Exploratory Study on the RNA-Binding Structural Motifs by Library Screening Targeting pre-miRNA-29 a.

The metabolic stream of microRNA (miRNA) production, the so-called maturation process of miRNAs, became one of important metabolic paths for drug-targeting to modulate the expression of genes related to a number of diseases. We carried out discovery studies on small molecules binding to the precursor of miR-29a (pre-miR-29a) from a chemical library containing 41,119 compounds (AQ library) by the fluorescent indicator displacement (FID) assay using the xanthone derivative X2SdiMe as a fluorescent indicator. The FID assay provided 1075 compounds, which showed an increase of fluorescence.

Fluorescent indicator displacement assay of ligands targeting 10 microRNA precursors.

Fluorescent indicator displacement (FID) assay is a rapid and convenient assay for identifying new ligands that bind to the target molecules. In our previous studies, we have shown that a series of 2,7-diaminoalkoxy xanthone and thioxanthone derivatives can be used as fluorescent indicators for detecting the interaction between RNA and a ligand. The xanthone and thioxanthone fluorochromes showed efficient fluorescence quenching upon binding to target RNA.

Xanthone derivatives as potential inhibitors of miRNA processing by human Dicer: targeting secondary structures of pre-miRNA by small molecules.

In recent years, various biological processes have been found to be regulated by miRNA-mediated gene silencing. A small molecule that modulate the miRNA pathway will provide the biological tool for elucidating mechanisms of miRNA-mediated gene regulation, and can be the drug lead for miRNA related diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that an aminoalkoxy-substituted thioxanthone derivative interferes Dicer-mediated processing of pre-miRNA.

Structure-activity studies on the fluorescent indicator in a displacement assay for the screening of small molecules binding to RNA.

A series of xanthone and thioxanthone derivatives with aminoalkoxy substituents were synthesized as fluorescent indicators for a displacement assay in the study of small-molecule-RNA interactions. The RNA-binding properties of these molecules were investigated in terms of the improved binding selectivity to the loop region in the RNA secondary structure relative to 2,7-bis(2-aminoethoxy)xanthone (X2S) by fluorimetric titration and displacement assay. An 11-mer double-stranded RNA and a hairpin RNA mimicking the stem loop IIB of Rev response element (RRE) RNA of HIV-1 mRNA were used.

Chemoselective cyclization of unprotected linear peptides by α-ketoacid-hydroxylamine amide-ligation.

Cyclic peptides are important synthetic targets due to their constrained conformation, enhanced metabolic stability and improved bioavailability, which combine to make them promising lead compounds for drug candidates. They are typically synthesized by a multi-step sequence of carefully orchestrated protecting group manipulations and cyclization of side-chain protected linear precursors. In the present manuscript we disclose an alternative approach to the synthesis of peptide macrocycles by the α-ketoacid-hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation.

Iridium Catalyzed Hydro-hydroxyalkylation of Butadiene: Carbonyl Crotylation.

Exposure of alcohols 1a-1i to butadiene in the presence of a cyclometallated iridium catalyzed derived from allyl acetate, 4-methoxy-3-nitrobenzoic acid and BIPHEP (2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)biphenyl) results in hydrogen transfer to generate aldehyde-allyliridium pairs, which engage in C-C coupling to form products of carbonyl crotylation. Under related conditions using 1,4-butanediol as hydrogen donor, butadiene reductively couples to aldehydes 2e-2g and 2i to furnish carbonyl crotylation products 3e-3g and 3i. Thus, butadiene mediated carbonyl crotylation occurs with equal facility from the alcohol or aldehyde oxidation level with complete levels of branched regioselectivity.

A reagent for the convenient, solid-phase synthesis of N-terminal peptide hydroxylamines for chemoselective ligations.

A new N-sulfonyloxaziridine reagent for the conversion of N-terminal peptide amines to the corresponding hydroxylamines without overoxidation or erosion of stereochemistry is described. The products are N-terminal hydroxylamines, which are substrates for chemoselective amide-bond forming reactions with alpha-ketoacids. The success of this reagent arises from covalent precomplexation with the substrate via imine bond formation followed by an intramolecular oxygen-atom transfer to the amine.

Cyclic ketimines as superior electrophiles for NHC-catalyzed homoenolate additions with broad scope and low catalyst loadings.

Cyclic sulfonyl imines derived from ketones were identified as stable and readily prepared compounds that serve as superior electrophiles for N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed annulations with alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes to afford highly substituted gamma-lactams. Their superior reactivity and properties are highlighted by the first example of NHC-catalyzed reactions of enals with low catalyst loadings (0.5 mol %) and broad substrate scope encompassing alkyl, aryl, and heteroaromatic substituents.

Cinchona alkaloid/sulfinyl chloride combinations: enantioselective sulfinylating agents of alcohols.

We report a novel approach to asymmetric sulfinylation reactions based on a cinchona alkaloid/sulfinyl chloride combination that acts as the first asymmetric sulfinylating agents of achiral alcohols. Both enantiomers of arenesulfinates are obtained with up to 99% ee. The significantly high enantioselectivity observed in this case could be explained by dynamic kinetic resolution.

Novel chiral sulfur-containing ferrocenyl ligands for palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution.

New chiral ferrocenyl ligands having chiral sulfinyl and phosphinyl groups were prepared. The palladium-catalyzed allylic substitution reaction using these chiral ligands showed good enantioselectivity. The mechanism for the asymmetric reaction is proposed on the basis of the stereochemical outcome.