Amino Analogues Research Articles

O-Amino Analogs of Green Fluorescence Protein Chromophore: Photoisomerization, Photodimerization and Aggregation-induced Emission.

The photochemical properties of three o-amino analogs of the green fluorescence protein chromophore O0, O1 and O8 (o-ABDIs) have been investigated and compared with those of the m- and p-amino isomers (m-ABDIs and p-ABDIs) in solutions, aggregates, and the solid state. In aprotic solvents, the fluorescence competes with the Z → E photoisomerization for all cases, and the o-ABDIs display a fluorescence quantum efficiency of 1-6%, lying between the m-ABDIs of 5-48% and the p-ABDIs of < 0.1%. The fluorescence of both the o- and m-ABDIs is nearly quenched in protic solvents, attributable to the solvent-solute hydrogen bonding (SSHB) interactions. The phenomenon of aggregation-induced emission observed for O8 in poor solvents resembles the behavior of M8 as a consequence of exclusion of the SSHB interactions and restriction of internal rotation for molecules located inside the aggregates. The occurrence of [2 + 2] photodimerization for O0 in the solid state is unique among the ABDIs, and the X-ray crystal structures of O0 and the photodimer OD reveal the head-to-tail syn-oriented stereochemistry. Analysis on the X-ray crystal structures of O0, O1, M0, M1 and P0 shows that not only the pairwise topochemical geometry but also the columnar packing mode is important in determining the photodimerization reactivity.

Development of phosphatase inhibitor-1 peptides acting as indirect activators of phosphatase 1.

Phosphatase inhibitor-1 (I-1) inhibits the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1c) in its protein kinase A (PKA)-phosphorylated form (I-1(P)). It thereby amplifies PKA signaling, which, in the heart, mediates both beneficial (acute) and adverse (chronic) effects of catecholamines. Genetic deletion of I-1 was associated with protection against catecholamine toxicity, making the PP1c-I-1(P) complex a potential therapeutic target for chronic heart disease. Here, we sought to define targetable interaction sites of I-1 and PP1c, concentrating on the N-terminal domain of I-1 which includes the PP1c binding motif ((9)KIQF(12)) as well as a poly-Arg stretch. Substitution of (9)KIQ(11) residues for analogous amino acids, (9)RLN(11), resulted in doubling of the IC50 values, deletion of (9)KIQF(12) prevented I-1 PKA-dependent phosphorylation and thus activation. Mutation of the Arg residues preceding the PKA phosphorylation site (Thr35) to Ala (R/A(30-33)) abolished I-1 phosphorylation and its binding to and inhibition of PP1c. A series of synthetic peptides (4-11 residues) indicated that the KIQF motif as well as the surrounding anchoring residues was essential for interfering with the inhibitory effect of I-1(P) on PP1c, whereas the four Arg residues were not. Unexpectedly, the most effective nonapeptide (SPRKIQFTV) also antagonized the inhibitory effect of the non-conditional PP1 inhibitor-2 with similar affinity. Incubation of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes with a poly-Arg-modified SPRKIQFTV (10μM) reduced catecholamine-induced phosphorylation of phospholamban, a well-known PKA downstream target sensitive to PP1c. Our data reiterate the importance of the KIQF motif and provide a tool for antagonizing I-1 inhibitory effects on PP1c, i.e., activating PP1 in vivo.

RhIII‐Catalysed Hydrazine‐Directed C(sp2)–H Amination of Phenidones with N‐Alkyl‐O‐benzoyl‐hydroxylamines

AbstractA RhIII‐catalysed ortho C–H amination of phenidones under mild conditions was developed using N‐alkyl‐O‐benzoyl‐hydroxylamines as aminating agents, and with a cyclic hydrazine moiety as a directing group, yields of up to 97 % and a high functional group tolerance were observed. This strategy offers an alternative route for the synthesis of amino analogues of the 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor phenidone, and the products are valuable for further functional group transformations.

