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Catalysts 10.20

Gold-Catalyzed Synthetic Strategies towards Four-Carbon Ring Systems

Guillermo Otárola, Juan J. Vaquero, Estíbaliz Merino*, Manuel A. Fernández-Rodríguez*

Catalysts, 2020, Early View
DOI: 10.3390/catal10101178

Four carbon ring systems are frequently present in natural products with remarkable biological activities such as terpenoids, alkaloids, and steroids. The development of new strategies for the assembly of these structures in a rapid and efficient manner has attracted the interest of synthetic chemists for a long time. The current research is focused mainly on the development of synthetic methods that can be performed under mild reaction conditions with a high tolerance to functional groups. In recent years, gold complexes have turned into excellent candidates for this aim, owing to their high reactivity, and are thus capable of promoting a wide range of transformations under mild conditions. Their remarkable efficiency has been thoroughly demonstrated in the synthesis of complex organic molecules from simple starting materials. This review summarizes the main synthetic strategies described for gold-catalyzed four-carbon ring formation, as well as their application in the synthesis of natural products.

García-Marín et al. ChemMedChem. 2020;15(19):1788-1801. Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines: Insulin Mimetics that Exhibit Potent and Selective Inhibition against Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B

Publications > García-Marín et al

Pyrrolo%@5B1,2-a%@5Dquinoxalines: Insulin Mimetics that Exhibit Potent and Selective Inhibition against Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B.

1. Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.  2. Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, km. 9100, 28034, Madrid, Spain.  3. Instituto de Investigación Química Andrés M. del Río, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.  4. Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.  5. Departamento de Química y Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo CEU, 28925, Alcorcón, Spain.  6. Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.

Abstract

PTP1B dephosphorylates insulin receptor and substrates to modulate glucose metabolism. This enzyme is a validated therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes, but no current drug candidates have completed clinical trials. Pyrrolo%@5B1,2-a%@5Dquinoxalines substituted at positions C1-C4 and/or C7-C8 were found to be nontoxic to cells and good inhibitors in the low- to sub-micromolar range, with the 4-benzyl derivative being the most potent inhibitor (0.24 μm). Some analogues bearing chlorine atoms at C7 and/or C8 kept potency and showed good selectivity compared to TCPTP (selectivity index >40). The most potent inhibitors behaved as insulin mimetics by increasing glucose uptake. The 4-benzyl derivative inhibited insulin receptor substrate 1 and AKT phosphorylation. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations supported a putative binding mode for these compounds to the allosteric α3/α6/α7 pocket, but inconsistent results in enzyme inhibition kinetics were obtained due to the high tendency of these inhibitors to form stable aggregates. Computational calculations supported the druggability of inhibitors.

Nefrología 10.20

The pHLIP system as a vehicle for microRNAs in the kidney

Verónica Miguel, Carlos Rey, José Luis Aceña, Francisco Maqueda, Carlos Fernández-Hernando, Diego Rodríguez-Puyol, Juan J. Vaquero, Santiago Lamas

Nefrología, 2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.nefro.2020.05.007

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNAs that regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional repression of their target messenger RNAs. A study of changes in expression of certain miRNAs in the kidney has supplied evidence on their pathogenic role and therapeutic potential in nephrology. This review proposes a nanotechnology approach based on the binding of analogs or inhibitors of miRNAs formed by peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to peptides with a transmembrane structure sensitive to a low pH, called pHLIPs (pH [low] insertion peptides). The review draws on the concept that an acidic pH in the microenvironment of the renal tubule may facilitate concentration and distribution of the pHLIP-PNA complex in this organ. In this context, we have demonstrated for the first time that targeted administration of miR-33 inhibitors with the pHLIP system effectively prevents the development of renal fibrosis, thus opening up this technology to new strategies for diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.

Miguel et al. Nefrologia. 2020;:. The pHLIP system as a vehicle for microRNAs in the kidney.

Publications > Miguel et al

The pHLIP system as a vehicle for microRNAs in the kidney.

1. Programa de Procesos Fisiológicos y Patológicos, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, España. Electronic address:.  2. Programa de Procesos Fisiológicos y Patológicos, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, España.  3. Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación Química Andrés M. del Río (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, IRYCIS, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.  4. Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism Program, Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, Estados Unidos.  5. Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Research Foundation of the University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, IRYCIS, Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.

avmiguel@cbm.csic.es

Resumen

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous RNAs that regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional repression of their target messenger RNAs. A study of changes in expression of certain miRNAs in the kidney has supplied evidence on their pathogenic role and therapeutic potential in nephrology. This review proposes a nanotechnology approach based on the binding of analogs or inhibitors of miRNAs formed by peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to peptides with a transmembrane structure sensitive to a low pH, called pHLIPs (pH %@5Blow%@5D insertion peptides). The review draws on the concept that an acidic pH in the microenvironment of the renal tubule may facilitate concentration and distribution of the pHLIP-PNA complex in this organ. In this context, we have demonstrated for the first time that targeted administration of miR-33 inhibitors with the pHLIP system effectively prevents the development of renal fibrosis, thus opening up this technology to new strategies for diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.

