By reacting [{Cp‴Fe(CO)2}2(µ,η1:1-P4)] (1) with in situ generated phosphenium ions [Ph2P][A] ([A]- = [OTf]- = [O3SCF3]-, [PF6]-), a mixture of two main products of the composition [{Cp‴Fe(CO)2}2(µ,η1:1-P5(C6H5)2)][PF6] (2a and 3a) could be identified by extensive 31P NMR spectroscopic studies at 193 K. Compound 3a was also characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, showing the rarely observed bicyclo[2.1.0]pentaphosphapentane unit. At room temperature, the novel compound [{Cp‴Fe}(µ,η4:1-P5Ph2){Cp‴(CO)2Fe}][PF6] (4) is formed by decarbonylation. Reacting 1 with in situ generated diphenyl arsenium ions gives short-lived intermediates at 193 K which disproportionate at room temperature into tetraphenyldiarsine and [{Cp‴Fe(CO)2}4(µ4,η1:1:1:1-P8)][OTf]2 (5) containing a tetracyclo[3.3.0.02,7.03,6]octaphosphaoctane ligand.

Several novel norcamphor derivatives were designed and synthesized as uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists at the phencyclidine (PCP) binding site. Such compounds have potential as ligands for understanding and possibly the treatment of several neurodegenerative disorders and other glutamate-dependent disorders. We examined the toxic effects of the compounds as compared with memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist that is FDA approved for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, by testing these compounds on two cell lines: MDCK (to mimic blood brain barrier) and N2a (a neuronal cell line). The compounds showed toxicity profiles similar to those of memantine i.e., dose dependence above 100 μM and IC50 values above 150 μM for each cell line. It is known that the serum level of memantine under therapeutic conditions in patients is about 1 µM, indicting these compounds could have acceptable therapeutic indexes. 2-Phenyl-N-(2-(piperidin-1-yl) ethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-amine (5a) was found to possess acceptable toxicity profiles in both cell lines. Interestingly, this was the compound identified as a good lead in our previous studies based on binding and anticonvulsant (MES) activity studies. It has thus emerged as an excellent lead compound for further studies.

The chiroptical properties of enantiomerically pure bicyclo[3.3.1]nona-2,6-diene-2,6-dicarbonitrile and related acids were studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy and theoretical computations. A consideration of the molecular structure of the synthesized difunctional compounds revealed that chromophores are predisposed to transannular through-space interaction due to a favourable conformation of the bicyclic skeleton and a rather small interchromophoric distance. Evidence for non-exciton-type coupling between the two acrylonitrile and acrylate moieties in 3 and 4, respectively, was obtained by chiroptical spectroscopy and DFT calculations.

A series of heterocyclic compounds containing spirofused barbiturate and 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane frameworks have been studied as potential antitumor agents. Antiproliferative activity of products was screened in human erythroleukemia (K562), T lymphocyte (Jurkat), and cervical carcinoma (HeLa) as well as mouse colon carcinoma (CT26) and African green monkey kidney epithelial (Vero) cell lines. The most effective among the screened compounds show IC50 in the range from 4.2 to 24.1 μM for all tested cell lines. The screened compounds have demonstrated a significant effect of the distribution of HeLa and CT26 cells across the cell cycle stage, with accumulation of cells in SubG1 phase and induced apoptosis. It was found, using a confocal microscopy, that actin filaments disappeared and granular actin was distributed diffusely in the cytoplasm of up to 90% of HeLa cells and up to 64% of CT26 cells after treatment with tested 3-azaspiro[bicyclo [3.1.0]hexane-2,5'-pyrimidines]. We discovered that the number of HeLa cells with filopodium-like membrane protrusions was reduced significantly (from 91% in control cells to 35%) after treatment with the most active compounds. A decrease in cell motility was also noticed. Preliminary in vivo experiments on the impact of the studied compounds on the dynamics of CT26 tumor growth in Balb/C mice were also performed.

Bicyclo[3,3,1]non-2-ene was used as a novel three-dimensional skeleton for the design and synthesis of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 inhibitors. Among the compounds synthesized, compound 4b was found to be a potent inhibitor of HIF-1α protein accumulation under hypoxia and inhibited HIF-1α transcriptional activity in HeLa (human cervical carcinoma) cells (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 3.0 μM). The inhibition of HIF-1α accumulation induced by compound 4b was attenuated by treating the cells with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that the compound 4b induces oxygen-independent proteasomal degradation of HIF-1α.