Stereoselective synthesis of 1-methoxyspiroindoline phytoalexins and their amino analogues

The stereoselective synthesis of the spiroindoline phytoalexin (R)-(+)-1-methoxyspirobrassinin and its unnatural (S)-(−)-enantiomer were achieved by the bromine-induced spirocyclization of 1-methoxybrassinin using chiral auxiliaries (+)- and (−)-menthol, followed by oxidation of the obtained menthyl ethers. The TFA-catalyzed methanolysis of chiral 1-methoxyspirobrassinol menthyl ethers provided (2R,3R)-(−)-1-methoxyspirobrassinol methyl ether and its other three unnatural stereoisomers. The enantiomers of the 2-amino analogues of the indole phytoalexin (2R,3R)-(−)-1-methoxyspirobrassinol methyl ether were prepared by the TFA-catalyzed replacement of the chiral alkoxy group with an amine. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro on cancer cell lines and examined with enantiopure 2-amino analogues of the indole phytoalexin (2R,3R)-(−)-1-methoxyspirobrassinol methyl ether, which showed in most cases, lower activity than the corresponding racemates.

Preparation and properties of clickable amino analogues of the duocarmycins: factors that affect the efficiency of their fluorescent labelling of DNA.

Herein we report the synthesis of three DNA-alkylating amino analogues of the duocarmycins that carry an alkyne functional group suitable for copper-catalysed click chemistry. The alkyne-containing substituents are connected via a side chain position which projects away from the minor groove, and have only a small effect on DNA alkylation and cytotoxicity. The efficiency of click reactions with fluorophore azides was studied using alkylated ctDNA by analysing the adenine adducts produced after thermal depurination. Click reactions "on DNA" were sensitive to steric effects (tether length to the alkyne) and, surprisingly, to the nature of the fluorophore azide. With the best combination of click partners and reagents, adducts could be detected in the nuclei of treated cells by microscopy or flow cytometry, provided that an appropriate detergent (Triton X-100 and not Tween 20) was used for permeabilisation. The method is sensitive enough to detect adducts at physiologically relevant concentrations, and could have application in the development of nitro analogues of the duocarmycins as hypoxia-activated anticancer prodrugs.

Specific analogues uncouple transport, signalling, oligo-ubiquitination and endocytosis in the yeast Gap1 amino acid transceptor.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae amino acid transceptor Gap1 functions as receptor for signalling to the PKA pathway and concomitantly undergoes substrate-induced oligo-ubiquitination and endocytosis. We have identified specific amino acids and analogues that uncouple to certain extent signalling, transport, oligo-ubiquitination and endocytosis. l-lysine, l-histidine and l-tryptophan are transported by Gap1 but do not trigger signalling. Unlike l-histidine, l-lysine triggers Gap1 oligo-ubiquitination without substantial induction of endocytosis. Two transported, non-metabolizable signalling agonists, β-alanine and d-histidine, are strong and weak inducers of Gap1 endocytosis, respectively, but both causing Gap1 oligo-ubiquitination. The non-signalling agonist, non-transported competitive inhibitor of Gap1 transport, l-Asp-γ-l-Phe, induces oligo-ubiquitination but no discernible endocytosis. The Km of l-citrulline transport is much lower than the threshold concentration for signalling and endocytosis. These results show that molecules can be transported without triggering signalling or substantial endocytosis, and that oligo-ubiquitination and endocytosis do not require signalling nor metabolism. Oligo-ubiquitination is required, but apparently not sufficient to trigger endocytosis. In addition, we demonstrate intracellular cross-induction of endocytosis of transport-defective Gap1Y395C by ubiquitination- and endocytosis-deficient Gap1K9R,K16R. Our results support the concept that different substrates bind to partially overlapping binding sites in the same general substrate-binding pocket of Gap1, triggering divergent conformations, resulting in different conformation-induced downstream processes.

Method development and optimization on cinchona and chiral sulfonic acid–based zwitterionic stationary phases for enantiomer separations of free amino acids by high-performance liquid chromatography