Org Lett 09.2020

Selective Synthesis of Phenanthrenes and Dihydrophenanthrenes via Gold-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Biphenyl Embedded Trienynes

Ana Milián, Patricia García-García*, Adrián Pérez-Redondo, Roberto Sanz, Juan J. Vaquero, and Manuel A. Fernández-Rodríguez*

Org. Lett, 2020, ASAP
DOI: acs.orglett.0c03067

Highlighted as Cover Picture: link

Readily available o′-alkenyl-o-alkynylbiaryls, a particular type of 1,7-enynes, undergo a selective cycloisomerization reaction in the presence of a gold(I) catalyst to give interesting phenanthrene and dihydrophenanthrene derivatives in high yields. The solvent used provokes a switch in the evolution of the gold intermediate and plays a key role in the reaction outcome.

Guillermo Otarola

Guillermo Otarola

  • FPI grant Universidad de Alcalá (2021-2024)
  • REDINREN associate researcher Universidad de Alcalá (2020)
  • Master Drug Discovery, Universidad de Alcalá (2019/2020)
  • Graduated at the Universidad de Alcalá (2019)

Publications in the group

Visible-Light-Mediated Regioselective Chlorosulfonylation of Acrylamides.
Synthesis 2023, 55, 1783
Gold-catalyzed endo-selective cyclization of alkynylcyclobutanecarboxamides: synthesis of cyclobutane-fused dihydropyridones.
Org Biomol Chem. 2023, 21, 2705
Electrochemically driven one-pot oxidative conversion of arylhydrazines into aromatic iodides.
J. Environ. Chem. Eng. 2022, 10, 107486
Gold-Catalyzed Synthetic Strategies towards Four-Carbon Ring Systems.
Catalysts 2020, 22, 1178
Expanding the BN-embedded PAH family: 4a-aza-12a-borachrysene.
Chem Commun 2020, 56, 3669

ChemMedChem 09.20

Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalines: Insulin Mimetics that Exhibit Potent and Selective Inhibition against Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B

Javier García‐Marín, Mercedes Griera, Patricia Sánchez‐Alonso, Bruno Di Geronimo, Francisco Mendicuti, Manuel Rodríguez‐Puyol*, Ramón Alajarín*, Beatriz de Pascual‐Teresa, Juan J. Vaquero*, Diego Rodríguez‐Puyol*

ChemMedChem, 2020, Early View
DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000446

Highlighted as Cover Picture: link

PTP1B dephosphorylates insulin receptor and substrates to modulate glucose metabolism. This enzyme is a validated therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes, but no current drug candidates have completed clinical trials. Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalines substituted at positions C1–C4 and/or C7–C8 were found to be nontoxic to cells and good inhibitors in the low‐ to sub‐micromolar range, with the 4‐benzyl derivative being the most potent inhibitor (0.24 μm). Some analogues bearing chlorine atoms at C7 and/or C8 kept potency and showed good selectivity compared to TCPTP (selectivity index >40). The most potent inhibitors behaved as insulin mimetics by increasing glucose uptake. The 4‐benzyl derivative inhibited insulin receptor substrate 1 and AKT phosphorylation. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations supported a putative binding mode for these compounds to the allosteric α3/α6/α7 pocket, but inconsistent results in enzyme inhibition kinetics were obtained due to the high tendency of these inhibitors to form stable aggregates. Computational calculations supported the druggability of inhibitors.

Altarejos et al. Eur J Org Chem. 2020:3024-3029. Practical Solvent-Free Microwave-Assisted Hydroboration of Alkynes

Publications > Altarejos et al

Practical Solvent-Free Microwave-Assisted Hydroboration of Alkynes.

Departamento de Química Orgánica y Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Investigación Química “Andrés M. del Río” (IQAR), Universidad de Alcalá, IRYCIS, 28805 Madrid, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.

javier.carreras@uah.es

Abstract

A simple and rapid protocol for the anti-Markovnikov hydroboration of alkynes assisted by microwave irradiation has been developed. Pinacolborane smoothly reacts with terminal alkynes to obtain (E)-alkenyl boronates in good yields and short reactions times in the absence of solvent. Further transformations on the carbon-boron bond of the adducts can be sequentially achieved without the need of purifying the alkenyl boronates.

EurJOC 04.2020

Practical solvent‐free microwave‐assisted hydroboration of alkynes

Julia Altarejos, David Sucunza, Juan José Vaquero, Javier Carreras*

Eur. J. Org. Chem., 2020, Accepted Articles
DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.202000110

Highlighted in ChemistryViews: web, twitter, youtube

A simple and rapid protocol for the anti‐Markovnikov hydroboration of alkynes assisted by microwave irradiation has been developed. Pinacolborane smoothly reacts with terminal alkynes to obtain (E)‐alkenyl boronates in good yields and short reactions times in the absence of solvent. Further transformations on the carbon‐boron bond of the adducts can be sequentially achieved without the need of purifying the alkenyl boronates.