Total syntheses of (+)-vigulariol and (-)-sclerophytin A.

The total syntheses of (+)-vigulariol and (-)-sclerophytin A are reported in 15 steps and 16 steps, respectively, from a known compound. The flexible, readily scalable synthetic strategy allows for rapid construction of a critical tricyclic intermediate and is demonstrated via the synthesis of these two marine natural products. A key reaction in this synthetic protocol is a combination Wittig/intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition.

Studies on peptidyl nucleoside antibiotics: synthesis and antifungal evaluation of pyranosyl nucleoside analogs of nikkomycin.

BACKGROUND: The Streptomyces-derived nikkomycins are a unique class of peptidyl nucleoside natural products, with potent antifungal activity against a variety of pathogenic fungi. RESULTS: In continuation of our structure-activity relationship studies on the nikkomycins, this paper describes the strategic design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a 'doubly modified' generation of nikkomycin analogs. The structural modifications included a ring-expanded carbohydrate core and a simplified peptidyl side chain. Biological screening of these novel analogs against clinical isolates of various human pathogenic fungi indicated that the described modifications of the structural features of nikkomycin could be a potentially beneficial strategy towards optimizing the antifungal potency of this class of peptidyl nucleoside antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Continued investigation of the pyranosyl nikkomycin analogs is warranted to fully explore and optimize the structural features of this novel lead for the desired development of a new class of therapeutically useful antifungal drugs.

Synthetic studies on amipurimycin: total synthesis of a thymine nucleoside analogue.

Amipurimycin, a member of the complex peptidyl nucleoside family of antibiotics, is a Streptomyces-derived potent antifungal agent. The mechanism of action of amipurimycin, however, remains undetermined. Additionally, there are no reports on the total synthesis or structure-activity relationships (SAR) of this potentially useful bioactive compound. In a study aimed at the total synthesis and SAR studies of this natural product, the present research reports the development of a synthetic route to the central pyranosyl amino acid core of amipurimycin and its further elaboration, culminating in the synthesis of a unique thymine analogue. Utilizing a d-serine-derived dihydroaminopyrone as a strategic building block, the synthesis involves de novo construction of the fully functionalized C-3-branched carbohydrate amino acid core, followed by glycosidic attachment of thymine at C-1, and peptidic linking of the C-6 amine with the 1,2-aminocyclopentane carboxylic acid side chain.

Total synthesis and antifungal activity of a carbohydrate ring-expanded pyranosyl nucleoside analogue of nikkomycin B.

In a study aimed at investigating an as yet unknown structure-activity relationship of the nikkomycin family of antifungal peptidyl nucleoside antibiotics, the present research reports the synthesis and antifungal evaluation of a carbohydrate ring-expanded pyranosyl nucleoside analogue of nikkomycin B. Employing a convergent synthetic route, independent synthesis of the N-terminal amino acid side chain and a stereoselective de novo construction of the desired pyranosyl nucleoside amino acid fragment was followed by peptidic coupling of the two components, leading to the first synthesis of a carbohydrate ring-enlarged pyranosyl nikkomycin B analogue. In vitro biological evaluation of the above analogue against a variety of human pathogenic fungi demonstrated significant antifungal activity against several fungal strains of clinical significance.

Total synthesis of cytotoxic anhydrophytosphingosine pachastrissamine (jaspine B).

Starting from L-serine, a stereoselective synthesis of pachastrissamine, a structurally novel anhydrosphingosine derivative, is reported in this Letter. [structure: see text]

Complex peptidyl nucleoside antibiotics: efficient syntheses of the glycosyl nucleoside amino acid cores.

Employing an amino acid chiral template strategy, the present research describes a general and highly efficient protocol for the rapid construction of enantiopure furanosyl and pyranosyl nucleoside amino acid cores as present in various complex peptidyl nucleoside antibiotics. Starting from easily available d-serine, the strategy and the approach involve rapid and efficient stereoselective synthesis of five- or six-membered lactone amino alcohols, followed by incorporation of the required functionalities of the target molecules on these strategically functionalized chiral templates.