Design, Synthesis, Evaluation and Structure of Allenic 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Analogs with Locked Mobility at C-17.

Vitamin D receptor ligands have potential for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases and disorders related to the immune system. However, hypercalcemic effects limit their therapeutical uses and call for the development of tissue-selective new analogs. We have designed and synthesized the first examples of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogs bearing an allenic unit attached to the D ring to restrict the side-chain conformational mobility. The triene system was constructed by a Pd0 -mediated cyclization/Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling process in the presence of an allenic side chain. The allenic moiety was built through an orthoester-Claisen rearrangement of a propargylic alcohol. The biological activity and structure of (22S)-1α,25-dihydroxy-17,20-dien-24-homo-21-nor-vitamin D3 bound to binding domain of the vitamin D receptor, provide information concerning side-chain conformational requirements for biological activity.

Innovative Three-Step Microwave-Promoted Synthesis of N-Propargyltetrahydroquinoline and 1,2,3-Triazole Derivatives as a Potential Factor Xa (FXa) Inhibitors: Drug Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation.

The coagulation cascade is the process of the conversion of soluble fibrinogen to insoluble fibrin that terminates in production of a clot. Factor Xa (FXa) is a serine protease involved in the blood coagulation cascade. Moreover, FXa plays a vital role in the enzymatic sequence which ends with the thrombus production. Thrombosis is a common causal pathology for three widespread cardiovascular syndromes: acute coronary syndrome (ACS), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and strokes. In this research a series of N-propargyltetrahydroquinoline and 1,2,3-triazole derivatives as a potential factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their FXa inhibitor activity, cytotoxicity activity and coagulation parameters. Rational design for the desired novel molecules was performed through protein-ligand complexes selection and ligand clustering. The microwave-assisted synthetic strategy of selected compounds was carried out by using Ullmann-Goldberg, N-propargylation, Mannich addition, Friedel-Crafts, and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition type reactions under microwave irradiation. The microwave methodology proved to be an efficient way to obtain all novel compounds in high yields (73-93%). Furthermore, a thermochemical analysis, optimization and reactivity indexes such as electronic chemical potential (µ), chemical hardness (η), and electrophilicity (ω) were performed to understand the relationship between the structure and the energetic behavior of all the series. Then, in vitro analysis showed that compounds 27, 29-31, and 34 exhibited inhibitory activity against FXa and the corresponding half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were calculated. Next, a cell viability assay in HEK293 and HepG2 cell lines, and coagulation parameters (anti FXa, Prothrombin time (PT), activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)) of the most active novel molecules were performed to determine the corresponding cytotoxicity and possible action on clotting pathways. The obtained results suggest that compounds 27 and 29 inhibited FXa targeting through coagulation factors in the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. However, compound 34 may target coagulation FXa mainly by the extrinsic and common pathway. Interestingly, the most active compounds in relation to the inhibition activity against FXa and coagulation parameters did not show toxicity at the performed coagulation assay concentrations. Finally, docking studies confirmed the preferential binding mode of N-propargyltetrahydroquinoline and 1,2,3-triazole derivatives inside the active site of FXa.

Stereoselective Palladium-Catalyzed Approach to Vitamin D3 Derivatives in Protic Medium.

We describe an efficient convergent synthesis of vitamin D3 metabolites and analogues. The synthetic strategy relies on a tandem Pd-catalyzed A-ring closure and Suzuki-Miyaura coupling to the CD-side chain component to set directly the vitamin D triene system under protic conditions. This strategy enables rapid access to vitamin D3 and 3-epi-vitamin D3 metabolites and analogues modified at the side chain for biological evaluation and structural and metabolic studies.

Total synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogs modified at the side chain and D-ring.

Herein, we describe a synthetic strategy to access 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) analogs with natural or unnatural configuration at C20 and unsaturation at the D-ring. The synthetic approach is exemplified by the synthesis of two potent analogs, namely 1α,25-dihydroxy-16-en-23-yne-vitamin D3 and 1α,25-dihydroxy-20-epi-24a-homo-26,27-dimethyl-vitamin D3. A key feature of the synthetic strategy is the generation of an unnatural configuration at C20 by a catalytic asymmetric reduction of an α,ß,γ,δ-unsaturated ester with the CuH species in a micellar system.

Base-dependent stereodivergent intramolecular aza-Michael reaction: asymmetric synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted isoindolines.

