Tschimganine has different targets for chronological lifespan extension and growth inhibition in fission yeast

Tschimganine inhibits growth and extends the chronological lifespan in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We synthesized a Tschimganine analog, Mochimganine, which extends the lifespan similar to Tschimganine but exhibits a significantly weaker growth inhibition effect. Based on the comparative analysis of these compounds, we propose that Tschimganine has at least 2 targets: one extends the lifespan and the other inhibits growth.

N-Hydroxyphthalimide-catalyzed chemoselective intermolecular benzylic C-H amination of unprotected arylalkanols

N-Hydroxyphthalimide-catalyzed chemoselective benzylic C(sp³)-H amination of unprotected arylalkanols using bis(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)azodicarboxylate has been developed. The use of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol as a solvent plays a critical role in chemoselectivity. The conversion of an aminated product to the corresponding free amino alcohol was also demonstrated.

1,2-Carbopentafluorophenylation of Alkynes: The Metallomimetic Pull-Push Reactivity of Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane

We report the novel single-step 1,2-dicarbofunctionalization of an arylacetylene with an allylsilane and tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C₆ F₅ )₃ ] involving C-C bond formation with C-H bond scission at the β-position to the silicon atom of an allylsilane and B→C migration of a C₆ F₅ group. The 1,2-carbopentafluorophenylation occurs smoothly without the requirement for a catalyst or heating. Mechanistic studies suggest that the metallomimetic "pull-push" reactivity of B(C₆ F₅ )₃ imparts consecutive electrophilic and nucleophilic characteristics to the benzylic carbon of the arylacetylene. Subsequent photochemical 6π-electrocyclization affords tetrafluoronaphthalenes, which are important in the pharmaceutical and materials sciences. Owing to the unique reactivity of B(C₆ F₅ )₃ , the 1,2-carbopentafluorophenylation using 2-substituted furan proceeded with ring opening, and the reaction using silyl enolates formed a C-C bond with C-O bond scission at the silyloxy-substituted carbon.

Synthesis of Unprotected 2-Arylglycines by Transamination of Arylglyoxylic Acids with 2-(2-Chlorophenyl)glycine

The transamination of α-keto acids with 2-phenylglycine is an effective methodology for directly synthesizing unprotected α-amino acids. However, the synthesis of 2-arylglycines by transamination is problematic because the corresponding products, 2-arylglycines, transaminate the starting arylglyoxylic acids. Herein, we demonstrate the use of commercially available l-2-(2-chlorophenyl)glycine as the nitrogen source in the transamination of arylglyoxylic acids, producing the corresponding 2-arylglycines without interference from the undesired self-transamination process.

One-pot, two-step synthesis of unnatural α-amino acids involving the exhaustive aerobic oxidation of 1,2-diols

Herein, we report the nor-AZADO-catalyzed exhaustive aerobic oxidations of 1,2-diols to α-keto acids. Combining oxidation with transamination using dl-2-phenylglycine led to the synthesis of free α-amino acids (AAs) in one pot. This method enables the rapid and flexible preparation of a variety of valuable unnatural AAs, such as fluorescent AAs, photoactivatable AAs, and other functional AAs for bioorthogonal reactions.

Diastereoselective Methylation at the Congested β-Position of a Butenolide Ring: Studies toward the Synthesis of seco-Prezizaane-Type Sesquiterpenes

We established a method for installing a methyl group at the β-position of a butenolide ring. The methylated position is located at the congested ring juncture of a 5,6,5-tricyclic lactone, which is common to neurotrophic seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes. The samarium(II)-mediated conjugate addition of the halomethylsilyl ethers tethered to the proximal hydroxy groups efficiently formed the desired C-C bond. Subsequent fluoride-free Tamao oxidation and Barton-McCombie deoxygenation converted the resultant cyclic silyl ether into the corresponding methyl group.

Direct Synthesis of Free α-Amino Acids by Telescoping Three-Step Process from 1,2-Diols

A practical telescoping three-step process for the syntheses of α-amino acids from the corresponding 1,2-diols has been developed. This process enables the direct synthesis of free α-amino acids without any protection/deprotection step. This method was also effective for the preparation of a ¹⁵N-labeled α-amino acid. 1,2-Diols bearing α,β-unsaturated ester moieties afforded bicyclic α-amino acids through intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloadditions. A preliminary study suggests that the resultant α-amino acids are resolvable by aminoacylases with almost complete selectivity.

