Involvement of Both Extrinsic and Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathways in Tridecylpyrrolidine-Diol Derivative-Induced Apoptosis In Vitro.

Despite the decreasing trend in mortality from colorectal cancer, this disease still remains the third most common cause of death from cancer. In the present study, we investigated the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of (2S,3S,4R)-2-tridecylpyrrolidine-3,4-diol hydrochloride on colon cancer cells (Caco-2 and HCT116). The antiproliferative effect and IC50 values were determined by the MTT and BrdU assays. Flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the induction of apoptotic pathways. Colon cancer cell migration was monitored by the scratch assay. Concentration-dependent cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on both cell lines, with IC50 values of 3.2 ± 0.1 µmol/L (MTT) vs. 6.46 ± 2.84 µmol/L (BrdU) for HCT116 and 2.17 ± 1.5 µmol/L (MTT) vs. 1.59 ± 0.72 µmol/L (BrdU), for Caco-2 were observed. The results showed that tridecylpyrrolidine-induced apoptosis was associated with the externalization of phosphatidylserine, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) accompanied by the activation of casp-3/7, the cleavage of PARP and casp-8, the overexpression of TNF-α and FasL and the dysregulation of Bcl-2 family proteins. Inhibition of the migration of treated cells across the wound area was detected. Taken together, our data show that the anticancer effects of tridecylpyrrolidine analogues in colon cancer cells are mediated by antiproliferative activity, the induction of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways and the inhibition of cell migration.

Homospisulosine induced apoptosis in cervical carcinoma cells is associated with phosphorylation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of p27/Kip1.

Spisulosine (1-deoxysphinganine) is a sphingoid amino alcohol isolated from the sea clams that showed potent antiproliferative activity against a broad spectrum of solid tumors but failed in clinical trials due to neurotoxicity. However, its structural similarity to other bioactive sphingoids, interesting mode of action, and appreciable potency against cancer cells make it a suitable lead for future anticancer drug development. The present study was conducted to elucidate mechanisms of the antiproliferative/cytotoxic effects of newly synthesized spisulosine analog homospisulosine (KP7). The evaluation was performed on cervical carcinoma cells, representing an in vitro model of one of the most common cancer types and a significant worldwide cause of women's cancer mortality. Treatment with homospisulosine (2.0 µM) for 24, 48, and 72 h significantly inhibited the growth of HeLa cells in vitro and induced apoptosis detectable by DNA fragmentation, externalization of phosphatidylserine, dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP. In addition, treating HeLa cells with spisulosine increased p27 and Bcl-2 on protein levels and phosphorylation of Bcl-2 on Ser70 residue. These results support the potential for spisulosine analogs represented here by homospisulosine for future therapeutic development.

Synthesis and biological activity of sphingosines with integrated azobenzene switches.

A flexible synthetic approach towards biologically active sphingoid base-like compounds with an integrated azobenzene framework was achieved via installing a chiral amino-alcohol fragment into the azobenzene system by utilizing the Wittig olefination of substituted (E)-triphenyl[4-(phenyldiazenyl)benzyl]phosphonium salts and d-isoascorbic acid derived aldehydes. All the prepared derivatives underwent a series of experiments to probe their photochromic properties, including the reversible E/Z isomerisation, material fatigue and thermal relaxation rate. The targeted E- and Z-isomeric sphingoid analogues were screened in vitro for anticancer activity on a panel of seven human malignant cell lines. Cell viability experiments revealed outstanding antiproliferative/cytotoxic activities of all the tested compounds with IC50 values in the low micromolar range for the most active derivatives. The biological activity of E- and Z-isomeric forms is different. Their entirely accurate differentiation is prevented by the rapid thermal relaxation of the corresponding Z-isomers.

A 'Chiron' approach to novel phytosphingosine mimetics based on a cascade [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement.

Straightforward access to enantiomerically pure 3,4-diamino-3,4-dideoxyphytosphingosines, as novel analogues of natural d-ribo-phytosphingosine was accomplished, starting from two available chirons: dimethyl l-tartrate and d-isoascorbic acid. A sequential Overman rearrangement followed by late-stage introduction of the alkyl side chain moiety via olefin cross-metathesis is the cornerstone of this approach. The preliminary evaluation study of the synthesised sphingomimetics, based on their ability to inhibit a proliferation of human cancer cells, showed promising cytotoxicity against Jurkat and HeLa cells for (2R,3R,4S)-2,3,4-triaminooctadecan-1-ol trihydrochloride.

Divergent access to a novel 3,4-diaminophytosphingosine-like ceramide via sequential Overman rearrangement.

