Discovery of a new class of triazole based inhibitors of acetyl transferase KAT2A.

We have recently developed a new synthetic methodology that provided both N-aryl-5-hydroxytriazoles and N-pyridine-4-alkyl triazoles. A selection of these products was carried through virtual screening towards targets that are contemporary and validated for drug discovery and development. This study determined a number of potential structure target dyads of which N-pyridinium-4-carboxylic-5-alkyl triazole displayed the highest score specificity towards KAT2A. Binding affinity tests of abovementioned triazole and related analogs towards KAT2A confirmed the predictions of the in-silico assay. Finally, we have run in vitro inhibition assays of selected triazoles towards KAT2A; the ensemble of binding and inhibition assays delivered pyridyl-triazoles carboxylates as the prototype of a new class of inhibitors of KAT2A.

Vinylogous Nitro-Haloform Reaction Enables Aromatic Amination.

The first example of an aromatic haloform reaction is reported, defining a conceptually new haloform-type approach to the metal-free functionalization of arenes. We demonstrated that heteroarenes bearing a vinylogous nitromethane system, via the stage of a trichloromethane derivative, could undergo aromatic amination to produce N-functionalized arenes in quantitative yields and without the need for transition-metal catalysis. The haloform-type amination was implemented in the development of effective orthogonal N-protection strategies, establishing a new promising N-protecting reagent.

Natural and Synthetic Halogenated Amino Acids-Structural and Bioactive Features in Antimicrobial Peptides and Peptidomimetics.

The 3D structure and surface characteristics of proteins and peptides are crucial for interactions with receptors or ligands and can be modified to some extent to modulate their biological roles and pharmacological activities. The introduction of halogen atoms on the side-chains of amino acids is a powerful tool for effecting this type of tuning, influencing both the physico-chemical and structural properties of the modified polypeptides, helping to first dissect and then rationally modify features that affect their mode of action. This review provides examples of the influence of different types of halogenation in amino acids that replace native residues in proteins and peptides. Examples of synthetic strategies for obtaining halogenated amino acids are also provided, focusing on some representative compounds and their biological effects. The role of halogenation in native and designed antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their mimetics is then discussed. These are in the spotlight for the development of new antimicrobial drugs to counter the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. AMPs represent an interesting model to study the role that natural halogenation has on their mode of action and also to understand how artificially halogenated residues can be used to rationally modify and optimize AMPs for pharmaceutical purposes.

Preparation of Acidic 5-Hydroxy-1,2,3-triazoles via the Cycloaddition of Aryl Azides with ß-Ketoesters.

Herein, a high-yielding cycloaddition reaction of ß-ketoesters and azides to provide 1,2,3-triazoles is described. The reactions employing 2-unsubstituted ß-ketoesters were found to provide 5-methyl-1,2,3-triazoles, whereas 2-alkyl-substituted ß-ketoesters provided 5-hydroxy-1,2,3-triazoles (shown to be relatively acidic) in high yields and as single regioisomers. Several novel compounds were reported and characterized including long-chain 5-hydroxy-1,2,3-triazoles potentially bioisosteric to hydroxamic acids.

Study of Ground State Interactions of Enantiopure Chiral Quaternary Ammonium Salts and Amides, Nitroalkanes, Nitroalkenes, Esters, Heterocycles, Ketones and Fluoroamides.

Chiral phase-transfer catalysis provides high level of enantiocontrol, however no experimental data showed the interaction of catalysts and substrates. 1 H NMR titration was carried out on Cinchona and Maruoka ammonium bromides vs. nitro, carbonyl, heterocycles, and N-F containing compounds. It was found that neutral organic species and quaternary ammonium salts interacted via an ensemble of catalyst + N-C-H and (sp2 )C-H, specific for each substrate studied. The correspondent BArF salts interacted with carbonyls via a diverse set of + N-C-H and (sp2 )C-H compared to bromides. This data suggests that BArF ammonium salts may display a different enantioselectivity profile. Although not providing quantitative data for the affinity constants, the data reported proofs that chiral ammonium salts coordinate with substrates, prior to transition state, through specific C-H positions in their structures, providing a new rational to rationalize the origin of enantioselectivity in their catalyses.

Structural Insights on Tiny Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Analogues of miRNA-34a: An in silico and Experimental Integrated Approach.

