Photoinduced Borylation for the Synthesis of Organoboron Compounds.

Organoboron compounds have important synthetic value and can be applied in numerous transformations. The development of practical and convenient ways to synthesize boronate esters has thus attracted significant interest. Photoinduced borylations originated from stoichiometric reactions of alkanes and arenes with well-defined metal-boryl complexes. Now, photoredox-initiated borylations, catalyzed by either transition metal or organic photocatalysts, and photochemical borylations with high efficiency have become a burgeoning area of research. In this Focus Review, we summarize research on photoinduced borylations, especially emphasizing recent developments and trends. This includes the photoinduced borylation of arenes, alkanes, aryl/alkyl halides, activated carboxylic acids, amines, alcohols, and so on based on transition metal catalysis, metal-free organocatalysis, and direct photochemical activation. We focus on reaction mechanisms involving single-electron transfer, triplet-energy transfer, and other radical processes.

Transition-Metal-Free, Site-Selective C-F Arylation of Polyfluoroarenes via Electrophotocatalysis.

Direct CAr-F arylation is effective and sustainable for synthesis of polyfluorobiaryls with different degrees of fluorination, which are important motifs in medical and material chemistry. However, with no aid of transition metals, the engagement of CAr-F bond activation has proved difficult. Herein, an unprecedented transition-metal-free strategy is reported for site-selective CAr-F arylation of polyfluoroarenes with simple (het)arenes. By merging N,N-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)perylene-3,4,9,10-bis(dicarboximide)-catalyzed electrophotocatalytic reduction and anodic nitroxyl radical oxidation in an electrophotocatalytic cell, various polyfluoroaromatics (2F-6F and 8F), especially inactive partially fluorinated aromatics, undergo sacrificial-reagents-free C-F bond arylation with high regioselectivity, and the yields are comparable to those for reported transition-metal catalysis. This atom- and step-economic protocol features a paired electrocatalysis with organic mediators in both cathodic and anodic processes. The broad substrate scope and good functional-group compatibility highlight the merits of this operationally simple strategy. Moreover, the easy gram-scale synthesis and late-stage functionalization collectively advocate for the practical value, which would promote the vigorous development of fluorine chemistry.

Visible-Light-Induced Ni-Catalyzed Radical Borylation of Chloroarenes.

A highly selective and general photoinduced C-Cl borylation protocol that employs [Ni(IMes)2] (IMes = 1,3-dimesitylimidazoline-2-ylidene) for the radical borylation of chloroarenes is reported. This photoinduced system operates with visible light (400 nm) and achieves borylation of a wide range of chloroarenes with B2pin2 at room temperature in excellent yields and with high selectivity, thereby demonstrating its broad utility and functional group tolerance. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the borylation reactions proceed via a radical process. EPR studies demonstrate that [Ni(IMes)2] undergoes very fast chlorine atom abstraction from aryl chlorides to give [NiI(IMes)2Cl] and aryl radicals. Control experiments indicate that light promotes the reaction of [NiI(IMes)2Cl] with aryl chlorides generating additional aryl radicals and [NiII(IMes)2Cl2]. The aryl radicals react with an anionic sp2-sp3 diborane [B2pin2(OMe)]- formed from B2pin2 and KOMe to yield the corresponding borylation product and the [Bpin(OMe)]•- radical anion, which reduces [NiII(IMes)2Cl2] under irradiation to regenerate [NiI(IMes)2Cl] and [Ni(IMes)2] for the next catalytic cycle.

Ni-Catalyzed Traceless, Directed C3-Selective C-H Borylation of Indoles.

A highly efficient and general protocol for traceless, directed C3-selective C-H borylation of indoles with [Ni(IMes)2] as the catalyst is reported. Activation and borylation of N-H bonds by [Ni(IMes)2] is essential to install a Bpin moiety at the N-position as a traceless directing group, which enables the C3-selective borylation of C-H bonds. The N-Bpin group which is formed is easily converted in situ back to an N-H group by the oxidative addition product of [Ni(IMes)2] and in situ-generated HBpin. The catalytic reactions are operationally simple, allowing borylation of a variety of substituted indoles with B2pin2 in excellent yields and with high selectivity. The C-H borylation can be followed by Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of the C-borylated indoles in an overall two-step, one-pot process providing an efficient method for synthesizing C3-functionalized heteroarenes.

