Synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity of thiophene analogues of 5-chloro-5,8-dideazafolic acid and 2-methyl-2-desamino-5-chloro-5,8-dideazafolic acid

N-[5-[N-(2-Amino-5-chloro-3,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinazolin-6-yl)methylamino]-2-thenoyl]-L-glutamic acid (6) and N-[5-[N-(5-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxoquinazolin-6-yl)methylamino]-2-thenoyl]-L-glutamic acid (7), the first reported thiophene analogues of 5-chloro-5,8-dideazafolic acid, were synthesized and tested as inhibitors of tumor cell growth in culture. 4-Chloro-5-methylisatin (10) was converted stepwise to methyl 2-amino-5-methyl-6-chlorobenzoate (22) and 2-amino-5-chloro-3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-4-oxoquinazoline (19). Pivaloylation of the 2-amino group, followed by NBS bromination, condensation with di-tert-butyl N-(5-amino-2-thenoyl)-L-glutamate (28), and stepwise cleavage of the protecting groups with ammonia and TFA yielded. Treatment of 9 with acetic anhydride afforded 2,6-dimethyl-5-chlorobenz[1,3-d]oxazin-4-one (31), which on reaction with ammonia, NaOH was converted to 2,6-dimethyl-5-chloro-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (33). Bromination of, followed by condensation with and ester cleavage with TFA, yielded. The IC(50) of and against CCRF-CEM human leukemic lymphoblasts was 1.8+/-0.1 and 2.1+/-0.8 microM, respectively.     

An efficient access to protected disialylated glycohexaosyl threonine present on the leukosialin of activated T-lymphocytes

The total synthesis of the threonine-linked core 2 class disialylated hexasaccharide in a completely protected form was accomplished for the first time. The L-threonine conjugate, N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-O-[(5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-ben zyl-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero-alpha-D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosylonic acid)-(2-->3)-(2,6-di-O-benzyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-2-acetam ido-2-deoxy-3,6-di-O-benzyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-[(5-acetamido- 4,7,8,9-tetra-O-benzyl-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero-alpha-D-galacto-2-nonulo pyranosylonic acid)-(2-->3)-2,6-di-O-benzyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-2-acetami do-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1d-->4c:1f-->4e)-dilactone ]-L-threonine allyl ester was synthesized via stereocontrolled glycosylations employing readily accessible monosaccharidic blocks; t-butyl-diphenylsilyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-3,6-di-O-benzyl-beta-D-gluco pyranose, N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-O-(2-azido-6-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl -2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl)-L-threonine allyl ester, 8, 9 and N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-O-(2-azido-4,6-O-benzylidene-3-O-ch loroacetyl-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl)-L-threonine allyl ester. For the introduction of the amino acid, the azide group was used to temporarily mask the amino group of GalNAc so as to obtain an alpha-glycosidic linkage without participation from the C-2 substituent. The threonine was attached to the sugar unit at the monosaccharide stage to avoid loss of oligosaccharide at a later stage. The Fmoc and allyl ester protected amino acid at the reducing end facilitates efficient glycopeptide synthesis on solid-phase support.     

Kinetics and equilibrium of enzymatic synthesis of peptides in aqueous/organic biphasic systems. Thermolysin-catalyzed synthesis of N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester

We studied kinetics and the equilibrium relationship for the thermolysin-catalyzed synthesis of N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (Z-Asp-PheOMe) from N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-aspartic acid (Z-Asp) and L-phenylalanine methyl ester (PheOMe) in an aqueous-organic biphasic system. This is a model reaction giving a condensation product with dissociating groups. The kinetics for the synthesis of Z-Asp-PheOMe in aqueous solution saturated with ethyl acetate was expressed by a rate equation for the rapid-equilibrium random bireactant mechanism, and the reverse hydrolysis reaction was zero-order with respect to Z-Asp-PheOMe concentration. The courses of synthesis of Z-Asp-PheOMe in the biphasic system were well explained, by the rate equations obtained for the aqueous solution and by the partition of substrate and condensation product between the both phases. The rate of synthesis in the biphasic system was much lower than in aqueous solution due to the unfavorable partition of PheOMe in the aqueous phase. The equation for the equilibrium yield of Z-Asp-PheOMe in the biphasic system was derived assuming that only the non-ionized forms of the substrate and condensation product exist in the organic phase. It was found theoretically and experimentally that the yield of Z-Asp-PheOMe is maximum at the aqueous-phase pH of around 5, lower than for synthesis in aqueous solution. The effect of the organic solvent on the rate and equilibrium for the synthesis of Z-Asp-PheOMe could be explained by the variation in the partition coefficient. The effect of the partitioning of substrate on the aqueous-phase pH change was also shown.     

Nonpeptide small-molecular inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV: N-phenylphthalimide analogs

A novel series of nonpeptide small-molecular dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors with an N-phenylphthalimide skeleton has been developed. Some of the compounds, including 4-amino-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)phthalimides (7), 4- and 5-hydroxy-(2,6-diethylphenyl)phthalimide (11 and 14), 4-hydroxy-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)phthalimide (12), and thiocarbonyl analogs of (2,6-diisopropylphenyl)phthalimide and their 4,5,6,7-tetrafluorinated derivative (18, 19 and 20), were more potent than the well-known DPP-IV-specific inhibitor, Pro-boroPro (PBP). Among them, 18 was revealed to be a DPP-IV-specific inhibitor, while the others also showed inhibitory activity toward another peptidase, aminopeptidase N (APN).     

Kinetics of enzymatic synthesis of peptides in aqueous/organic biphasic systems. Thermolysin-catalyzed synthesis of N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-phenylalanyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester

We studied kinetics of thermolysin-catalyzed peptide synthesis in an aqueous/organic biphasic system theoretically and experimentally. As a model reaction producing a condensation product having no dissociating groups, we used the synthesis of N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-phenylalanyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (Z-Phe2OMe) from N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (Z-Phe) and L-phenylalanine methyl ester (PheOMe). Usually, ethyl acetate was used as the organic solvent. First we studied the kinetics of the synthesis of Z-Phe2OMe in a buffer solution saturated with ethyl acetate. Then, factors that may affect the kinetics in the biphasic system were examined. The course of Z-Phe2OMe synthesis in the biphasic system was explained by the rate equations obtained, using the partitions of substrate and product and non-enzymatic decomposition of PheOMe. In the biphasic reaction system, the rate of synthesis was lower for a wide range of pH due to the unfavorable partition of PheOMe in the aqueous phase, but yields were higher than in the buffer solution. The effects of the organic solvents on the rate of synthesis could also be explained by variations in the partition coefficient of PheOMe. Finally, we gave a way to predict the aqueous-phase pH change caused by partitioning of the substrate. The significance of the pH change was shown in connection with the reaction using the immobilized enzyme in an organic solvent.     

Versatile synthesis of phenoxydiazirine-based fatty acid analogues and photoreactive galactosylceramide.

A versatile synthesis of diazirine-based photoreactive fatty acid analogues is reported. The key step is phenoxy alkylation of diazirine with halo alkyl acid esters. The conditions described will be acceptable for the synthesis of various alkyl-length derivatives. The fatty acid derivatives are acceptors for reverse reactions of sphingolipid ceramide N-deacylase (SCDase), which catalyzes the condensation of psychosine and fatty acids to form photoreactive galactosylceramide. The photoreactive galactosylceramide can also be prepared with chemical synthesis, condensation of psychosine and fatty acid succinimidyl ester, and is recognized with anti-GarCer antibody both before and after irradiation.     

