Synthetic studies on thiostrepton: construction of thiostrepton analogues with the thiazoline-containing macrocycle

Recent advances in the synthesis and utility of thiazoline and its derivatives

Thiazolines and their derivatives hold significant importance in the field of medicinal chemistry due to their promising potential as pharmaceutical agents. These molecular entities serve as critical scaffolds within numerous natural products, including curacin A, thiangazole, and mirabazole, and play a vital role in a wide array of physiological reactions. Their pharmacological versatility encompasses anti-HIV, neurological, anti-cancer, and antibiotic activities. Over the course of recent decades, researchers have extensively explored and developed analogs of these compounds, uncovering compelling therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Consequently, thiazoline-based compounds have emerged as noteworthy targets for synthetic endeavors. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in the synthesis of thiazolines and thiazoline-based derivatives, along with an exploration of their diverse potential applications across various scientific domains.

Synthesis and evaluation of potent yaku'amide A analogs

Two full-length analogs of the anticancer peptide yaku'amide A (1a) and four partial structures have been synthesized. These analogs were identified by computational studies in which the three E- and Z-ΔIle residues of the natural product were replaced by the more accessible dehydroamino acids ΔVal and ΔEnv. Of the eight possible analogs, modeling showed that the targeted structures 2a and 2b most closely resembled the three-dimensional structure of 1a. Synthesis of 2a and 2b followed a convergent route that was streamlined by the absence of ΔIle in the targets. Screening of the compounds against various cancer cell lines revealed that 2a and 2b mimic the potent anticancer activity of 1a, thereby validating the computational studies.

Simplified full-length analogs of yaku'amide A were designed with the aid of computations and then synthesized. The analog that was predicted to most closely resemble the structure of the natural product mimicked its anticancer activity.

Total Synthesis and Structure Assignment of Saptomycin H

We report herein the first total synthesis of saptomycin H (2), by which the unidentified absolute stereochemistry of the oxiranyl side chain has been determined as 14R,16S. The keys include (1) concise assembly of three units, anthrone, sugar and side chain, and (2) AZADOL-mediated 6-endo-selective pyranone (A-ring) formation.

Towards a streamlined synthesis of peptides containing α,β-dehydroamino acids

Investigation of a strategy to streamline the synthesis of peptides containing α,β-dehydroamino acids (ΔAAs) is reported. The key step involves generating the alkene moiety via elimination of a suitable precursor after it has been inserted into a peptide chain. This process obviates the need to prepare ΔAA-containing azlactone dipeptides to facilitate coupling of these residues. Z-dehydroaminobutyric acid (Z-ΔAbu) could be constructed most efficiently via EDC/CuCl-mediated dehydration of Thr. Formation of Z-ΔPhe by this or other dehydration methods was unsuccessful. Production of the bulky ΔVal residue could be accomplished by DAST-promoted dehydrations of β-OHVal or by DBU-triggered eliminations of sulfonium ions derived from penicillamine derivatives. However, competitive formation of an oxazoline byproduct remains problematic.

Thiazole-amino acids: influence of thiazole ring on conformational properties of amino acid residues

Post-translational modified thiazole-amino acid (Xaa-Tzl) residues have been found in macrocyclic peptides (e.g., thiopeptides and cyanobactins), which mostly inhibit protein synthesis in Gram + bacteria. Conformational study of the series of model compounds containing this structural motif with alanine, dehydroalanine, dehydrobutyrine and dehydrophenylalanine were performed using DFT method in various environments. The solid-state crystal structure conformations of thiazole-amino acid residues retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database were also analysed. The studied structural units tend to adopt the unique semi-extended β2 conformation; which is stabilised mainly by N-H⋯NTzl hydrogen bond, and for dehydroamino acids also by π-electron conjugation. The conformational preferences of amino acids with a thiazole ring were compared with oxazole analogues and the role of the sulfur atom in stabilising the conformations of studied peptides was discussed.