Selective Photocatalytic C-F Borylation of Polyfluoroarenes by Rh/Ni Dual Catalysis Providing Valuable Fluorinated Arylboronate Esters.

A highly selective and general photocatalytic C-F borylation protocol that employs a rhodium biphenyl complex as a triplet sensitizer and the nickel catalyst [Ni(IMes)2] (IMes = 1,3-dimesitylimidazoline-2-ylidene) for the C-F bond activation and defluoroborylation process is reported. This tandem catalyst system operates with visible (blue, 400 nm) light and achieves borylation of a wide range of fluoroarenes with B2pin2 at room temperature in excellent yields and with high selectivity. Direct irradiation of the intermediary C-F bond oxidative addition product trans-[NiF(ArF)(IMes)2] leads to very fast decomposition when B2pin2 is present. This destructive pathway can be bypassed by indirect excitation of the triplet states of the nickel(II) complex via the photoexcited rhodium biphenyl complex. Mechanistic studies suggest that the exceptionally long-lived triplet excited state of the Rh biphenyl complex used as the photosensitizer allows for efficient triplet energy transfer to trans-[NiF(ArF)(IMes)2], which leads to dissociation of one of the NHC ligands. This contrasts with the majority of current photocatalytic transformations, which employ transition metals as excited state single electron transfer agents. We have previously reported that C(arene)-F bond activation with [Ni(IMes)2] is facile at room temperature, but that the transmetalation step with B2pin2 is associated with a high energy barrier. Thus, this triplet energy transfer ultimately leads to a greatly enhanced rate constant for the transmetalation step and thus for the whole borylation process. While addition of a fluoride source such as CsF enhances the yield, it is not absolutely required. We attribute this yield-enhancing effect to (i) formation of an anionic adduct of B2pin2, i.e., FB2pin2-, as an efficient, much more nucleophilic {Bpin-} transfer reagent for the borylation/transmetalation process, and/or (ii) trapping of the Lewis acidic side product FBpin by formation of [F2Bpin]- to avoid the formation of a significant amount of NHC-FBpin and consequently decomposition of {Ni(NHC)2} species in the reaction mixture.

Visible-Light-Driven Selective Photocatalytic Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde over Au/SiC Catalysts.

Highly selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to cinnamyl alcohol with 2-propanol was achieved using SiC-supported Au nanoparticles as photocatalyst. The hydrogenation reached a turnover frequency as high as 487 h(-1) with 100% selectivity for the production of alcohol under visible light irradiation at 20 °C. This high performance is attributed to a synergistic effect of localized surface plasmon resonance of Au NPs and charge transfer across the SiC/Au interface. The charged metal surface facilitates the oxidation of 2-propanol to form acetone, while the electron and steric effects at the interface favor the preferred end-adsorption of α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes for their selective conversion to unsaturated alcohols. We show that this Au/SiC photocatalyst is capable of hydrogenating a large variety of α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes to their corresponding unsaturated alcohols with high conversion and selectivity.

Carbon coated Co-SiC nanocomposite with high-performance microwave absorption.

A carbon coated Co-SiC nanocomposite was fabricated via in situ pyrolysis of methane on a hierarchical Co3O4-SiC nanostructure, which was obtained by hydrothermal synthesis. By the reduction of methane, the Co3O4 was in situ converted to cobalt nanoparticles, and coated by carbon or filled in the CNTs. The as-prepared composite exhibits excellent microwave absorption performance in the frequency range of 2-18 GHz. When the match thickness is 1.8 mm, the composite has a reflection loss value below -10 dB in the range 12.2 to 18 GHz, which nearly covers the whole Ku-band (12-18 GHz). When the thickness is 2.6 mm, the reflection loss value below -10 dB distributes at 8.2-11.5 GHz, covering most of the X-band (8-12 GHz). Moreover, by further tuning the match thickness, the composite can selectively absorb some certain frequency bands of microwaves.

Mutant PIK3CA-bearing colon cancer cells display increased metastasis in an orthotopic model.