Quinone cross-linked polysaccharide hybrid fiber

The present article describes the synthesis of the N-(Lys-Gly-Tyr-Gly)-chitosan using the water-soluble active ester method, the preparation of the N-(Lys-Gly-Tyr-Gly)-chitosan-gellan hybrid fibers, and the reinforcement of the hybrid fibers by enzymatic cross-linking between the N-grafted peptides chains of chitosan. The cationic polysaccharide chitosan was treated with Boc-Lys(Z)-Gly-Tyr(Bzl)-Gly (4-hydroxyphenyl)dimethylsulfonium methyl sulfate ester in DMF-0.15 M acetic acid to incorporate the peptides into the side chain amino groups of chitosan followed by the acidic removals of the Z and Bzl groups. The degrees of N substitution were estimated to be 2.0 and 10 molar % by changing the molar ratios of the amino groups of the parent chitosan and the active ester. The resulting cationic N-(Lys-Gly-Tyr-Gly)-chitosan was spun into the hybrid fibers with the anionic polysaccharide gellan in water. The tensile strengths of the N-(Lys-Gly-Tyr-Gly)-chitosan hybrid fibers were superior to those of the original chitosan-gellan fibers. The mechanical strengths of the hybrid fibers further increased upon enzymatic oxidation using tyrosinase. Based on these results, we concluded that the covalent cross-linking due to the enzyme oxidation between the grafted peptides significantly contributed to reinforcement of the polysaccharide hybrid fibers. The present results afford a new methodology for the reinforcement achieved by the polymer modification inspired by a biological process.     

Tubulin polymerization inhibitors with a fluorinated phthalimide skeleton derived from thalidomide

4,7-Difluoro-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1H-isoindole-1,3-dione [4,7FPP-33 (14)] has a potent tubulin-polymerization-inhibiting activity comparable with those of the known tubulin-polymerization inhibitors rhizoxin and colchicine. The structure-activity relationship for fluorine substitution was elucidated.     

Practical protocols for stepwise solid-phase synthesis of cysteine-containing peptides.

This study details a series of conditions that may be applied to ensure 'safe' incorporation of cysteine with minimal racemization during automated or manual solid-phase peptide synthesis. Earlier studies from our laboratories [Han et al. (1997) J. Org. Chem. 62, 4307-4312] showed that several common coupling methods, including those exploiting in situ activating agents such as N-[(dimethylamino)-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-1-ylmethylene]-N-methylmethanaminium hexafluorophosphate N-oxide (HATU), N-[1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-(dimethylamino)methylene]-N-methylmethanaminium hexafluorophosphate N-oxide (HBTU), and (benzotriazol-1-yl-N-oxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP) [all in the presence of N-methylmorpholine (NMM) or N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIEA) as a tertiary amine base], give rise to unacceptable levels (i.e. 5-33%) of cysteine racemization. As demonstrated on the tripeptide model H-Gly-Cys-Phe-NH(2), and on the nonapeptide dihydrooxytocin, the following methods are recommended: O-pentafluorophenyl (O-Pfp) ester in DMF; O-Pfp ester/1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) in DMF; N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIPCDI)/HOBt in DMF; HBTU/HOBt/2,4,6-trimethylpyridine (TMP) in DMF (preactivation time 3.5-7.0 min in all of these cases); and HBTU/HOBt/TMP in CH(2)Cl(2)/DMF (1:1) with no preactivation. In fact, several of the aforementioned methods are now used routinely in our laboratory during the automated synthesis of analogs of the 58-residue protein bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI). In addition, several highly hindered bases such as 2,6-dimethylpyridine (lutidine), 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyridine (TEMP), octahydroacridine (OHA), and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DB[DMAP]) may be used in place of the usual DIEA or NMM to minimize cysteine racemization even with the in situ coupling protocols.     

Tyrosine-derived polycarbonates: backbone-modified "pseudo"-poly (amino acids) designed for biomedical applications.