Tschimganine and its derivatives extend the chronological life span of yeast via activation of the Sty1 pathway

Most antiaging factors or life span extenders are associated with calorie restriction (CR). Very few of these factors function independently of, or additively with, CR. In this study, we focused on tschimganine, a compound that was reported to extend chronological life span (CLS). Although tschimganine led to the extension of CLS, it also inhibited yeast cell growth. We acquired a Schizosaccharomyces pombe mutant with a tolerance for tschimganine due to the gene crm1. The resulting Crm1 protein appears to export the stress-activated protein kinase Sty1 from the nucleus to the cytosol even under stressful conditions. Furthermore, we synthesized two derivative compounds of tschimganine, α-hibitakanine and β-hibitakanine; these derivatives did not inhibit cell growth, as seen with tschimganine. α-hibitakanine extended the CLS, not only in S. pombe but also in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, indicating the possibility that life span regulation by tschimganine derivative may be conserved across various yeast species. We found that the longevity induced by tschimganine was dependent on the Sty1 pathway. Based on our results, we propose that tschimganine and its derivatives extend CLS by activating the Sty1 pathway in fission yeast, and CR extends CLS via two distinct pathways, one Sty1-dependent and the other Sty1-independent. These findings provide the potential for creating an additive life span extension effect when combined with CR, as well as a better understanding of the mechanism of CLS.

Conscious sedation with midazolam intravenously for a patient with Parkinson's disease and unpredictable chorea-like dyskinesia

Oral surgery can be difficult in patients with chorea-like dyskinesia, which is common in those on long-term levodopa medication for Parkinson's disease, and we know of no conclusive evidence to indicate whether conscious sedation with midazolam is effective in such cases. We report a patient in whom levodopa-induced chorea-like dyskinesia disappeared when midazolam was given intravenously for conscious sedation.

Synthesis of Alkoxycarbonyldifluoromethyl-Substituted Semisquarates and Their Transformations

A novel EtO2CCF2-substituted semisquarate is synthesized from diisopropyl squarate by selective 1,2-addition of the Reformatsky reagent derived from BrCF2CO2Et and subsequent rhenium-catalyzed allylic alcohol rearrangement. The compatibility of the highly reactive EtO2CCF2 group in ring transformations of the obtained semisquarate is investigated. Various EtO2CCF2-substituted, highly functionalized compounds, such as quinones, tetronates, cyclopentenones and a bicyclo-[3.2.0]heptenone, are successfully synthesized by ring transformations of the EtO2CCF2-substituted semisquarate. Also, an allylO2CCF2-substituted semisquarate is prepared and converted into the corresponding tetronate. Subsequent palladium-catalyzed deallylation followed by condensation of the resulting carboxylic acid with several amines under mild conditions affords the corresponding α,α-difluoroamides in good yields.

Expedient Entry to 1-Aminoadamantane Derivatives via Aza-Prins Cyclization of 7-Methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3-one Oximes

An efficient synthesis of 1-aminoadamantane (amantadine) derivatives is described. This synthesis features acid-promoted aza-Prins cyclization of 7-methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3-one oximes, which are readily prepared from 1,3-adamantanediol via a Grob fragmentation and the subsequent oximation, to give various 3-substituted 1-(alkoxyamino)adamantanes. After the reduction of alkoxyamines, not only 3-substituted 1-aminoadamantanes, but also chiral 2,5-disubstituted derivatives were obtained in good yields.

The vinylogous Catellani reaction: a combined computational and experimental study

In the presence of 5 mol% Pd(OAc)₂, 1 equiv. of norbornene, and K₂CO₃, the reaction of 4-iodo-2-quinolones with tertiary o-bromobenzylic alcohols produced the desired benzopyran-fused 2-quinolones in moderate to high yields.

In the presence of 5 mol% Pd(OAc)₂, 1 equiv. of norbornene, and K₂CO₃, the reaction of 4-iodo-2-quinolones with tertiary o-bromobenzylic alcohols produced the desired benzopyran-fused 2-quinolones in moderate to high yields. A Catellani-type mechanism involving vinylic C–H cleavage is proposed based on the results of control experiments and density functional theory calculations.