Mutations in the PIK3CA gene are common in human cancers, including colon cancer. We compared two pairs of colon cancer cells (HCT116 and DLD1) bearing only the wild-type (WT) or mutant (MUT) PIK3CA allele for their survival capacity under stress conditions in vitro as well as their metastatic properties in an in vivo orthotopic model. When subjected to growth factor deprivation stress (GFDS), the MUT PIK3CA cells displayed resistance to GFDS-induced apoptosis relative to the WT cells. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and its downstream effector AKT were constitutively activated during stress conditions in the MUT PIK3CA cells but not in the WT cells. The MUT cells showed hypersensitivity to PI3K inhibition. Moreover, the proapoptotic protein Bax was expressed at a very high level in the WT PIK3CA cells, whereas it was almost undetectable in the MUT cells. Inhibition of Bax expression by small interfering RNA protected the WT PIK3CA cells from GFDS-induced apoptosis, suggesting an important role of Bax in GFDS-induced apoptosis. These results indicated that the MUT PI3K confers resistance to GFDS-induced apoptosis and that the MUT cells are more dependent on the PI3K pathway for survival. In vivo studies showed that the MUT PIK3CA-bearing cells were more metastatic than the WT cells in an orthotopic model of colon cancer. Taken together, these results suggest that MUT PI3K imparts a more aggressive phenotype in colon cancer cells and could be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of colon cancer patients bearing PIK3CA mutations.

The role of oxygen in cluster headache.

High-flow oxygen inhalation is one of the most effective acute treatments for cluster headache. The therapy was first described for the treatment of cluster headache in 1952 by Horton, and has exhibited some advantages and efficacy compared to other acute medicines. The mechanism is not very clear, but some evidence has demonstrated its relationship to the trigeminovascular system and neuroinflammation. High-flow oxygen inhalation via a non-rebreather mask during cluster headache attacks has been widely recommended. Patients with frequent attacks and/or intolerance to drugs may prefer the oxygen treatment.

Establishment of the active catalytic domain of human PDGFRbeta tyrosine kinase-based ELISA assay for inhibitor screening.

Tyrosine kinases are emerging as frequent targets of primary oncogenic events and therefore represent an optimal focus of therapeutic intervention. In an effort towards therapeutic PDGFR inactivation, we expressed the catalytic domain of PDGFRbeta as a soluble active kinase using Bac-to-Bac expression system, and studied the correlations between PDGFRbeta activity and enzyme concentration, ATP concentration, substrate concentration and divalent cation type. And a convenient, effective and non-radioactive ELISA screening model is then established for identification of the potential inhibitors targeting PDGFRbeta kinase. Of 500 RTK target-based compounds, TKI-30 was identified as a small molecule potential inhibitor of PDGFRbeta (IC(50)=0.34 microM). Further studies indicated that TKI-30 blocked PDGF-BB-induced autophosphorylation of PDGFRbeta in a dose-dependent manner in Swiss 3T3 cells and human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMCs). Moreover, it dose-dependently suppressed the PDGF-BB-induced proliferation in HUVSMCs and tube formation of HUVEC. Our data collectively indicated that PDGFRbeta-based ELISA assay is a new method available for screening inhibitors targeting PDGFRbeta kinase and TKI-30 is a potential novel anti-cancer agent worthy of being further investigated.

Synergistic Effect of Segregated Pd and Au Nanoparticles on Semiconducting SiC for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes.

Efficient catalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines with molecular hydrogen at room temperature is still a challenge. In this study, this transformation was achieved by using a photocatalyst of SiC-supported segregated Pd and Au nanoparticles. Under visible-light irradiation, the nitrobenzene hydrogenation reached a turnover frequency as high as 1715 h-1 at 25 °C and 0.1 MPa of H2 pressure. This exceptional catalytic activity is attributed to a synergistic effect of Pd and Au nanoparticles on the semiconducting SiC, which is different from the known electronic or ensemble effects in Pd-Au catalysts. This kind of synergism originates from the plasmonic electron injection of Au and the Mott-Schottky contact at the interface between Pd and SiC. This three-component system changes the electronic structures of the SiC surface and produces more active sites to accommodate the active hydrogen that spills over from the surface of Pd. These active hydrogen species have weaker interactions with the SiC surface and thus are more mobile than on an inert support, resulting in an ease in reacting with the N═O bonds in nitrobenzene absorbed on SiC to produce aniline.

