Fragment-Based Discovery of Allosteric Inhibitors of SH2 Domain-Containing Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-2 (SHP2).

The ubiquitously expressed protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is required for signaling downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and plays a role in regulating many cellular processes. Genetic knockdown and pharmacological inhibition of SHP2 suppresses RAS/MAPK signaling and inhibit the proliferation of RTK-driven cancer cell lines. Here, we describe the first reported fragment-to-lead campaign against SHP2, where X-ray crystallography and biophysical techniques were used to identify fragments binding to multiple sites on SHP2.

Structural Determination of (-)-SCH 64874 and Hirsutellomycin by Semisynthesis.

The structure of a C-symmetric epidithiodiketopiperazine alkaloid, SCH 64874, was determined by semisynthesis. The relative stereochemistry of the β-hydroxy carboxylic acid chain having three chiral centers was determined by comparison of the NMR data of the four possible diastereomeric β-hydroxy carboxylic acid fragments with those of SCH 64874. Condensation of the (-)-deacetylaranotin core with two enantiomeric β-hydroxy carboxylic acids revealed the relative stereochemistry of SCH 64874.

Total Synthesis of (+)-MPC1001B.

The first total synthesis of an epidithiodiketopiperazine alkaloid, (+)-MPC1001B, was accomplished. This synthesis features a tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride mediated intramolecular aldol reaction for forming the 15-membered macrolactone ring, and the construction of an epidithiodiketopiperazine substructure through a stepwise sulfenylation reaction involving a novel trityl trisulfide (TrSSS)-group transfer.

Synthesis of substituted indoline and carbazole by benzyne-mediated cyclization-functionalization.

A benzyne-mediated synthesis of substituted indolines and carbazoles was developed. The reaction includes generation of benzyne using Mg(TMP)2·2LiCl as a base, cyclization, and trapping the resulting organomagnesium intermediate with an electrophile to provide a series of substituted indolines and carbazoles in a regiospecific manner. This was applied to a concise five-pot total synthesis of heptaphylline.

Total synthesis of (-)-acetylaranotin.

The key step in this total synthesis of (-)-acetylaranotin is the efficient formation of the characteristic dihydrooxepine ring from cyclohexenone through an unusual vinylogous Rubottom oxidation and a regioselective Baeyer-Villiger oxidation. (-)-Acetylaranotin is obtained in 22 steps from commercially available L-Cbz-tyrosine (Cbz=benzyloxycarbonyl).

Total synthesis of dictyodendrins A-E.

A highly efficient total synthesis of dictyodendrins A-E was accomplished. The synthesis features a novel benzyne-mediated one-pot indoline formation/cross-coupling sequence for the construction of a highly substituted key indoline intermediate. Peripheral substituents were introduced onto this intermediate in a modular fashion to complete the total synthesis of dictyodendrins A-E.