Starting from L-tyrosine (Tyr) and its metabolites desaminotyrosine (Dat) and tyramine (Tym), four structurally related model dipeptides were prepared: Dat-Tym (neither N- or C-terminus present), Z-Tyr-Tym (N-terminus protected by benzyloxycarbonyl), Dat-Tyr-Hex (C-terminus protected by a hexyl ester group), and Z-Tyr-Tyr-Hex (both N- and C-termini present, protected by benzyloxycarbonyl and hexyl ester, respectively). The model dipeptides were used as monomers in the synthesis of polycarbonates. The polymerization reaction in the presence of either phosgene or triphosgene proceeded via the phenolic hydroxyl groups. Polymers with molecular weights of 105,000-400,000 da (by gel permeation chromatography, relative to polystyrene standards) were obtained. The physicomechanical properties (solubility, mechanical strength, glass transition and decomposition temperature, processibility) of the polymers were determined, and an attempt was made to correlate the polymer properties with the nature of the N- and C-terminus protecting groups. The presence of the urethane bond at the N-terminus protecting group was found to reduce solubility, ductility, and processibility, probably due to interchain hydrogen bonding. The presence of a C-terminus alkyl ester group increased solubility and processibility. Thus, the most promising candidate polymer for biomedical applications was obtained from Dat-Tyr-Hex, the monomer carrying a C-terminus protecting group only. Since very similar results had recently been obtained for a series of structurally related polyiminocarbonates, the structure property correlations seem to be generally valid.     

Cell differentiation inducers derived from thalidomide

5-Hydroxy- and 4-amino-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1H-isoindole-1,3-dione (5HPP-33 and 4APP-33, respectively) have been shown to possess cell differentiation-inducing activity toward human leukemia cell line HL-60.     

Control of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate levels in rat macrophages by glucose and phorbol ester

The presence of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru 2,6-P2) in elicited peritoneal macrophages of rat was examined. These cells possess an active phosphofructokinase-2 which is diminished by citrate and only slightly inhibited by glycerol 3-phosphate. Phosphofructokinase-1 submaximal activity was increased 26-fold by the addition of 1 microM Fru 2,6-P2. Incubation of cells without glucose decreased the amount of Fru 2,6-P2 to zero, but further addition of 5 mM glucose increased the levels of the sugar ester 20-fold. In addition, the presence of phorbol ester potentiated the synthesis of Fru 2,6-P2. By contrast phenylisopropyladenosine or prostaglandin F2 alpha inhibited the production of Fru 2,6-P2.     

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of (R)-1-alkyl-3-[2-(2-amino)phenethyl]-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-6-methyluracils as human GnRH receptor antagonists

The synthesis of a series of (R)-1-alkyl-3-[2-(2-amino)phenethyl]-5-(2-fluorophenyl)-6-methyluracils is discussed. SAR around N-1 of the uracil was explored, which led to the discovery that an electron-deficient 2,6-disubstituted benzyl group is required for optimal receptor binding. The best compound from the series had binding affinity of 0.7 nM (K(i) for the human GnRH receptor, which was 8-fold better than the 2,6-difluorobenzyl analog.     

Synthesis of 7'-(3-hydroxypropyl)fortimicin A and 6'-epifortimicin A

1,10-Di-0-acetyl-2,3,4,6,7,8,9-heptadeoxy-2,6-bis(2, 4-dinitrophenylamino)-L-lyxo-decopyranose (7) and -D-ribo-decopyranose (8) have been prepared from methyl 2-acetamido-2,3,4,6-tetradeoxy-6-nitro-alpha-D-erythro-hexopyranoside via a nitro aldol reaction with 4-[(tetrahydropyranyl)oxy]butanal in the presence of cesium fluoride, and their configurations at C-6 have been established by conversion of the precursor of 8, namely, methyl 2,6-diacetamido-10-O-acetyl-2,3,4,6,7,8,9-heptadeoxy-alpha-D - ribo-decopyranoside, into the known methyl 2,6-diacetamido-2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10-octadeoxy-alpha-D-ribo-d ecopyranoside. The title fortimicin A derivatives, 7'-(3-hydroxypropyl)fortimicin A and 6'-epifortimicin A, have been synthesized by condensation of compound 7 and 8, respectively, with 2,5-di-O-benzoyl-1,4-bis[N-(methoxycarbonyl)]fortamine B, followed by deprotection and introduction of a glycyl group. Their antimicrobial activities have been found to be weak compared to that of fortimicin A.     

