The complestatins as HIV-1 integrase inhibitors. Efficient isolation, structure elucidation, and inhibitory activities of isocomplestatin, chloropeptin I, new complestatins, A and B, and acid-hydrolysis products of chloropeptin I

Palladium-Catalyzed Enantioselective C-H Olefination to Access Planar-Chiral Cyclophanes by Dynamic Kinetic Resolution

Planar-chiral cyclophanes have received increasing attention for drug discovery and catalyst design. However, the catalytically asymmetric synthesis of planar-chiral cyclophanes has been a longstanding challenge. We describe the first Pd(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H olefination of prochiral cyclophanes. The low rotational barrier of less hindered benzene ring in the substrates allows the reaction to proceed through a dynamic kinetic resolution. This approach exhibits broad substrate scope, providing the planar-chiral cyclophanes in high yields (up to 99 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99 % ee). The ansa chain length scope studies reveal that the chirality of the cyclophanes arises from the bond rotation constraint of the benzene ring around the macrocycle plane, rather than the C-N axis. The C-H activation approach is also applicable to the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules and pharmaceuticals.

A comprehensive overview on the role of phytocompounds in human immunodeficiency virus treatment

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a worldwide epidemic caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Newer medicines for eliminating the viral reservoir and eradicating the virus are urgently needed. Attempts to locate relatively safe and non-toxic medications from natural resources are ongoing now. Natural-product-based antiviral candidates have been exploited to a limited extent. However, antiviral research is inadequate to counteract for the resistant patterns. Plant-derived bioactive compounds hold promise as powerful pharmacophore scaffolds, which have shown anti-HIV potential. This review focuses on a consideration of the virus, various possible HIV-controlling methods and the recent progress in alternative natural compounds with anti-HIV activity, with a particular emphasis on recent results from natural sources of anti-HIV agents. Please cite this article as: Mandhata CP, Sahoo CR, Padhy RN. A comprehensive overview on the role of phytocompounds in human immunodeficiency virus treatment. J Integr Med. 2023; Epub ahead of print.

Integrasone Derivatives Isolated from Lepteutypa sp. KT4162 and Their Anti-HIV-1 Integrase Activity

Five integrasone derivatives, integrasone C (1), isointegrasone C (2), integrasone D1 (3), integrasone D2 (4), and integrasone E (5), were isolated from the culture broth of Lepteutypa sp. KT4162. Neither conventional NMR analyses nor DFT (density functional theory)-based computationally assisted chemical shift discussions were sufficient to elucidate the relative configuration of the 1,4-epoxydiol moiety. A combined analysis using the calculated ⁿJ_CH values and HMBC spectra was helpful to establish the relative configuration. The absolute configurations of 1-5 were determined using DFT-based ECD (electronic circular dichroism) spectral analysis. Biological assays of these compounds revealed that 2 potently inhibits HIV-1 integrase without cytotoxicity.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of 3,n-Fused Tricyclic Indole Skeletons via Palladium-Catalyzed Domino Reactions

3,n-fused (n = 4-7) tricyclic indoles are pervasive motifs, embedded in a variety of biologically active molecules and natural products. Thus, numerous catalytic methods have been developed for the synthesis of these skeletons over the past few decades. In particular, palladium-catalyzed transformations have received much attention in recent years. This review summarizes recent developments in the synthesis of these tricyclic indoles with palladium-catalyzed domino reactions and their applications in the total synthesis of representative natural products.

Therapeutic Potential of Marine Bioactive Peptides against Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Recent Evidence, Challenges, and Future Trends

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal ailment caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and remains a major health problem worldwide. In recent years, the research focus has shifted to a greater emphasis on complementing treatment regimens involving conventional antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapies with novel lead structures isolated from various marine organisms that have the potential to be utilized as therapeutics for the management of HIV-AIDS. The present review summarizes the recent developments regarding bioactive peptides sourced from various marine organisms. This includes a discussion encompassing the potential of these novel marine bioactive peptides with regard to antiretroviral activities against HIV, preparation, purification, and processing techniques, in addition to insight into the future trends with an emphasis on the potential of exploration and evaluation of novel peptides to be developed into effective antiretroviral drugs.