Convergent Total Synthesis of Yaku'amide A

Total synthesis of the anticancer peptide natural product yaku'amide A is reported. Its β-tert-hydroxy amino acids were prepared by regioselective aminohydroxylation involving a chiral mesyloxycarbamate reagent. Stereospecific construction of the E- and Z-ΔIle residues was accomplished through a one-pot reaction featuring anti dehydration, azide reduction, and O→N acyl transfer. Alkene isomerization was negligible during this process. These methods enabled a highly convergent and efficient synthetic route to the natural product.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a MraY selective analogue of tunicamycins

Tunicamycins, which are nucleoside natural products, inhibit both bacterial phospho-N-acetylmuraminic acid (MurNAc)-pentapeptide translocase (MraY) and human UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc): polyprenol phosphate translocase (GPT). The improved synthesis and detailed biological evaluation of an MraY-selective inhibitor, 2, where the GlcNAc moiety was modified to a MurNAc amide, has been described.

Total Synthesis of Hoiamide A Using an Evans-Tishchenko Reaction as a Key Step

The first total synthesis of neurotoxic cyclodepsipeptide hoiamide A (1) has been accomplished. The synthesis features the use of an Evans-Tishchenko fragment coupling between a five-stereogenic-center-containing β-hydroxyketone and a chiral aldehyde derived from threonine.

Convergent synthesis and optical properties of near-infrared emitting bioluminescent infra-luciferins

Infra-luciferin, an alkene linked analogue of luciferin, gives bioluminescence emission >700 nm and has the potential to be used for multiparametric in vivo imaging. We report here a high yielding, scalable and convergent synthesis of infra-luciferin which will allow the synthesis of other conjugated luciferins for investigation in near-infrared bioluminescence imaging. We demonstrated this potential by using the new route to synthesise a diene linked analogue of luciferin, the fluorescent and bioluminescent properties of which were compared to those of d-luciferin and infra-luciferin. We found that extension of conjugation to a diene linker resulted in the specific bioluminescence activity being reduced by 3-4 orders of magnitude compared to d-luciferin. Analogous to its fluorescence emission spectrum, the diene linked analogue exhibited two peaks in its bioluminescence spectrum, the major one being slightly blue-shifted compared to natural d-luciferin, and a minor peak at ca. 800 nm. The fluorescence quantum yield and pH dependence of fluorescence were also determined.

Thiopeptide engineering: a multidisciplinary effort towards future drugs

The recent development of thiopeptide analogues of antibiotics has allowed some of the limitations inherent to these naturally occurring substances to be overcome. Chemical synthesis, semisynthetic derivatization, and engineering of the biosynthetic pathway have independently led to complementary modifications of various thiopeptides. Some of the new substances have displayed improved profiles, not only as antibiotics, but also as antiplasmodial and anticancer drugs. The design of novel molecules based on the thiopeptide scaffold appears to be the only strategy to exploit the high potential they have shown in vitro. Herein we present the most relevant achievements in the production of thiopeptide analogues and also discuss the way the different approaches might be combined in a multidisciplinary strategy to produce more sophisticated structures.

How thiostrepton was made in the laboratory

Thiostrepton, a powerful antibiotic belonging to the thiopeptide class, was synthesized in the laboratory for the first time in 2004 through an arduous campaign involving novel strategies and tactics, scenic detours, and unexpected roadblocks. In this Review the author narrates the long journey to success, not so dissimilar to Odysseus' return voyage to Ithaca, full of adventure, knowledge, and wisdom.

Paradigm shift in discovering next-generation anti-infective agents: targeting quorum sensing, c-di-GMP signaling and biofilm formation in bacteria with small molecules

Small molecules that can attenuate bacterial toxin production or biofilm formation have the potential to solve the bacteria resistance problem. Although several molecules, which inhibit bacterial cell-to-cell communication (quorum sensing), biofilm formation and toxin production, have been discovered, there is a paucity of US FDA-approved drugs that target these processes. Here, we review the current understanding of quorum sensing in important pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and provide examples of experimental molecules that can inhibit both known and unknown targets in bacterial virulence factor production and biofilm formation. Structural data for protein targets that are involved in both quorum sensing and cyclic diguanylic acid signaling are needed to aid the development of molecules with drug-like properties in order to target bacterial virulence factors production and biofilm formation.