In the present work, structural features of the interaction between peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based analogs of the tumor-suppressor microRNA-34a with both its binding sites on MYCN mRNA were investigated. In particular, the region from base 1 to 8 ("seed" region) of miR-34a was reproduced in the form of an 8-mer PNA fragment (tiny PNA), and binding to target 3'UTR MYCN mRNA, was studied by a seldom reported and detailed NMR characterization, providing evidence for the formation of anti-parallel duplexes with a well-organized structural core. The formation of PNA-3'UTR duplexes was also confirmed by Circular Dichroism, and their melting curves were measured by UV spectroscopy. Nevertheless, this study offered a valuable comparison between molecular dynamics predictions and experimental evidence, which showed great correlation. Preliminary uptake assays were carried out in Neuroblastoma Kelly cells, using short peptide conjugates as carriers and FITC fluorescent tag for subcellular localization. Moderate internalization was observed without the use of transfecting agents. The reported results corroborate the interest toward the design and development of chimeric PNA/RNA sequences as effective RNA-targeting agents.

Enantioselective Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyran-2-ones via Phase-Transfer-Catalyzed Addition-Cyclization of Acetylacetone to Cinnamic Thioesters.

Herein, we present the first example of synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones from cinnamic thioesters via a stereoselective phase-transfer-catalyzed domino Michael-cyclization reaction with acetylacetone. The reaction proceeded under the catalysis of Cinchona-derived quaternary ammonium phenoxide that, in combination with inorganic bases, provided 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones in yields of up to 93% and enantioselectivities of up to 88% enantiomeric excess.

First enantioselective synthesis of gingesulfonic acids and unequivocal determination of their absolute stereochemistry.

Herein we report the first organocatalysed enantioselective synthesis of gingesulfonic acids and shogasulfonic acids via a mild and convenient aminothiourea-catalysed conjugate addition of bisulfite to the olefin moiety of α,ß-unsaturated carbonyls-a technology previously reported by us. A series of optically active naturally occurring sulfonic acids are prepared in their natural and unnatural configurations, and their absolute configurations are unequivocally confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffractometry.

Sulphide as a leaving group: highly stereoselective bromination of alkyl phenyl sulphides.

A conceptionally novel nucleophilic substitution approach to synthetically important alkyl bromides is presented. Using molecular bromine (Br2), readily available secondary benzyl and tertiary alkyl phenyl sulphides are converted into the corresponding bromides under exceptionally mild, acid- and base-free reaction conditions. This simple transformation allows the isolation of elimination sensitive benzylic ß-bromo carbonyl and nitrile compounds in mostly high yields and purities. Remarkably, protic functionalities such as acids and alcohols are tolerated. Enantioenriched benzylic ß-sulphido esters, readily prepared by asymmetric sulpha-Michael addition, produce the corresponding inverted bromides with high stereoselectivities, approaching complete enantiospecificity at -40 °C. Significantly, the reported benzylic ß-bromo esters can be stored without racemisation for prolonged periods at -20 °C. Their synthetic potential was demonstrated by the one-pot preparation of γ-azido alcohol (S)-5 in 90% ee. NMR studies revealed an initial formation of a sulphide bromine adduct, which in turn is in equilibrium with a postulated dibromosulphurane intermediate that undergoes C-Br bond formation.

A combined experimental and computational study on peptide nucleic acid (PNA) analogues of tumor suppressive miRNA-34a.

MicroRNAs are a ubiquitous class of non-coding RNAs able to regulate gene expression in diverse biological processes. Widespread miRNAs deregulation was reported in numerous diseases including cancer, with several miRNAs playing oncogenic and/or tumor suppressive role by targeting multiple mRNAs simultaneously. Based on these findings, miRNAs have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for cancer treatment. Herein, for the first time, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) were studied to develop a new class of molecules able to target 3'UTR on MYCN mRNA without a fully complementary base pairing sequence (as miRNAs). For our proof of concept study we have selected as a model the miRNA-34a, which acts as a tumor suppressor in a number of cancers including neuroblastoma. In particular, miRNA-34a is a direct regulator of MYCN oncogene, whose overexpression is a prominent biomarker for the highly aggressive neuroblastoma phenotype. The design and synthesis of three PNA-based oligomers of different length was described, and their interaction with two binding sites on the target MYCN mRNA was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation, and spectroscopic techniques (CD, UV). Intake assay and confocal microscopy of PNA sequences were also carried out in vitro on neuroblastoma Kelly cells. Despite the presence of multiple mismatches, the PNA/RNA hetero duplexes retain very interesting features in terms of stability, affinity as well as of cellular uptake.

Enantioselective Desymmetrization of cis-3,5- O-Arylidenecyclohexanones Catalyzed by Cinchona-Derived Quaternary Ammonium Salts.

An enantioselective protocol for the desymmetrization of cis-3,5- O-arylidenecyclohexanones has been developed that proceeded under the catalysis of readily available and inexpensive Cinchona-derived quaternary ammonium salts. The synthetic relevance of the methodology was exemplified by the synthesis of a key intermediate that could be used in the preparation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, paricalcitol (Zemplar).

Reaction of azides and enolisable aldehydes under the catalysis of organic bases and Cinchona based quaternary ammonium salts.