A straightforward approach to a novel phytosphingosine-like ceramide has been accomplished. The cornerstone features of this divergent synthesis are a cascade Overman rearrangement of tris(imidate) to introduce three desired stereogenic centres via sequential chirality transfer and an effective olefin cross-metathesis to install a long side chain. The final unusual phytoceramides were evaluated for their capacity to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cell lines. The preliminary results revealed that compound 21 exhibits promising anticancer activity against HeLa and HCT-116 cells as well as the excellent selectivity in cytotoxicity (malignant vs non-malignant cell lines).

Straightforward access to novel cytotoxic phytosphingosine-like aminotriols from l-erythrose chiron.

A divergent approach to a small library of long-chain 6-amino-1,4,5-triols as novel phytosphingosine-type entities, together with their preliminary cytotoxic evaluation, was achieved. Construction of the target compounds addressed two key aspects. First, the installation of a carbon-nitrogen bond via two prototypes of [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements and second the introduction of an alkyl side chain unit by using a late stage olefin cross-metathesis process. As shown in cell viability experiments, the corresponding HCl salts proved to be the most cytotoxic derivatives among all the tested substances, with IC50 values in the lower micromolar range on the Jurkat, HeLa and HCT-116 cell lines.

Synthesis and in vitro anticancer activity of penaresidin-related stereoisomeric analogues.

A straightforward route to penaresidin-based derivatives with an unsubstituted alkyl side chain was developed. To construct these stereoisomeric azetidene-derived alkaloids, [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements followed by late stage olefin cross metathesis and an intramolecular nucleophilic type substitution were involved as the key transformations. The protected d-ribofuranose was chosen as the sole chiral source. The ability of target molecules to inhibit cancer cells proliferation was evaluated on a panel of five malignant cell lines.

Jaspine B Hydrochloride-induced Apoptosis in HeLa Cells Is Associated With Disrupted Sphingolipid Metabolism and Ceramide Overload.

BACKGROUND/AIM: A series of experiments on HeLa cells were conducted to provide new information concerning the anti-cancer properties of jaspine B hydrochloride (JBH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HeLa cells treated with 0.5 µmol/l JBH for 24, 48, and 72 h underwent flow cytometric analysis of the cell cycle, and measurement of phosphatidylserine externalization, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), casp-3 activation, cleavage of PARP, ceramide levels, aSMase activity, and Bcl-2 release. nSMase activity was measured by a colorimetric assay. Gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR. Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect p21 and p27 expression. RESULTS: JBH-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells associated with externalization of phosphatidylserine, reduced MMP, activation of casp-3, and cleavage of PARP as well as up-regulation of TNF-α, FasL, and casp-8. Significant increase in nSMase activity, ceramide levels, Bcl-2 release (predominantly in the inactive form), and pro-apoptotic nuclear localization of p21 and p27 were also detected. CONCLUSION: JBH-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells is associated with disrupted sphingolipid homeostasis resulting in increased ceramide levels.

Synthesis and anticancer profile of novel sphingoid base-like compounds with a quaternary stereocentre.

The synthesis of novel sphingoid base-like compounds with a quaternary stereocentre was achieved in a sequence featuring [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements and olefin cross-metathesis transformation as the key reaction steps, which were accompanied by the rational selection of suitable functional group transformations. The stereochemistry of the desired tetra-substituted carbon bearing nitrogen functionality was determined via NOESY experiments of the advanced oxazolidine-2-thiones. Cell viability experiments revealed significant antiproliferative/cytotoxic activity of the target compounds 7, ent-7 and 29 against the Jurkat cell line, with the IC50 values of 6.6 µM, 5.6 µM and 6.1 µM, respectively.

Synthesis and mannosidase inhibitory profile of a small library of aminocyclitols from shikimic acid-derived scaffolds.

A short synthetic route to a small library of aminocyclitols 14·HCl-19·HCl has been elaborated from the common shikimic acid-derived scaffolds 20 and 21. The developed strategy features three oxidative processes ‒ ozonolysis, dihydroxylation and epoxidation ‒ as the key transformations. The stereochemistry of the newly created stereocentres was confirmed either via crystallographic analysis or by means of NOESY experiments conducted on advanced intermediates. Glycosidase inhibition study revealed no glucosidase inhibition and only weak inhibitory activity against recombinant Drosophila melanogaster Golgi mannosidase (GMIIb).

Synthetic analogues of marine cytotoxic jaspine B and its stereoisomers.

Synthetic analogues of the cytotoxic jaspine B and its stereochemical congeners have become an attractive target in the synthetic organic community owing to the search for novel therapeutic candidates with more potent anticancer activity, as cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. This review article provides insights into the different approaches and strategies available in the literature for the construction of jaspine B-related compounds.

Stereoselective synthesis and antiproliferative activity of the isomeric sphinganine analogues.