Three undescribed bicyclo[3.2.1]octanoid neolignan glucosides, along with a known neolignan, were isolated from the leaves of Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav. Their chemical structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D and 2D NMR experiments and HR-ESI-MS analysis, as well as through comparison with previously reported data. Two compounds were assessed for their inhibitory effect against pyruvate dehydrogenase E1α S300 phosphorylation. The fluorescent image suggested that both compounds (60 µM) revealed a stronger inhibition effect than the positive control (dichloroacetate, DCA 5 mM), with IC50 values of 99.82 µM and 80.25 µM, respectively.

New 1'-homocarbanucleoside analogs with an optically active substituted bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane skeleton as sugar moiety were synthesized. The pyrimidine analogs with uracil, 5-fluorouracil, thymine and cytosine and key intermediate with 6-chloropurine (5) as nucleobases were synthesized by a selective Mitsunobu reaction on the primary hydroxymethyl group in the presence of 5-endo-hydroxyl group. Adenine and 6-substituted adenine homonucleosides were obtained by the substitution of the 6-chlorine atom of the key intermediate 5 with ammonia and selected amines, and 6-methoxy- and 6-ethoxy substituted purine homonucleosides by reaction with the corresponding alkoxides. No derivatives appeared active against entero, yellow fever, chikungunya, and adeno type 1viruses. Two compounds (6j and 6d) had lower IC50 (15 ± 2 and 21 ± 4 µM) and compound 6f had an identical value of IC50 (28 ± 4 µM) to that of acyclovir, suggesting that the bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane skeleton could be further studied to find a candidate for sugar moiety of the nucleosides.

Ipomone (1), a novel diterpenoid along with seven known compounds (2-8), was isolated for the first time from the acidified hydroalcoholic extract of Ipomoea nil seeds. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated via comprehensive NMR spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of 1 was ascertained through NOESY, NMR, and ECD analyses. Compound 1 was found to contain an unusual bicyclo-[3.2.1] octanone, which appeared first time in any natural product that might be an artifact resulting from the acid-catalyzed 1,2 alkyl shift/rearrangement. The novel compound was screened for cytotoxic activity against a panel of 12 human cancer cell lines and exhibited weak cytotoxicity with IC50 values in the range of 34-86 μM (except for HEK-293 cells). Microscopic studies revealed that compound 1 induced apoptosis and autophagy in A549 cells. To further explore the signaling pathway involved, immunoblot analysis was performed that confirmed inhibition of apoptotic proteins PARP-1 and caspase-3 expression and upregulation of LC3B expression by compound 1. The compound was further subjected to molecular docking studies to evaluate its binding affinity with p110α, PARP-1, and caspase-3 proteins.

The betaine/GABA transporter 1 (BGT1) is a member of the GABA transporter (GAT) family with still elusive function, largely due to a lack of potent and selective tool compounds. Based on modeling, we here present the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of five novel conformationally restricted cyclic GABA analogs related to the previously reported highly potent and selective BGT1 inhibitor (1S,2S,5R)-5-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2-carboxylic acid (bicyclo-GABA). Using [3H]GABA radioligand uptake assays at the four human GATs recombinantly expressed in mammalian cell lines, we identified bicyclo-GABA and its N-methylated analog (2) as the most potent and selective BGT1 inhibitors. Additional pharmacological characterization in a fluorescence-based membrane potential assay showed that bicyclo-GABA and 2 are competitive inhibitors, not substrates, at BGT1, which was validated by a Schild analysis for bicyclo-GABA (pK B value of 6.4). To further elaborate on the selectivity profile both compounds were tested at recombinant α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors. Whereas bicyclo-GABA showed low micromolar agonistic activity, the N-methylated 2 was completely devoid of activity at GABAA receptors. To further reveal the binding mode of bicyclo-GABA and 2 binding hypotheses of the compounds were obtained from in silico-guided mutagenesis studies followed by pharmacological evaluation at selected BGT1 mutants. This identified the non-conserved BGT1 residues Q299 and E52 as the molecular determinants driving BGT1 activity and selectivity. The binding mode of bicyclo-GABA was further validated by the introduction of activity into the corresponding GAT3 mutant L314Q (38 times potency increase cf. wildtype). Altogether, our data reveal the molecular determinants for the activity of bicyclic GABA analogs, that despite their small size act as competitive inhibitors of BGT1. These compounds may serve as valuable tools to selectively and potently target BGT1 in order to decipher its elusive pharmacological role in the brain and periphery such as the liver and kidneys.