Synthesis of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands and derived ruthenium olefin metathesis catalysts

We describe the synthesis of commonly used free N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), 1,3-bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes) and 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IPr), and of the two corresponding ruthenium-based metathesis complexes. The complex containing IMes was found to be highly efficient in macrocyclizations involving ring-closing metatheses (RCM), whereas the complex featuring the IPr ligand shows excellent activity in both RCM and cross metathesis because of its greater stability. The free carbenes IMes and IPr are isolated in four steps, with an overall yield of ～50%. They are then used to replace a labile phosphine in precatalysts belonging to two families of ruthenium-containing complexes, benzylidene and indenylidene types, respectively. Such complexes are isolated as analytically pure compounds with 77% and 95% yield. The total time for the synthesis of the free NHCs is 56 h, and incorporation in complexes requires an additional 4-5 h.     

Hollow-Fibre Enzyme Reactor Integrated with Solvent Extraction for Synthesis of Aspartame Precursor

A new process for the simultaneous enzymic synthesis and purification of N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)- -aspartyl- -phenylalanine methyl ester (ZAPM), a precursor of aspartame, has been developed. The enzymic reaction between N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)- -aspartic acid (ZA) and -phenylalanine methyl ester (PM) was carried out in a biphasic hollow-fibre rector with an aqueous phase an a butyl acetate phase. The reaction took place in the aqueous phase and by maintaining the pH at 5, the product (ZAPM) was extracted into the organic phase. Product purity was greater than 90% and reasonable productivity could be achieved with this system.     

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of uracil derived human GnRH receptor antagonists: (R)-3-[2-(2-amino)phenethyl]-1-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)-6-methyluracils containing a substituted thiophene or thiazole at C-5

The synthesis of a series of (R)-3-[2-(2-amino)phenethyl]-1-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)-6-methyluracils containing a substituted thiophene or thiazole at C-5 is described. SAR around C-5 of the uracil led to the discovery that a 2-thienyl or (2-phenyl)thiazol-4-yl group is required for optimal receptor binding. The best compound from the series had a binding affinity of 2 nM (K(i)) for the human GnRH receptor. A novel and convenient preparation of N-1-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)-6-methyluracil is also described.     

Template synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of heptaazadentate Schiff base lanthanide aminopodates

The Schiff base condensation reactions between 2,6-diacetylpyridine and diethylenetriamine in the presence of lanthanum(III) and praseodymium(III) ions as template agents yield, exclusively, heptaazadentate complexes of a podate type with two terminal amine groups, irrespective of the molar ratio of the starting materials used in the synthesis. These complexes, which might be regarded as possible intermediates in the template synthesis of macrocyclic compounds, appear to be the final products. The ring-closure of the partial Schiff base condensation products does not occur either by the transamination mechanism or by the 2,6-diacetylpyridine addition. The rare heptaazadentate behavior of the Schiff base aminopodand in lanthanide complexes is proved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis correlated with spectroscopic characterization. All the seven potential nitrogen donor atoms are available for coordination to the metal ions. The high coordination number of eleven is achieved by the incorporation of two bidentate nitrate anions in the lanthanide coordination sphere.     

Solid-phase total synthesis of polymyxin B1.

The total solid-phase synthesis of polymyxin B1 (PMB1) has been achieved in 20% yield using the orthogonal protecting group N-1-(4,4-dimethyl-2,6-dioxocyclohexylidene)ethyl-(Dde). This report demonstrates that a complex peptide macrocycle can be synthesized in high yields using solid-phase synthesis. According to MS and HPLC, the synthetic peptide was identical to the naturally occurring antibiotic.