5′-Phosphonates of Ribonucleosides and 2′-Deoxyribonucleosides: Synthesis and Antiviral Activity

Abstract

5′-Phosphonates of natural 2′-deoxynucleosides and ribonucleosides were synthesized by condensation of 3′-O-acylated 2′-deoxynucleosides or 2′,3′-substituted (2′,3′-O-isopropylidene, 2′,3′-O-methoxymethylene or 2′,3′-O-ethoxymethylene) ribonucleosides. As condensing agents, either N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulphonyl chloride were used. Nucleoside 5′-ethoxycarbonylphosphonates were converted into corresponding nucleoside 5′-aminocarbonylphosphonates by action of ammonia in methanol or aqueous ammonia. 5′-Hydrogenphosphonothioates of thymidine and 3′-deoxythymidine were obtained by reaction of phosphinic acid in the presence of pivaloyl chloride with 3′-O-acetylthymidine or 3′-deoxythymidine, respectively, followed by addition of powedered sulfur. 5′-O-methylenephosphonates of thymidine and 2′-deoxyadenosine were prepared by intramolecular reaction of corresponding 3′-O-iodomethylphosphonates under basic conditions. All compounds were tested for inhibition of several viruses, including HSV-2 and CMV, but showed no activity. A few compounds insignificantly inhibited HIV-1 reproduction. Thymidine 5′-hydrogenphosphonate neutralized anti-HIV action of 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) and it indirectly showed that even some nucleoside 5′-phosphonates could be partly hydrolyzed in cell culture to corresponding nucleosides.

5′-Phosphonates of modified 2′-deoxynucleosides in which one group in a phosphate residue is substituted for hydrogen, alkyl or other groups, have shown to be potent biologically     

Synthesis and Characterization of Oligodeoxynucleotides Containing 5′,8-Cyclopurine-2′-Deoxyribonucleosides

Abstract

Oligodeoxynucleotides containing the two 5′R and 5′S diastereoisomers of 5′,8-cyclo-2′-deoxyadenosine (CyclodAdo) and 5′,8-cyclo-2′-deoxyguanosine (CyclodGuo) have been synthesized using the phosphoramidite chemistry. The structural assignment and a few biochemical features of these modified DNA fragments are reported.     

Selective Deuteration Labelling of 2′-Deoxyguanosine at the Carbon C-4’ Position

Abstract

Selective incorporation of deuterium within the sugar moiety of nucleosides and oligonucleotides can be used for different purposes including isotopic effect determination in mechanistic studies, massspectrometry fragmentation investigations, nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. We wish to report a simple method which allows the selective deuteration labelling of 2'-deoxyguanosine at the C-4'position through the intermediary of 9-(2-deoxy-B-D-erythropento-1,5-dialdo-114-furanosyllquanine. Heating of aqueous pyridine solution [1:11 of 2′-deoxyguanosine-5′-aldehyde for 1 hr at 60°C leads to a partial epimerisation of carbon C-4' with subsequent formation of 9-(2-deoxy-α-L-threopento-1,5-dialdo-1,4-furanosyl)guanine in 40% yield. A likely intermediate of this reaction appears to be a 5'-enol derivative. Similar treatment of 2′-deoxyguanosine-5′-aldehyde in D₂0-pyridine [1-1] gives after NaBH₄ reduction 60% of 2′-deoxyguanosine which is selectively deuterated at the C-4′ position. The extend of the isotopic labelling was up to 95% as determined by high resolution electron impact mass spectrometry and ¹H NMR analyses. Heating of the aqueous pyridine solution of 2′-deoxyguanosine-5′-aldehyde for a longer period (3–4 hrs) gave rise to two other nucleosides which where assigned as 9-(2-deoxy-α-D-threo-pentofuranosy1)guanine and 9-(2-deoxy-n-L-erythro-pentofuranosyl)guanine. A retro-aldol mechanism appears to be involved in the epimerization reaction which takes place at carbon C-3′.     

Facile Synthesis of Base-Labile 2′-Deoxyribonucleosides: An Improved Synthesis of 2′-Deoxy-5-aza-Cytidine

Abstract

The use of the Fmoc group for the protection of the hydroxy functions of the sugar moiety gave an improved overall yield of 2′-deoxy-5-azacytidine (6β), due to the mildly-basic conditions required for its removal from the protected nucleoside.     