Combined Experimental and Computational Study on Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Reactions of Diynes with Aldehydes and N,N-Dimethylformamide

Cycloaddition reactions of 1,6-diynes bearing methyl terminal groups with p-anisaldehyde were conducted using a cationic ruthenium catalyst with a η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligand in THF at room temperature to afford dienyl ketones via ring opening of the initially formed fused pyrans. (Z)-Stereoisomers of dienyl ketones were selectively obtained using the ruthenium catalyst, whereas previously reported rhodium catalysts produced (E)-isomers. These (E)- and (Z)-selectivities are kinetically controlled as the control experiments showed that the E/Z-isomerization of (E)-dienylketone occurs at 70 °C for 10 h to afford an E/Z-ratio of almost 1:1. The origin of this characteristic stereoselectivity for the ruthenium catalyst was attributed to the direct ring opening of the CpRu⁺-coordinated pyran complex intermediates on the basis of theoretical calculations [PCM (THF) M06L/SDD-6-311++G(d,p)//B3LYP/LanL2DZ-6-31G(d)] and control experiments. The (Z)-selectivity increased when the bulkiness of the diyne terminal substituents increased. Notably, the reaction of 1,6-diynes bearing tert-butyl terminal groups with various α,β-unsaturated aldehydes exclusively afforded (Z)-dienyl ketones even at 70 °C when a cationic ruthenium complex with a smaller η⁵-cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligand was used as the catalyst. The same Cp complex was found to be also efficient for the hydrocarbamoylative cyclization of sterically demanding 1,6-diynes bearing tertiary or quaternary carbon tethers with N,N-dimethylformamide.

Intramolecular Hydroalkoxylation/Reduction and Hydroamination/Reduction of Unactivated Alkynes Using a Silane–Iodine Catalytic System

A transition-metal-free silane–iodine catalytic system comprising I2 and Et3SiH promotes intramolecular hydroalkoxylation/reduction and hydroamination/reduction of unactivated alkynes. This system allows the reaction to proceed at room temperature affording 2,4- and 2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines as well as a 2,3-disubstituted tetrahydrofuran with high diastereoselectivity.

Assembly of a Benzo-Fused Bridged Ketone Scaffold from 1,5,10-Enediynes through One-Pot Ruthenium-Catalyzed Cyclization/Iodine-Mediated Oxidative Ring Expansion

In the presence of a cationic Ru catalyst, 1,6-diynes bearing a terminal styryl moiety underwent [2+2+2] cyclization to produce dehydrobiphenylenes fused with a five-membered ring. Although the cycloadducts were unstable toward purification, their one-pot iodine-mediated ring expansion successfully afforded unprecedented bridged ketone products containing a benzo-fused bicyclo[3.2.1] framework.

Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Primary Alcohols to Aldehydes

The 2-azaadamantane-N-oxyl (AZADO)- and 9-azanoradamantane-N-oxyl (nor-AZADO)-catalyzed selective oxidation of primary alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes is described. The use of tert-butyl nitrite as the co-catalyst enables efficient aerobic oxidation in MeCN instead of previously reported AcOH; this is important for the selectivity of the reaction. The addition of a solution of saturated aqueous NaHCO3 after the completion of the reaction was effective to suppress the overoxidation of the product to the corresponding carboxylic acid during the workup.

Divergent Synthesis of Polymethoxylated 4-Aryl-2-quinolones

Polymethoxylated 4-aryl-2-quinolones were synthesized from the corresponding (o-aminophenyl)propiolates via Cu-catalyzed hydroarylation and subsequent deprotection/lactam formation. Selective iodination of the C3 position of the product followed by coupling reactions of the resulting 3-iodinated 4-aryl-2-quinolone afforded 3-substituted-4-aryl-2-quinolones. Moreover, the N-benzyl protecting group was successfully replaced with other polyoxygenated benzyl groups.

Autophosphorylation of Specific Threonine and Tyrosine Residues in Arabidopsis CERK1 is Essential for the Activation of Chitin-Induced Immune Signaling

Pattern recognition receptors on the plant cell surface mediate the recognition of microbe/damage-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs/DAMPs) and activate downstream immune signaling. Autophosphorylation of signaling receptor-like kinases is a critical event for the activation of downstream responses but the function of each phosphorylation site in the regulation of immune signaling is not well understood. In this study, 41 Ser/Thr/Tyr and 15 Ser/Thr residues were identified as in vitro and in vivo autophosphorylation sites of Arabidopsis CERK1, which is essential for chitin signaling. Comprehensive analysis of transgenic plants expressing mutated CERK1 genes for each phosphorylation site in the cerk1-2 background indicated that the phosphorylation of T479 in the activation segment and Y428 located upstream of the catalytic loop is important for the activation of chitin-triggered defense responses. Contribution of the phosphorylation of T573 to the chitin responses was also suggested. In vitro evaluation of kinase activities of mutated kinase domains indicated that the phosphorylation of T479 and T573 is directly involved in the regulation of kinase activity of CERK1 but the phosphorylation of Y428 regulates chitin signaling independently of the regulation of kinase activity. These results indicated that the phosphorylation of specific residues in the kinase domain contributes to the regulation of downstream signaling either through the regulation of kinase activity or the different mechanisms, e.g. regulation of protein-protein interactions.