Total synthesis of siomycin A: construction of synthetic segments

The five practical segments for the total synthesis of siomycin A, that is, the dehydropiperidine segment A (5), the pentapeptide segment B (3), the dihydroquinoline segment C (6), and the beta-phenylselenoalanine dipeptide segments D (7) and E (4), were synthesized. Segment A (5) was constructed by the coupling of the azomethine ylide and the chiral sulfinimine, followed by the stereoselective reduction of the six-membered imine function. Segment B (3) was synthesized by the phenylselenylation of the beta-lactone, stereoselective vinylzinc addition to the chiral sulfinimine, and oxazoline-thioamide conversion. Segment C (6) was prepared by the one-pot olefination of the tetrahydroquinoline N-oxide using triflic anhydride and triethylamine, stereoselective reduction of the methyl ketone function, and regioselective Yb(OTf)(3)-catalyzed epoxide opening by the amino group. Segments D (7) and E (4) were synthesized by coupling of the properly protected beta-phenylselenoalanines.

Concise total synthesis of the thiazolyl peptide antibiotic GE2270 A

The potent antibiotic thiazolylpeptide GE2270 A was synthesized starting from N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl protected valine in a longest linear sequence of 20 steps and with an overall yield of 4.8 %. Key strategy was the assembly of the 2,3,6-trisubstituted pyridine core by consecutive cross-coupling reactions starting from 2,6-dibromo-3-iodopyridine. The complete Southern fragment was installed by Negishi cross-coupling of 3-zincated 2,6-dibromopyridine at the terminal 2-iodothiazole of a trithiazole (87 %). The substituent at C-6 representing the Northern part of the molecule was introduced in form of the truncated tert-butyl 2-bromothiazole-4-carboxylate after metalation to a zinc reagent by another Negishi cross-coupling (48 %). Decisive step of the whole sequence was the macrocyclization to a 29-membered macrolactam, which was conducted as an intramolecular Stille cross-coupling occurring at C-2 of the pyridine core and providing the desired product in 75 % yield. The required stannane was obtained by amide bond formation (87 %) between a complex dithiazole fragment representing the Eastern part of GE2270 A and a 3,6-disubstituted 2-bromopyridine. Final steps included attachment of a serine-proline amide dipeptide to the Northern part of the molecule (65 %), formation of the oxazoline ring and silyl ether deprotection (55 % overall).

Total synthesis of thiopeptide antibiotics GE2270A, GE2270T, and GE2270C1

The total syntheses of the thiopeptide antibiotics GE2270A (7), GE2270T (8), and GE2270C1 (9) are described. The original synthetic strategies employed utilized the hetero-Diels-Alder reaction to construct the pyridine core of the target molecules and relied on a macrolactamization process to construct the macrocycle. The hetero-Diels-Alder-based strategy finally evolved allows the introduction of all four thiazole units attached to the pyridine ring and a one-pot sequence for macrocyclization and side-chain extension, culminating in highly convergent and expedient syntheses of these molecules as exemplified by a 24-step synthesis of GE2270C1 (9).

Total synthesis of the cyclodepsipeptide apratoxin A and its analogues and assessment of their biological activities

A novel total synthesis of apratoxin A is described, with key steps including the assembly of its ketide segment through a D-proline-catalyzed direct aldol reaction and Oppolzer's anti aldol reaction and the preparation of its thiazoline unit in a biomimetic synthesis. An oxazoline analogue of apratoxin A has also been elaborated by a similar approach. This compound has a potency against HeLa cell proliferation only slightly lower than that of apratoxin A, whilst a C(40)-demethylated oxazoline analogue of apratoxin A displays a much lower cytotoxicity and the C(37)-epimer and C(37) demethylation product of this new analogue are inactive. These results suggest that the two methyl groups at C(37) and C(40) and the stereochemistry at C(37) are essential for the potent cellular activity of the oxazoline analogue of apratoxin A. Further biological analysis revealed that both synthetic apratoxin A and its oxazoline analogue inhibited cell proliferation by causing cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase.