Genome mining of biosynthetic gene clusters intended for secondary metabolites conservation in actinobacteria

Evolution of genome sequencing technology, on the one hand, and advancement of computational genome mining tools, on the other hand, paves way for improvement in predicting secondary metabolites. In past, numerous efforts were made concerning genome mining for recognizing secondary metabolites within the genus, but only a negligible quantity of comparative genomic reports had carried out among species of different genera. In this study, we explored potential of 24 actinobacteria species belonging to the genera, including Streptomyces, Nocardia, Micromonospora, and Saccharomonospora, to traverse diversity and distribution of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs). Investigating results obtained from antiSMASH (Antibiotics and Secondary Metabolites Analysis Shell), NaPDoS (Natural Product Domain Seeker), and NP.searcher revealed conservation of genus-specific gene clusters among various species. E.g., NAGGN (n-acetyl glutaminyl glutamine amide) is present in Micromonospora, furan in Nocardia, melanin, and lassopeptide occur in Streptomyces. Bioactive compounds like alkyl-O-dihydro geranyl methoxy hydroquinone, SapB, desferrioxamine E, 2-Methylisoborneol, mayamycin, cyclodipeptide synthase, diisonitrile, salinichelin, hopene, ectoine and isorenieratene are highly conserved among diverse genera. Furthermore, pharmacological activity of actinobacterial derived metabolites against bacterial and fungal pathogens were illustrated. We need to accomplish large-scale analysis of natural products, including various genera of actinobacteria to deliver comprehensive intuition to overcome antibiotic resistance.

The isolation of water-soluble natural products - challenges, strategies and perspectives

Covering period: up to 2019Water-soluble natural products constitute a relevant group of secondary metabolites notably known for presenting potent biological activities. Examples are aminoglycosides, β-lactam antibiotics, saponins of both terrestrial and marine origin, and marine toxins. Although extensively investigated in the past, particularly during the golden age of antibiotics, hydrophilic fractions have been less scrutinized during the last few decades. This review addresses the possible reasons on why water-soluble metabolites are now under investigated and describes approaches and strategies for the isolation of these natural compounds. It presents examples of several classes of hydrosoluble natural products and how they have been isolated. Novel stationary phases and chromatography techniques are also reviewed, providing a perspective towards a renaissance in the investigation of water-soluble natural products.

Chirality-matched catalyst-controlled macrocyclization reactions

Macrocycles, formally defined as compounds that contain a ring with 12 or more atoms, continue to attract great interest due to their important applications in physical, pharmacological, and environmental sciences. In syntheses of macrocyclic compounds, promoting intramolecular over intermolecular reactions in the ring-closing step is often a key challenge. Furthermore, syntheses of macrocycles with stereogenic elements confer an additional challenge, while access to such macrocycles are of great interest. Herein, we report the remarkable effect peptide-based catalysts can have in promoting efficient macrocyclization reactions. We show that the chirality of the catalyst is essential for promoting favorable, matched transition-state relationships that favor macrocyclization of substrates with preexisting stereogenic elements; curiously, the chirality of the catalyst is essential for successful reactions, even though no new static (i.e., not "dynamic") stereogenic elements are created. Control experiments involving either achiral variants of the catalyst or the enantiomeric form of the catalyst fail to deliver the macrocycles in significant quantity in head-to-head comparisons. The generality of the phenomenon, demonstrated here with a number of substrates, stimulates analogies to enzymatic catalysts that produce naturally occurring macrocycles, presumably through related, catalyst-defined peripheral interactions with their acyclic substrates.

The tryptophan connection: cyclic peptide natural products linked via the tryptophan side chain

Covering: from 1938 up to March 2021The electron-rich indole side chain of tryptophan is a versatile substrate for peptide modification. Upon the action of various cyclases, the tryptophan side chain may be linked to a nearby amino acid residue, opening the door to a diverse range of cyclic peptide natural products. These compounds exhibit a wide array of biological activity and possess fascinating molecular architectures, which have made them popular targets for total synthesis studies. This review examines the isolation and bioactivity of tryptophan-linked cyclic peptide natural products, along with a discussion of their first total synthesis, and biosynthesis where this has been studied.

