0000000000248088
AUTHOR
Daniele Simoni
1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-1- ene (TBD), 7-Methyl-TBD (MTBD) and the polymer-supported TBD (P-TBD):Three efficient catalysts for the nitroaldol (Henry) reaction and for the addition of dialkyl phosphites to unsaturated systems.
Abstract The 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) and its 7-methyl derivative (MTBD) have been proven to be of great synthetic utility as catalysts in the nitroaldol (Henry) reaction and for the addition of dialkyl phosphites to a variety of carbonyl compounds. The catalysts were in many cases superior to the parent tetramethylguanidine (TMG). In general the reaction proceeds in a few minutes at 0°C. The polymer-supported-TBD (P-TBD) was also proven to be an efficient promoter of the above cited nucleophilic additions.
ChemInform Abstract: Two-Carbon Bridge Substituted Cocaines: Enantioselective Synthesis, Attribution of the Absolute Configuration, and Biological Activity of Novel 6- and 7-Methoxylated Cocaines
In an effort to learn more about the general structure-activity relationships of cocaine with the aim to elucidate those structural features that might confer antagonistic properties to such analogues, we describe herein our synthetic efforts to prepare two-carbon bridge functionalized (methoxylated and hydroxylated) analogues. Our approach makes use of a modification of the classical Willstatter synthesis of cocaine: Mannich type cyclization of acetonedicarboxylic acid monomethyl ester with methylamine hydrochloride and 2-methoxysuccindialdehyde in a citrate buffer solution afforded the 6- and 7-substituted 2-carbomethoxy-3-tropinones 3a,b and 4a,b in approximate yields of 64%. Reduction o…
Tetramethylguanidine (TMG)-catalyzed addition of dialkyl phosphites to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, alkenenitriles, aldehydes, ketones and imines
Abstract Tetramethylguanidine-catalyzed addition of dialkyl phosphites to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, alkenenitriles, aldehydes and ketones constitutes a practical route to a variety of phosphonate synthons. The very mild conditions employed, together with the short reaction times, make the procedure highly versatile and tolerant to a range of functionalities. The proposed methodology is also convenient for the preparation of α-aminophosphonates.
ChemInform Abstract: Tetramethylguanidine (TMG)-Catalyzed Addition of Dialkyl Phosphites to α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds, Alkenenitriles, Aldehydes, Ketones and Imines.
Abstract Tetramethylguanidine-catalyzed addition of dialkyl phosphites to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, alkenenitriles, aldehydes and ketones constitutes a practical route to a variety of phosphonate synthons. The very mild conditions employed, together with the short reaction times, make the procedure highly versatile and tolerant to a range of functionalities. The proposed methodology is also convenient for the preparation of α-aminophosphonates.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel aminobisphosphonates possessing an in vivo antitumor activity through a gammadelta-T lymphocytes-mediated activation mechanism.
A small series of aminobisphosphonates (N-BPs) structurally related to zoledronic acid was synthesized with the aim of improving activity toward activation of human gammadelta T cells and in turn their in vivo antitumor activity. The absence of the 1-OH moiety, together with the position and the different basicity of the nitrogen, appears crucial for antitumor activity. In comparison to zoledronic acid, compound 6a shows a greater ability to activate gammadelta T cells expression (100 times more) and a proapoptotic effect that is better than zoledronic acid. The potent activation of gammadelta T cells, in addition to evidence of the in vivo antitumor activity of 6a, suggests it may be a new…
Two-carbon bridge substituted cocaines: enantioselective synthesis, attribution of the absolute configuration and biological activity of novel 6- and 7-methoxylated cocaines
In an effort to learn more about the general structure-activity relationships of cocaine with the aim to elucidate those structural features that might confer antagonistic properties to such analogues, we describe herein our synthetic efforts to prepare two-carbon bridge functionalized (methoxylated and hydroxylated) analogues. Our approach makes use of a modification of the classical Willstatter synthesis of cocaine: Mannich type cyclization of acetonedicarboxylic acid monomethyl ester with methylamine hydrochloride and 2-methoxysuccindialdehyde in a citrate buffer solution afforded the 6- and 7-substituted 2-carbomethoxy-3-tropinones 3a,b and 4a,b in approximate yields of 64%. Reduction o…
ChemInform Abstract: 1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-1-ene (TBD), 7-Methyl-TBD (MTBD) and the Polymer-Supported TBD (P-TBD): Three Efficient Catalysts for the Nitroaldol (Henry) Reaction and for the Addition of Dialkyl Phosphites to Unsaturated Systems.
