[Synthetic Studies on Developments for Bioactive New Leads of Oligovalent Symmetrical Molecules].

Interactions between carbohydrate-containing glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycolipids on the cell surface are important biological stages for the processes of bacterial or viral infection and tumor metastasis. Moreover, supramolecular interaction by macromolecules with two-fold (C2) or three-fold (C3) geometry is one of the common interactions in many important biological responses. To develop new multivalent symmetrical bioactive compounds or leads, we designed and synthesized several new molecules with these geometries and evaluated their bioactivities in an attempt to find new types of bioactive leads that may interfere with the sugar recognition process. We evaluated bioactivities including antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer activities of targeted molecules in vitro using biological assay systems. Among the synthesized target derivatives examined, some bivalent symmetrical derivatives showed high levels of bioactivities. In this review, the author describes the results of synthesis of oligovalent symmetrical target compounds and some interesting guiding results of evaluation of their biological activities and structure-activity relationships.

Anti-proliferative Activities of Some Bivalent Symmetrical 5-Substituted Hydantoin Derivatives towards Human Brain Glioma U251 Cells (U251) and Human Carcinoma Cells (KB3-1).

Novel bivalent twin-drug type hydantoin derivatives were evaluated in vitro using a human brain glioma cell line (U251) and a human carcinoma cell line (KB3-1). Among the 5-substituted hydantoin derivatives (1a-b and 2a-d) examined in this study, bivalent symmetrical 5-substituted hydantoin derivative 1b showed the highest anti-proliferative activity towards both U251 and KB3-1 cells. The values of anti-proliferative activity (IC50) of this hydantoin derivative against the two cell lines (U251 and KB3-1) were 0.46 and 5.21 µM, respectively. The anti-proliferative activity of all of the compounds except for compounds 2a and 2d against U251 cells was higher than that of cisplatin. Bivalent symmetrical compound 1b had a biphenylmethane linker in the molecule. All of the tested bivalent hydantoin derivatives showed higher activity against U251 cells than against KB3-1 cells. For twin-drug type hydantoin derivatives 2a-d, which have a linear methylene linker in the molecules, it was found that methylene linker length in these molecules have an effect on the anti-proliferative activity against U251 and KB3-1 cells.

Anti-proliferative Activities towards Human Brain Glioma U251 Cells and Human Carcinoma Cells (KB3-1) of Some Twin-Drug Type Bivalent C2-Symmetrical Phenylboronic Acid Derivatives.

Derivatives of C2-symmetrical bivalent phenylboronic acid exhibit several remarkable biological activities such as anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and cytotoxic activities against Vero cells and they can reverse the effect of anticancer drugs. Novel symmetrical bivalent molecules were synthesized and their biological activities were evaluated in vitro using a human brain glioma cell line (U251) and a human carcinoma cell line (KB3-1). Among the tested compounds (1a-i), bivalent C2-symmetrical phenylboronic acid derivative 1g showed the highest anti-proliferative activity towards both U251 and KB3-1 cells. The values of 50% anti-proliferative activity (IC50) of this compound against the two cell lines (U251 and KB3-1) were 19.0 and 3.78 µM, respectively. The anti-proliferative activity of compound 1g towards KB3-1 cells was higher than that of cisplatin. The bivalent C2-symmetrical compound 1g had a linear methylene linker in the molecule.

Preparation and Antiviral Activity of Some New C3- and CS-Symmetrical Tri-Substituted Triazine Derivatives Having Benzylamine Substituents.

We report the preparation of new C3- and CS-symmetrical molecules constructed on a triazine (TAZ) template. Anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (anti-HSV-1) and cytotoxic activities against Vero cells of synthesized TAZ derivatives were evaluated. The results suggested that the presence of an electron-donating group(s) on the benzene ring in benzylamine groups on the TAZ template is an important structural factor for expressing a high level of anti-HSV-1 activity and low cytotoxicity for these C3 types of TAZ derivatives. Among the tested TAZ derivatives, compounds 4f and 7h showed the highest anti HSV-1 activities (EC50=0.98 and 1.23 µM, respectively) and low cytotoxic activities to Vero cells (50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50)=292.2 and >200 µM, respectively).

Antiviral Activity and Molecular Geometry of Some New Symmetrical Tris(aminoalkyl)amine Derivatives.

We report the preparation of new tripodal receptor-type C3- and CS-symmetrical molecules constructed on a tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TAEA) template. Both the anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (anti-HSV-1) activity and cytotoxic activity of synthesized receptor-type derivatives were evaluated in order to find a characteristic structural feature for these bioactivities of compounds. Among the compounds of synthesized symmetrical TAEA-related derivatives, compound 13k showed high anti-HSV-1 activity (50% effective concentration (EC50)=16.7 µM) and low cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50)=>200 µM). The presence of a hydrogen bond donor proton in the molecule is thought to be an important structural factor for expressing potential anti-HSV-1 activities.

Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of Some C(3)-Symmetrical Trialkoxy-Substituted 1,3,5-Triazines and Their Molecular Geometry.

As one of our projects, we here report some new molecular modifications of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCTAZ: 1) to symmetrical 2,4,6-trialkoxy- or 2,4,6-triaryloxy-substituted 1,3,5-triazine (TAZ) molecules, as well as the results of anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (anti-HSV-1) activity evaluation of synthesized 2,4,6-trisubstituted TAZ derivatives. Among the tested 2,4,6-trisubstituted TAZ derivatives, we reconfirmed that a C3-symmetrical TAZ derivative, 4e, shows the highest level of anti-HSV-1 activity with a good selectivity index. In this paper, we also report the results of the preparation of newly targeted TAZ derivatives and the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of these trialkoxy-substituted TAZ derivatives and related compounds. The sugar recognition properties of C3-symmetrical TAZ derivative 4e are also described.

Synthesis and antiviral activities of some 2,4,6-trisubstituted 1,3,5-triazines.

We describe the synthesis and results of biological evaluation of newly designed 2,4,6-trisubstituted symmetrical 1,3,5-triazine (TAZ) derivatives. Among the tested trisubstituted TAZ derivatives, some CS-symmetrical alkoxy-amino-substituted TAZ derivatives, including 7ggp and 6dpp, showed significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The compound with the highest level of antiviral activity was C3-symmetrical trialkoxy-TAZ derivative 4bbb, which showed a considerably high selectivity index (IC50/EC50=256.6). The structure-activity relationships for anti-HSV-1 activity of the tested 2,4,6-trisubstituted TAZ derivatives are also described.

Synthesis of new 5-substituted hydantoins and symmetrical twin-drug type hydantoin derivatives.

In connection with our studies on hydantoin derivatives, a conventional regioselective chemical transformation of 5-methylene hydantoins 4a-c to 5-aminomethyl-substituted hydantoins 5-10 or to 5-amino-5-methyl-disubstituted hydantoins 11-14 is described. Synthesis of bivalent twin-drug type hydantoin derivatives 19-24 and the binding property of a bivalent symmetrical hydantoin derivative 24b to sulfated glycosaminoglycans are also described.

Antibacterial activity of some 5-dialkylaminomethylhydantoins and related derivatives.

In connection with our studies on antibacterial compounds in the class of 5-dialkylaminomethylhydantoins against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) strains, some molecular modifications were attempted. The antibacterial activities of all of the synthesized hydantoin derivatives were evaluated. Among the hydantoin derivatives designed in this study, C2-symmetrical twin-drug type compound (7) showed the highest level of antibacterial activity against S. aureus strain.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of symmetrical 2,4,6-trisubstituted 1,3,5-triazine derivatives.

We describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of newly designed 2,4,6-trisubstituted symmetrical 1,3,5-triazine (TAZ) derivatives. Among the tested trisubstituted symmetrical TAZ derivatives, various C3- or CS-symmetrical alkoxy-amino-substituted TAZ derivatives showed significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and/or cytotoxic activity against Vero cells. The structure-activity relationships for anti-HSV-1 activity of these symmetrical 2,4,6-trisubstituted TAZ derivatives are also described. Experimental results indicated that a CS-symmetrical TAZ structure with introduction of two alkoxy groups and one amine moiety seems to be the minimally required structure for anti-HSV-1 activity.

Molecular symmetry and biological activities of new symmetrical tris(2-aminoethyl)amine derivatives.

In terms of molecular symmetry and bioactivity, new C3- and CS-symmetrical derivatives based on the tris(2-aminoethyl)amine scaffold were designed and synthesized. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for antiviral activity with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) by a plaque reduction assay and for cytotoxic activity with Vero cells. Most of the compounds showed no significant anti-HSV-1 activity, but some of the symmetrical derivatives showed high levels of cytotoxic activitiy.

Antibacterial activity of 5-dialkylaminomethylhydantoins and related compounds.

To find new antibacterial leads in the class of hydantoin derivatives, we carried out synthetic investigation and biological evaluation of the title hydantoin derivatives and related compounds. Among the hydantoin derivatives described in this article, compound 3o, in which a 2,6-dichlorophenyl ring was introduced at the N-3 position of the hydantoin nucleus, showed the highest levels of antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli NBRC14237 (NIHJ) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538P (gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively) strains.

Preparation and chemical properties of 5-dialkylaminomethylhydantoins and 2-thio-analogues.

An efficient procedure for the preparation of 5-dialkylaminomethylhydantoins 3, which are easily obtained from cyclization of the corresponding urea derivatives 2 starting with beta-aminoalanines 1, is described. Methylenehydantoin and the corresponding 2-thio analogue (4a, 4b) were obtained from hydantoins 3a and 3b, respectively. Some new chemical properties of these hydantoin derivatives are reported.

