Novel human topoisomerase I inhibitors, topopyrones A, B, C and D. II. Structure elucidation

Phoma spp. an untapped treasure of cytotoxic compounds: current status and perspectives

The genus Phoma has been explored for a wide range of secondary metabolites signifying a huge range of bioactivities. Phoma sensu lato is a major group that secretes several secondary metabolites. The genus Phoma mainly includes Phoma macrostoma, P. multirostrata, P. exigua, P. herbarum, P. betae, P. bellidis, P. medicaginis, P. tropica, and many more species from the genus that are continuously being identified for their potential secondary metabolites. The metabolite spectrum includes bioactive compounds like phomenon, phomin, phomodione, cytochalasins, cercosporamide, phomazines, and phomapyrone reported from various Phoma spp. These secondary metabolites show a broad range of activities including antimicrobial, antiviral, antinematode, and anticancer. The present review is aimed to emphasize the importance of Phoma sensu lato fungi, as a natural source of biologically active secondary metabolites, and their cytotoxic activities. So far, cytotoxic activities of Phoma spp. have not been reviewed; hence, this review will be novel and useful for the readers to develop Phoma-derived anticancer agents. KEY POINTS: • Different Phoma spp. contain a wide variety of bioactive metabolites. • These Phoma spp. also secrete cytotoxic and antitumor compounds. • The secondary metabolites can be used for the development of anticancer agents.

Synthesis and biological activities of topopyrones

Structure-activity studies were employed to investigate the stabilization of DNA-topoisomerases I and II covalent binary complexes by topopyrone analogues. The synthesis of five new topopyrone derivatives and study of their ability to stabilize DNA-topoisomerase I and DNA-topoisomerase II covalent binary complexes are described. The biochemical assays suggest that the orientation of the fused 1,4-pyrone ring and halogen substituents contribute importantly to the overall potency of the topopyrones as topoisomerase poisons.

Directed aromatic functionalization in natural-product synthesis: Fredericamycin A, nothapodytine B, and topopyrones B and D

THIS IS A REVIEW OF OUR EFFORTS TOWARD THE SYNTHESIS OF A GROUP OF NATURAL PRODUCTS THAT DISPLAY NOTEWORTHY BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY: Fredericamycin A, nothapodytine B, and topopyrones B and D. In each case, directed aromatic functionalization methodology greatly facilitated the assembly of the key molecular subunits.

Calothrixins, a new class of human DNA topoisomerase I poisons

Calothrixins A (1) and B (2) were converted to their O- and N-methylated derivatives, respectively. All four compounds were found to act as poisons of DNA topoisomerase I and to do so reversibly. Three of the calothrixins (1-3) were tested for their cytotoxicity toward cultured (p53 proficient) CEM leukemia cells and found to exhibit IC(50) values ranging from 0.20 to 5.13 muM. The cell cycle effects of calothrixins 1-3 were also studied. Calothrixin B (2) produced G(1) arrest at 0.1 muM concentration, while higher concentrations of calothrixins 1 and 3 resulted in cell accumulation in both the S and G(2)/M phases of the cell cycle. The cell cycle effects produced by the calothrixins were more readily reversible upon removal of the compounds than those produced by camptothecin.

Interaction between double helix DNA fragments and a new topopyrone acting as human topoisomerase I poison

A water soluble derivative (2) of topopyrones was selected for NMR studies directed to elucidate the mode of binding with specific oligonucleotides. Topopyrone 2 can intercalate into the CG base pairs, but the residence time into the double helix is very short and a fast chemical exchange averaging occurs at room temperature between the free and bound species. The equilibria involved become slow below room temperature, thus allowing to measure a mean lifetime of the complex of ca. 7 ms at 15 degrees C. Structural models of the complex with d(CGTACG)(2) were developed on the basis of DOSY, 2D NOESY and (31)P NMR experiments. Topopyrone 2 presents a strong tendency to self-associate. In the presence of oligonucleotide a certain number of ligand molecules are found to externally stack to the double-helix, in addition to a small fraction of the same ligand intercalated. The external binding to the ionic surface of the phosphoribose chains may thus represents the first step of the intercalation process.

Total synthesis of topopyrones B and D

[reaction: see text] We describe a straightforward synthesis of topopyrones B and D, which are potent and selective inhibitors of topoisomerase I. The chemistry should be suitable for additional structure-activity relationship (SAR) work.

The diversity of naturally produced organohalogens

More than 3800 organohalogen compounds, mainly containing chlorine or bromine but a few with iodine and fluorine, are produced by living organisms or are formed during natural abiogenic processes, such as volcanoes, forest fires, and other geothermal processes. The oceans are the single largest source of biogenic organohalogens, which are biosynthesized by myriad seaweeds, sponges, corals, tunicates, bacteria, and other marine life. Terrestrial plants, fungi, lichen, bacteria, insects, some higher animals, and even humans also account for a diverse collection of organohalogens.