Herein we report a two-step sequence for the preparation of amides starting from azides and enolisable aldehydes. The reaction proceeded via the formation of triazoline intermediates that were converted into amides via Lewis acid catalysis. Preliminary studies on the preparation of triazolines under chiral phase transfer catalysis are also presented, demonstrating that enantioenriched amides could be prepared from achiral aldehydes in moderate to low enantioselectivity.

Desulfurative Chlorination of Alkyl Phenyl Sulfides.

The chlorination of readily available secondary and tertiary alkyl phenyl sulfides using (dichloroiodo)benzene (PhICl2) is reported. This mild and rapid nucleophilic chlorination is extended to sulfa-Michael derived sulfides, affording elimination-sensitive ß-chloro carbonyl and nitro compounds in good yields. The chlorination of enantioenriched benzylic sulfides to the corresponding inverted chlorides proceeds with high stereospecificity, thus providing a formal entry into enantioenriched chloro-Michael adducts. A mechanism implying the formation of a dichloro-λ4-sulfurane intermediate is proposed.

New Dendrimer-Based Nanoparticles Enhance Curcumin Solubility.

Curcumin, the main curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric, is a potent chemopreventive agent and useful in many different diseases. A major limitation of applicability of curcumin as a health promoting and medicinal agent is its extremely low bioavailability due to efficient first pass metabolism, poor gastrointestinal absorption, rapid elimination, and poor aqueous solubility. In the present study, nanotechnology was selected as a choice approach to enhance the bioavailability of the curcuminis. A new polyamidoamine dendrimer (G0.5) was synthesized, characterized, and tested for cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). No cytotoxicity of G0.5 was found in the range between 10-3 and 3 × 10-8 M. Consequently, G0.5 was used to prepare spherical nanoparticles of ca. 150 nm, which were loaded with curcumin [molar ratio G0.5/curcumin 1 : 1 (formulation 1) and 1 : 0.5 (formulation 2)]. Remarkably, the occurrence of a single population of nanoparticles having an excellent polydispersity index (< 0.20) was found in both formulations. Formulation 1 was selected to test in vitro drug release because it was superior in terms of encapsulation efficiency (62 %) and loading capacity (32 %). The solubility of curcumin was increased ca. 415 and 150 times with respect to the unformulated drug, respectively, for formulation 1 and formulation 2. The release of curcumin from the nanoparticles showed an interesting prolonged and sustained release profile.

Enantioselective cyclopropanation of (Z)-3-substituted-2-(4-pyridyl)-acrylonitriles catalyzed by Cinchona ammonium salts.

Cyclopropane esters holding two quaternary centres were prepared in high yields, complete diastereoselection and up to 83% ee. The reaction described herein entailed reacting (Z)-3-substituted-2-(4-pyridyl)-acrylonitrile, a reactive class of Michael acceptor, with 2-bromomalonate esters in the presence of Cinchona derived phase-transfer catalysts. The reaction allowed multi-gram preparation of the desired products.

Catalytic asymmetric conjugate addition of isocyanoacetate to (Z)-3-substituted-2-(4-pyridyl)-acrylonitrile, a reactive class of Michael acceptor.

(Z)-3-Substituted-2-(4-pyridyl)-acrylonitriles, a reactive class of Michael acceptors obtained exclusively as a single (Z) isomer, reacted with un-substituted isocyanoacetate esters mediated by phase-transfer catalysis to give, after base promoted cyclisation, functionalized imines in up to 94% ee and as a single diastereoisomer.

Catalytic enantioselective addition of isocyanoacetate to 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-styrylisoxazoles under phase transfer catalysis conditions.

The reaction between 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-styrylisoxazoles and ethyl isocyanoacetate proceeded under phase transfer catalysis to give enantioenriched monoadducts in high enantiomeric excess (up to 99% ee). The resulting adducts were subsequently cyclised to give 2,3-dihydropyrroles and substituted pyrrolidines in identical high ees and as a single diastereoisomer.

An improved procedure to prepare 3-methyl-4-nitroalkylenethylisoxazoles and their reaction under catalytic enantioselective Michael addition with nitromethane.

Herein, we describe a short synthesis of 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-alkylethenyl isoxazoles and their reactivity as Michael acceptors. The title compounds reacted with nitromethane under phase-transfer catalysis to provide highly enantioenriched adducts (up to 93% ee) which were then converted to the corresponding γ-nitroacids.

Insights on chiral, backbone modified peptide nucleic acids: Properties and biological activity.

PNAs are emerging as useful synthetic devices targeting natural miRNAs. In particular 3 classes of structurally modified PNAs analogs are herein described, namely α, ß and γ, which differ by their backbone modification. Their mode and binding affinity for natural nucleic acids and their use in medicinal chemistry as potential miRNA binders is discussed.