Bifunctional Duocarmycin Analogues as Inhibitors of Protein Tyrosine Kinases.

Bifunctional duocarmycin analogues are highly cytotoxic compounds that have been shown to be irreversible aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 inhibitors. Interestingly, cells with low aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 expression are also sensitive to bifunctional duocarmycin analogues, suggesting the existence of another target. Through in silico approaches, including principal component analysis, structure-similarity search, and docking calculations, protein tyrosine kinases, and especially the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), were predicted as targets of bifunctional duocarmycin analogues.

Total synthesis of (-)-anamarine.

Total synthesis of polyhydroxy δ-pyranone natural product (-)-anamarine is accomplished from D-(-)-tartaric acid. The main feature of the synthesis is the utility of hitherto unexplored β-keto phosphonate derived from tartaric acid amide and further elaboration involving stereoselective reduction.