The nucleophilic addition (A(N)) / intramolecular aza-Michael reaction (IMAMR) process on Ellman's tert-butylsulfinyl imines, bearing a Michael acceptor in the ortho position, is studied. This reaction affords 1,3-disubstituted isoindolines with a wide range of substituents in good yields and diastereoselectivities. Interestingly, careful choice of the base for the aza-Michael step allows either the cis or the trans diastereoisomers to be exclusively obtained. This stereodivergent cyclization has enabled the synthesis of C2-symmetric bisacetate-substituted isoindolines. In addition, bisacetate isoindolines bearing two well-differentiated ester moieties are also noteworthy because they may allow for the orthogonal synthesis of ß,ß'-dipeptides using a single nitrogen atom as a linchpin.

The Centennial Collection of VDR Ligands: Metabolites, Analogs, Hybrids and Non-Secosteroidal Ligands.

Since the discovery of vitamin D a century ago, a great number of metabolites, analogs, hybrids and nonsteroidal VDR ligands have been developed. An enormous effort has been made to synthesize compounds which present beneficial properties while attaining lower calcium serum levels than calcitriol. This structural review covers VDR ligands published to date.

Design, Synthesis, Biological Activity, and Structural Analysis of Novel Des-C-Ring and Aromatic-D-Ring Analogues of 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3.

The toxic calcemic effects of the natural hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases demand the development of highly active and noncalcemic vitamin D analogues. We report the development of two highly active and noncalcemic analogues of 1,25D3 that lack the C-ring and possess an m-phenylene ring that replaces the natural D-ring. The new analogues (3a, 3b) are characterized by an additional six-carbon hydroxylated side chain attached either to the aromatic nucleus or to the triene system. Both compounds were synthesized by the Pd-catalyzed tandem cyclization/cross coupling approach starting from alkyne 6 and diphenol 8. Key steps include a stereoselective Cu-assisted addition of a Grignard reagent to an aromatic alkyne and a Takai olefination of an aromatic aldehyde. The new compounds are noncalcemic and show transcriptional and antiproliferative activities similar to 1,25D3. Structural analysis revealed that they induce a large conformational rearrangement of the vitamin D receptor around helix 6.

Targeted deficiency of the transcriptional activator Hnf1alpha alters subnuclear positioning of its genomic targets.

DNA binding transcriptional activators play a central role in gene-selective regulation. In part, this is mediated by targeting local covalent modifications of histone tails. Transcriptional regulation has also been associated with the positioning of genes within the nucleus. We have now examined the role of a transcriptional activator in regulating the positioning of target genes. This was carried out with primary beta-cells and hepatocytes freshly isolated from mice lacking Hnf1alpha, an activator encoded by the most frequently mutated gene in human monogenic diabetes (MODY3). We show that in Hnf1a-/- cells inactive endogenous Hnf1alpha-target genes exhibit increased trimethylated histone H3-Lys27 and reduced methylated H3-Lys4. Inactive Hnf1alpha-targets in Hnf1a-/- cells are also preferentially located in peripheral subnuclear domains enriched in trimethylated H3-Lys27, whereas active targets in wild-type cells are positioned in more central domains enriched in methylated H3-Lys4 and RNA polymerase II. We demonstrate that this differential positioning involves the decondensation of target chromatin, and show that it is spatially restricted rather than a reflection of non-specific changes in the nuclear organization of Hnf1a-deficient cells. This study, therefore, provides genetic evidence that a single transcriptional activator can influence the subnuclear location of its endogenous genomic targets in primary cells, and links activator-dependent changes in local chromatin structure to the spatial organization of the genome. We have also revealed a defect in subnuclear gene positioning in a model of a human transcription factor disease.

X-ray diffraction, solution structure, and computational studies on derivatives of (3-sec-butyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-4-ylidene)acetic acid: compounds with activity as calpain inhibitors.

A thorough experimental and computational study of derivatives of (3-sec-butyl-2,3-dihydroisoquinolin-4-ylidene)acetic acid was performed. Some of these compounds are calpain inhibitors and could be useful as therapeutic agents, since this enzyme is a Ca(2+)-dependent cysteine protease involved in a wide variety of metabolic and physiological processes, whose over-activation is associated to several pathological conditions. To gain a better understanding of the structure-activity relationships, a structural analysis was carried out with (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations together with the X-ray diffraction data of three compounds. The solid state structures showed that the crystal packing as well as the intermolecular interactions depend on the substituent nature of the COOR group. Also, the reactivity of the exocyclic double bond was theoretically evaluated, finding that the more reactive compound is the most potent inhibitor of calpain (IC(50) = 25 nM).

