Prodigiosene [5-(2-pyrryl)-2,2-'-dipyrrylmethene] and some substituted prodigiosenes

Investigating Alkylated Prodigiosenes and Their Cu(II)-Dependent Biological Activity: Interactions with DNA, Antimicrobial and Photoinduced Anticancer Activity

Prodigiosenes are a family of red pigments with versatile biological activity. Their tripyrrolic core structure has been modified many times in order to manipulate the spectrum of activity. We have been looking systematically at prodigiosenes substituted at the C ring with alkyl chains of different lengths, in order to assess the relevance of this substituent in a context that has not been investigated before for these derivatives: Cu(II) complexation, DNA binding, self‐activated DNA cleavage, photoinduced cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity. Our results indicate that the hydrophobic substituent has a clear influence on the different aspects of their biological activity. The cytotoxicity study of the Cu(II) complexes of these prodigiosenes shows that they exhibit a strong cytotoxic effect towards the tested tumor cell lines. The Cu(II) complex of a prodigiosene lacking any alkyl chain excelled in its photoinduced anticancer activity, thus demonstrating the potential of prodigiosenes and their metal complexes for an application in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Two derivatives along with their Cu(II) complexes showed also antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus strains.

A step-wise synthetic approach is necessary to access γ-conjugates of folate: folate-conjugated prodigiosenes

Despite the vast literature that describes reacting folic acid with a pharmacophore, this route is ineffective in providing the correct regioisomer of the resulting conjugate. We herein present a step-wise route to the preparation of nine folate conjugates of the tripyrrolic prodigiosene skeleton. The strict requirement for step-wise construction of the folate core is demonstrated, so as to achieve conjugation at only the desired γ-carboxylic acid and thus maintain the α-carboxylic site for folate receptor (FRα) recognition. Linkages via ethylenediamine, polyethylene glycol and glutathione are demonstrated.

Despite the vast literature that describes reacting folic acid with a pharmacophore, this route is ineffective in providing the correct regioisomer of the resulting conjugate.

Photo-induced anticancer activity and singlet oxygen production of prodigiosenes

The photo-induced cytotoxicity of prodigiosenes is reported. One prodigiosene represents a synthetic analogue of the natural product prodigiosin, and two are conjugated to molecules that target the estrogen receptor (ER). A comparison of incubation and irradiation frameworks for the three prodigiosenes is reported, with activity against ER- and ER+ lines explored. Furthermore, the ability of the three prodigiosenes to photosensitise the production of singlet oxygen is demonstrated, shedding mechanistic light onto possible photodynamic therapeutic effects of this class of tripyrroles.

Prodigiosenes conjugated to tamoxifen and estradiol

We report the synthesis of the first click-appended prodigiosene conjugates. Four prodigiosene conjugates of estradiol functionalised at the 7α-position were prepared, as were three prodigiosene conjugates of tamoxifen. The coupling between a prodigiosene and an 11-hydroxy estradiol derivative via an ether linkage was investigated, as was the 11- and 7-functionalisation of the estradiol core. The robustness of estradiol protecting groups was severely challenged by reactions typically used to equip such frameworks for 11- and 7-functionalisation. Specifically, and important to synthesis involving estradiol, TBS, TMS and THP are not useful protecting groups for the functionalisation of this core. When the chemical features of the therapeutic agent limit the choice of protecting group (in this case, prodigiosenes bearing aryl, NH, alkenyl and ester groups), click chemistry becomes an attractive synthetic strategy. The anti-cancer activity of the seven click prodigiosene conjugates was evaluated.

Synthesis and characterization of pyrrolyldipyrrin F-BODIPYs

A series of synthetic analogs of the tripyrrolic natural product prodigiosin were complexed with boron trifluoride to generate the corresponding F-BODIPYs.

Synthesis and anticancer activity of prodigiosenes bearing C-ring esters and amides

Ten novel prodigiosenes with anticancer activity.

Synthesis of prodigiosene–estrogen conjugates: optimization of protecting group strategies and anticancer properties

The tripyrrolic prodigiosene skeleton was conjugated to several estrogen ligands. The conjugation was achieved via an ester linker that proved to be unusually sensitive to hydrolysis during synthesis. This work describes the determination of an appropriate protecting group for the hydroxy groups of the estrogen linker. The anticancer properties of the target prodigiosene–estrogen conjugates were evaluated against breast cancer cells and some show selectivity for ER+ breast cancer cell lines.