Computational exploration of natural peptides targeting ACE2

Interaction between the SARS-COV-2 (2019 novel coronavirus) spike protein and ACE2 receptors expressed on cellular surfaces initialises viral attachment and consequent infection. Blocking this interaction shows promise for blocking or ameliorating the virus' pathological effects on the body. By contrast to work focusing on the coronavirus, which has significant potential diversity through possible accumulation of mutations during transmission, targeting the conserved ACE2 protein expressed on human cells offers an attractive alternative route to developing pharmacological prophylactics against viral invasion. In this study, we screened a virtual database of natural peptides in silico, with ACE2 as the target, and performed structural analyses of the interface region in the SARS-COV-2 RBD/ACE2 complex. These analyses have identified 15 potentially effective compounds. Analyses of ACE2/polypeptide interactions suggest that these peptides can block viral invasion of cells by stably binding in the ACE2 active site pocket. Molecular simulation results for Complestatin and Valinomycin indicate that they may share this mechanism. The discovery of this probable binding mechanism provides a frame of reference for further optimization, and design of high affinity ACE2 inhibitors that could serve as leads for production of drugs with preventive and therapeutic effects against SARS-COV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Anodic Oxidation of Phenols: A Key Step for the Synthesis of Natural Products

Natural products have played a significant role not only in discovery of drugs but also in development of organic chemistry by providing the synthetic challenges. Inspired by biosynthesis where enzymes catalyze a multi-step reaction, we have investigated the natural product synthesis utilizing electrochemical reactions as the key step. Electrochemical organic synthesis, so-called electro-organic synthesis, enables to control the reactivity of substrates simply by tuning electrolysis conditions. In this Personal Account, we overview the recent progress of our research projects about natural product synthesis, in which anodic oxidation of phenol compounds affords the important frameworks such as diaryl ether, spirodienone, and spiroisoxazoline.

Mandelic Acid: An Efficient Organo-catalyst for the Synthesis of 3-substituted-3- Hydroxy-indolin-2-ones and Related Derivatives in Aqueous Ethanol at Room Temperature

Background:

Indoles and various indolyl derivatives are very common in naturally occurring biologically active compounds. Many methods are being developed for the synthesis of various bioactive indole derivatives.

Objective:

Synthesis of biologically promising structurally diverse indole derivatives under mild and environmentally benign conditions.

Methods:

Synthesis of 3-hydroxy-3-(5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indol-3-yl)indolin-2-one was achieved by the reaction of an equimolar mixture of isatin and 3-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indol using 20 mol% of mandelic acid as catalyst in aqueous ethanol at room temperature. Under the same optimized reaction conditions, synthesis of 3-(3-hydroxy-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)chroman-2,4-diones was accomplished via the reactions of substituted isatins and 4-hydroxycoumarin. On the other hand, 2-hydroxy-2-(indol-3-yl)- indene-1,3-diones and 10-hydroxy-10-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3- yl)phenanthren-9(10H)-one were synthesized from the reactions of indoles and ninhydrin or 9,10-phenanthrenequinone respectively using the same 20 mol% of mandelic acid as an efficient organo-catalyst in aqueous ethanol at room temperature.

Results:

Mild, safe and clean reaction profiles, energy efficiency, high atom-economy, use of naturally occurring non-toxic organo-catalyst, easy isolation procedure by avoiding column chromatographic purification and gram scale production are some the major advantages of this developed protocol.

Conclusion:

A simple, straightforward and eco-friendly protocol has been developed for the efficient synthesis of biologically promising novel 3-hydroxy-3-(5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indol- 3-yl)indolin-2- one, 3-(3-hydroxy-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)chroman-2,4-diones, 2-hydroxy-2-(indol-3- yl)-indene-1,3-diones and 10-hydroxy-10-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)phenanthren-9(10H)-one using a catalytic amount of mandelic acid in aqueous ethanol at room temperature.