Abstract The 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) and its 7-methyl derivative (MTBD) have been proven to be of great synthetic utility as catalysts in the nitroaldol (Henry) reaction and for the addition of dialkyl phosphites to a variety of carbonyl compounds. The catalysts were in many cases superior to the parent tetramethylguanidine (TMG). In general the reaction proceeds in a few minutes at 0°C. The polymer-supported-TBD (P-TBD) was also proven to be an efficient promoter of the above cited nucleophilic additions.
Studies on the apoptotic activity of natural and synthetic retinoids: discovery of a new class of synthetic terphenyls that potently support cell growth and inhibit apoptosis in neuronal and HL-60 cells.
New terphenyl derivatives have been synthesized and tested for their effect on cell survival in serum-free cultures. These compounds protected HL60 cells from death and supported their growth with an activity higher than that of the natural 14-hydroxy-retro-retinol. Terphenyls 26 and 28 also possess antiapoptotic activity on neuronal cells, proving them as possible candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative and ischemic diseases.
Galangin increases the cytotoxic activity of imatinib mesylate in imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant Bcr-Abl expressing leukemia cells
Resistance to imatinib mesylate is an emergent problem in the treatment of Bcr-Abl expressing myelogenous leukemias and additional therapeutic strategies are required. We observed that galangin, a non-toxic, naturally occurring flavonoid was effective as anti-proliferative, and apoptotic agent in Bcr-Abl expressing K562 and KCL22 cells and in imatinib mesylate resistant K562-R and KCL22-R cells. Galangin induced an arrest of cells in G0–G1phase of cell cycle and a decrease in pRb, cdk4, cdk1, cycline B levels; moreover, it was able to induce a monocytic differentiation of leukemic Bcr-Abl+ cells. Of note, galangin caused a decrease in Bcl-2 levels and markedly increased the apoptotic activi…
Effects of two-carbon bridge region methoxylation of benztropine: discovery of novel chiral ligands for the dopamine transporter
6-Methoxylated and 8-oxygenated benztropines were prepared and evaluated for their DAT and SERT activity (binding and uptake inhibition). Methoxylation at the two-carbon bridge of benztropine produced a novel class of potent and selective DAT ligands. An interesting enantioselectivity was also observed for this new class of chiral benztropines. The inactivity of the 8-oxygenated analogues seems to point out that, unlike cocaine and its analogues, interactions of benztropine ligands with DAT may be strongly governed by the nitrogen atom.
Effects of chemically modified tetracyclines (CMTs) in sensitive, multidrug resistant and apoptosis resistant leukaemia cell lines
Recently discovered chemically modified tetracyclines (CMTs) have shown in vitro and in vivo anti-proliferative and anti-tumour activities. Here, we evaluated in vitro the anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity of six different dedimethylamino chemically modified tetracyclines (CMT-1, CMT-3, CMT-5, CMT-6, CMT-7 and CMT-8) in sensitive and multidrug resistant myeloid leukaemia cells (HL60 and HL60R) in vitro. Three of these compounds (CMT-5, CMT-6, CMT-7) showed low cytotoxic activity both in sensitive and in resistant cells, CMT-3 was endowed with a high anti-proliferative activity only in sensitive cells and was moderately effective as apoptosis inducing agent, with an activity similar …
ChemInform Abstract: Facile Synthesis of 2-Nitroalkanols by Tetramethylguanidine (TMG)- Catalyzed Addition of Primary Nitroalkanes to Aldehydes and Alicyclic Ketones.