CHIRALPAK ZWIX(+) and ZWIX(−) are cinchona alkaloid-derived zwitterionic chiral stationary phases (CSPs) containing a chiral sulfonic acid motif which serves as negatively charged interaction site. They are versatile for direct enantiomer resolution of amino acids and many other ampholytic compounds by HPLC. The synergistic double ion-pairing between the zwittrionic chiral selector and the ampholyte is the basis for interaction and chiral recognition mechanisms. ZWIX(+) and ZWIX(−) type CSPs or columns behave pseudo-enantiomerically and provide the feature of reversing enantiomer elution order by column switching. In the current study, extensive experimental work was carried out with the aim of developing schemes for an efficient generic screening and proposing straightforward approaches for method optimization on these ZWIX columns. Various chromatographic parameters were investigated using a large series of diverse amino acids and analogues for the purpose. The role of methanol (MeOH) as the protic solvent in the mobile phase is confirmed to be essential. The presence of water in a low percentage is beneficial for peak shape, resolution, analysis speed, sample solubility and MS detection performance. The involvement of acetonitrile (ACN) or tetrahydrofuran (THF) can help for adjusting retention time and selectivity. Incorporation of a suitable pair of acidic-basic additives at a right ratio in the mobile phase is determinant as well for the double ion-pairing mechanism. 50 mM formic acid+25mM diethylamine (or ammonium hydroxide) in MeOH/ACN/H2O and in MeOH/THF/H2O at 49:49:2 (by volume) are recommended as the starting mobile phases for method development. Some other parameters are also considered in the proposed scheme to achieve successful enantioselective or stereoselective separation of the ampholytes.

Insights into the binding of pyridines to the iron-sulfur enzyme IspH.

(E)-1-Hydroxy-2-methylbut-2-enyl 4-diphosphate reductase (IspH) is a [Fe4S4] cluster-containing enzyme involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis in many bacteria as well as in malaria parasites and is an important drug target. Several inhibitors including amino and thiol substrate analogues, as well as acetylene and pyridine diphosphates, have been reported. Here, we investigate the mode of binding of four pyridine diphosphates to Escherichia coli IspH by using X-ray crystallography. In three cases, one of the iron atoms in the cluster is absent, but in the structure with (pyridin-3-yl)methyl diphosphate, the most potent pyridine-analogue inhibitor reported previously, the fourth iron of the [Fe4S4] cluster is present and interacts with the pyridine ring of the ligand. Based on the results of quantum chemical calculations together with the crystallographic results we propose a side-on η2 coordination of the nitrogen and the carbon in the 2-position of the pyridine ring to the unique fourth iron in the cluster, which is in the reduced state. The X-ray structure enables excellent predictions using density functional theory of the 14N hyperfine coupling and quadrupole coupling constants reported previously using HYSCORE spectroscopy, as well as providing a further example of the ability of such [Fe4S4]-containing proteins to form organometallic complexes.

ChemInform Abstract: Advances in the Synthesis of Organometallic Amino Acids and Analogues

AbstractReview: 59 refs.

Zwitterionic chiral stationary phases based on cinchona and chiral sulfonic acids for the direct stereoselective separation of amino acids and other amphoteric compounds

An extensive series of free amino acids and analogs were directly resolved into enantiomers (and stereoisomers where appropriate) by HPLC on zwitterionic chiral stationary phases (Chiralpak ZWIX(+) and Chiralpak ZWIX(-)). The interaction and chiral recognition mechanisms were based on the synergistic double ion-paring process between the analyte and the chiral selectors. The chiral separation and elution order were found to be predictable for primary α-amino acids with apolar aliphatic side chains. A systematic investigation was undertaken to gain an insight into the influence of the structural features on the enantiorecognition. The presence of polar and/or aromatic groups in the analyte structure is believed to tune the double ion-paring equilibrium by the involvement of the secondary interaction forces such as hydrogen bonding, Van der Waals forces and π-π stacking in concert with steric parameters. The ZWIX chiral columns were able to separate enantiomers and stereoisomers of various amphoteric compounds with no need for precolumn derivatization. Column switching between ZWIX(+) and ZWIX(-) is believed to be an instrumental tool to reverse or control the enantiomers elution order, due to the complementarity of the applied chiral selectors.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Amino Analogues of Ludartin: Potent and Selective Cytotoxic Agents.

AbstractVarious amino‐analogues of the cytotoxic guaianolide ludartin are synthesized by Michael type addition of amines at the highly active α‐methylene‐γ‐lactone motif.

