Preparative Biorganic Chemistry Part 10 Asymmetric Reduction of Bicyclo[2.2.2]Octane-2,6-Diones with Baker's Yeast

Reduction of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,6-dione with baker's yeast gave (lR,4S,6S)-6-hydroxybi-cyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-one (95% e.e.) contaminated with 8% of its (1S,4R,6S)-isomer. Similarly, the yeast reduction of 1-methylbicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,6-dione furnished (1R,4S,6S)-6-hydroxy-1-methylbi-cyclo[2.2.2.]octan-2-one (99.5% e.e.) in 59% yield. The yeast reduction of 4-methylbi-cyclo[2.2.2.]octane-2,6-dione afforded (1R,4S,6S)-6-hydroxy-4-methylbicyclo[2.2.2.]octan-2-one (98% e.e.) contaminated with 3% of its (1S,4R,6S)-isomer in 58% yield.     

Antiprotozoal activity of bicyclic diamines with a N-methylpiperazinyl group at the bridgehead atom

ω-Aminoacyl and -alkyl derivatives of 4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)bicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-amines and of 5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-2-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonanes were prepared and their activities were examined in vitro against the multiresistant K₁ strain of Plasmodium falciparum and against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (STIB 900). Some of the newly synthesized compounds showed very promising antiprotozoal activity and selectivity. A few of the alkylamino-2-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonanes exhibited high antiplasmodial activity, whereas a single bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivative was the most potent antitrypanosomal compound. The results of the newly synthesized compounds were compared with the activities of already synthesized compounds and of drugs in use. Structure–activity relationships were discussed.     

Calmodulin inhibitory activity of the malbrancheamides and various analogs

The preparation and biological activity of various structural analogs of the malbrancheamides are disclosed. The impact of indole chlorination, C-12a relative stereochemistry, and bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane core oxidation state on the ability of these analogs to inhibit calmodulin dependent phosphodiesterase (PDE1) was studied, and a number of potent compounds were identified.     

Novel vitamin D receptor ligands bearing a spherical hydrophobic core structure--comparison of bicyclic hydrocarbon derivatives with boron cluster derivatives

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear receptor for 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1α,25(OH)(2)D(3)), and is an attractive target for multiple clinical applications. We recently developed novel non-secosteroidal VDR ligands bearing a hydrophobic p-carborane cage, thereby establishing the utility of this spherical hydrophobic core structure for development of VDR ligands. Here, we synthesized two series of novel non-secosteroidal VDR ligands with different spherical hydrophobic cores, that is, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives and p-carborane derivatives, and compared their biological activities in order to examine the difference between the interactions of the C-H hydrocarbon surface and the B-H carborane surface with the receptor. Carborane derivatives exhibited more potent differentiation-inducing activity toward HL-60 cells than did the corresponding bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives. These results suggest that the hydrophobic carborane cage may interact more efficiently than the hydrocarbons with the hydrophobic surface of VDR. This finding further supports the view that carborane structure is a promising option for drug development.     

Synthesis of a tetrasubstituted bicyclo [2.2.2] octane as a potential inhibitor of influenza virus sialidase

A novel synthesis of the bicyclo [2.2.2] octane ring system has been achieved utilising a tandem Henry cyclisation as the key stage. This chemistry has been employed in the synthesis of a potential inhibitor of influenza virus sialidase.     

