Efforts toward elucidating Thalidomide's molecular target: an expedient synthesis of the first Thalidomide biotin analogue.

Herein we describe the synthesis of the first Thalidomide-biotin analogue in order to initiate investigations into the unknown molecular mode of action of Thalidomide. In this manner we describe the attachment of biotin tether through the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition or "click" synthetic methodology.

New thalidomide analogues derived through Sonogashira or Suzuki reactions and their TNF expression inhibition profiles.

A library of new thalidomide C4/5 analogues containing either a phenyl or alkyne tether were synthesized using Sonogashira or Suzuki cross coupling reactions from their aryl halogenated precursors. All thalidomide analogues were tested for their ability to inhibit the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF). More explicitly the use of a novel reporter system utilizing the promoter region of the TNF gene in a human T-cell line provided a rapid and effective measure of NFkappaB transcriptional activity. Several compounds either containing either an aryl-isobutyl or aryl-isopropoxy group were the most effective in inhibiting TNF expression, and were several times more active than thalidomide itself. Five of the more active derivatives indicated an apoptotic response while one of these compounds, containing an aldehyde tether, showed possible influence of cell cycling effects.

Rapid evaluation of Antrodia camphorata natural products and derivatives in tumourigenic liver progenitor cells with a novel cell proliferation assay.

We report the syntheses of five natural product maleimide and maleic anhydrides from the mushroom Antrodia camphorata. The ability of these compounds to affect proliferation in non-tumourigenic and tumourigenic liver progenitor cell lines was monitored by the Cellscreen system, a novel and nondestructive rapid-screening instrument. Additionally, a range of new aryl-functionalised differentiated derivatives were prepared through a Suzuki cross-coupling reaction to influence cell-growth effects. Several derivatives radically slowed the proliferation of liver progenitor cells; however, of particular interest were two maleic anhydride derivatives containing aryl tethers. These analogues demonstrated selectivity for limiting the proliferation of tumourigenic progenitor cells in comparison with their non-tumourigenic counterparts. Also highlighted is the application of the Cellscreen system in medicinal chemistry to rapidly measure the effect of compound libraries on cell proliferation.

Synthesis and TNF expression inhibitory properties of new thalidomide analogues derived via Heck cross coupling.

A library of new thalidomide analogues containing an olefin functionality were synthesised using a Heck cross coupling reaction from their aryl halogenated precursor. All analogues were tested for their ability to inhibit the synthesis of the proinflammatory cytokine Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF). Compounds 22, 29, 33 and 37 were the most effective in this assay inhibiting TNF expression 50%, 69%, 52% and 50%, respectively.

Towards a total synthesis of the new anticancer agent mensacarcin: synthesis of the carbocyclic core.

A synthesis of the carbocyclic core associated with the new anticancer agent mensacarcin (1) is reported. The strategy involves the synthesis of several novel highly substituted aromatic compounds, such as 12 and 23. The lithium derivative of 12 readily engages in a nucleophilic addition to benzaldehyde 4 to provide the diphenylcarbinol rac-15. The analogous benzyl ether rac-16 undergoes an intramolecular Heck reaction to provide the required tetrahydroanthracene rac-17, which can be transformed into the key tricyclic methyl ether rac-20. In a second approach, the lithium derivative of 21 is added to the hexasubstituted benzaldehyde 23 to give the diphenylcarbinol rac-35. Subsequent methylation to rac-36 followed by an intramolecular Heck reaction provides tricycle rac-37. Similarly, the oxidised compound 40 provides an electronically more suitable intramolecular Heck partner to afford compound 41. Further transformations of these substrates leads to rac-43, which incorporates the core structure of mensacarcin (1).