A new central post-stroke pain rat model: autologous blood injected thalamic hemorrhage involved increased expression of P2X4 receptor.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and death in the world. Central post-stroke pain (CPSP), a central neuropathic pain syndrome occurring after cerebral stroke, is a serious problem. But on account of the lack of reliable animal models, the mechanisms underlying CPSP remains poorly understood. To better understand of the pathophysiological basis of CPSP, we developed and characterized a new rat model of CPSP. This model is based on a hemorrhagic stroke lesion with intra-thalamic autologous blood (ITAB) injection in the ventral posterolateral nucleus of the thalamus. Behavioral analysis demonstrated that the animals displayed a significant decrease in mechanical allodynia threshold. We found a significant increase in P2 × 4 receptor expression in microglia in thalamic peri-lesion tissues post-hemorrhage. The mechanical allodynia in rats with CPSP were reversed by blocking P2 × 4 receptors. A significant alleviation of mechanical allodynia was achieved following the administration of adrenergic antidepressants and antiepileptics. Meanwhile, we found a significant decrease in P2 × 4 receptor expression after treatment with these drugs. Taken together, our results suggest that targeting P2 × 4 receptor may be effective in the treatment of CPSP.

[Investigation of heart rate turbulence after atrial premature beats before onset of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical significance of heart rate turbulence (HRT) after atrial premature beats in accessing the temporal changes of vagus nerve before the onset of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. METHODS: The HRT parameters: turbulence onset (TOA) and turbulence slope (TSA) after atrial premature impulses occurring 0 to 60 min before and after the onset of AF 56 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The heart rate variability (HRV) time domain parameter SDNN and the frequency-domain parameters, low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio were also analyzed. TOA and TSA were calculated for 3 periods reflecting morning hours (6-10 am), afternoon hours (1-5 pm), and night hours (0-4 am). RESULTS: (1) The TOA and TSA were significantly higher 1 h preceding AF than 1 h after AF(0.47+/-0.32 vs 0.24+/-0.18 and 16+/-6 vs 13+/-4, both P<0.05). The HRV time domain parameters and frequency-domain parameters did not change remarkably after the onset of PAF. (2) The TOA and TSA were significantly higher in night hours than in morning hours (1.2+/-0.6 vs 0.8+/-0.4 and 17+/-6 vs 14+/-4 respectively, both P<0.05), the two parameters of HRT maintained significant circadian variations. CONCLUSION: Vagal inhibition in response to premature atrial excitation is absent and transient enhancement of vagal outflow would occur before AF. HRT before atrial premature beats is of significance in accessing the changes of autonomic nervous system before onset of AF.

Expression and purification of the catalytic domain of human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 for inhibitor screening.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an endothelial cell-specific mitogen, can act in tumor-induced angiogenesis by binding to specific receptors on the surface of endothelial cells. One such receptor, VEGFR-2/KDR, plays a key role in VEGF-induced angiogenesis. Here, we expressed the catalytic domain of VEGFR-2 as a soluble active kinase using Bac-to-Bac expression system, and investigated correlations between VEGFR-2 activity and enzyme concentration, ATP concentration, substrate concentration and divalent cation type. We used these data to establish a convenient, effective and non-radioactive ELISA screening technique for the identification and evaluation of potential inhibitors for VEGFR-2 kinase. We screened 200 RTK target-based compounds and identified one (TKI-31) that potently inhibited VEGFR-2 kinase activity (IC50=0.596 microM). Treatment of NIH3T3/KDR cells with TKI-31 blocked VEGF-induced phosphorylation of KDR in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, TKI-31 dose-dependently suppressed HUVEC tube formation. Thus, we herein report a novel, efficient method for identifying VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors and introduce one, TKI-31, that may prove to be a useful new angiogenesis inhibitor.

TKI-31 inhibits angiogenesis by combined suppression signaling pathway of VEGFR2 and PDGFRbeta.

