Synthesis and biological activities of the respiratory chain inhibitor aurachin D and new ring versus chain analogues.
Aurachins are myxobacterial 3-farnesyl-4(1H)-quinolone derived compounds initially described as respiratory chain inhibitors, more specifically as inhibitors of various cytochrome complexes. They are also known as potent antibiotic compounds. We describe herein the first synthesis of aurachin D through a key Conrad-Limpach reaction. The same strategy was used to reach some ring as opposed to chain analogues, allowing for the description of structure-activity relationships. Biological screening of the analogues showed antiparasitic, cytotoxic, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and depletion of the mitochondrial membrane potential. The strongest activity was found on Plasmodium falciparum with a selectivity index of 345, compared to Vero cells, for the natural product and its geranyl analogue. The loss of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by aurachins in human U-2 OS osteosarcoma cells was studied, showing the best activity for aurachin D and a naphthalene analogue, yet without totally explaining the observed cytotoxic activity of the compounds. Finally, a synthetic entry is given to the complete carboheterocyclic core of aurachin H through the N-oxidation/epoxidation of aurachin D and a shorter chain analogue, followed by subsequent biomimetic cyclization.
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes (UMR 7245 CNRS-MNHN), 57 rue Cuvier (CP 54), 75005 Paris, France.
Xu-Wen
XW
Li
Jennifer
J
Herrmann
Yi
Y
Zang
Philippe
P
Grellier
Soizic
S
Prado
Rolf
R
Müller
Bastien
B
Nay
Conrad–Limpach reaction; antiplasmodial activities; mitochondrial membrane potential; natural products; quinolones; total synthesis