Exploring modular reengineering strategies to redesign the teicoplanin non-ribosomal peptide synthetase

Non-ribosomal peptide synthesis is an important biosynthesis pathway in secondary metabolism. In this study we have investigated modularisation and redesign strategies for the glycopeptide antibiotic teicoplanin. Using the relocation or exchange of domains within the NRPS modules, we have identified how to initiate peptide biosynthesis and explored the requirements for the functional reengineering of both the condensation/adenylation domain and epimerisation/condensation domain interfaces. We have also demonstrated strategies that ensure communication between isolated NRPS modules, leading to new peptide assembly pathways. This provides important insights into NRPS reengineering of glycopeptide antibiotic biosynthesis and has broad implications for the redesign of other NRPS systems.

Kistamicin biosynthesis reveals the biosynthetic requirements for production of highly crosslinked glycopeptide antibiotics

Kistamicin is a divergent member of the glycopeptide antibiotics, a structurally complex class of important, clinically relevant antibiotics often used as the last resort against resistant bacteria. The extensively crosslinked structure of these antibiotics that is essential for their activity makes their chemical synthesis highly challenging and limits their production to bacterial fermentation. Kistamicin contains three crosslinks, including an unusual 15-membered A-O-B ring, despite the presence of only two Cytochrome P450 Oxy enzymes thought to catalyse formation of such crosslinks within the biosynthetic gene cluster. In this study, we characterise the kistamicin cyclisation pathway, showing that the two Oxy enzymes are responsible for these crosslinks within kistamicin and that they function through interactions with the X-domain, unique to glycopeptide antibiotic biosynthesis. We also show that the kistamicin OxyC enzyme is a promiscuous biocatalyst, able to install multiple crosslinks into peptides containing phenolic amino acids.

Preparation of Cyclic Peptide Alkaloids Containing Functionalized Tryptophan Residues

This review covers the synthesis of various cyclic peptide natural products possessing highly functionalized tryptophan residues, focusing on the examples of diazonamide A, the TMC-95 compounds, the celogentin/moroidin family and the complestatin/chloropeptin system. Recent efforts toward the preparation of these modified-tryptophan-containing peptides will be outlined, focusing primarily on the novel methods for the assembly of the highly functionalized indole/tryptophan moieties at the core of these structures.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 2-Phenoxybenzoic Acids

Substituted 2-phenoxybenzoic acid derivatives were synthesised in high yield and in short reaction times using the Ullmann condensation of 2-chlorobenzoic acid with phenol derivatives under microwave irradiation in dry media.

Total Syntheses of Vancomycin-Related Glycopeptide Antibiotics and Key Analogues

A review of efforts that have provided total syntheses of vancomycin and related glycopeptide antibiotics, their agylcons, and key analogues is provided. It is a tribute to developments in organic chemistry and the field of organic synthesis that not only can molecules of this complexity be prepared today by total synthesis but such efforts can be extended to the preparation of previously inaccessible key analogues that contain deep-seated structural changes. With the increasing prevalence of acquired bacterial resistance to existing classes of antibiotics and with the emergence of vancomycin-resistant pathogens (VRSA and VRE), the studies pave the way for the examination of synthetic analogues rationally designed to not only overcome vancomycin resistance but provide the foundation for the development of even more powerful and durable antibiotics.

P450 monooxygenase ComJ catalyses side chain phenolic cross-coupling during complestatin biosynthesis

P450 monooxygenase enzyme ComJ catalyzed biaryl ether bond formation with high efficiency and low stereoselectivity on selected complestatin-like peptide substrates.

Complestatin exerts antibacterial activity by the inhibition of fatty acid synthesis

Bacterial enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase has been confirmed as a novel target for antibacterial drug development. In the screening of inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus enoyl-ACP reductase (FabI), complestatin was isolated as a potent inhibitor of S. aureus FabI together with neuroprotectin A and chloropeptin I from Streptomyces chartreusis AN1542. Complestatin and related compounds inhibited S. aureus FabI with IC₅₀ of 0.3-0.6 µM. They also prevented the growth of S. aureus as well as methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) and quinolone-resistant S. aureus (QRSA), with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 2-4 µg/mL. Consistent with its FabI-inhibition, complestatin selectively inhibited the intracellular fatty acid synthesis in S. aureus, whereas it did not affect the macromolecular biosynthesis of other cellular components, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and the cell wall. Additionally, supplementation with exogenous fatty acids reversed the antibacterial effect of complestatin, demonstrating that it targets fatty acid synthesis. In this study, we reported that complestatin and related compounds showed potent antibacterial activity via inhibiting fatty acid synthesis.

