Gopal Sirasani

Concise Total Syntheses of (±)-Strychnine and (±)-Akuammicine†

Concise total syntheses of Strychnos alkaloids strychnine (1) and akuammicine (2) have been realized in 13 and 6 operations, respectively. Key steps include (1) the vinylogous Mannich reaction; (2) a novel, sequential one-pot spirocyclization/intramolecular aza-Baylis-Hillman reaction; and (3) a Heck cyclization. The synthesis of 1 proceeds via the Wieland-Gumlich aldehyde (26).

Total Synthesis of (−)-Leuconicine A and B

Concise asymmetric total syntheses of Strychnos alkaloids (-)-leuconicine A (14 steps, 9% overall yield) and B (13 steps, 10% overall yield) have been accomplished. Key steps include (1) our sequential one-pot spiro-cyclization/intramolecular aza-Baylis-Hillman method to prepare the ABCE framework; (2) a novel domino acylation/Knoevenagel cyclization to prepare the F-ring; and (3) a Heck cyclization to access the D-ring.

Sequential One-Pot Cyclizations: Concise Access to the ABCE Tetracyclic Framework of Strychnos Alkaloids‡

A sequential one-pot biscyclization route to the ABCE tetracyclic framework of Strychnos alkaloids has been developed. Specifically, the AgOTf-mediated spirocyclization of an appropriately functionalized indole 3-carbinamide afforded a stable spiroindolenine intermediate; subsequent addition of DBU to the reaction mixture effected an unprecedented intramolecular aza-Baylis-Hillman reaction, delivering a tetracyclic product in 70% isolated yield.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Strychnos Alkaloids as MDR Reversal Agents for Cancer Cell Eradication

Natural products represent the fourth generation of multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal agents that resensitize MDR cancer cells overexpressing P-glycoprotein (Pgp) to cytotoxic agents. We have developed an effective synthetic route to prepare various Strychnos alkaloids and their derivatives. Molecular modeling of these alkaloids docked to a homology model of Pgp was employed to optimize ligand-protein interactions and design analogues with increased affinity to Pgp. Moreover, the compounds were evaluated for their (1) binding affinity to Pgp by fluorescence quenching, and (2) MDR reversal activity using a panel of in vitro and cell-based assays and compared to verapamil, a known inhibitor of Pgp activity. Compound 7 revealed the highest affinity to Pgp of all Strychnos congeners (Kd=4.4μM), the strongest inhibition of Pgp ATPase activity, and the strongest MDR reversal effect in two Pgp-expressing cell lines. Altogether, our findings suggest the clinical potential of these synthesized compounds as viable Pgp modulators justifies further investigation.

Concise Total Synthesis of (+)-Crocacin C

The cytotoxic natural product (+)-crocacin C ( 1) has been synthesized in 10 linear steps from commercially available Evans chiral propionimide in 5% overall yield (8 steps from Evans chiral dipropionate synthon). No protecting groups were utilized.

Total synthesis of (+)-crocacin C.

Two approaches toward the total synthesis of cytotoxic polyketide natural product (+)-crocacin C (1) are described. The first approach, which was ultimately unsuccessful, was replaced altogether with a second that afforded target 1 in 10 linear steps from commercially available Evans chiral propionimide (5% overall yield). No protecting groups were utilized in the total synthesis of 1.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Pentacyclic Strychnos Alkaloids as Selective Modulators of the ABCC10 (MRP7) Efflux Pump

The selective modulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux pumps overexpressed in multidrug resistant cancers (MDR) and attendant resensitization to chemotherapeutic agents represent a promising strategy for treating cancer. We have synthesized four novel pentacyclic Strychnos alkaloids alstolucines B (2), F (3), and A (5) and N-demethylalstogucine (4), in addition to known Strychnos alkaloid echitamidine (16), and we evaluated compounds 1–5 in biochemical assays with ABCC10 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Alstolucines B (2) and F (3) inhibited ABCC10 ATPase activity at 12.5 μM without affecting P-gp function; moreover, they resensitized ABCC10-transfected cell lines to paclitaxel at 10 μM. Altogether, the alstolucines represent promising lead candidates in the development of modulators of ABCC10 for MDR cancers overexpressing this pump.

Concise Syntheses of bis-Strychnos Alkaloids (-)-Sungucine, (-)-Isosungucine, and (-)-Strychnogucine B from (-)-Strychnine.

The first chemical syntheses of complex, bis-Strychnos alkaloids (-)-sungucine (1), (-)-isosungucine (2), and (-)-strychnogucineu2005B (3) from (-)-strychnine (4) is reported. Key steps included (1)u2005the Polonovski-Potier activation of strychnine N-oxide; (2)u2005a biomimetic Mannich coupling to forge the signature C23-C5 bond that joins two monoterpene indole monomers; and (3)u2005a sequential HBr/NaBH3 CN-mediated reduction to fashion the ethylidene moieties in 1-3. DFT calculations were employed to rationalize the regiochemical course of reactions involving strychnine congeners.

Total Synthesis of Strychnos Alkaloids Akuammicine, Strychnine, and Leuconicines A and B

Abstract Described herein is an account of my laboratory’s entry into the magnificent field of complex alkaloid total synthesis, spanning the development of novel methods for quickly assembling polycyclic frameworks through the total synthesis of various members of the Strychnos alkaloids. A discussion of the prior art related to our approach to these alkaloids in addition to strategic decisions and reasoning made en route to targets akuammicine ( 1 ), strychnine ( 2 ), and leuconicines A ( 3 ) and B ( 4 ) is carefully detailed. Finally, we present the retrosynthetic analyses of the aforementioned targets and respective total syntheses thereof (including asymmetric variants).