Abstract Tetramethylguanidine-catalyzed addition of primary nitroalkanes to aldehydes and alicyclic ketones constitutes a practical means to perform the nitro-aldol reaction (Henry reaction). The very mild conditions employed, together with the short reaction times, make the procedure tolerant of a range of functionalities and highly versatile for the synthesis of a variety of 2-nitroalkanols.
The new iodoacetamidobenzofuran derivative TR120 decreases STAT5 expression and induces antitumor effects in imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant BCR-ABL-expressing leukemia cells
The identification of novel compounds modulating the expression/activity of molecular targets downstream to BCR-ABL could be a new approach in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemias (CMLs) resistant to imatinib or other BCR-ABL-targeted molecules. Recently, we synthesized a new class of substituted 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-2-N,N-dimethylamino-benzo[b]furans, and among these 3-iodoacetylamino-6-methoxybenzofuran-2-yl(3,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methanone (TR120) showed marked cytotoxic activity in BCR-ABL-expressing cells. Interestingly, TR120 was more potent than imatinib in cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in both BCR-ABL-expressing K562 and KCL22 cells. Moreover, it showed a…
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) is a drug unique for the treatment of certain forms of cancer. It works by targeting, and turning off, specific tyrosine kinase proteins that cause the uncontrolled cell growth and the inhibition of apoptosis in cancer cells. Imatinib was designed on the basis of the structure of the ATP binding site of the Abl protein kinase with the aim to stabilizes the inactive form of Bcr-Abl, an oncoprotein involved in malignant transformation in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). However, imatinib can also target other tyrosine kinase proteins different from Bcr-Abl such as Kit, that is the suspected cause of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Despite successful clini…
Programmed cell death (PCD) associated with the stilbene motif of arotinoids: discovery of novel apoptosis inducer agents possessing activity on multidrug resistant tumor cells
Considering that the stereochemistry of the C9-C10 alkenyl portion of natural 9-cis-RA, as the one of the olefinic moiety of the previously described isoxazole retinoid 4, seems of particular importance for their apoptotic activity, we prepared a novel class of TTNPB analogues bearing both the cis or trans configuration of the alkenyl portion. The compounds were evaluated in vitro for their cytotoxic and apoptotic activities. We discovered that the cis-TTNPB 9c possesses apoptotic activity comparable with that of the retinoid 4. Moreover, the amino arotinoid 16c showed potent apoptotic activity in HL60 promyelocytic leukemia cells. Interestingly, 16c proved to be a particularly potent apopt…
Identification of a Terphenyl Derivative that Blocks the Cell Cycle in the G0−G1 Phase and Induces Differentiation in Leukemia Cells
To further explore the SAR of resveratrol-related trans-stilbene derivatives, here we describe the synthesis of (a) a series of 3,5-dimethoxy analogues in which a variety of substituents were introduced at positions 2', 3', 4', and 5' of the stilbene scaffold and (b) a second group of derivatives (2-phenylnaphthalenes and terphenyls) that incorporate a phenyl ring as a bioisosteric replacement of the stilbene alkenyl bridge. We thoroughly characterized all of the new compounds with respect to their apoptosis-inducing activity and their effects on the cell cycle. One of the new derivatives, 13g, behaved differently from the others, as it was able to block the cell cycle in the G(0)-G(1) phas…
Synthesis of new 2,2′-disubstituted 5,5′-dimethyl-4,4′-bitriazoles and 2-(4-Triazolyl)quinoxalines
Thermal rearrangement of 3-acylisoxazole arylhydrazones allowed facile preparation of 2H-1,2,3-triazoles which were firstly reacted with isoamyl nitrite and then with an opportune arylhydrazine to produce the corresponding α-hydroxyiminohydrazones 8a-h. The reaction of compounds 8a-h with phosphorus pentachloride afforded the desired 4,4′-bitriazoles 1a-h. The α-hydroxyiminoketone derivative 7 or the α-diketone 14 reacted easily with 1,2-phenylenediamine to afford 1,2,3-triazoles 2a-c bearing the quinoxaline moiety at position 4. Improved yields of the quinoxalines 2a-c were obtained when 1,2-phenylenediamine was reacted with the dioxime 15.