Experimental and Calculated CPL Spectra and Related Spectroscopic Data of Camphor and Other Simple Chiral Bicyclic Ketones

UV, circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra were recorded for a set of four related [2.2.1] bicyclic compounds ((1S,4S)‐and (1R,4R)‐1,7,7‐trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan‐2‐one, namely (1S)‐ and (1R)‐camphor ( 1 ), (1S,4R)‐4,7,7‐trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐5‐en‐2‐one, (1S)‐dehydro‐epicamphor ( 2 ), (1S,4S)‐1,7,7‐trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2,5‐dione, (1S)‐5‐oxocamphor ( 3 ), (1S,4R)‐ and (1R,4S)‐1,7,7‐trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2,3‐dione, (1S)‐ and (1R)‐camphorquinone ( 4 )) and a set of three related [2.2.2] bicyclic compounds (1S,4S)‐bicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐2,5‐dione (saturated diketone ( 5 )), (1R,4R)‐bicyclo[2.2.2]oct‐7‐en‐2,5‐dione (unsaturated diketone ( 6 )), ((1S,4S)‐bicyclo[2.2.2]oct‐7‐en‐5(S)‐ol‐2‐one (which we refer to as unsaturated hydroxy‐ketone ( 7 )). For the latter three compounds also mid‐IR vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra were recorded and are presented. Time‐Dependent Density Functional (TD‐DFT) calculations provide a satisfactory interpretation of both absorption and emission chiroptical spectra and permit insight into ground and excited state electronic properties. We discuss the applicability of the octant rule or of other approximated models to rationalize the observed sign of the CPL. Chirality 25:589–599, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Antiprotozoal activity of bicycles featuring a dimethylamino group at their bridgehead

Several dimethylamino-derivatives of the new compound-class 3-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonanes were prepared. For better comparison of activity also a few analogues of bicyclo[2.2.2]octanes and 2-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonanes were synthesized. Their activities were examined in vitro against the multiresistant K₁ strain of Plasmodium falciparum and against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (STIB 900). A couple of the newly synthesized compounds showed promising antiprotozoal activity and selectivity. The results of the biological tests of the novel compounds were compared with the activities of already synthesized compounds and of drugs in use. Structure–activity relationships were discussed.     

Bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl esters of dialkylamino acids as antiprotozoals

A couple of bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl esters of 2-dialkylaminoacetic acids were prepared. Their antiplasmodial and antitrypanosomal activities against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (STIB 900) and the K(1) strain of Plasmodium falciparum (resistant to chloroquine and pyrimethamine) were determined using microplate assays. Structure-activity relationships were discussed. The antiprotozoal activities were remarkably increased by insertion of a second basic centre. The selectivity indices of the most active compounds are superior in the bicyclo-octane series.     

Bicyclo[2.2.2]octyltriazole inhibitors of 11β-hydoxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. Pharmacological agents for the treatment of metabolic syndrome

Following the discovery of a metabolic ‘soft-spot’ on a bicyclo[2.2.2]octyltriazole lead, an extensive effort was undertaken to block the oxidative metabolism and improve PK of this potent HSD1 lead. In this communication, SAR survey focusing on various alkyl chain replacements will be detailed. This effort culminated in the discovery of a potent ethyl sulfone inhibitor with an improved PK profile across species and improved physical properties.     

An improved stereoselective reduction of a bicyclic diketone by Saccharomyces cerevisiae combining process optimization and strain engineering

The stereoselective reduction of the bicyclic diketone bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,6-dione, to the ketoalcohol (1R,4S,6S)-6-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2-one, was used as a model reduction to optimize parameters involved in NADPH-dependent reductions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with glucose as co-substrate. The co-substrate yield (ketoalcohol formed/glucose consumed) was affected by the initial concentration of bicyclic diketone, the ratio of yeast to glucose, the medium composition, and the pH. The reduction of 5 g l(-1) bicyclic diketone was completed in less than 20 h in complex medium (pH 5.5) under oxygen limitation with an initial concentration of 200 g l(-1) glucose and 5 g l(-1) yeast. The co-substrate yield was further enhanced by genetically engineered strains with reduced phosphoglucose isomerase activity and with the gene encoding alcohol dehydrogenase deleted. Co-substrate yields were increased 2.3-fold and 2.4-fold, respectively, in these strains.     