Charged particle flows in the beam extraction region of a negative ion source for NBI

Experiments by a four-pin probe and photodetachment technique were carried out to investigate the charged particle flows in the beam extraction region of a negative hydrogen ion source for neutral beam injector. Electron and positive ion flows were obtained from the polar distribution of the probe saturation current. Negative hydrogen ion flow velocity and temperature were obtained by comparing the recovery times of the photodetachment signals at opposite probe tips. Electron and positive ions flows are dominated by crossed field drift and ambipolar diffusion. Negative hydrogen ion temperature is evaluated to be 0.12 eV.

Reagents for diverse iodosilane-mediated transformations

PhSiH₃–I₂ and PhSiH₃–NIS generate PhSiH₂I as a possible active species and cause diverse transformations.

Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Irciniastatin A (a.k.a. Psymberin) and Irciniastatin B

Irciniastatin A (a.k.a. psymberin) and irciniastatin B are members of the pederin natural product family, which have potent antitumor activity and structural complexity. Herein, we describe a full account of our total synthesis of (+)-irciniastatin A and (-)-irciniastatin B. Our synthesis features the highly regioselective Eu(OTf)3-catalyzed, DTBMP-assisted epoxide ring opening reaction with MeOH, which enabled a concise synthesis of the C1-C6 fragment, extensive use of AZADO (2-azaadamantane N-oxyl) and its related nitroxyl radical/oxoammonium salt-catalyzed alcohol oxidation throughout the synthesis, and a late-stage assembly of C1-C6, C8-C16, and C17-C25 fragments. In addition, for the synthesis of (-)-irciniastatin B, we achieved the C11-selective control of the oxidation stage via regioselective deprotection and AZADO-catalyzed alcohol oxidation. The synthetic irciniastatins showed high levels of cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells. Furthermore, chemical footprinting experiments using synthetic compounds revealed that the binding site of irciniastatins is the E-site of the ribosome.

A Combined Transition-Metal-Catalyzed and Photopromoted Process: Synthesis of 2,3-Fused 4-Phenylnaphthalen-1-yl Carboxylates from 1,7-Diaryl-1,6-diynes

2,3-Fused 4-phenylnaphthalen-1-yl carboxylates were synthesized in a step- and atom-economical manner using a ruthenium-catalyzed hydrocarboxylative cyclization of 1,7-diaryl-1,6-diynes and subsequent oxidative photocyclization. The scope of this novel two-step process was demonstrated by the construction of diverse structures from substrates with various tethers and terminal aryl groups. Late-stage CH functionalizations of the arylnaphthalene product further enhance the synthetic potential of the developed process.

Chemoselective Catalytic Oxidation of 1,2-Diols to α-Hydroxy Acids Controlled by TEMPO-ClO2 Charge-Transfer Complex

Chemoselective catalytic oxidation from 1,2-diols to α-hydroxy acids in a cat. TEMPO/cat. NaOCl/NaClO2 system has been achieved. The use of a two-phase condition consisting of hydrophobic toluene and water suppresses the concomitant oxidative cleavage. A study of the mechanism suggests that the observed selectivity is derived from the precise solubility control of diols and hydroxy acids as well as the active species of TEMPO. Although the oxoammonium species TEMPO(+)Cl(-) is hydrophilic, the active species dissolves into the organic layer by the formation of the charge-transfer (CT) complex TEMPO-ClO2 under the reaction conditions.

A combined experimental and computational study on the cycloisomerization of 2-ethynylbiaryls catalyzed by dicationic arene ruthenium complexes

Ruthenium-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 2-ethynylbiaryls was investigated to identify an optimal ruthenium catalyst system. A combination of [η(6) -(p-cymene)RuCl2 (PR3 )] and two equivalents of AgPF6 effectively converted 2-ethynylbiphenyls into phenanthrenes in chlorobenzene at 120 °C over 20 h. Moreover, 2-ethynylheterobiaryls were found to be favorable substrates for this ruthenium catalysis, thus achieving the cycloisomerization of previously unused heterocyclic substrates. Moreover, several control experiments and DFT calculations of model complexes were performed to propose a plausible reaction mechanism.