus Isaria

Two new cyclohexadepsipeptides have been isolated from the fungus Isaria. Fungal growth in solid media yielded hyphal strands from which peptide fractions were readily isolable by organic-solvent extraction. Two novel cyclodepsipeptides, isaridin A and isaridin B, have been isolated by reverse-phase HPLC, and characterized by ESI-MS and 1H-NMR. Single crystals of both peptides have been obtained, and their 3D structures were elucidated by X-ray diffraction. The isaridins contain several unusual amino acid residues. The sequences are cyclo(beta-Gly-HyLeu-Pro-Phe-NMeVal-NMePhe) and cyclo(beta-Gly-HyLeu-beta-MePro-Phe-NMeVal-NMePhe), where NMeVal is N-methylvaline, NMePhe N-methylphenylalanine, and HyLeu hydroxyleucine (= 2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid). The two peptides differ from one another at residue 3, isaridin A having an (S)-proline at this position, while beta-methyl-(S)-proline (= (2S,3S)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid) is found in isaridin B. The solid-state conformations of both cyclic depsipeptides are characterized by the presence of two cis peptide bonds at HyLeu(2)-Pro(3)/HyLeu(2)-beta-MePro(3) and NMeVal(5)-NMePhe(6), respectively. In isaridin A, a strong intramolecular H-bond is observed between Phe(4)CO...HNbeta-Gly(1), and a similar, but weaker, interaction is observed between beta-Gly(1)CO...HNPhe(4). In contrast, in isaridin B, only a single intramolecular H-bond is observed between beta-Gly(1)CO...HNPhe(4).     

Direct asymmetric aldol reactions catalyzed by (4R)-4-(beta-Naphthalenyl)methoxy-(S)-proline

A novel proline derivative, (4R)-4-(beta-Naphthalenyl)methoxy-(S)-proline, was conveniently prepared from the naturally occurring (4S)-hydroxy-(S)-proline; 5 mol % of this compound efficiently catalyzes the asymmetric aldol reactions of various benzaldehydes with acetone in excess of acetone as the solvent, giving the aldol adducts in good yields with ee up to 89.8%.     

Synthesis,molecular structure,solution equilibrium,and antiproliferative activity of thioxotriazoline and thioxotriazole complexes of copper II and palladium II

Preparations of copper(II) and palladium(II) complexes of 4-amino-5-methylthio-3-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole (L(1)) and the copper(II) complex of 1,4-dihydro-4-amino-3-(2-pyridyl)-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazole (HL) are described. These complexes have been characterized by means of spectroscopy and microanalysis. Molecular structures of HL (1), [CuCl(2)(H(2)L)]Cl.2H(2)O (2a), cis-[CuCl(2)(L(1))] (3), and cis-[PdCl(2)(L(1))] (4) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The HL ligand acts as a N,S bidentate through the thioxo moiety and the exo-amino group whilst the ligand L(1) forms N,N coordination complexes through the pyridine and triazole nitrogen atoms. Speciation in solution of the systems Cu/HL and Cu/L(1) have been determined by means of potentiometry and spectrophotometry as well as for the Cu/L(1)/A (HA=glycine) system in order to determine species present at physiological pH. Antiproliferative activity of these complexes and their ligands was evaluated, using the AlamarBlue Assay, on normal human fibroblasts (HF) and human fibrosarcoma tumor (HT1080) cells. The copper compounds cis-[CuCl(2)(H(2)L)]Cl and cis-[CuCl(2)(L(1))] exerted significant antiproliferative activity of both normal and neoplastic cells; although dose-response experiments revealed that the HT1080 cell line was more sensitive to the tested drugs than normal fibroblasts.     

Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase regulates ornithine decarboxylase by production of downstream metabolites

The gene encoding methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), the initial enzyme in the methionine salvage pathway, is deleted in a variety of human tumors and acts as a tumor suppressor gene in cell culture (Christopher, S. A., Diegelman, P., Porter, C. W., and Kruger, W. D. (2002) Cancer Res. 62, 6639-6644). Overexpression of the polyamine biosynthetic enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is frequently observed in tumors and has been shown to be tumorigenic in vitro and in vivo. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel regulatory pathway in which the methionine salvage pathway products inhibit ODC activity. We show that in Saccharomyces cerevisiae the MEU1 gene encodes MTAP and that Meu1delta cells have an 8-fold increase in ODC activity, resulting in large elevations in polyamine pools. Mutations in putative salvage pathway genes downstream of MTAP also cause elevated ODC activity and elevated polyamines. The addition of the penultimate salvage pathway compound 4-methylthio-2-oxobutanoic acid represses ODC levels in both MTAP-deleted yeast and human tumor cell lines, indicating that 4-methylthio-2-oxobutanoic acid acts as a negative regulator of polyamine biosynthesis. Expression of MTAP in MTAP-deleted MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells results in a significant reduction of ODC activity and reduction in polyamine levels. Taken together, our results show that products of the methionine salvage pathway regulate polyamine biosynthesis and suggest that MTAP deletion may lead to ODC activation in human tumors.     

Antisenescent Activity of Natural Cytokinins

The antisenescent activity of naturally occurring cytokinins (bases and ribosides) has been evaluated by measuring chlorophyll retention in detached wheat (Triticum vulgare) leaf segments. 6-(3-Methyl-2-butenylamino)-2-methylthiopurine (ms2ip) was the most active cytokinin followed by 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl-trans-2-butenylamino)purine (tZ). 6-(4-Hydroxy-3-methyl-cis-2-butenylamino)-9-β-D-ribofuranosylpurine (cZR), 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl-trans-2-butenylamino)-2-methylthio-9β-D-ribofuranosylpurine (MstZR), and 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl-cis-2-butenylamino)-2-methylthio-9-β-D-ribofuroanosylpurine (mscZR) were essentially inactive. 9-Ribosyl substitution did not affect the activity of tZ, (±)-6-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutylamino)purine (DHZ), or 6-(3-methyl-2-butenylamino)purine (2ip), but lowered the activity of 6-(o-hydroxybenzylamino)purine (OHBA) and 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl-cis-2-butenylamino)purine (cZ). 2-Methylthio substitution increased the activity of 2ip and DHZ, decreased the activity of tZ, and had no effect on the activity of cZ. The activities of the simultaneously substituted 2-methylthio-9-ribosyl compounds are lower than those of their corresponding unsubstituted or 2-methylthio substituted bases with the exception of DHZ. Structure-activity relationships for chlorophyll retention did not parallel many of the relationships found for callus tissue growth stimulation.     

Efficient scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation by novel analogues of 1,3,7-trimethyluric acid.

New water-soluble analogues of 1,3,7-trimethyluric acid with N-1 methyl replaced by various groups were prepared and evaluated for their ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals as well as their protective potential against lipid peroxidation in erythrocyte membranes. The deoxyribose degradation method indicates that all the analogues tested effectively scavenge hydroxyl radicals and some of them show better activity than uric acid and methyluric acids. These effects are shown to be concentration dependent and are more potent at low concentrations (10-50 microM). Among the analogues tested, 1-butenyl-, 1-propargyl- and 1-benzyl-3,7-dimethyluric acids show high hydroxyl radical scavenging property with a reaction rate constant (Ks) of 3.2-6.7 x 10(10) M(-1) S(-1), 2.3-3.7 x 10(10) M(-1) S(-1) and 2.4-3.7 x 10(10) M(-1) S(-1), respectively. The effectiveness of these analogues as hydroxyl radical scavengers appears to be better than mannitol (Ks, 1.9-2.5 x 10(9) M(-1) S(-1)). With the exception of 1-pentyl- and 1-(2'-oxopropyl)-3,7-dimethyluric acids, all other analogues tested are effective inhibitors of tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced lipid peroxidation in human erythrocyte membranes. All the analogues tested are susceptible to peroxidation in the presence of hemoprotein and hydrogen peroxide. The present study has pointed out that it is possible to significantly enhance the antioxidant property of 1,3,7-trimethyluric acid by structural modification at N-1 position. Such compounds may be useful as antioxidants in vivo.     