Facile synthesis of pyrazoles and pyrroles via thermolysis of tetrazolo[1,5-b]pyridazines, tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines
Abstract A simple and high yielding preparation of pyrazoles and pyrroles is described. Thermolysis of tetrazolo[1,5- b ]pyridazines, tetrazolo[1,5- a ]pyrimidines and tetrazolo[1,5- a ]pyridines allowed easy ring contraction thus providing a facile preparation of cyanopyrazole and cyanopyrrole heterocycles. Since the cyano group is a versatile precursor of other functionalities, the reaction appears of particular interest for the construction of a variety of pyrazoles and pyrroles. The simple preparation of the starting tetrazole derivatives, the relatively mild conditions employed, and the very short reaction times make this versatile procedure of great synthetic utility and applicable bo…
Synthesis and pharmacology of 6-substituted benztropines: discovery of novel dopamine uptake inhibitors possessing low binding affinity to the dopamine transporter
A series of 6alpha- and 6beta-substituted benztropines were synthesized. A marked enantioselectivity was observed for the 6beta-methoxylated benztropines, the (1R)-isomers being more potent than the corresponding (1S) compounds. The racemic 6alpha-methoxy-3-(4',4' '-difluorodiphenylmethoxy)tropane (5 g) was the most potent compound. It has been found that modifications at the 6-position of benztropine might reduce the DAT binding affinity, maintaining otherwise a significant dopamine uptake inhibitory activity. A reinvestigation of the absolute configuration of 6beta-methoxytropinone proved the 6R configuration for the (+)-enantiomer.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel stilbene-based antitumor agents
A series of novel stilbene derivatives has been synthesized and studied with the main goal to investigate SAR of the amino compound 1a, as well as to improve its water solubility, a potentially negative aspect of the molecule that could be a serious obstacle for a pre-clinical development. We have obtained derivatives with good cytotoxic activity, in particular, the derivatives 5c and 6b could represent two novel leads for further investigation. Compound 8b, a morpholino-carbamate derivative, prodrug of 1a, has a very good solubility in water, and is active in suppressing growth of tumor cells at a concentration of 5000 nM, which is a concentration 100 times higher than the parent stilbene …
Apoptotic effects of thiazolobenzimidazole derivatives on sensitive and multidrug resistant leukaemic cells
We investigated the cytotoxic activity of eight thiazolobenzimidazole derivatives on sensitive HL60 and multidrug-resistant (MDR) (HL60R) leukaemia cell lines. The antitumour effects of these compounds were compared with those of RS-TBZ, a thiazolobenzimidazole derivative, previously described in our reports, that was able to induce apoptosis more markedly in MDR cells than in the parental sensitive cell lines. Only two compounds in this study proved to have interesting effects: (a) the S-enantiomer of TBZ, that was able to induce apoptosis in MDR cells in a slightly more selective manner than TBZ (racemic form); and (b) TBZ-4-OCH3 (TBZ-4-OCH3), that showed cytotoxic and apoptotic effects o…
A PLE-based resolution of cocaine, pseudococaine, and 6- and 7-methoxylated cocaine analogues
Abstract The enzymatic hydrolysis of racemic cocaine and cocaine analogues using pig liver esterase (PLE) is shown to afford a practical means for achieving their chemical resolution. This reaction was found to proceed not only with good enantioselectivity, but with an interesting chemoselectivity as well.