Synthetic prodigiosenes and the influence of C-ring substitution on DNA cleavage, transmembrane chloride transport and basicity

Analogues of the tripyrrolic natural product prodigiosin bearing an additional methyl and a carbonyl group at the C-ring were synthesised and evaluated. In vitro anticancer activity screening (NCI) and the study of modes of action (copper-mediated cleavage of double-stranded DNA and transmembrane transport of chloride anions) showed that the presence of the methyl group is not detrimental to activity. Furthermore, although the presence of an ester conjugated to the prodigiosene C-ring seems to decrease both pK(a) and chloride transport efficiency compared to the natural product, these analogues still exhibit a high rate of chloride transport. All analogues exhibit good in vitro anticancer activity and reduced toxicity compared to the natural product: compare an acute systemic toxicity of 100 mg kg(-1) in mice vs. 4 mg kg(-1) for prodigiosin, pointing towards a larger therapeutic window than for the natural product.

Investigations regarding the utility of prodigiosenes to treat leukemia

Prodigiosenes, possessing a 4-methoxypyrrolyldipyrrin skeleton, are known for their anti-cancer activity. Structural modification of the C-ring resulted in a series of prodigiosenes that displayed promising activity against leukemia cell lines during in vitro analysis against the NCI 60 cancer cell line panel. Further in vivo studies of these compounds using the zebrafish model showed persistence of anti-leukemia properties in human K562 chronic myelogenous leukemia cells.

Pyrroles, dipyrrins and prodigiosenes: one, two and three

The Thompson group aims to further the chemistry of pyrroles, dipyrrins and prodigiosenes. This micro-review discusses each of these research areas in turn, focussing on our achievements thus far.

Mutation of bacterium Vibrio gazogenes for selective preparation of colorants

A novel marine bacterium strain effectively produced prodiginine type pigments. These colorants could dye wool, silk and synthetic fabrics such as polyester and polyacrylic and also show antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the dyed products. Methyl nitrosoguanidine was used as a mutation agent to increase the genetic diversity and the production yield of the bacteria of the family of Vibrio gazogenes. The analysis of the mutated samples showed that two new main colorants as well as three previously found ones were produced. Liquid chromatography electro spray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques were used to elucidate the structures of the newly produced colorants. Mass measurements revealed that the colorants C1, C2, C3, C4 have molecular masses of 321, 323, 351, and 295 Da. One unstable colorant C5 with molecular mass of 309 Da was detected as well. The mutated bacteria strains increased the yield of pigment production by about 81% and produced prodigiosin in 97% purity. The antibiotic activities of pure colorants are discussed as well. Based on their bio-activity and excellent dyeing capabilities, these colorants could be employed in cosmetic and textile industries.

Prodigiosin synthesis with electron rich 2,2′-bipyrroles

The prodigiosins possess a linear tripyrrolic scaffold with the A and B pyrrolic rings connected directly in a bipyrrole unit, and the B and C rings joined in a dipyrrin. These red streptomycete metabolites exhibit among other activities, antitumor, antimicrobial, and immunomodulating properties. A new prodigiosin synthesis has been developed that employs electron rich 2,2′-bipyrroles. In particular, undecylprodigiosin and PNU-156804 were synthesized by condensations of 4-methoxy and 4-benzyloxy 2,2′-bipyrroles, 20a and 20b, respectively, with 5-undecylpyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde in 75% and 83% yields. The 4-alkoxy-2,2′-bipyrroles were synthesized from 4-alkoxypyrrolyl butenyl ketones (15a and 15b), which were made by a novel one-pot process from 2-acyl-N-(PhF)pyrrolidin-4-one (13) [PhF = 9-(9-phenylfluorenyl)] using PhFNa in the presence of alkyl halide. A sequence of alkoxy pyrrole 15a and 15b protection, olefin oxidation, Paal–Knorr condensation, and deprotection gave the requisite 4-alkoxy-2,2′-bipyrroles (20). This route offers utility for making 4-alkoxybipyrroles as well as prodigiosins with diversity at the 6-position of the linear tripyrrolic skeleton.Key words: prodigiosin, pyrrole, bipyrrole, PNU-156804, undecylprodigiosin.

Biosynthesis of antibiotic prodiginines in the marine bacterium Hahella chejuensis KCTC 2396

AIMS

Hahella chejuensis KCTC 2396 produces red pigments, showing antibacterial and algicidal activities. The main red-coloured metabolite of the pigments was identified as antibiotic prodigiosin. With the expectation that the red pigments are a mixture of a series of close relatives, the aim of the present study is to detect new antibiotic prodigiosin analogues and to analyse the biosynthetic pattern for prodiginines in KCTC 2396.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Except prodigiosin, the other constituents in the red pigments were confirmed as well-known dipyrrolyldipyrromethene prodigiosin, norprodigiosin, and undecylprodiginine. Additionally, four new prodigiosin analogues, each of which was distinguished from prodigiosin (C(5)), according to differences in alkyl chain length (C(3)-C(7)), were detected in small quantities by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry spectroscopy. Owing to the presence of a cytotoxic methoxy group, it is expected that all the new prodigiosin analogues are bioactive.