A comprehensive review of glycosylated bacterial natural products

A systematic analysis of all naturally-occurring glycosylated bacterial secondary metabolites reported in the scientific literature up through early 2013 is presented. This comprehensive analysis of 15 940 bacterial natural products revealed 3426 glycosides containing 344 distinct appended carbohydrates and highlights a range of unique opportunities for future biosynthetic study and glycodiversification efforts.

Structural aspects of phenylglycines, their biosynthesis and occurrence in peptide natural products

Phenylglycine-type amino acids occur in a wide variety of peptide natural products. Herein structures and properties of these peptides as well as the biosynthetic origin and incorporation of phenylglycines are discussed.

Inhibiting the HIV integration process: past, present, and the future

HIV integrase (IN) catalyzes the insertion into the genome of the infected human cell of viral DNA produced by the retrotranscription process. The discovery of raltegravir validated the existence of the IN, which is a new target in the field of anti-HIV drug research. The mechanism of catalysis of IN is depicted, and the characteristics of the inhibitors of the catalytic site of this viral enzyme are reported. The role played by the resistance is elucidated, as well as the possibility of bypassing this problem. New approaches to block the integration process are depicted as future perspectives, such as development of allosteric IN inhibitors, dual inhibitors targeting both IN and other enzymes, inhibitors of enzymes that activate IN, activators of IN activity, as well as a gene therapy approach.

A Pd(0)-mediated indole (macro)cyclization reaction

Herein we report a systematic study of the Larock indole annulation designed to explore the scope and define the generality of its use in macrocyclization reactions, its use in directly accessing the chloropeptin I versus II DEF ring system as well as key unnatural isomers, its utility for both peptide-derived and more conventional carbon-chain based macrocycles, and its extension to intramolecular cyclizations with formation of common ring sizes. The studies define a powerful method complementary to the Stille or Suzuki cross-coupling reactions for the synthesis of cyclic or macrocyclic ring systems containing an embedded indole, tolerating numerous functional groups and incorporating various (up to 28-membered) ring sizes. As a result of the efforts to expand the usefulness and scope of the reaction, we also disclose a catalytic variant of the reaction, along with a powerful Pd(2)(dba)(3)-derived catalyst system, and an examination of the factors impacting reactivity and catalysis.

HIV Drug Resistance and the Advent of Integrase Inhibitors

This review focuses on the topic of HIV integrase inhibitors that are potent antiretroviral drugs that efficiently decrease viral load in patients. However, emergence of resistance mutations against this new class of drugs represents a threat to their long-term efficacy. Here, we provide new information about the most recent mutations identified and other mutations that confer resistance to several integrase inhibitors, such as new resistance mutations-for example, G118R, R263K, and S153Y-that have been identified through in vitro selection studies with second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). These add to the three main resistance pathways involving mutations at positions Y143, N155, and Q148. Deep sequencing, structural modeling, and biochemical analyses are methods that currently help in the understanding of the mechanisms of resistance conferred by these mutations. Although the new resistance mutations appear to confer only low levels of cross-resistance to second-generation drugs, the Q148 pathway with numerous secondary mutations has the potential to significantly decrease susceptibility to all drugs of the INSTI family of compounds.