Reaction and strain engineering for improved stereo-selective whole-cell reduction of a bicyclic diketone

Reduction of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,6-dione to (1R, 4S, 6S)-6-hydroxy-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2-one by whole cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was improved using an engineered recombinant strain and process design. The substrate inhibition followed a Han-Levenspiel model showing an effective concentration window between 12 and 22 g/l, in which the activity was kept above 95%. Yeast growth stage, substrate concentration and a stable pH were shown to be important parameters for effective conversion. The over-expression of the reductase gene YDR368w significantly improved diastereoselectivity compared to previously reported results. Using strain TMB4110 expressing YDR368w in batch reduction with pH control, complete conversion of 40 g/l (290 mM) substrate was achieved with 97% diastereomeric excess (de) and >99 enantiomeric excess (ee), allowing isolation of the optically pure ketoalcohol in 84% yield.     

Dialkylaminoalkyl derivatives of bicyclic compounds with antiplasmodial activity

Dialkylaminoalkyl derivatives of 2-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonanes and of bicyclo[2.2.2]octanes were prepared and their activities determined in vitro against the multiresistant K₁ strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Several of the new compounds exhibited very promising antiplasmodial activity and selectivity. The results were compared to those of formerly synthesized analogues and of drugs in use. Structure–activity relationships were detected. Some of the more potent compounds were tested in vivo against Plasmodium berghei showing weak to moderate activity. A single compound was able to increase the mean survival days of infected mice.     

Application of the bridgehead fragments for the design of conformationally restricted melatonin analogues

Conformationally constrained analogues of the hormone melatonin with a side chain incorporated into the bicyclic bridgehead core were synthesized based on the homology modeling and molecular docking studies performed for the MT₂ melatonin receptor. The methoxy-indole derivative fused with exo-N-acetamino-substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octane was found to possess nanomolar MT₂ receptor affinity.     

Structural characterization of a beta-diketone hydrolase from the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 in native and product-bound forms, a coenzyme A-independent member of the crotonase suprafamily

The gene alr4455 from the well-studied cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 encodes a crotonase orthologue that displays beta-diketone hydrolase activity. Anabaena beta-diketone hydrolase (ABDH), in common with 6-oxocamphor hydrolase (OCH) from Rhodococcus sp. NCIMB 9784, catalyzes the desymmetrization of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,6-dione to yield [(S)-3-oxocyclohexyl]acetic acid, a reaction unusual among the crotonase superfamily as the substrate is not an acyl-CoA thioester. The structure of ABDH has been determined to a resolution of 1.5 A in both native and ligand-bound forms. ABDH forms a hexamer similar to OCH and features one active site per enzyme monomer. The arrangement of side chains in the active site indicates that while the catalytic chemistry may be conserved in OCH orthologues, the structural determinants of substrate specificity are different. In the active site of ligand-bound forms that had been cocrystallized with the bicyclic diketone substrate bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,6-dione was found the product of the asymmetric enzymatic retro-Claisen reaction [(S)-3-oxocyclohexyl]acetic acid. The structures of ABDH in both native and ligand-bound forms reveal further details about structural variation and modes of coenzyme A-independent activity within the crotonases and provide further evidence of a wider suprafamily of enzymes that have recruited the crotonase fold for the catalysis of reactions other than those regularly attributed to canonical superfamily members.     

Bicyclo[2.2.2]octanes: close structural mimics of the nuclear receptor-binding motif of steroid receptor coactivators

Nuclear hormone receptor (NR) function relies on association of agonist-bound receptors with steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) proteins through a small pentapeptide motif (LXXLL) of the SRC that binds to a hydrophobic groove on the NR. We have synthesized a series of bicyclo[2.2.2]octanes that are close structural mimics of the two key leucine residues of this SRC sequence as bound in the hydrophobic groove of the estrogen receptor. These bicyclic systems block the NR-SRC interaction with modest potency.     

Combination vs. disproportionation in dialkyl biradicals. Selectivity reversal in a crystalline solid.

