Site-Selective Ortho/Ipso C-H Difunctionalizations of Arenes using Thianthrene as a Leaving Group.

Site-selective ortho/ipso C-H difunctionalizations of aromatic compounds were designed to afford polyfunctionalized arenes including challenging 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted ones (62 examples, up to 97 % yields). To ensure the excellent regioselectivity of the process while keeping high efficiency, an original strategy based on a "C-H thianthenation/Catellani-type reaction" sequence was developed starting from simple arenes. Non-prefunctionalized arenes were first regioselectively converted into the corresponding thianthrenium salts.

Synthesis and migrastatic activity of cytochalasin analogues lacking a macrocyclic moiety.

Cytochalasans are known as inhibitors of actin polymerization and for their cytotoxic and migrastatic activity. In this study, we synthesized a series of cytochalasin derivatives that lack a macrocyclic moiety, a structural element traditionally considered essential for their biological activity. We focused on substituting the macrocycle with simple aryl-containing sidechains, and we have also synthesized compounds with different substitution patterns on the cytochalasin core.

Unexplored Vinylic-Substituted 5-Benzylidenethiazolidine-2,4-diones: Synthesis and DFT/NMR Stereochemical Assignment.

By exploring an efficient and versatile method for the 6-functionalization of its scaffold, we investigated the opening of a new chemical space around benzylidenethiazolidine-2,4-dione (BTZD). The 6-chloro- and 6-formyl BTZD obtained in two steps starting from 5-lithioTZD were selected as key intermediates and involved in a Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling or Wittig olefination. A variety of aryl, heteroaryl, or alkenyl substituents was successfully introduced on the vinylic position of BTZD, and particular attention was paid to elucidate the stereochemistry of the benzylidene derivatives by using a combined DFT/NMR study.

AB186 Inhibits Migration of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Interacts with α-Tubulin.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among females worldwide. A major challenge is to develop innovative therapy in order to treat breast cancer subtypes resistant to current treatment. In the present study, we examined the effects of two Troglitazone derivatives Δ2-TGZ and AB186.

New desulfured troglitazone derivatives: Improved synthesis and biological evaluation.

Breast cancer is a major medical threat which cannot be sufficiently addressed by current therapies because of spontaneous or acquired treatment resistance. Besides, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors do not respond to targeted therapies, thus new therapeutic strategies are needed. In this context, we designed and prepared new desulfured troglitazone (TGZ)-derived molecules and evaluated them in vitro for their anti-proliferative activity, with a special focus on triple-negative breast cancer cell lines.