The Need for Development of New HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors in the Aftermath of Antiviral Drug Resistance

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) involves combinations of drugs to achieve maximal virological response and reduce the potential for the emergence of antiviral resistance. There are two broad classes of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Since the first classes of such compounds were developed, viral resistance against them has necessitated the continuous development of novel compounds within each class. This paper considers the NRTIs and NNRTIs currently in both preclinical and clinical development or approved for second line therapy and describes the patterns of resistance associated with their use, as well as the underlying mechanisms that have been described. Due to reasons of both affordability and availability, some reverse transcriptase inhibitors with low genetic barrier are more commonly used in resource-limited settings. Their use results to the emergence of specific patterns of antiviral resistance and so may require specific actions to preserve therapeutic options for patients in such settings. More recently, the advent of integrase strand transfer inhibitors represents another major step forward toward control of HIV infection, but these compounds are also susceptible to problems of HIV drug resistance.

Peptides that inhibit HIV-1 integrase by blocking its protein-protein interactions

HIV-1 integrase (IN) is one of the key enzymes in the viral replication cycle. It mediates the integration of viral cDNA into the host cell genome. IN activity requires interactions with several viral and cellular proteins, as well as IN oligomerization. Inhibition of IN is an important target for the development of anti-HIV therapies, but there is currently only one anti-HIV drug used in the clinic that targets IN. Several other small-molecule anti-IN drug leads are either undergoing clinical trials or in earlier stages of development. These molecules specifically inhibit one of the IN-mediated reactions necessary for successful integration. However, small-molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interactions are difficult to develop. In this review, we focus on peptides that inhibit IN. Peptides have advantages over small-molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interactions: they can mimic the structures of the binding domains within proteins, and are large enough to competitively inhibit protein-protein interactions. The development of peptides that bind IN and inhibit its protein-protein interactions will increase our understanding of the IN mode of action, and lead to the development of new drug leads, such as small molecules derived from these peptides, for better anti-HIV therapy.

Novel therapeutic strategies targeting HIV integrase

Integration of the viral genome into host cell chromatin is a pivotal and unique step in the replication cycle of retroviruses, including HIV. Inhibiting HIV replication by specifically blocking the viral integrase enzyme that mediates this step is an obvious and attractive therapeutic strategy. After concerted efforts, the first viable integrase inhibitors were developed in the early 2000s, ultimately leading to the clinical licensure of the first integrase strand transfer inhibitor, raltegravir. Similarly structured compounds and derivative second generation integrase strand transfer inhibitors, such as elvitegravir and dolutegravir, are now in various stages of clinical development. Furthermore, other mechanisms aimed at the inhibition of viral integration are being explored in numerous preclinical studies, which include inhibition of 3' processing and chromatin targeting. The development of new clinically useful compounds will be aided by the characterization of the retroviral intasome crystal structure. This review considers the history of the clinical development of HIV integrase inhibitors, the development of antiviral drug resistance and the need for new antiviral compounds.

Synthesis and stereochemical determination of complestatin A and B (neuroprotectin A and B)

Recently, we reported the first total synthesis of chloropeptin II (1, complestatin), the more strained and challenging of the two naturally occurring chloropeptins. Central to the design of the approach and by virtue of a single-step, acid-catalyzed ring expansion rearrangement of chloropeptin II to chloropeptin I, the route also provided a total synthesis of chloropeptin I. Herein, we report a complementary and divergent oxidation of chloropeptin II (1, complestatin) to either complestatin A (2, neuroprotectin A) or complestatin B (3, neuroprotectin B), providing the first synthesis of the natural products and establishing their remaining stereochemical assignments. Key to the approach to complestatin A (2, neuroprotectin A) was the development of two different single-step indole oxidations (HCl-DMSO and NBS, THF-H(2)O) that avoid the rearrangement of chloropeptin II (1) to chloropeptin I (4), providing the 2-oxindole 2 in superb yields (93% and 82%). With a mechanistic understanding of features that impact the latter oxidation and an appreciation of the intrinsic reactivity of the chloropeptin II indole, its modification (NCS, THF-H(2)O; Cs(2)CO(3), DMF-H(2)O) provided a two-step, single-pot oxidation of chloropeptin II (1) to afford directly the 3-hydroxy-2-oxindole complestatin B (3, neuroprotectin B). Extensive studies conducted on the fully functionalized synthetic DEF ring system of chloropeptin II were key to the unambiguous assignment of the stereochemistry as well as the exploration and subsequent development of the mild oxidation conditions used in the synthesis of complestatin A and B.

