Bromo-substituted indirubins for inhibition of protein kinase-mediated signalling involved in inflammatory mediator release in human monocytes.

Targeting protein kinases that regulate signalling pathways in inflammation is an effective pharmacological approach to alleviate uncontrolled inflammatory diseases. In this context, the natural product indirubin and its 6-bromo-substituted analogue 6-bromoindirubin-3 -glycerol-oxime ether (6BIGOE; 1) were identified as potent inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß). These inhibitors suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins (PG) from human monocytes. However, indirubin derivatives target several protein kinases such as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) which has been a major concern for their application in inflammation therapy. Here, we report on a library of 13 5-bromo-substituted indirubin derivatives that have been designed to improve potency and target selectivity. Side-by-side comparison of reference compound 1 (6BIGOE) with 5-bromo derivatives revealed its isomer 2 (5BIGOE), as the most potent derivative able to supress pro-inflammatory cytokine and PG release in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human monocytes. Analysis of protein kinase inhibition in intact monocytes, supported by our in silico findings, proposed higher selectivity of 1 for GSK-3ß inhibition with lesser potency against CDKs 8 and 9. In contrast, 2 supressed the activity of these CDKs with higher effectiveness than GSK-3ß, representing additional targets of indirubins within the inflammatory response. Encapsulation of 1 and 2 into polymer-based nanoparticles (NP) improved their pharmacological potential. In conclusion, the 5- and 6-brominated indirubins 1 and 2 as dual GSK-3ß and CDK8/9 inhibitors represent a novel concept for intervention with inflammatory disorders.

Small-molecule activation of OGG1 increases oxidative DNA damage repair by gaining a new function.

Oxidative DNA damage is recognized by 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), which excises 8-oxoG, leaving a substrate for apurinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) and initiating repair. Here, we describe a small molecule (TH10785) that interacts with the phenylalanine-319 and glycine-42 amino acids of OGG1, increases the enzyme activity 10-fold, and generates a previously undescribed ß,δ-lyase enzymatic function. TH10785 controls the catalytic activity mediated by a nitrogen base within its molecular structure. In cells, TH10785 increases OGG1 recruitment to and repair of oxidative DNA damage. This alters the repair process, which no longer requires APE1 but instead is dependent on polynucleotide kinase phosphatase (PNKP1) activity. The increased repair of oxidative DNA lesions with a small molecule may have therapeutic applications in various diseases and aging.

Selective C-H chalcogenation of thiazoles via thiazol-2-yl-phosphonium salts.

Thiazoles and benzothiazoles undergo regioselective C2-H chalcogenation via the sequence of thiazole C2-functionalization with phosphines to produce phosphonium salts which in turn react with S- and Se-centered nucleophiles to give products of C2-H chalcogenation and allow for recovery of the starting phosphine. The atom economical sequence proceeds under mild conditions and features broad scope for both the nucleophiles (electron-rich, electron-poor, sterically hindered thiols) and the various substituted benzothiazoles. The access to the substituted medicinally relevant C2-thio benzothiazoles also enables stereoselectivity improvements in the modified Julia olefinations.

C-H Functionalization of Benzothiazoles via Thiazol-2-yl-phosphonium Intermediates.

Benzothiazoles undergo regioselective C2-H functionalization with triphenylphosphine to form thiazol-2-yl-triphenylphosphonium salts, and these phosphonium salts react with a wide range of O- and N-centered nucleophiles to give the corresponding ethers, amines, and C-N biaryls. The reactions proceed under mild conditions and allow for the recovery of triphenylphosphine at the end of the sequence. In the presence of hydroxide, phosphonium salts undergo disproportionation, resulting in the reduction of the benzothiazole, which is useful for specific C2 deuteration of benzothiazoles.

trans-Hydroboration vs. 1,2-reduction: divergent reactivity of ynones and ynoates in Lewis-base-catalyzed reactions with pinacolborane.

Ynones and ynoates react with pinacolborane in a divergent manner in the presence of nucleophilic phosphine catalysts. Ynones are transformed to the corresponding propargyl alcohols in good yields with high regio- and chemoselectivity. Ynoates undergo highly regio- and stereoselective trans-hydroboration to produce E-vinylboronates. Impressive divergence in reactivity of ynones and ynoates can be traced back to the mechanistic aspects of 1,2-reduction and trans-hydroboration. A comparative analysis of the two pathways paints a complex picture in which different reaction rates control selectivity in these seemingly unrelated processes and explains how sufficiently acidic protons in the reaction mixtures can be used to steer the selectivity in different directions.