Vitamin D and Its Synthetic Analogs.

For many individuals, in particular during winter, supplementation with the secosteroid vitamin D3 is essential for the prevention of bone disorders, muscle weakness, autoimmune diseases, and possibly also different types of cancer. Vitamin D3 acts via its metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] as potent agonist of the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR). Thus, vitamin D directly affects chromatin structure and gene regulation at thousands of genomic loci, i.e., the epigenome and transcriptome of its target tissues. Modifications of 1,25(OH)2D3 at its side-chain, A-ring, triene system, or C-ring, alone and in combination, as well as nonsteroidal mimics provided numerous potent VDR agonists and some antagonists. The nearly 150 crystal structures of VDR's ligand-binding domain with various vitamin D compounds allow a detailed molecular understanding of their action. This review discusses the most important vitamin D analogs presented during the past 10 years and molecular insight derived from new structural information on the VDR protein.

Synthesis of 28,28,28-trideutero-25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol2.

As part of our program on synthesis of labeled vitamin D metabolites and analogs, we describe here an efficient and versatile synthetic approach to 28,28,28-trideutero- 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol2 where isotopic labeling was incorporated stereoselectively in the last step of the synthesis. This deuterated compound will allow the study this analog in vitro or in vivo and to measure AT10-like compounds in serum by LC-MS/MS.

Synthesis of Side-Chain Locked Analogs of 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Bearing a C17 Methyl Group.

A convergent synthesis of side-chain locked vitamin D analogs 3 and 4, which bind strongly in silico to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), is described. The synthetic approach features an SN2'- syn displacement of carbamates by cuprates to set the challenging quaternary stereogenic center at C17 and a Pd-catalyzed construction of the triene system in the presence of a diyne moiety.

Stereoselective synthesis of 25S,26-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

A convergent approach to 25S,26-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1) has been developed in our laboratories. The A-ring and the CD-fragment are constructed from ergocalciferol and Inhoffen-Lythgoe diol, respectively. The triene system is assembled by a Wittig-Horner coupling. With this convergent synthesis, a novel hydroxylated vitamin D metabolite in our laboratory is available for biological testing.

Aromatic-Based Design of Highly Active and Noncalcemic Vitamin D Receptor Agonists.

We report the design, synthesis, biological evaluation, and structural analysis of a new class of vitamin D analogues that possess an aromatic m-phenylene D-ring and an alkyl chain replacing the C-ring. A key feature of the synthetic strategy is a stereoselective Pd-catalyzed construction of the triene system in aqueous medium that allows the rapid preparation of small amounts of VDR ligands for biological screening. Analogues with the shorter (2a) and longer (2d, 2e) side chains attached to the triene system have no calcemic activity. Compound 2a binds to VDR with the same order of magnitude than calcipotriol and oxacalcitriol. It also reduces proliferation in normal and tumor cells similarly to the natural hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, calcipotriol, and oxacalcitriol, suggesting preclinical studies related to hyperproliferative disorders such as psoriasis and cancer.

A conditional model reveals that induction of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha in Hnf1alpha-null mutant beta-cells can activate silenced genes postnatally, whereas overexpression is deleterious.

Humans with heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha (HNF1alpha) gene develop beta-cell-deficient diabetes (maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 3), indicating that HNF1alpha gene dosage is critical in beta-cells. However, whether increased HNF1alpha expression might be beneficial or deleterious for beta-cells is unknown. Furthermore, although it is clear that HNF1alpha is required for beta-cell function, it is not known whether this role is cell autonomous or whether there is a restricted developmental time frame for HNF1alpha to elicit gene activation in beta-cells. To address this, we generated a tetracycline-inducible mouse model that transcribes HNF1alpha selectively in beta-cells in either wild-type or Hnf1alpha-null backgrounds. Short-term induction of HNF1alpha in islets from adult Hnf1alpha(-/-) mice that did not express HNF1alpha throughout development resulted in the activation of target genes, indicating that HNF1alpha has beta-cell-autonomous functions that can be rescued postnatally. However, transgenic induction throughout development, which inevitably resulted in supraphysiological levels of HNF1alpha, strikingly caused a severe reduction of cellular proliferation, increased apoptosis, and consequently beta-cell depletion and diabetes. Thus, HNF1alpha is sensitive to both reduced and excessive concentrations in beta-cells. This finding illustrates the paramount importance of using the correct concentration of a beta-cell transcription factor in both gene therapy and artificial differentiation strategies.