Effects of piperine analogues on stimulation of melanocyte proliferation and melanocyte differentiation

A wide range of piperine analogues has been synthesised in order to undertake a structure-activity study of their ability to stimulate melanocyte proliferation. Results demonstrate that an aromatic ring containing at least one ether function and a carbonyl group containing side chain is essential for this activity. A number of highly active piperine analogues have been identified, for instance 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-penta-2E,4E-dienoic acid methyl ester (5a), 1-E,E-piperinoyl-isobutylamine (4f) and 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-pentanoic acid cyclohexyl amide (20). A selection of analogues has also been evaluated for their effect on melanocyte morphology and melanogenesis. The piperine analogues altered cell morphology by increasing dendrite formation leading to bi-, tri- and quadripolar cells. These same analogues were found to increase total melanin in cell cultures, although melanin content per cell was not significantly altered from control in the presence of these compounds.     

EFFECTS OF GABA ANALOGUES OF RESTRICTED CONFORMATION ON GABA TRANSPORT IN ASTROCYTES AND BRAIN CORTEX SLICES AND ON GABA RECEPTOR BINDING

—The effects of a variety of acyclic or heterocyclic GABA analogues on GABA receptor binding and on high affinity transport of GABA in cultured astrocytes and mini-slices of brain cortex were studied. The receptor and transport sites were found to be stereospecific and they exhibited opposite stereoselectivity for (R)- and (S)-trans-4-amino-4-methylcrotonic acid and (R)- and (S)-β-proline. The most potent inhibitors of GABA binding were (RS)-4, 5-dihydromuscimol, muscimol, GABA, isoguvacine and isonipecotic acid with IC₅₀values of, respectively, 0.009, 0.006, 0.033, 0.037 and 0.33 μM. Under the present experimental conditions the following compounds inhibited preferentially the glial transport system: (3RS, 4SR)-4-hydroxynipecotic acid, guvacine, (RS)-N-methylnipecotic acid, (RS)-β-proline and β-alanine (IC₅₀ values 10, 25, 70, 320 and 1000 μM, respectively vs. 200, 100, 300, 1200 and >5000 for neuronal transport). On the other hand, (R)-trans-4-amino-4-methylcrotonic acid, (3RS, 4SR, 5SR)-4-hydroxy-5-methymipecotic acid and (RS)-3-hydroxy-5-aminovaleric acid preferentially inhibited neuronal transport as studied in mini-slices of brain cortex (IC₅₀ values 160, 300 and 430 μM, respectively vs. 500, > 5000 and 1400 μM for glial transport).     

Design and synthesis of potent vitamin D receptor antagonists with A-ring modifications: remarkable effects of 2alpha-methyl introduction on antagonistic activity

Novel A-ring analogues of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) antagonist (3a), ZK-159222, and its 24-epimer (3b) were convergently synthesized. Preparation of the CD-ring portions with the side chains of 3a,b, followed by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling with the A-ring enyne precursors (15a,b), (3S,4S,5R)- and (3S,4S,5S)-bis[(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy]-4-methyloct-1-en-7-yne, afforded the 2alpha-methyl-introduced analogues (4a,b) and their 3-epimers (5a,b). The biological profiles of the hybrid analogues were assessed in terms of affinity for VDR, and antagonistic activity to inhibit HL-60 cell differentiation induced by the natural hormone, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). The analogue 4a showed an approximately fivefold higher antagonistic activity compared with 3a. The 2alpha-methyl introduction into 3a increased the receptor affinity, thereby enhancing VDR antagonism. This approach to design potent antagonists based on hybridization of structural motifs in the A-ring and in the side chain may prove to be valuable.     