The synergistic apoptotic effects of thiophenfurin, an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor, in combination with retinoids in HL60 cells
New effective cytotoxic agents and combinations are urgently needed in cancer treatment. The enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase is a potentially useful target for drug development, since its activity has been shown to be amplified in malignant cells. Thiophenfurin, an inhibitor of the enzyme synthesized by us, is endowed with a significant apoptotic activity in promyelocytic leukaemia HL60 cells. Since retinoids were successfully employed in the treatment of patients with leukaemia, demonstrating significant differentiation-inducing and apoptotic effects, we carried out this study to evaluate the effects of the combination of thiophenfurin and several retinoid molecules, acting in d…
Inhibition of activated STAT5 in Bcr/Abl expressing leukemia cells with new pimozide derivatives.
STATs are transcription factors acting as intracellular signaling after stimulation with cytokines, growth factors and hormones. STAT5 is also constitutively active in many forms of cancers, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Recently, literature reported that the neuroleptic drug pimozide inhibits STAT5 phosphorylation inducing apoptosis in CML cells. We undertook an investigation from pimozide structure, obtaining simple derivatives with cytotoxic and STAT5-inhibitory activity, two of them markedly more potent than pimozide.
Curcumin as a possible lead compound against hormone-independent, multidrug-resistant breast cancer
We examine the possible evidence that the phytochemical curcumin may overcome resistance to hormonal and cytotoxic agents in breast cancer. We present our observations on MCF-7R, a multidrug-resistant (MDR) variant of the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. In contrast to MCF-7, MCF-7R lacks aromatase and estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and overexpresses the multidrug transporter ABCB1 and the products of different genes implicated in cell proliferation and survival, like c-IAP-1, NAIP, survivin, and COX-2. Nevertheless, in cytotoxicity and cell death induction assays, we found that the antitumor activity of curcumin is substantial both in MCF-7 and in MCF-7R. We elaborated the diketone system…
Novel iodoacetamido benzoheterocyclic derivatives with potent antileukemic activity are inhibitors of STAT5 phosphorylation
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (STAT5) protein, a component of the STAT family of signaling proteins, is considered to be an attractive therapeutic target because of its involvement in the progression of acute myeloid leukemia. In an effort to discover potent molecules able to inhibit the phosphorylation-activation of STAT5, twenty-two compounds were synthesized and evaluated on the basis of our knowledge of the activity of 2-(3’,4’,5’-trimethoxybenzoyl)-3-iodoacetamido-6-methoxy benzo[b]furan derivative 1 as a potent STAT5 inhibitor. Most of these molecules, structurally related to compound 1, were characterized by the presence of a common 3’,4’,5’-trimethoxybenzoyl moi…
Retinoid acid and analogs as potent inducers of differentiation and apoptosis. New promising chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents in oncology
Abstract In this report we will describe the preparation and the biological activity of a novel class of heterocyclic arotinoids endowed with potent cytotoxic and apoptotic acitivity. Structureactivity relationship studies revealed that the different stereochemistry at the C9 double bond of retinoids seems associated with a different biological activity: potent apoptotic activity for the cis-isomers, whereas differentiating activity for the trans structures. An interesting modified Wittig procedure that allows easily to arotinoids will also be described. The substitution of the alkenyl portion with a more flexible oxymethyl or aminomethyl moiety gave compounds with poor activity, whereas i…
4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-isoxazolo-[4,5-c]-pyridines as a new class of cytotoxic Hsp90 inhibitors.
Hsp90 is considered an interesting therapeutic target for anticancer drug development. Here we describe a new class of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-isoxazolo-[4,5-c]-pyridine compounds. A small library of derivatives has been synthesized and investigated. Some reported compounds show interesting properties combining both notable binding to Hsp90 and potent cell growth inhibitory activity. N-5 substitution with a 2,4 resorcinol carboxamide appears crucial for activity. Moreover, a derivative bearing a hydroxamic acid residue bound to C-3 amide portion was found to inhibit both Hsp90 and HDAC6.