A flexible synthetic approach to biologically active sphingoid base-like compounds with a 3-amino-1,2-diol framework was achieved through a [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement and late stage olefin cross-metathesis as the key transformations. The stereochemistry of the newly created stereogenic centre was assigned via a single crystal X-ray analysis of the (4S,5R)-5-(hydroxymethyl)-4-vinyloxazolidine-2-thione. In order to rationalise the observed stereoselectivity of the aza-Claisen rearrangement, DFT calculations were carried out. The targeted isomeric sphingoid bases were screened in vitro for anticancer activity on a panel of seven human malignant cell lines. Cell viability experiments revealed that C17-homologues are more active than their C12 congeners.

Microwave accelerated aza-Claisen rearrangement.

A study of microwave-induced and standard thermal Overman rearrangement of selected allylic trichloroacetimidates 1a-1f, 6-8 to the corresponding acetamides 2a-2f, 9-11 is reported. The microwave-assisted rearrangement of trifluoroacetimidate 13 is also described. Using this methodology, an efficient access to versatile allylic trihaloacetamides building synthons was established.

A novel synthetic approach to C-glycosyl-D- and L-alanines.

C-Glycosyl-(S)- and (R)-alanines 12a and 12b were synthesized from the known beta-C-glycoside 1. The nitrogen function was introduced by aza-Claisen rearrangement of the allylic thiocyanate 7, derived from the corresponding alcohol 6. The absolute configuration of the newly created chiral carbon center (C-3) was assigned by X-ray diffraction analysis of the intermediate 3(S)-isothiocyanato-D-glycero-D-galacto-decose 8a.

A stereoselective approach towards a small library of cytotoxic isomeric sphingoid bases.

Two approaches to a small library of cytotoxic dihydrosphingosine analogues are described. [3,3]-Sigmatropic rearrangements along with an OCM reaction were used as the key steps for the construction of the two isodihydrosphingosines ent-6 and 10, whereas the functional group manipulations, including Grubbs' metathesis chemistry, were applied to known isothiocyanate scaffolds 15 and 16 to provide access to the enantiomeric forms of ent-6 and 10 and diastereomeric isophytosphingosines ent-7.HCl and 14. Cell viability experiments revealed that the target isomeric sphingoid bases were more potent than the traditional anticancer agent cisplatin, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range for the most active compounds.

Synthesis of the cytotoxic phytosphingosines and their isomeric analogues.

A straightforward synthesis of l-lyxo- and l-xylo-phytosphingosine along with their isomeric analogues has been accomplished. The salient features of this approach are the utilization of [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements to install a C-N bond and application of a late stage Wittig or OCM reaction to incorporate the hydrophobic chain unit. The final compounds were evaluated regarding their ability to alter both leukaemia and solid tumor cancer cells viability.

The convergent synthesis and anticancer activity of broussonetinines related analogues.

The convergent synthesis of broussonetinines related congeners 3 and 4 with the simple C13 alkyl side chain and differently configured pyrrolidine skeleton has been achieved. Our approach relied on the [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements of chiral allylic substrates derived from d-xylose. Cross metathesis of the common oxazolidinone intermediates 7 and 8 with tridec-1-ene followed by alkylative cyclization completed the construction of both C-alkyl iminosugars. The targeted compounds 3 and 4 were screened for antiproliferative/cytotoxic activities against multiple cancer cell lines by MTT assay. Compound 3 exhibited very good in vitro potency on Caco-2 and Jurkat cell lines with IC50 value of 5.1 µM and 5.8 µM, respectively.

Novel furanoid alpha-substitued alpha-amino acid as a potent turn mimic in peptide synthesis.

A stereoselective approach has been developed to the new sugar amino acid and potential potent turn mimic 5-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-3-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-methoxycarbonylamino-alpha-D-xylofuranose 3-C-carboxylic acid (12), via the [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of allylic thiocyanates (Z)-6 and (E)-7, prepared from D-xylose. The synthesis of a new dipeptide 13 is also described.

Marine cytotoxic jaspine B and its stereoisomers: biological activity and syntheses.

Conformationally constrained sphingolipids such as anhydrophytosphingosines represented by jaspine B (also known as pachastrissamine) and its stereoisomers have become an attractive and timely target for total synthesis due to their significant biological activity as well as the unique structures. This review article describes the biological activity and chemistry of the natural jaspine B and its seven stereoisomers.

Total synthesis and the anticancer activity of (+)-spisulosine.

The total synthesis of the anticancer agent (+)-spisulosine has been accomplished. The strategy involved a substrate-controlled aza-Claisen rearrangement to establish the erythro-configured amino-alcohol motif followed by deoxygenation to create a methyl side-chain. Subsequent Wittig olefination then permitted the construction of the carbon backbone of the target molecule. To investigate the antiproliferative effect of 1, its biological profile was examined on a panel of 6 human malignant cell lines and demonstrated the significant anticancer activity of 1 on at least five of the evaluated lines with IC50 < 1 µM (MCF-7, HTC-116, Caco-2, Jurkat and HeLa).