Recent advances in the synthesis of new glycopeptide antibiotics

The vancomycin family of glycopeptide antibiotics has been inspiring research in the field of synthetic chemistry since the 1980s. Recent studies have moved away from the focus of total synthesis into new territory: the design and evaluation of novel compounds based on the natural products which exhibit improved antibacterial activity. Modern approaches to drug synthesis draw together investigations into the nature of the binding environment, and innovative synthetic methodologies which provide solutions to the challenging structural features and stereochemistry associated with this intriguing class of compounds. New analogues, derivatives and dimers of the natural products, as well as recent successes in the total synthesis of the complestatins are described in this tutorial review, covering literature from the last decade.

Total synthesis of complestatin: development of a Pd(0)-mediated indole annulation for macrocyclization

Full details of the initial development and continued examination of a powerful intramolecular palladium(0)-mediated indole annulation for macrocyclization closure of the strained 16-membered biaryl ring system found in complestatin (1, chloropeptin II) and the definition of factors impacting its intrinsic atropodiastereoselectivity are described. Its examination and use in an alternative, second-generation total synthesis of complestatin are detailed in which the order of the macrocyclization reactions was reversed from our first-generation total synthesis. In this approach and with the ABCD biaryl ether ring system in place, the key Larock cyclization was conducted with substrate 36 (containing four phenols, five secondary amides, one carbamate, and four labile aryl chlorides) and provided the product 37 (56%) exclusively as a single atropisomer (>20:1, detection limits) possessing the natural (R)-configuration. In this instance, the complexity of the substrate and the reverse macrocyclization order did not diminish the atropodiastereoselectivity; rather, it provided an improvement over the 4:1 selectivity that was observed with the analogous substrate used to provide the isolated DEF ring system in our first-generation approach. Just as significant, the atroposelectivity represents a complete reversal of the diasteroselectivity observed with analogous macrocyclizations conducted using a Suzuki biaryl coupling.

Total synthesis of chloropeptin II (complestatin) and chloropeptin I

The first total synthesis of chloropeptin II (1, complestatin) is disclosed. Key elements of the approach include the use of an intramolecular Larock indole synthesis for the initial macrocyclization, adopting conditions that permit utilization of a 2-bromoaniline, incorporating a terminal alkyne substituent (-SiEt(3)) that sterically dictates the indole cyclization regioselectivity, and benefiting from an aniline protecting group (-Ac) that enhances the atropdiastereoselectivity and diminishes the strained indole reactivity toward subsequent electrophilic reagents. Not only did this key reaction provide the fully functionalized right-hand ring system of 1 in superb conversion (89%) and good atropdiastereoselectivity (4:1 R:S), but it also represents the first reported example of what will prove to be a useful Larock macrocyclization strategy. Subsequent introduction of the left-hand ring system enlisting an aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction for macrocyclization with biaryl ether formation completed the assemblage of the core bicyclic structure of 1. Intrinsic in the design of the approach and by virtue of the single-step acid-catalyzed conversion of chloropeptin II (1) to chloropeptin I (2), the route also provides a total synthesis of 2.

HIV-1 integrase inhibitors: 2005-2006 update

HIV-1 integrase (IN) catalyzes the integration of proviral DNA into the host genome, an essential step for viral replication. Inhibition of IN catalytic activity provides an attractive strategy for antiretroviral drug design. Currently two IN inhibitors, MK-0518 and GS-9137, are in advanced stages of human clinical trials. The IN inhibitors in clinical evaluation demonstrate excellent antiretroviral efficacy alone or in combination regimens as compared to previously used clinical antiretroviral agents in naive and treatment-experienced HIV-1 infected patients. However, the emergence of viral strains resistant to clinically studied IN inhibitors and the dynamic nature of the HIV-1 genome demand a continued effort toward the discovery of novel inhibitors to keep a therapeutic advantage over the virus. Continued efforts in the field have resulted in the discovery of compounds from diverse chemical classes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive report of all IN inhibitors discovered in the years 2005 and 2006.