While 1,6-biradicals produced by photodecarbonylation of dimethyl 11-oxodibenzo[c,h]bicyclo[4.4.1]undeca-3,8-diene-1,6-dicarboxylate (1) react exclusively by disproportionation in benzene solution, reactions in crystals lead to radical-radical combination reactions in almost quantitative yield.     

Radiolabeling and biodistribution of methyl 2-(methoxycarbonyl)-2-(methylamino) bicyclo[2.1.1] -hexane -5-carboxylate,a potential neuroprotective drug

Methyl 2-(methoxycarbonyl) -2-(methylamino) bicyclo[2.1.1] -hexane -5-carboxylate (MMMHC) is developed as a potential neuroprotective drug. It was labeled with C-11 from the desmethyl precursor methyl 2-(methoxycarbonyl)-2-amino bicyclo[2.1.1]-hexane-5-carboxylate with [11C]methyl triflate in acetone solution at 60 degrees C with labeling yield of 69% and with radiochemical purity of >99%. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies in a normal rat showed that Methyl 2-(methoxycarbonyl)-2-([11C]methylamino)bicyclo[2.1.1]-hexane-5-carboxylate ([11C] MMMHC) accumulated mainly in the cortical brain areas after iv administration. Frontal cortex/cerebellum ratios in a rat brain were 8.0/6.0, 6.8/4.2, 6.3/4.3, 5.5/4.2 and 5.2/4.5 percent of the injected dose in 100 ml at 2 min, 5 min, 10 min, 20 min and 40 min respectively after i.v. injection. During 20-40 min, 2.9+/-0.4% of the total activity stayed in the brain. These results showed that MMMHC could be labeled with C-11 with high yield, and it passed the brain-blood barrier and accumulated in several brain regions.     

Identification of a Candida sp. reductase behind bicyclic exo-alcohol production

Stereoselective baker's yeast-catalysed bioreduction of bicyclo [2.2.2]octane-2,6-dione generates (1R, 4S, 6S)-6-hydroxy-bicyclo [2.2.2]octane-2-one (endo-alcohol) with high enantiomeric and diastereomeric excess. In contrast, whole cells and crude membrane fractions of Candida sp. have been reported to produce the unusual (1R, 4S, 6S)-diastereomer (exo-alcohol) as a major product. Previous in silico screening has identified seven membrane or membrane-bound reductases in C. albicans as candidates for the exo-activity. In this work, purification of the corresponding exo-reductase(s) as well as the heterologous cloning of the seven candidate genes was attempted in C. tropicalis. The overexpression of IPF4033 (AYR1) gene generated an increased exo-to-endo ratio and exo-alcohol production in whole cells and membranes of C. tropicalis. In addition, a slight increased exo-to-endo ratio was observed when overexpressing IPF4033 in S. cerevisiae, although the reduction rate and exo-to-endo ratio were several fold lower compared to those obtained with C. tropicalis.     

Synthesis and reactivity of nonstabilized diazo sugars

1,6-Anhydro-4-deoxy-4-diazo-2,3-O-isopropylidene-beta-D-lyxo-hexopyranose (4) is a stable crystalline compound readily accessible by an improved synthetic procedure. It has been used as a model for evaluating the reactivity of the diazo group, when not stabilized by an adjacent carbonyl function, in a rigid chiral matrix. A range of carbene-type, electrophile-promoted, and 1,3-dipolar reactions were evaluated, leading to 4,4'-alkene dimers, 4-deoxy-3-enose and related derivatives, 4,4-dihalo compounds, 4-spirocyclopropane derivatives, 4-spiropyrazole structures, and by skeletal rearrangement, branched-chain anhydropentose structures having a bicyclo[2.2.2] skeleton.     

(+)-3-[2-(Benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl]-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane as potent agonists for the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

A series of 3-substituted 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes was discovered as the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine (alpha7) receptor agonists. It was found that (+)-3-[2-(benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl]-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (+)-15b has potent agonistic activity for the alpha7 receptor.