The antitumor activities of curcumin and its isoxazole analogue are not affected by multiple gene expression changes in an MDR model of the MCF-7 brest cancer cell line: Analysis of the possible molecular basis.
We examined the effects of curcumin and of its isoxazole analogue MR 39 in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and in its multidrug-resistant (MDR) variant MCF-7R. In comparison with MCF-7, MCF-7R lacks estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and overexpressess P-glycoprotein (P-gp), different IAPs (inhibitory of apoptosis proteins) and COX-2. Through analyses of the effects on cell proliferation, cycling and death, we have observed that the antitumor activity of curcumin and of the more potent (approximately two-fold) MR 39 is at least equal in the MDR cell line compared to the parental MCF-7. Similar results were observed also in an MDR variant of HL-60 leukemia. RT-PCR evaluations performed in M…
Design, synthesis and antiproliferative activity of methyl 4-Iodo-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-pyrazole-3-carboxylate and related compounds
Abstract In a SAR study on azole-related nucleosides we have designed some pyrazole-nucleoside analogs characterised, for the first time, by a carboxylic ester moiety. 4-Iodo-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-pyrazole-3-carboxylate showed a wide spectrum of antiproliferative activity and a particularly low cytotoxicity against resting PBL, being, unlike the other azole nucleosides, more active than the corresponding primary amide.
Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of 2'-O-allyl-1-beta-D-arabynofuranosyl-uracil, -cytosine and -adenine
Abstract With the aim to design potential inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase (RR), 2′-O-allyl-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-uracil ( 4 ), -cytosine ( 7 ) and -adenosine ( 10 ) were prepared and evaluated for their cytostatic activity against Molt4/C8, CEM and L1210 cell lines. Although our preliminary data do not allow to assess if RR is the intracellular target, the results point to differences in the (anti)metabolic behavior of these compounds. This study also offers a general synthesis of 2′-O-allyl-β-D-arabinofuranosyl nucleosides for potential applications in the preparation of 2′-O-allyl-β-D-oligoarabino nucleotides.
Antitumor effects of curcumin and structurally β-diketone modified analogs on multidrug resistant cancer cells
Abstract Using concepts of bioisostery a series of curcumin analogs were synthesized: the diketonic system of the compound was elaborated into enaminones, oximes, and the isoxazole heterocycle. The cell growth inhibitory and apoptosis inducing effects of the new analogs were evaluated by in vitro assays in the hepatocellular carcinoma HA22T/VGH cells, as well as in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and in its multidrug resistant (MDR) variant MCF-7R. Increased antitumor activity on all cell lines was found with the isoxazole analog and especially with the benzyl oxime derivative; in the HA22T/VGH cell model, the latter compound inhibited constitutive NF-κB activation.
Stilbene-based anticancer agents: Resveratrol analogues active toward HL60 leukemic cells wit a non-specific phase mechanism
Several stilbenes, related to known resveratrol, have been synthesized and tested for their anticancer effect on HL60 leukemia cell line, taking particular care of the cell cycle analysis. The most potent compound was the known (Z)-3,4',5-trimethoxystilbene (6b) which was active as apoptotic agent at 0.24 microM. Differently from other stilbenes (including resveratrol) that induced a prevalent recruitment of cells in S phase of cell cycle, we found a peculiar behavior of 6b that caused a decrease of cells in all phases of cell cycle (G0-G1, S, and G2-M) and a proportional increase of apoptotic cells. The potent pro-apoptotic activity shown by compound 6b and its effects on cell cycle make t…
ChemInform Abstract: Facile Synthesis of Pyrazoles and Pyrroles via Thermolysis of Tetrazolo[1,5-b]pyridazines, Tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and Tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines.