Synthesis of DEFG ring of complestatin and chloropeptin I: highly atropdiastereoselective macrocyclization by intramolecular Suzuki-Miyaura reaction

Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular Suzuki-Miyaura reaction of linear tripeptide (23) afforded the 16-membered DEFG ring of complestatin (3) in good yield with an excellent atropdiastereoselectivity. Acidic treatment of 3 triggers a stereospecific rearrangement leading to the corresponding DEFG ring 4 of chloropeptin I.

Polycyclic peptide and glycopeptide antibiotics and their derivatives as inhibitors of HIV entry

Antiviral activity and other biological properties of two groups of polycyclic peptides are discussed. Antibiotics of the complestatin–kistamycin group have a structural motif similar to that of the peptide core of antibacterial antibiotics of the vancomycin–teicoplanin group though no amino acid component in the chloropeptin–kistamicin antibiotics is identical to an amino acid incorporated in the peptide core of the antibiotics of the vancomycin–teicoplanin group. Chloropeptins and the hydrophobic several derivatives of antibacterial antibiotics are inhibitors of HIV and some other viruses. They interfere with the viral (i.e. HIV) entry process. Chemical modifications of natural glycopeptide antibiotics led to the compounds with antiviral properties whereas antibacterial properties were lost. These glycopeptide aglycons derivatives can be envisaged as potential lead compounds for application as microbicides against sexual HIV transmission.

Diversifying vancomycin via chemoenzymatic strategies

[reaction: see text] The rapid diversification of glycopeptides via glycorandomization reveals that significantly diverse substitutions are tolerated and suggests there may be a synergistic benefit to the construction of mechanistically related natural product core scaffold fusions. This work also further highlights the utility of chemoenzymatic approaches to diversify complex natural product architectures.

Structure-activity relationships in a series of semisynthetic polycyclic glycopeptide antibiotics

The main achievements in the development of methods for the design of semisynthetic antibiotics of a new generation belonging to the group of polycyclic glycopeptides directed against infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria and dangerous human and animal viruses are reviewed. The review is focused on the results obtained at the Gauze Institute in the area of chemical modification of natural antibiotics (eremomycin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, etc.) directed toward modification of their antibacterial and/or antiviral activity. A special emphasis is placed on the study of the mechanisms of action of these antibiotics, which could be the basis of a rational approach to their chemical modification involving the transformation of the inner binding pocket and the peripheral regions of the molecules that participate in the formation of their complexes with targets. The recently discovered antiviral activity of modified glycopeptides antibiotics is also discussed. A possibility of obtaining new highly active anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 preparations on the basis of hydrophobic derivatives of the aglycones of glycopeptide antibiotics was demonstrated. New semisynthetic derivatives of antibiotics that exhibit a high antibacterial activity in vivo, have good pharmacological characteristics, and are promising for practical use are described.

HIV-1 integrase inhibitors: 2003–2004 update

The integration of viral cDNA into the host genome is an essential step in the HIV-1-life cycle and is mediated by the virally encoded enzyme, integrase (IN). Inhibition of this process provides an attractive strategy for antiviral drug design. The discovery of beta-diketo acid inhibitors played a major role in validating IN as a legitimate antiretroviral drug target. Over a decade of research, a plethora of IN inhibitors have been discovered and some showed antiviral activity consistent with their effect on IN. To date, at least two compounds have been tested in human but none are close to the FDA approval. In this review, we provide a comprehensive report of all small-molecule IN inhibitors discovered during the years 2003 and 2004. Compilation of such data will prove beneficial in developing QSAR, virtual screening, pharmacophore hypothesis generation, and validation.

Isocomplestatin: Total Synthesis and Stereochemical Revision

A Pd-mediated method for preparation of the strained macrocyclic moiety of complestatins is disclosed. Through stereoselective synthesis of model macrocycles and the S atropisomer of complestatin, the stereochemical identity of the anti-HIV agent complestatin is established. Investigations described herein illustrate that the compound previously reported as isocomplestatin is the same as complestatin. Thus, the S atropisomer of complestatin is the true isocomplestatin and has not been isolated as a natural product.