A structurally unprecedented prenylated indole alkaloid, beshanzuamide A (1), together with five known analogues (2-6) were isolated and identified from the endophytic fungus derived from the needles of the critically endangered conifer Abies beshanzuensis. The new structure was determined by extensive spectroscopic methods and quantum chemical calculations of NMR and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Compound 1 features a unique N,O-spiroketal/δ-lactone motif connected to a pyranoindole-derived bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane ring. A plausible biogenetic pathway for the assembly of 1 was proposed.

ω-Aminoacyl and -alkyl derivatives of 4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)bicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-amines and of 5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-2-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonanes were prepared and their activities were examined in vitro against the multiresistant K1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum and against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (STIB 900). Some of the newly synthesized compounds showed very promising antiprotozoal activity and selectivity. A few of the alkylamino-2-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonanes exhibited high antiplasmodial activity, whereas a single bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivative was the most potent antitrypanosomal compound. The results of the newly synthesized compounds were compared with the activities of already synthesized compounds and of drugs in use. Structure-activity relationships were discussed.

The ortho-substituted phenyl ring is a basic structural element in chemistry. It is found in more than three hundred drugs and agrochemicals. During the past decade, scientists have tried to replace the phenyl ring in bioactive compounds with saturated bioisosteres to obtain novel patentable structures. However, most of the research in this area has been devoted to the replacement of the para-substituted phenyl ring. Here we have developed saturated bioisosteres of the ortho-substituted phenyl ring with improved physicochemical properties: 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes. Crystallographic analysis revealed that these structures and the ortho-substituted phenyl ring indeed have similar geometric properties. Replacement of the phenyl ring in marketed agrochemicals fluxapyroxad (BASF) and boscalid (BASF) with 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes dramatically improved their water solubility, reduced lipophilicity and most importantly retained bioactivity. This work suggests an opportunity for chemists to replace the ortho-substituted phenyl ring in bioactive compounds with saturated bioisosteres in medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry.

Volatile components from Rhizoma Alpiniae Officinarum were respectively extracted by three methods including hydrodistillation, headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and diethyl ether extraction. A total of 40 (hydrodistillation), 32 (HS-SPME) and 37 (diethyl ether extraction) compounds were respectively identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and 22 compounds were overlapped, including α-farnesene, γ-muurolene, 2,6-dimethyl-6-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene, eucalyptol and cadina-1(10), 4-diene and so forth, varying in relative contents. HS-SPME is fast, sample saving and solvent-free and it also can achieve similar profiles as those from hydrodistillation and solvent extraction. Therefore, it can be the priority for extracting volatile components from medicinal plants.

Three new (1-3) and 11 known (4-14) C25 steroids with an unusual bicyclo[4.4.1]A/B ring system were isolated by tracing newly produced metabolites in the EtOAc extract of an antitumor mutant AD-1-2 obtained by the diethyl sulphate (DES) mutagenesis of a marine-derived Penicillium purpurogenum G59. HPLC-PDAD-UV and HPLC-ESI-MS analyses indicated that the G59 strain did not produce these metabolites and the production of 1-14 in the mutant AD-1-2 extract was caused by the activation of silent metabolites in the original G59 strain by DES mutagenesis. The structures of the new compounds, named antineocyclocitrinols A (1) and B (2) and 23-O-methylantineocyclocitrinol (3), including their absolute configurations were determined by various spectroscopic methods, especially the NMR and Mo2-induced CD analyses. Compounds 1-3 provide the first examples of the C25 bicyclo[4.4.1]A/B ring steroids with the Z-configuration of 20,22-double bond. All of 1-14 weakly inhibited several human cancer cell lines to varying extents. These results provided additional examples for the successful application of the chemical mutagenesis strategy using DES to discover new compounds by activating silent metabolites in fungal isolates and supported also the effectiveness and usefulness of this new strategy.

Better understanding of the transannular influence of a substituent on the redox-potentials of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-derived quinones will help in the design of new compounds with controlled biological activity. However, attempts to directly relate the reduction potentials of substituted triptycene-quinones to the electronic effects of substituents are often unsuccessful.