Abstract A simple and high yielding preparation of pyrazoles and pyrroles is described. Thermolysis of tetrazolo[1,5- b ]pyridazines, tetrazolo[1,5- a ]pyrimidines and tetrazolo[1,5- a ]pyridines allowed easy ring contraction thus providing a facile preparation of cyanopyrazole and cyanopyrrole heterocycles. Since the cyano group is a versatile precursor of other functionalities, the reaction appears of particular interest for the construction of a variety of pyrazoles and pyrroles. The simple preparation of the starting tetrazole derivatives, the relatively mild conditions employed, and the very short reaction times make this versatile procedure of great synthetic utility and applicable bo…
Lack of nucleophilic addition in the isoxazole and pyrazole diketone modified analogs of curcumin; implications for their antitumor and chemosensitizing activities.
Curcumin (CUR) can be considered as a good lead compound for the design of new anticancer drugs. Further, structure-activity relationship studies may clarify the importance of the redox activities in the antitumor effects of the drug. We have elaborated the alpha,beta-unsaturated 1,3-diketone moiety of CUR into the isoxazole (ISO) and pyrazole (PYR) derivatives. These derivatives should be much less prone to nucleophilic addition than CUR and benzyl mercaptan addition analyses showed that indeed they do not form isolable conjugated products. When compared with CUR, ISO and PYR exhibited increased cell growth inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects in liver cancer HA22T/VGH cells as well as in …
Heterocycle-containing retinoids. Discovery of a novel isoxazole arotinoid possessing potent apoptotic activity in multidrug and drug-induced apoptosis-resistant cells.
In a search for retinoic acid (RA) receptor ligands endowed with potent apoptotic activity, a series of novel arotinoids were prepared. Because the stereochemistry of the C9-alkenyl portion of natural 9-cis-RA and the olefinic moiety of the previously synthesized isoxazole retinoid 4 seems to have particular importance for their apoptotic activity, novel retinoid analogues with a restricted or, vice versa, a larger flexibility in this region were designed and prepared. The new compounds were evaluated in vitro for their ability to activate natural retinoid receptors and for their differentiation-inducing activity. Cytotoxic and apoptotic activities were, in addition, evaluated. In general, …
1,2,4-Triazoles. Improved synthesis of 5-substituted 4-amino-3-mer-cato-(4H)-1,2,4-triazoles and a facile route to 3,6-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles
The reaction of thiocarbohydrazide with carboxylic acids at the melting temperature allows an improved preparation of the S-substituted 4-amino-3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole heterocycles. The crude 4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles react easily with carboxylic acids or carboxylic acid chlorides to afford the 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-fc][1,3,4]thiadiazole ring system.
Structure-activity relationship studies of novel heteroretinoids: induction of apoptosis in the HL-60 cell line by a novel isoxazole-containing heteroretinoid.
In a search for retinoic acid receptor (RAR and RXR)-selective ligands, a series of isoxazole retinoids was synthesized and evaluated in vitro in transcriptional activation and competition binding assays for RARs and RXRs. In addition, these compounds were evaluated for their differentiating, cytotoxic, and apoptotic activities. In general, these derivatives showed scarcely any binding affinity and were not active in the transcriptional assay. However, among these isoxazole derivatives, the cis-isomer 14b was identified as a potent inducer of apoptosis, and its activity was found to be 6.5 and 4 times superior than that of 13-cis- and 9-cis-retinoic acids, respectively. On the other hand, c…
Pig liver esterase (PLE)-mediated resolution of N-substituted 4-benzoyloxy-3-carbomethoxypiperidines: A convenient preparation of 4-hydroxy- and 4-benzoyloxy-3-carbomethoxypiperidines in enantiomerically pure form
Abstract Pig liver esterase (PLE) afforded smooth chemical resolution of racemic N -substituted 4-(benzoyloxy)-3-carbomethoxypiperidines. The enzyme showed good chemo- and enantioselective properties, thus allowing discrimination between the carbomethoxy and benzoate ester groups, the latter being more easily hydrolyzed. The proposed methodology also represents a practical means for the procurement of N -substituted 4-hydroxy-3-carbomethoxypiperidines in enantiomerically pure form.
