In silico identification of new potentially active brassinosteroid analogues.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are hormones found in a wide range of plant species, they are synthesized at low concentrations and are essential for normal growth and development. These phytohormones are recognized by the Leucine-rich-repeat ectodomain of the receptor-like-kinase BRI1 which leads to subsequent downstream signaling mediating plant growth/development. In spite of the advantages that BRs offer, their extraction from natural sources is highly expensive, which constitutes one of its major limitations.

Spirostanic analogues of castasterone.

The synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and biologic activity of two bioactive spirostanic analogues of the naturally occurring brassinosteroid castasterone are described.