Structure-activity relationships of the truncated norzoanthamines exhibiting collagen protection toward anti-osteoporotic activity.

The marine alkaloid norzoanthamine is a candidate drug for osteoporosis treatment. Due to its structural complexity, simplified analogues possessing similar biological activities are needed for further research. Recently, we found that the bisaminal unit, representing two-thirds of the original structure, is a bioactive equivalent.

Inhibition of quorum sensing in gram-negative bacteria by alkylamine-modified cyclodextrins.

N-Acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) are used as quorum-sensing (QS) signals by gram-negative bacteria. We have reported that the cyclic oligosaccharides known as cyclodextrins (CDs) form inclusion complexes with AHLs and disrupt QS signaling. In this study, a series of CD derivatives were designed and synthesized to improve the QS inhibitory activity over that of native CDs.