Pterostilbene and 3′-hydroxypterostilbene are effective apoptosis-inducing agents in MDR and BCR-ABL-expressing leukemia cells
Pterostilbene and 3,5-hydroxypterostilbene are the natural 3,5-dimethoxy analogs of trans-resveratrol and piceatannol, two compounds which can induce apoptosis in tumor cells. In previous studies we demonstrated the importance of a 3,5-dimethoxy motif in conferring pro-apoptotic activity to stilbene based compounds so we now wanted to evaluate the ability of pterostilbene and 3,5-hydroxypterostilbene in inducing apoptosis in sensitive and resistant leukemia cells. When tested in sensitive cell lines, HL60 and HUT78, 3'-hydroxypterostilbene was 50-97 times more potent than trans-resveratrol in inducing apoptosis, while pterostilbene appeared barely active. However, both compounds, but not tr…
Heterocyclic and Phenyl Double-Bond-Locked Combretastatin Analogues Possessing Potent Apoptosis-inducing activity in HL60 and in MDR Cell lines
Two new series of combretastatin (CA-4) analogues have been prepared. The alkenyl motif of CA-4 was replaced either by a five-membered heterocyclic (isoxazoline or isoxazole) or by a six-membered ring (pyridine or benzene). The new compounds have been evaluated for their effects on tubulin assembly and for cytotoxic and apoptotic activities. Five compounds (18b, 20a, 21a, 34b, and 35b) demonstrated an attractive profile of cytotoxicity (IC501 microM) and apoptosis-inducing activity but poor antitubulin activity. The isoxazoline derivatives 18b, 20a, and 21a, demonstrated potent apoptotic activity different from that of natural CA-4. Their ability to block most cells in the G2 phase suggests…
Facile synthesis of 2-nitroalkanols by tetramethylguanidine (TMG)-catalyzed addition of primary nitroalkanes to aldehydes and alicyclic ketones
Abstract Tetramethylguanidine-catalyzed addition of primary nitroalkanes to aldehydes and alicyclic ketones constitutes a practical means to perform the nitro-aldol reaction (Henry reaction). The very mild conditions employed, together with the short reaction times, make the procedure tolerant of a range of functionalities and highly versatile for the synthesis of a variety of 2-nitroalkanols.
Novel Terphenyls and 3,5-Diaryl Isoxazole Derivatives Endowed with Growth Supporting and Antiapoptotic Properties
A new study on terphenyl and diaryl-isoxazole and -isoxazoline derivatives, maintaining a common 3-adamantyl-4-hydroxyphenyl moiety, has been conducted to find compounds with growth supporting and antiapoptotic properties. Unexpectedly, diphenyisoxazole derivatives bearing a nitro group replacing the carboxylic function have been found with the highest cell protective activity within the series, in complete and in serum-free conditions. Inhibition of apoptosis induced by daunorubicin has also been observed for the most active compound.
A convenient synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted terphenyls of biologically active stilbenes via a double Suzuki cross-coupling protocol
A double Suzuki cross-coupling protocol has been devised as a practical route to a variety of terphenyls. Good chemoselectivity was observed. Unsymmetrically substituted triphenylenes were also easily prepared.
Effects of Pimozide Derivatives on pSTAT5 in K562 Cells
STAT5 is a transcription factor, a member of the STAT family of signaling proteins. STAT5 is involved in many types of cancer, including chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), in which this protein is found constitutively activated as a consequence of BCR-ABL expression. The neuroleptic drug pimozide was recently reported to act as an inhibitor of STAT5 phosphorylation and is capable of inducing apoptosis in CML cells in vitro. Our research group has synthesized simple derivatives of pimozide with cytotoxic activity and that are able to decrease the levels of phosphorylated STAT5. In this work we continued the search for novel STAT5 inhibitors, synthesizing compounds in which the benzoimidazol…