Synthesis and antiviral activities of N-mono- and/or N,N'-di-carbamoyl and acyl derivatives of symmetrical diamines.

N-carbamoyl and N-acyl diamine derivatives were synthesized from symmetrical diamines by their addition to iso(thio)cyanates, cleavage reaction of acid anhydride, or N-acylation by acyl chloride. (1R,2R)-1,2-Diaminocyclohexane [(1R,2R)-1], meso-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (meso-1), (1R,2R)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine [(1R,2R)-3], or meso-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine (meso-3) were used as the starting symmetrical diamines. The target compounds synthesized herein were evaluated for antiviral activity with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). A few derivatives of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane [(1R,2R)-7aa and cis-7b] with adamantyl group(s) showed significant antiviral activity (EC(50)=16.0, 27.0 microg/ml).

N-monocarbamoyl derivatives of symmetrical diamines with antiviral activity.

Some new N-monocarbamoyl symmetrical diamines have been prepared by the addition of symmetrical amines to isocyanates or isothiocyanates. 2,6-Diaminopyridine (1), (1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane [(1R,2R)-2], meso-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (meso-2), or (1R,2R)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine (3) were used as the starting symmetrical diamine frameworks. All of the newly synthesized compounds were subjected to an evaluation of antiviral activity with herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1. N-Monocarbamoyl 2,6-diaminopyridines (5a, b) showed significant antiviral activity (EC(50)=17.0, 6.2 microg/ml) comparable to that of N-monododecanoyl 2,6-diaminopyridine (A2). As a result, compound 5a showed a better selectivity index (CC(50)/EC(50) = ca. 10.0) than that of A2.

Preferential intramolecular ring closure of aminoalcohols with diethyl carbonate to oxazolidinones.

The closure by cyclization with diethyl carbonate (EtO)(2)CO from aminoalcohols 1 as starting material can lead to the oxazolidinones 2a, b and 2c, respectively. In the reaction of trans-isomer (6) and (EtO)(2)CO, isolated products were also only 5-membered oxazolidinone derivative (7), containing its dehydrated derivative 8. The preferential formation of the 5-membered oxazolidinone ring system apparently indicated that this process (5-Exo-Trig ring closure) is more favorable than that of 6- or 7-membered ring derivative (3 or 9) by 6- or 7-Exo-Trig ring closure.

N-long-chain monoacylated derivatives of 2,6-diaminopyridine with antiviral activity.

N-Monoacyl-2,6-diaminopyridines (2a-c) and N,N'-diacyl-2,6-diaminopyridines (3a-c) were synthesized from 2,6-diaminopyridine by acylation with the corresponding acyl halide or by dehydration with the corresponding carboxylic acid using 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC). The antiviral activities of N-monoacyl- and N,N'-diacyl-2,6-diaminopyridines (2a-c and 3a-c) were estimated using plaque reduction assay with HSV-1. All N-monoacyl derivatives (2a-c) showed significant anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 activity (EC(50) = 15.3-18.5 microg/ml). The CC(50) values of 2a-c measured using Vero cells ranged at 37.5-50.0 microg/ml. These compounds showed no significant antibacterial activities with Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus even at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. The N,N'-diacyl derivatives (3a-c) showed no significant anti-HSV-1 activity.

A conventional new procedure for N-acylation of unprotected amino acids.

The preparation of amide derivatives (4) by N-acylation of unprotected alpha-amino acids is easily achieved via readily available benzotriazolyl carboxylates (2a-d) or succinimidyl carboxylates (2e-f). These intermediates (2) are prepared from reaction of carboxylic acids (1) with 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HO-Bt) or N-hydroxysuccinimide (HO-Su) in the presence of equimolar amounts of 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (WSCI). The overall yields of the target compounds (4) were excellent, and this two-stage procedure could be applicable as an alternative procedure for one-pot reaction.

Synthesis and antiviral activities of some 4,4'- and 2,2'-dihydroxytriphenylmethanes.

We synthesized some 4,4'- and 2,2'-dihydroxytriphenylmethane derivatives 3a--e and 4a--c by condensation of phenol 1 and aromatic aldehyde 2 in moderate to good yields (30--83%). Most of them showed significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (anti-HSV-1 activity) in a plaque reduction assay. The most potent antiviral activity (EC(50)=0.79 microg/ml) was observed in the 4,4'-dihydroxytriphenylmethane derivative 3b. This compound 3b showed lower cytotoxicity (CC(50)=30.2 microg/ml), compared to that of the prototype 3a.

A conventional route for the synthesis of new oxazolidin-2-one derivatives with beta-aminoalanines.

A conventional new route to the novel oxazolidin-2-one derivatives (3a-f) having two substituents on N-3 and C-4 in the oxazolidin-2-one ring was established with racemic beta-aminoalanine derivatives (1) as the key starting materials.