Genetic evidence that HNF-1alpha-dependent transcriptional control of HNF-4alpha is essential for human pancreatic beta cell function.

Mutations in the genes encoding hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF-4alpha) and HNF-1alpha impair insulin secretion and cause maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY). HNF-4alpha is known to be an essential positive regulator of HNF-1alpha. More recent data demonstrates that HNF-4alpha expression is dependent on HNF-1alpha in mouse pancreatic islets and exocrine cells. This effect is mediated by binding of HNF-1alpha to a tissue-specific promoter (P2) located 45.6 kb upstream from the previously characterized Hnf4alpha promoter (P1). Here we report that the expression of HNF-4alpha in human islets and exocrine cells is primarily mediated by the P2 promoter. Furthermore, we describe a G --> A mutation in a conserved nucleotide position of the HNF-1alpha binding site of the P2 promoter, which cosegregates with MODY. The mutation results in decreased affinity for HNF-1alpha, and consequently in reduced HNF-1alpha-dependent activation. These findings provide genetic evidence that HNF-1alpha serves as an upstream regulator of HNF-4alpha and interacts directly with the P2 promoter in human pancreatic cells. Furthermore, they indicate that this regulation is essential to maintain normal pancreatic function.

Total synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) through a Si-assisted allylic substitution.

Herein, we describe a versatile and efficient total synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol). The synthetic strategy relies on an unprecedented Si-assisted SN2'-syn displacement of carbamates by cuprates to set the challenging pivotal quaternary methyl group at the fused-ring junction of the CD-trans-hydrindane core. Other key transformations involve the catalytic asymmetric reduction of an α,ß,γ,δ-unsaturated ester with CuH to generate the natural steroidal configuration at C20 and a Pauson-Khand cyclization to form the CD-ring skeleton. This strategy enables the syntheses of novel analogs for structure-function studies and drug development.

A new approach to 19-nor-A-ring phosphine oxide for the convergent synthesis of 19-nor-calcitriol.

A new approach to 19-nor-A-ring phosphine oxide 5 together with a convergent synthesis of the vitamin D3 analogue 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3 (3) have been developed. The 19-nor-A-ring is constructed from (S)-carvone. The triene system is assembled by a Wittig-Horner coupling.

Stereoselective synthesis of 1ß,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its 26,27-hexadeuterated derivative.

A mild convergent synthesis of 1ß,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (3a), a metabolite of vitamin D3, and its C26,27-hexadeuterated derivative (3b) are described. The A-ring and the CD-fragments are constructed from (R)-carvone and Inhoffen-Lythgoe diol, respectively. The triene system is assembled by a Pd(0)-catalyzed process, which involves an enol-triflate (A-ring fragment) and an alkenyl boronate (CD-side chain fragment). Deuterium labeling is introduced at the last step of the synthesis.

Vitamin D receptor 2016: novel ligands and structural insights.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D3 activates via its hormonal form 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3), the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR is expressed in most human tissues and has more than 1,000 target genes. Thus, 1α,25(OH)2D3 and its synthetic analogs have a broad physiological impact. The crystal structures of the VDR ligand-binding domain (LBD), and its various ligands, allows further the understanding of the receptor's molecular actions. Areas covered: We discuss the most important novel VDR ligands and the further insight derived from new structural information on VDR. Expert opinion: There is an increasing appreciation of the impact of vitamin D and its receptor VDR not only in bone biology, but also for metabolic diseases, immunological disorders, and cancer. Detailed structural analysis of the interaction of additional novel ligands with VDR highlight helices 6 and 7 of the LBD as being most critical for stabilizing the receptor for an efficient interaction with co-activator proteins, i.e. for efficient agonistic action. This permits the design of even more effective VDR agonists. In addition, chemists took more liberty in replacing major parts of the 1α,25(OH)2D3 molecule, such as the A- and CD-rings or the side chain, with significantly different structures, such as carboranes, and still obtained functional VDR agonists.