Synthesis of 2′-Deoxy[5′-13C]Ribonucleotides and HMQC-Noesy NMR Study of the Dickerson's Dodecamer with 13C-Labeling at the 5′ Positions

Abstract

In addition to the synthesis of 2′-deoxy[5′-¹³C]ribonucleosides (6) via the D-[5-¹³C]ribose derivative (4), the construction of the corresponding dodecanucleotide with the Dickerson's sequence and its HMQC-NOESY NMR analysis are described.     

Evolution of the 2′-5′-Oligoadenylate Synthetase Family in Eukaryotes and Bacteria

The 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) belongs to a nucleotidyl transferase family that includes poly(A) polymerases and CCA-adding enzymes. In mammals and birds, the OAS functions in the interferon system but it is also present in an active form in sponges, which are devoid of the interferon system. In view of these observations, we have pursued the idea that OAS genes could be present in other metazoans and in unicellular organisms as well. We have identified a number of OAS1 genes in annelids, mollusks, a cnidarian, chordates, and unicellular eukaryotes and also found a family of proteins in bacteria that contains the five OAS-specific motifs. This indicates a specific relationship to OAS. The wide distribution of the OAS genes has made it possible to suggest how the OAS1 gene could have evolved from a common ancestor to choanoflagellates and metazoans. Furthermore, we suggest that the OASL may have evolved from an ancestor of cartilaginous fishes, and that the OAS2 and the OAS3 genes evolved from a mammalian ancestor. OAS proteins function in the interferon system in mammals. This system is only found in jawed vertebrates. We therefore suggest that the original function of OAS may differ from its function in the interferon system, and that this original function of OAS is preserved even in OAS genes that code for proteins, which do not have 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activity.     

The occurrence of the syn-C3′ endo conformation and the distorted backbone conformations for C4′-C5′ and P-O5′ in oligo and polynucleotides

Abstract

The nucleoside constituents of nucleic acids prefer the anti conformation (1). When the sugar pucker is taken into account the nucleosides prefer the C2′endo-anti conformation. Of the nearly 300 nucleosides known, about 250 are in the anti conformation and 50 are in the syn-conformation, i.e., anti to syn conformation is 5:1. The nucleotide building blocks of nucleic acids show the same trend as nucleosides. Both the deoxy-guanosine and ribo- guanosine residues in nucleosides and nucleotides prefer the syn-C2′endo conformation with an intra-molecular hydrogen bond (for nucleosides) between the O5′- H and the N3 of the base and, a few syn-C3′endo conformations are also observed. Evidence is presented for the occurrence of the C3′endo-syn conformation for guanines in mis-paired double helical right-handed structures with the distorted sugar phosphate C4′-C5′ and P-O5′ bonds respectively, from g+ (gg) and g- to trans. Evidence is also provided for guanosine nucleotides in left-handed double-helical (Z-DNA) oligo and polynucleotides which has the same syn-C3′endo conformation and the distorted backbone sugar-phosphate bonds (C4′-C5′ and P- O5′) as in the earlier right-handed case.     

Novel TSAO Derivatives Modified at Positions 3′ and 4′ Of the Spiro Moiety

Abstract

We have explored the introduction of different functional groups at positions 3′ and 4′ of the spiro moiety of TSAO-T. Alkylation of this spiro moiety afforded mixtures of N and/or C-alkylated derivatives, while acylation occurs, exclusively, on the amino group. Position 3′ has been selectively functionalized by halogenation followed by Stille-cross coupling reaction with organostannanes under a variety of experimental conditions.     

A Stereospecific Synthesis of Pyrimidine β-D-2′-Deoxyribonucleosides

Abstract

A stereospecific route for the synthesis of pyrimidine 2′-β-D-deoxyribonucleosides has been developed using suitably modified methyl 2-deoxy-D-ribofuranosides. The stereochemistry of the nucleoside bond is dictated by the chirality at C-4 of the pentofuranose. A novel palladium hydroxide catalyzed alcholysis of a nucleoside bond has been discovered. Preliminary studies of the mechanism and limitations of this reaction are described.     