Integrin-modulating therapy prevents fibrosis and autoimmunity in mouse models of scleroderma

In systemic sclerosis (SSc), a common and etiologically mysterious form of scleroderma (defined as pathologic fibrosis of the skin), previously healthy adults acquire fibrosis of the skin and viscera in association with autoantibodies [1]. Familial recurrence is extremely rare and causal genes have not been identified. While the onset of fibrosis in SSc typically correlates with the production of autoantibodies, whether they contribute to disease pathogenesis or simply serve as a marker of disease remains controversial and the mechanism for their induction is largely unknown [2]. The study of SSc is hindered by a lack of animal models that recapitulate the etiology of this complex disease. To gain a foothold in the pathogenesis of pathologic skin fibrosis, we chose to study stiff skin syndrome (SSS), a rare but tractable Mendelian disorder that shows childhood onset of diffuse skin fibrosis with autosomal dominant inheritance and complete penetrance. We showed that SSS is caused by heterozygous missense mutations in the gene (FBN1) encoding fibrillin-1, the major constituent of extracellular microfibrils [3]. Notably, SSS mutations all localize to the only domain in fibrillin-1 that harbors an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif needed to mediate cell-matrix interactions by binding to cell-surface integrins [3]. Here we show that mouse lines that harbor analogous amino acid substitutions in fibrillin-1 recapitulate aggressive skin fibrosis that is prevented by integrin-modulating therapies and reversed by antagonism of the pro-fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Mutant mice show skin infiltration of pro-inflammatory immune cells including plasmacytoid dendritic, T helper, and plasma cells, and autoantibody production; these findings are normalized by integrin-modulating therapies or TGFβ antagonism. These data show that alterations in cell-matrix interactions are sufficient to initiate and sustain inflammatory and pro-fibrotic programs and highlight novel therapeutic strategies.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of amino analogs of Ludartin: Potent and selective cytotoxic agents

Diverse amino analogs of Ludartin, a cytotoxic guaianolide and a position isomer of an anticancer drug, Arglabin were prepared through Michael type addition at its highly active α-methylene-γ-lactone motif. The semisynthetic derivatives were subjected to sulphorhodamine B cytotoxicity assay against a panel of four different human cancer cell lines viz. lung (A-549), leukemia (THP-1), prostate (PC-3) and colon (HCT-116) to look into structure–activity relationship. Few of the analogs displayed potent selective cytotoxicity compared to the parent molecule-Ludartin (1). (11R)-13-(Diethyl amine)-11,13-dihydroludartin (6) and (11R)-13-(piperidine)-11,13-dihydroludartin (10) showed almost same cytotoxicity against leukemia cell lines (THP-1) as that of parent molecule-Ludartin, but were more active against colon (HCT-116) cancer cells. (11R)-13-(Morpholine)-11,13-dihydroludartin (11) displayed selectively better cytotoxicity against Leukemia cancer cells (THP-1) exhibiting IC50 of 2.8μM. (11R)-13-(6-Nitroindazole)-11,13-dihydroludartin (17) was four times more potent than Ludartin with selective cytotoxic effects against prostate cancer cells (2.2μM) while as (11R)-13-(6-nitroindazole)-11,13-dihydroludartin (18) exhibited three-fold selective cytotoxicity for Lung (A-549) cancer cell lines exhibiting IC50 of 2.6μM.

12-Amino-andrographolide analogues: synthesis and cytotoxic activity

Andrographolide, a diterpenoid lactone of the plant Andrographis paniculata, has been shown to be cytotoxic against various cancer cells in vitro. In the present study, a series of β-amino-γ-butyrolactone analogues has been synthesized from naturally occurring andrographolide via one pot tandem aza-conjugate addition-elimination reaction. By using economic procedure without any base or catalyst at room temperature, the products obtained were in fair to excellent yields with high stereoselectivity. The cytotoxicity of all new amino analogues were evaluated against six cancer cell lines and revealed their potential for being developed as promising anti-cancer agents.

ChemInform Abstract: β‐Lactam‐Synthon‐Interceded Diastereoselective Synthesis of Functionally Enriched Thioxo‐imidazolidines, Imidazolidin‐2‐ones, Piperazine‐5,6‐diones and 4,5‐Dihydroimidazoles.

AbstractStarting from β‐lactam azides (I) or analogous amino derivatives (VI), convenient protocols are developed for the synthesis of the title compounds via (diastereomeric) aminocarboxylic acid esters.

The C‐Terminal Extended Serine Residue Is Absolutely Required in Nosiheptide Maturation

Serine qua non: Substitution of the extended Ser13 in the core peptide of nosiheptide by analogous amino acids prevented enamide dealkylation of the terminal residue for nosiheptide maturation.