Selective synthesis of functionalized, tertiary silanes by diastereoselective rearrangement-addition

[reaction: see text] Treatment of hydroxy-substituted silyl epoxides with Grignard reagents induces a 1,2-carbon shift to reveal alpha-silyl aldehydes, which are trapped by highly diastereoselective addition reactions of the Grignard reagent. The starting epoxides are readily accessible from propargylic alcohols by regio- and diastereoselective hydrosilylation and epoxidation reactions. In addition to providing functionalized tertiary silane products, the method is shown to offer a tertiary olefin synthesis through chemo- and diastereoselective Peterson elimination of the product tertiary silane diols.

Formation and Reactivity of Silacyclopropenes Derived from Siloxyalkynes: Stereoselective Formation of 1,2,4-Triols

Silver phosphate-catalyzed silylene transfer to siloxyalkynes provided silacyclopropenes possessing a silyl enol ether functional group. Copper-catalyzed insertions of carbonyl compounds afforded the corresponding oxasilacyclopentenes. The embedded silyl enol ether functionality was treated with various aldehydes and a catalytic amount of Sc(OTf)3 to provide dioxasilacycloheptanones, which resulted from an aldol addition/rearrangement. Stereoselective reduction or allylation of the cyclic ketone, followed by n-Bu4NF deprotection, provided high yields of 1,2,4-triols possessing four contiguous stereocenters.

Alkyne hydrosilylation catalyzed by a cationic ruthenium complex: efficient and general trans addition

The complex [Cp*Ru(MeCN)3]PF6 is shown to catalyze the hydrosilylation of a wide range of alkynes. Terminal alkynes afford access to alpha-vinylsilane products with good regioselectivity. Deuterium labeling studies indicate a clean trans addition process is at work. The same complex is active in internal alkyne hydrosilylation, where absolute selectivity for the trans addition process is maintained. Several internal alkyne substrate classes, including propargylic alcohols and alpha,beta-alkynyl carbonyl compounds, allow regioselective vinylsilane formation. The tolerance of a wide range of silanes is noteworthy, including alkyl-, aryl-, alkoxy-, and halosilanes. This advantage is demonstrated in the direct synthesis of triene substrates for silicon-tethered intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloadditions.

An alkyne hydrosilylation-oxidation strategy for the selective installation of oxygen functionality

Alkynes bearing propargylic, homopropargylic, and bishomopropargylic hydroxyl groups are shown to serve as precursors for ketone or alpha-hydroxy ketone functionality. The approach hinges on the intermediacy of vinylsilanes created through regioselective hydrosilylation catalyzed by the complex [Cp*Ru(MeCN)3]PF6. Several oxidative pathways of linear and cyclic vinylsilanes are studied, and the possibility of diastereoselective epoxidation of cyclic vinylsilanes is demonstrated. The sequences constitute the equivalent of stereoselective aldol, homo-aldol, and bishomo-aldol type processes. The method is applied to a short synthesis of the piperidine alkaloid, spectaline.

A Stereoselective Route toward Polyhydoxylated Piperidines. A Total Synthesis of (±)-Deoxymannojirimycin

[reaction: see text] A chemo- and stereoselective palladium-catalyzed amination of silylated butenediol dicarbonates has allowed for the introduction of a glycine moiety to obtain a desired functionalized epoxysilane. A stereoselective aldolization then delivered the piperidine ring which may be used as a precursor for the synthesis of a variety of polyhydroxylated azasugars. This efficient approach has been illustrated by the synthesis of 1-deoxymannojirimycin including a stereoselective reduction with LAH and a Tamao-Fleming oxidation of a C-SiMe(2)Ph bond.

Total Synthesis of RK-397

An enantioselective synthesis of the polyene macrolide RK-397 is described. The use of the same eight-carbon building block twice for the construction of the polyol chain allowed for a highly convergent synthesis. The synthesis highlights stereoselective vinylogous aldol addition using a chiral bisphosphoramide as well as a sequential palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction for the preparation of key fragments.