Synthesis and biological activity of 22-iodo- and (E)-20(22)-dehydro analogues of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Construction of 25-hydroxy-steroidal side chain substituted with iodine at C-22 was elaborated on a model PTAD-protected steroidal 5,7-diene and applied to a synthesis of (22R)- and (22S)-22-iodo-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Configuration at C-22 in the iodinated vitamins, obtained by nucleophilic substitution of the corresponding 22S-tosylates with sodium iodide, was determined by comparison of their iodine-displacement processes and cyclizations leading to isomeric five-membered (22,25)-epoxy-1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 compounds. Also, 20(22)-dehydrosteroids have been obtained and their structures established by 1H NMR spectroscopy. When compared to the natural hormone, (E)-20(22)-dehydro-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was found 4 times less potent in binding to the porcine intestinal vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 2 times less effective in differentiation of HL-60 cells. 22-Iodinated vitamin D analogues showed somewhat lower in vitro activity, whereas (22,25)-epoxy analogues were inactive. Interestingly, it was established that (22S)-22-iodo-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was 3 times more potent than its (22R)-isomer in binding to VDR and four times more effective in HL-60 cell differentiation assay. The restricted mobility of the side chain of both 22-iodinated vitamin D compounds was analyzed by a systematic conformational search indicating different spatial regions occupied by their 25-oxygen atoms. Preliminary data on the in vivo calcemic activity of the synthesized vitamin D analogues indicate that (E)-20(22)-dehydro-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 22-iodo-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 isomers were ca. ten times less potent than the natural hormone 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 both in intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization.     

Effect of Homo-β-Proline and Other Heterocyclic GAB A Analogues on GABA Uptake in Neurons and Astroglial Cells and on GABA Receptor Binding

Abstract: Two groups of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) analogues, one comprising derivatives of β-proline and the other compounds structurally related to nipecotic acid, were investigated as potential inhibitors of high-affinity GABA transport in neurons and glial cells, as well as displacers of GABA receptor binding. In addition to cis -4-hydroxynipecotic acid, which is known as a potent inhibitor of GABA uptake, homo-β-proline was the only compound which proved to be a potent inhibitor of glial as well as neuronal GABA uptake. IC₅₀ values for GABA uptake into glial cells and brain cortex "prisms" were 20 and 75 μM, respectively, and the IC₅₀ value obtained for GABA uptake into cultured neurons was 10 μM. A kinetic analysis of the action of homo-β-proline on GABA uptake into cultured astrocytes and neurons showed that this compound acts as a competitive inhibitor of GABA uptake in both cell types. From the apparent K _m values, K _i values for homo-β-proline of 16 and 6 μM could be calculated for glial and neuronal uptake, respectively. This mechanism of action strongly suggests that homo-β-proline interacts with the GABA carriers. Furthermore, homo-β-proline also displaced GABA from its receptor with an IC₅₀ value of 0.3 μM. The cis -4-hydroxynipecotic acid analogues, cis- and trans-4-mercaptonipecotic acid, had no inhibitory effect on glial or neuronal GABA uptake. Other SH reagents, PCMB, NEM and DTNB, were shown to be relatively weak inhibitors of GABA uptake into cultured astrocytes, suggesting that SH groups are not directly involved in the interaction between GABA and its transport carrier.     

Comparison of cytokinin activities of naturally occurring ribonucleosides and corresponding bases

Cytokinin activities in the tobacco bioassay have been determined for four adenosine derivatives known to be components of wheat germ tRNA: 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-butenylamino)-9-β-d-ribofuranosylpurine, 6-(3-methyl-2-butenylamino)-9-β-d-ribofuranosylpurine, 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-butenylamino)- 2-methylthio-9-β-d-ribofuranosylpurine, and 6-(3-methyl-2-butenylamino)-2-methylthio-9-β-d-ribofuranosylpurine. Also determined and compared with the four natural components of tRNA were the activities of the four 3-methylbutylamino analogs of the naturally occurring species and the eight substituted purines corresponding to both sets of ribonucleosides. The systematic structural modifications within this group of sixteen compounds were reflected in the variations in cytokinin activity with the level of modification.     

Synthesis and cardiovascular activity of metoprolol analogues

The synthesis of four novel analogues of metoprolol, a well-known beta1-blocker used to reduce arterial blood pressure, is described. The preparation of (2S,2'S)-7, (2R,2'S)-7, (2R,2'R)-8, and (2S,2'R)-8 was based on the reaction of racemic 2-[4-(2'-methoxyethyl)-phenoxymethyl]-oxirane (4) with (R)- or (S)-2-amino-1-butanol. Salient characteristics of analogues 7 and 8 relative to metoprolol are the incorporation of an additional stereogenic center, as well as a methyl group and a hydroxyl function on the nitrogen-containing chain. These novel derivatives present significant hypotensive and bradycardiac activity, although no blocking action toward beta1 and beta2 adrenergic receptor.