CONCLUSIONS

Four characterized prodiginines, including prodigiosin and four new prodigiosin analogues are produced in different ratio in KCTC 2396. All of the prodiginines possess a common linear tripyrrolyl structure and a cytotoxic methoxy group.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study shows for the first time that KCTC 2396 is able to produce antibiotic prodigiosin, undecylprodiginine and new prodigiosin analogues in a mixture of pigments. It is also shown that KCTC 2396 possesses a novel system for the simultaneous production of multiple prodiginines in a single micro-organism.

Synthesis and Anti-Cancer Activity of C-Ring-Functionalized Prodigiosin Analogues

Prodigiosin is the parent member of the 4-methoxypyrrolyldipyrromethene family of natural products and is known for its anti-cancer activity. A new series of analogues was synthesized, incorporating pendent functional esters and beta-carbonyl substituents on the C-ring. The beta-carbonyl group allowed for the facile isolation of the prodigiosenes, and the pendent esters allow for further derivatization. The novel prodigiosenes generally retain the anti-cancer activity of prodigiosin in 60 human cell lines derived from nine cancer cell types, with neither the conjugated beta-carbonyl group, as either ketone or ester, nor the pendent ester significantly reducing the anti-cancer activity of the core skeleton.

Chloride anion transport and copper-mediated DNA cleavage by C-ring functionalized prodigiosenes

A new class of prodigiosenes with stability-enhancing functionalities appended to the C-ring were found to transport chloride anions through liposomal membranes, as well as to induce copper-mediated DNA cleavage.

Serratia ureilytica sp. nov., a novel urea-utilizing species

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, urea-dissolving and non-spore-forming bacterium, designated strain NiVa 51(T), was isolated from water of the River Torsa in Hasimara, Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, India. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain NiVa 51(T) was shown to belong to the gamma-Proteobacteria and to be related to Serratia marcescens subsp. sakuensis (98.35%) and S. marcescens subsp. marcescens (98.30%); however, strain NiVa 51(T) exhibited only 43.7% similarity to S. marcescens by DNA-DNA hybridization. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of the isolate was 60 mol%. Both biochemical characteristics and fatty acid analysis data supported the affiliation of strain NiVa 51(T) to the genus Serratia. Furthermore, strain NiVa 51(T) was found to utilize urea as nitrogen source. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization as well as physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain NiVa 51(T) from recognized Serratia species. Strain NiVa 51(T) therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Serratia ureilytica sp. nov. is proposed, with type strain NiVa 51(T) (=LMG 22860(T)=CCUG 50595(T)).

Spore-forming Serratia marcescens subsp. sakuensis subsp. nov., isolated from a domestic wastewater treatment tank

A strain (KREDT) that formed endospores and produced the pigment prodigiosin was isolated from activated sludge. The presence of spores in cells of strain KREDT was evident upon electron microscopy examination, heat treatment and the detection of dipicolinic acid in the cells. Biochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA sequence and DNA-DNA homology data identified strain KREDT as Serratia marcescens. The major respiratory quinone of strain KREDT was found to be ubiquinone Q-8. The formation of endospores by Gram-negative bacteria has not been observed previously, and has never been reported in any species of Serratia. Here, it is shown that strain KREDT (JCM 11315T = CIP 107489T) represents a novel subspecies of S. marcescens, for which the name Serratia marcescens subsp. sakuensis is proposed.

Total Synthesis and Structural Refinement of the Cyclic Tripyrrole Pigment Nonylprodigiosin

The first total synthesis of the cyclic prodigiosin derivative 4 is described, which constitutes a potential lead compound for the development of immunosuppressive agents. The key steps of this approach comprise a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross coupling reaction of the rather unstable pyrrole boronic acid derivative 17 with the electron rich pyrrolyl triflate 15 followed by a ring-closing metathesis reaction (RCM) of the resulting diene to form the macrocyclic ring of the target molecule. This transformation is best achieved by using the ruthenium indenylidene complex 21 as precatalyst. X-ray data of product 18.HCl thus formed suggest that the tautomeric form B properly describes the electron distribution within the heteroaromatic segment of this alkaloid, in which the central ring constitutes the azafulvene unit of the pyrrolylpyrromethene chromophore.