Design of Combretastatin A-4 Analogs as Tubulin Targeted Vascular Disrupting Agent with Special Emphasis on Their Cis-Restricted Isomers

Tubulin protein is a highly imperative and feasible goal for anticancer drug discovery. Hundreds of naturally occurring, semi synthetic and synthetic antitubulin agents have been reported till now. Among these, Combretastatin A - 4 (CA - 4) is effective antimitotic agent possessing potent cytotoxicity against a panel of cancer cells, including multi-drug resistant cancer cell lines. The inadequate water solubility and inactivation of these analogs during storage limit their use as clinical anticancer agents. To overcome these shortcomings, numerous water soluble amino analogs, amino acid derivative, phosphate prodrug (CA - 4P) and cis-locked CA - 4 have been developed with distinctive attributes of antitubulin and antivascular properties in a wide variety of preclinical tumor models. Subsequently, several heterocycle based cis restricted CA - 4 analogs are being reported for antitumor activity against collection of cancer cell lines. This review recapitulates the rational design, structure activity relationship, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of synthesized cis restricted CA - 4 analogs.

A nicotinic acetylcholine receptor transmembrane point mutation (G275E) associated with resistance to spinosad in Frankliniella occidentalis.

High levels of resistance to spinosad, a macrocyclic lactone insecticide, have been reported previously in western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, an economically important insect pest of vegetables, fruit and ornamental crops. We have cloned the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 subunit from F. occidentalis (Foα6) and compared the nucleotide sequence of Foα6 from susceptible and spinosad-resistant insect populations (MLFOM and R1S respectively). A single nucleotide change has been identified in Foα6, resulting in the replacement of a glycine (G) residue in susceptible insects with a glutamic acid (E) in resistant insects. The resistance-associated mutation (G275E) is predicted to lie at the top of the third α-helical transmembrane domain of Foα6. Although there is no direct evidence identifying the location of the spinosad binding site, the analogous amino acid in the C. elegans glutamate-gated chloride channel lies in close proximity (4.4 Å) to the known binding site of ivermectin, another macrocyclic lactone pesticide. The functional consequences of the resistance-associated mutation have been examined in the human nAChR α7 subunit. Introduction of an analogous (A272E) mutation in α7 abolishes the modulatory effects of spinosad whilst having no significant effect upon activation by acetylcholine, consistent with spinosad having an allosteric mechanism of action.

Spirocyclisation of phytoalexin 1-methoxybrassinin in the presence of Grignard reagents

AbstractThe anti-cancer properties of naturally occurring (2R, 3R)-(−)-1-methoxyspirobrassinol methyl ether (I) and their synthetic amino or piperidyl analogues II inspired us to study the synthesis of new target compounds III with a C—C bond in the 2-position of indole rather than a C—N or C—O bond (I or II respectively). The goal was achieved via electrophilic-nucleophilic 3,2-difunctionalisation of 1-methoxybrassinin (IV) in the presence of bromine and the Grignard reagent leading to the formation of cis- and trans-C—C analogues of I. Finally, the anti-cancer activities of the new compounds were measured and compared with I and II in order to show the importance of a heteroatom in the 2-substituted indole on the anti-cancer activity of spirobrassinols.

X-ray crystal structure of new monohydrate of 2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one derivative and structural comparison with its analogs; visualizing intermolecular interactions with Hirshfeld surface analysis

This article describes X-ray crystal structure analysis of N-(5-oxo-2-thioxoimidazolidin-1-yl)thiophene-2-carboxamide monohydrate (1). The title compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P $$ \overline{1} $$ with a = 6.5688(6), b = 7.9479(7), c = 10.8830(8) A, α = 102.343(7), β = 94.837(7), γ = 100.309(7)°, and Z = 2. The molecule of 1 consists of a 2-thiohydantoin ring substituted in the N3-position by a thiophene-carboxamide system. The thiophene ring is rotationally disordered; the disorder is of the flip type with an occupancy ratio of 0.742(3):0.258(3) [74:26%]. Molecular and crystal structure of 1 was compared and discussed with amino and hydrate analogs. Moreover, Hirshfeld surface analysis was used for visually analyzing intermolecular interactions in crystal structures. The title compound is the 2-thiohydantoin derivative. Its molecular and crystal structure was compared and discussed with amino and hydrate analogs.