Hair loss (alopecia) is a universal problem for numerous people in the world. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of red ginseng oil (RGO) and its major components on hair re-growth using testosterone (TES)-induced delay of anagen entry in C57BL/6 mice and their mechanisms of action. Seven-week-old C57BL/6 mice were daily treated with TES for 1 h prior to topical application of 10% RGO, 1% linoleic acid (LA), 1% β-sitosterol (SITOS), or 1% bicyclo(10.1.0)tridec-1-ene (BICYCLO) once a day for 28 days. Hair regenerative capacity was significantly restored by treatment of RGO and its major compounds in the TES-treated mice. Histological analysis showed that RGO along with LA and SITOS but not BICYCLO promoted hair growth through early inducing anagen phase that was delayed by TES in mice. Treatment of mice with RGO, LA, or SITOS up-regulated Wnt/β-catenin and Shh/Gli pathways-mediated expression of genes such as β-catenin, Lef-1, Sonic hedgehog, Smoothened, Gli-1, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E in the TES-treated mice. In addition, RGO and its major components reduced the protein level of TGF-β but enhanced the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. These results suggest that RGO is a potent novel therapeutic natural product for treatment of androgenic alopecia possibly through hair re-growth activity of its major components such as LA and SITOS.

With heimionones A-E (1-5), five new terpenoids were isolated from submerged cultures of Heimiomyces sp. in addition to the previously described compounds hispidin, hypholomin B, and heimiomycins A and B. Planar structures of the metabolites were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR in addition to HRESIMS data. While ROESY data assigned relative configurations, absolute configurations were determined by the synthesis of MTPA esters of 1, 3, and 5. The [6.3.0] undecane core structure of compounds 3-5 is of the asteriscane-type, however, the scaffold of 1 and 2 with their bicyclo [5.3.0] decane core and germinal methyl substitution is, to our knowledge, unprecedented. Together with several new compounds that were previously isolated from solid cultures of this strain, Heimiomyces sp. showed an exceptionally high chemical diversity of its secondary metabolite profile.

Two new families of enantiomerically pure carbocyclic nucleoside analogues based on a cyclohexane moiety with five chiral centers and a fused cyclopropyl ring have been synthesized. A highly regio- and stereoselective synthetic approach for the modular construction of the functionalized bicyclo[4.1.0]heptyl azide intermediate 6 has been established. Key steps to achieve this asymmetric synthesis involved highly diastereoselective allylic oxidation and hydroboration reactions. The first family of compounds, 1a,b and 2, presents different natural nucleobases, whereas the second one 3a-e bears functionalized 1,2,3-triazoles. These derivatives have been tested as antiviral agents, and compound 3d has shown to display moderate activity against coxsackie B4 virus.

The rise of drug-resistant influenza A virus strains motivates the development of new antiviral drugs, with different structural motifs and substitution. Recently, we explored the use of a bicyclic (bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane) analogue of sialic acid that was designed to mimic the conformation adopted during enzymatic cleavage within the neuraminidase (NA; sialidase) active site. Given that our first series of compounds were at least four orders of magnitude less active than available drugs, we hypothesized that the new carbon skeleton did not elicit the same interactions as the cyclohexene frameworks used previously. Herein, we tried to address this critical point with the aid of molecular modeling and we proposed new structures with different functionalization, such as the introduction of free ammonium and guanidinium groups and ether side chains other than the 3-pentyl side chain, the characteristic side chain in Oseltamivir. A highly simplified synthetic route was developed, starting from the cyclopropanation of cyclopentenone and followed by an aziridination and further functionalization of the five-member ring. This allowed the efficient preparation of a small library of new bicyclic ligands that were characterized by enzyme inhibition assays against influenza A neuraminidases N1, its H274Y mutant, and N2. The results show that none of the new structural variants synthesized, including those containing guanidinium groups rather than free ammonium ions, displayed activity against influenza A neuraminidases at concentrations less than 2 mM. We conclude that the choice and positioning of functional groups on the bicyclo[3.1.0]hexyl system still need to be properly tuned for producing complementary interactions within the catalytic site.

all-endo-3-amino-5-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2-carboxylic acid (13) and all-endo-5-amino-6-(hydroxymethyl)bicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-ol (10) were prepared via dihydro-1,3-oxazine or g-lactone intermediates by the stereoselective functionalization of an N-protected derivative of endo-3-aminobicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid (2). Ring closure of b-amino ester 4 resulted in tricyclic pyrimidinones 15 and 16. The structures, stereochemistry and relative configurations of the synthesized compounds were determined by IR and NMR.