A new synthesis and an antiviral assessment of the 4′-fluoro derivative of 4′-deoxy-5′-noraristeromycin

A synthetic route to (1S,2S,3R,5S)-3-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-5-fluorocyclopentane-1,2-diol (that is, the 4′-fluoro derivative of 4′-deoxy-5′-noraristeromycin, 3) is described via a fluorinated cyclopentanol, which is in contrast to existing schemes where fluorination occurred once the purine ring was present. Compound 3 was assayed versus a number of viruses. A favorable response was observed towards measles (IC₅₀ of 1.2 μg/mL in the neutral red assay and 14 μg/mL by the visual assay) but this was accompanied by cytotoxicity in the CV-1 host cells (21–36 μg/mL). Among the viruses unaffected by 3 were human cytomegalovirus and the poxviruses (vaccinia and cowpox), which are three viruses that were inhibited by the 4′,4′-difluoro analog of 3 (that is, 2).     

Synthesis and Properties of 2′4′- and 3′-5′-Linked Ribodinucleoside Monophosphates Containing 2-Aminoadenosine and Uridine

Abstract

Self complementary diribonucleoside monophosphates containing 2-aminoadenosine (n²A) and uridine (U) residues, (2′-5′) n²ApU (1), (3′-5′) n²ApU (2), (2′-5′) Upn²A (3) and (3′-5′) Upn²A (4), were synthesized by condensation of suitably protected nucleoside and nucleotide units using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC). The dimers, (3) and (41, were also obtained from uridine 2′,3′-cyclic phosphate and unprotected 2-aminoadenosine using 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (TPS-Cl) as the condensing agent. The conformational properties of these dimers were examined by UV, CD and NMR spectroscopy. The results reveal that the 2′-5′ isomers take a stacked conformation, which contains a larger base-base overlap and is more stable against thermal perturbation with respect to the 3′-5′ isomers. The n²ApU isomers have more stacked structure than the Upn²A isomers.     

Inhibition of the synthesis of polyamines and macromolecules by 5′-methylthioadenosine and 5′-alkylthiotubercidins in BHK21 cells

5′-Methylthioadenosine and four 5′-alkylthiotubercidins were tested for their ability to inhibit polyamine synthesis in vitro and to decrease polyamine concentration and prevent growth of baby-hamster-kidney (BHK21) cells. 5′-Methylthioadenosine and 5′-methylthiotubercidin decreased the activity of spermidine synthase from brain to roughly the same extent, whereas brain spermine synthase was much more strongly inhibited by 5′-methylthioadenosine compared with 5′-methylthiotubercidin. These nucleoside derivatives also inhibited the growth of BHK21 cells and increased the concentration of putrescine. 5′-Methylthioadenosine decreased cellular spermine concentration, whereas 5′-methylthiotubercidin lowered the concentration of spermidine. The activities of ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase were enhanced in cells grown in the presence of 5′-methylthiotubercidin. The growth inhibition produced by these nucleoside derivatives was not reversed by exogenous spermidine or spermine. 5′-Ethylthiotubercidin, 5′-propylthiotubercidin and 5′-isopropylthiotubercidin did not appreciably inhibit spermidine or spermine synthase in vitro or decrease the cellular polyamine content, but effectively prevented the growth of BHK21 cells. All nucleoside derivatives at concentrations of 0.2–1 mm caused a rapid inhibition of protein synthesis. It is concluded that the growth inhibition produced by 5′-methylthioadenosine and 5′-alkylthiotubercidins was not primarily due to polyamine depletion but other target sites, for instance the cellular nucleotide pool, cell membranes etc. must be considered.     

The kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of 2′-deoxy-5′-guanosinemonophosphoric acid and the diaqua form of cis-platin

2′-Deoxy-5′-guanosinemonosphoric acid (B) reacts with cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂(OH₂)₂]²⁺ in two steps to form the cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂B₂]^y+ ion. In the first step 2′-d-5′- GMPH₂ reacts some ten times faster than 5′-GMPH₂ does. Rate constants, ΔH^#, ΔS^# and ΔV^# are very similar for the two bases in the second reaction. It is proposed that the product in the first step contains no water and is cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂B]^x+ in which the nucleobase is bidentate bonding through both N(7) of guanine and an oxygen atom of the phosphate group.     

Synthesis of 3′-Fluoro-3′-Deoxyribonucleosides; Anti-HIV-1 and Cytostatic Properties

Abstract

It has generally proven difficult to synthesize ribonucleosides with sugar modifications at the 3′ position. We now present a practical route for the synthesis of ribonucleosides with a 3′ fluorine substituent. Nucleosides with the xylo configuration were prepared by sugar-base condensation. Tritylation of the unprotected nucleosides gave a mixture of 2′,5′ and 3′,5′ bistritylated nucleosides which were difficult to characterize. Therefore the necessary precursors were synthesized in a step-wise fashion, starting with selective deprotection of the 2′-acyl group, followed by tritylation. This gave the 2′,5′-tritylated xylonucleosides in good yield. Reaction with diethylaminosulfur trifluoride and deprotection with 80 % acetic acid provided the 3′-fluoro-3′-deoxyribonucleosides 1, 2 and 4. The cytidine derivative was synthesized from 1 by reaction with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride followed by ammonia. Treatment of 4 with adenosine deaminase yielded 5.     