Tyrosine kinases have been strongly implicated as therapeutic targets that influence the angiogenic process in growing tumors. In this study, we revealed that TKI-31 is a potent broad spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta) and also inhibits kinases of other class, such as c-Kit and c-Src on molecular base, but showed no activity against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). TKI-31 inhibits VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 in endothelial cells as well as PDGF(BB)-induced phosphorylation in fibroblast cells, and leading to the inhibition of down-stream signaling triggered by these receptors such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK42/44(ERK) and paxillin. TKI-31 also inhibited VEGF-induced endothelial cells proliferation, migration and their differentiation into capillary-like tube formation. Its anti-angiogenic property was further confirmed by the inhibition of neovascularization on CAM, in vivo. These results collectively highlight the therapeutic potential of this compound for the treatment of solid tumors and other diseases where angiogenesis plays an important role.

Evaluation of active recombinant catalytic domain of human ErbB-2 tyrosine kinase, and suppression of activity by a naturally derived inhibitor, ZH-4B.

Human cancers frequently express high levels of ErbB-2 tyrosine kinase, which is associated with aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis. ErbB-2 is thus a promising target for cancer therapy. Here we express the catalytic domain of ErbB-2 as a soluble active kinase, and investigate the correlations between its activity and kinase concentration, ATP concentration, substrate concentration and divalent cation type. A simple and effective screening model is established to identify and evaluate potential inhibitors of ErbB-2 kinase. ZH-4B, a naturally derived small molecule compound that potently inhibits ErbB-2 kinase activity with an IC50 value of 2.45+/-0.56 microM, is identified. In SK-OV-3 human ovarian cancer cells and SK-BR-3 human breast carcinoma cells, ZH-4B blocks epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced phosphorylation of ErbB-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Our data collectively indicate that ZH-4B is a potential novel anti-cancer agent that deserves further investigation.

In vitro pharmacological characterization of TKI-28, a broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor with anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects.

Tyrosine kinases are used as important biomarkers in many tumor types. Preclinical and clinical anti-tumor studies have shown that broadly acting tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be more useful than specific inhibitors, since the former might overcome redundancies and crosstalk in tumor cell growth signaling pathways. Here, we aim to identify a novel potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Computer modeling of the pyrido-pyrimidine class compound, TKI-28(6-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-8-methyl-2-phenylamino-8H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-7-one), predicted that the compound would dock well in the ATP pocket of the ErbB-2 tyrosine kinase, yielding a high binding affinity for ErbB receptors. Biochemical studies revealed that TKI-28 potently inhibited the activities of tyrosine kinases such as ErbB-2, EGFR, KDR, PDGFRbeta, c-kit and c-Src, but had little effect on Flt-1 in cell-free system. TKI-28 also efficiently blocked autophosphorylation of the listed receptor tyrosine kinases, and subsequently downregulated phosphorylation of many downstream signaling proteins at the cellular level. TKI-28 exhibited a more potent anti-proliferative activity against EGF- and neuregulin-stimulated SK-OV-3 cells versus serum-stimulated cells, accompanied by apparent induction of apoptosis. Finally, TKI-28 was found to possess anti-angiogenic effects, characterized by inhibition of cell proliferation driven by EGF, VEGF and PDGF, as well as decreased cell migration and tube formation in HMECs. These results collectively highlight the pharmacological characteristics of TKI-28 as a broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor, suggesting that it has great potential as an anti-cancer and anti-angiogenesis agent.

Visible-light-driven Photocatalytic N-arylation of Imidazole Derivatives and Arylboronic Acids on Cu/graphene catalyst.

N-aryl imidazoles play an important role as structural and functional units in many natural products and biologically active compounds. Herein, we report a photocatalytic route for the C-N cross-coupling reactions over a Cu/graphene catalyst, which can effectively catalyze N-arylation of imidazole and phenylboronic acid, and achieve a turnover frequency of 25.4 h(-1) at 25°C and the irradiation of visible light. The enhanced catalytic activity of the Cu/graphene under the light irradiation results from the localized surface plasmon resonance of copper nanoparticles. The Cu/graphene photocatalyst has a general applicability for photocatalytic C-N, C-O and C-S cross-coupling of arylboronic acids with imidazoles, phenols and thiophenols. This study provides a green photocatalytic route for the production of N-aryl imidazoles.