Utilizing the structure-activity relationship we have developed during the synthesis of the first two generations and mechanism of action studies that point to the interaction of these molecules with the key oncogenic protein Hsp90, we report here the design of 32 new Sansalvamide A derivatives and their synthesis. Our new structures, designed from previously reported potent compounds, were tested for cytotoxicity on the HCT116 colon cancer cell line, and their binding to the biological target was analyzed using computational studies involving blind docking of derivatives using Autodock. Further, we show new evidence that our molecules bind directly to Hsp90 and modulate Hsp90's binding with client proteins. Finally, we demonstrate that we have integrated good ADME properties into a new derivative.

Peptidomimetic-based macrocycles typically have improved pharmacokinetic properties over those observed with peptide analogs. Described are the syntheses of 13 peptidomimetic derivatives that are based on active Sansalvamide A structures, where these analogs incorporate heterocycles (triazoles, oxazoles, thiazoles, or pseudoprolines) along the macrocyclic backbone. The syntheses of these derivatives employ several approaches that can be applied to convert a macrocyclic peptide into its peptidomimetic counterpart. These approaches include peptide modifications to generate the alkyne and azide for click chemistry, a serine conversion into an oxazole, a Hantzsch reaction to generate the thiazole, and protected threonine to generate the pseudoproline derivatives. Furthermore, we show that two different peptidomimetic moieties, triazoles and thiazoles, can be incorporated into the macrocyclic backbone without reducing cytotoxicity: triazole and thiazole.

We report the synthesis of 34 second-generation Sansalvamide A derivatives. San A derivatives have unique anticancer properties and target multiple cancers, including colon, pancreatic, breast, prostate, and melanoma. As novel templates, the derivatives described herein explore the role of stereochemistry, amide bond geometry, transannular hydrogen bonding, and polarity on antitumor potency. Testing the chemotherapeutic activity of these derivatives against multiple cancer cell lines will provide clear structural motifs and identify conformational space that is important for cytotoxicity. The 34 compounds presented are divided into six series, where five series involve the insertion of D-amino acids in conjunction with four structural features at each of the five positions of the macrocycle. The sixth series involves comparison between all L- and all D-amino acid derivatives with N-methyls placed at each position around the macrocyclic core. The four structural features explored in conjunction with D-amino acids include N-methyl amino acids, aromatic amino acids, polar amino acids, and hydrophobic alkyl amino acids.

The first total synthesis of Sanguinamide B is reported, prepared via an efficient synthetic strategy. The natural product, trans,trans-Sanguinamide B (1), was generated in a thermodynamic ratio with trans,cis-Sanguinamide B (2) and cis,cis-Sanguinamide B (3). Complete conversion of the cis,cis-Sanguinamide B conformer (3) to the natural product (1) and the trans,cis- conformer (2) was achieved by heating to 170 °C. Biological evaluation indicated that the Sanguinamide B conformers disrupted the activity of a virulence determinant in P. aeruginosa.