Stability of 5-Fluoro-2′-deoxycytidine and Tetrahydrouridine in Combination

In vivo, the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-fluoro-2′-deoxycytidine (FdCyd, NSC-48006), is rapidly converted to its unwanted metabolites. Tetrahydrouridine (THU, NSC-112907), a cytidine deaminase inhibitor can block the first metabolic step in FdCyd catabolism. Clinical studies have shown that co-administration with THU can inhibit the metabolism of FdCyd. The National Cancer Institute is particularly interested in a 1:5 FdCyd/THU formulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro pH stability of FdCyd and THU individually and in combination. A stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method for the quantification of both compounds and their degradants was developed using a ZIC®-HILIC column. The effect of THU and FdCyd on the in vitro degradation of each other was studied as a function of pH from 1.0 to 7.4 in aqueous solutions at 37°C. The degradation of FdCyd appears to be first-order and acid-catalyzed. THU equilibrates with at least one of its degradants. The combination of FdCyd and THU in solution does not affect the stability of either compound. The stability and compatibility of FdCyd and THU in the solid state at increased relative humidity and at various temperatures are also evaluated.     

Highly Diastereoselective Synthesis of (2′S)-[2′-2H]-2′-Deoxyribonucleosides from the Corresponding Ribonucleosides

Abstract

The four (2′S)-[2′-²H]-2′-deoxynucleosides (>90 atom % ²H), were synthesized from the corresponding ribonucleosides involving six steps of reactions, i.e., oxidation of their 2′-hydroxyl group, stereoselective reductive deuteration of the resulting 2′-ketonucleoside intermediates with NaB²H₄ in EtOH-H₂O or EtOH, triflation, bromination with LiBr, highly stereoselective Bu₃SnH-Et₃B reduction of the resulting bromide, and, finally, unmasking.     

Biological activities of human interferon and 2′–5′ oligoadenylates in plants

Exogenous human interferon 2 (IFN) and 2–5 oligoadenylates (2–5A) have been shown to cause at least a dual physiological effect in tobacco and wheat: (i) increased cytokinin activity and (ii) induced synthesis of numerous proteins, among which members of two groups of stress proteins have been identified, namely pathogenesis-related (PR) and heat shock (HS) proteins. These effects were observed only by low concentrations of these substances: IFN at 0.1–1 u/ml and 2–5A at 1–10 nM.     

5-Substituted Pyrimidine L-2′-Deoxyribonucleosides: Synthetic,Quantum Chemical,and NMR Studies

As a part of an ongoing medicinal chemistry, we report here the synthesis and structure evaluation of 1-(2-deoxy-3,5-di-O-acetylpentofuranosyl)-5-[(3-methyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazol-4-ylidene) pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione 5 and 5-[bis(3-methyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl-1-(2-deoxy-3,5-di-O-acetylpentofuranosyl)pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione 6 derived from 3 ′,5 ′-di-O-acetyl-5-formyl-2 ′-deoxy-β-L-uridine 1. Base hydrolysis of compounds 1 and 6 furnished their deacetylated analogues in good yields, whereas hydrolysis of 5 was troublesome. Structural features of these molecules are discussed by NMR spectra analyses and density functional theory quantum chemical calculations. The newly synthesized L-analogues show no significant activity against vaccinia and cowpox viruses.     

A Convergent Regiospecific Synthesis of the Lariat-Trinucleotides and A2′p 5′G and A2′p 5′G 3′p 5′C from A O4-2-Nitrophenyl) -Uridine Building Block

Abstract

Total synthesis of title compounds 1_ and 2_ from a common intermediate 7 is reported using the phosphotriester-phosphiteamidite approach. Appropriate NMR evidence has been presented in support of the regiospecific synthesis of target molecules in addition to enzymatic analysis. Present work clearly shows that the NMR evidence is mandatory to establish the isomeric purity of branched RNA molecules; enzymatic or/and electrophoretic analysis alone as tools for confirmation of branched RNA structures can be misleading.