Flexible Synthesis of Metacycloprodigiosin and Functional Derivatives Thereof

A conceptually new approach to m-pyrrolophane derivatives is outlined providing ready access to compound 23 which can be elaborated into the immunosuppressive alkaloid metacycloprodigiosin 2 according to literature procedures. The key steps of this sequence involve a palladium-catalyzed macrocyclization reaction of vinyl epoxide 10, the conversion of the alpha-pyrone derivative 14 into the pyrrole targets, and the attachment of the side chain via a Wittig (or Peterson) olefination followed by hydrogenation of the alkene formed over Crabtree's catalyst. The flexibility of this route is demonstrated by the synthesis of several analogues of the parent compound 23 which may help to assess the structure/activity profile of the prodigiosin family of natural products in more detail. The unusual pyrone structure 14 used to encode the meta-bridged pyrrolophane units was characterized by X-ray crystallography.

Prodigiosin-like pigments

Prodigiosin, the bright red tripyrrole pigment from Serratia marcescens, has also been identified in Pseudomonas magnesiorubra, Vibrio psychroerythrus, and two Gram-negative rod-shaped mesophilic marine bacteria not members of the genus Serratia. Prodigiosin is sometimes bound to proteins; thus, extracts may require acid treatment before isolation of the pigment. Higher homologs of prodigiosin have been detected by mass spectroscopy. A mutant strain of S. marcescens produced nor-prodigiosin, in which the methoxy group of prodigiosin is replaced by a hydroxy group. Another mutant strain produced a blue tetrapyrrole pigment whose structure is a dimer of prodigiosin's rings A and B. Three novel biosynthetic analogs of prodigiosin have been obtained using a colorless mutant which does make rings A and B but not ring C and which can couple rings A and B with some added monopyrroles similar to ring C. The structures of three prodiginine (prodigiosin-like) pigments from streptomyces have been elucidated. All have the methoxytripyrrole aromatic nucleus of prodigiosin and all have an 11 carbon aliphatic side chain attached at carbon 2 of ring C. In two of the pigments the side chain is also linked to another carbon of ring C. The earlier literature about prodiginine pigments from actinomycetes has been interpreted and evaluated in light of the most recent findings. The structure elucidation of six prodiginine pigments from Actinomadurae (Nocardiae) has been completed. Only one, undecylprodiginine, is the same as from a streptomycete. For three of the six pigments, nine carbon side chains are observed and in four of them the side chain is attached to carbon 5 of ring A as well as carbon 2 of ring C so that a large ring is formed which includes the three pyrrole moieties. A section on identification summarized useful methods and presents information with which any known prodiginine pigment can be identified. The final step in the biosynthesis of prodigiosin was known to be the coupling of methoxybipyrrolecarboxaldehyde (rings A and B) with methylpentylpyrrole (ring C). Recent work using 13C-labeled precursors and Fourier transform 13C nuclear magnetic resonance has shown the pattern of incorporation for acetate, proline, glycine, serine alanine, and methionine into prodigiosin. Each pyrrole ring is constructed in a different way. Two of the streptomyces pigments have also been investigated; the pattern of incorporation is similar to that for prodigiosin. The biological activities of some prodiginine pigments are summarized. All show activity against several Gram-positive bacteria; some have anti-malarial activity. Prodigiosin has been tested clinically against coccidioidomycosis.

Biosynthesis of prodigiosin, a secondary metabolite of Serratia marcescens

Prodigiosenes (prodigiosin and prodigiosin-like pigments) are known to be synthesized by only one genus of Eubacteriales and by two genera of Actinomycetales. Biosynthesis by Serratia marcescens occurs over a relatively narrow range of temperatures, although the bacteria grow over a broad range. When cultures of S. marcescens were incubated at 27 C in 1.0% casein hydrolysate, viable count and protein attained maximal values within 24 to 48 h, whereas prodigiosin did not reach a maximum until 96 h. The greatest amount of pigment was synthesized when cultures were in the senescent phase of growth. Suspensions of nonproliferating bacteria incubated at 27 C in only L-alanine also synthesized prodigiosin, although at a slower rate than growing cultures. Kinetics of growth for the wild-type, red S. marcescens and a white mutant were identical when incubated at 27 C, but the wild type produced abundant pigment. These results plus other data obtained from the literature suggest that prodigiosin is a secondary metabolite. The importance of this proposal to understanding the function of prodigiosin in S. marcescens is discussed.

Separation of prodigiosenes and identification as prodigiosin syntrophic pigment from mutant pairs of Serratia marcescens

Countercurrent distribution is capable of resolving mixtures of closely related prodigiosene pigments. Syntrophic pigment produced by several pairs of Serratia marcescens color mutants was identified as prodigiosin (2-methyl-3-amyl-6-methoxyprodigiosene) by countercurrent distribution, soda lime pyrolysis, and other techniques. The metabolic block of mutant strain H-462, derived from parent strain HY, was located between the blocks of mutant strains OF and WF, both derived from parent strain Nima.