Total syntheses of neolignans from the genus Illicium
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
Neolignans are known to exhibit a range of biological activity. More recently, they have been found to promote neurite outgrowth and inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), attractive attributes for the potential treatment towards neurodegenerative diseaeses such as Alzheimer's disease.
This project will work on a biomimetic synthesis of neolignans from common precursor chavicol (4-allylphenol). Once compounds are synthesized, biological testing will be carried out for their neuroprotective properties.
Along the way, new methodology and new reactivity with reagents should be applied where possible.
This project will work on a biomimetic synthesis of neolignans from common precursor chavicol (4-allylphenol). Once compounds are synthesized, biological testing will be carried out for their neuroprotective properties.
Along the way, new methodology and new reactivity with reagents should be applied where possible.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| John Moses (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Robert Arnold (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N50970X/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1804483 | Studentship | EP/N50970X/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2019 | Robert Arnold |
| Description | I have discovered a link between Neolignan natural products that gives evidence for a common intermediate (with divergent reactivity) in the biosynthesis of these molecules. I have designed and implemented new reactivities of reagents to my molecules to transform my molecules into useful products. I have tested these molecules for their neuroprotective biological properties with reference to promotion of neurite outgrowth and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. |
| Exploitation Route | If biologically active, the molecules that have been made might be taken by larger companies to tweak and adapt and to then potentially find a new drug to treat neurodegenerative diseases. The chemistry I have developed is critical knowledge to obtain pure compounds in high yields. Some of the reactions I have developed to perform a complex transformation can be applied to other compounds in other peoples syntheses. One example I hold is taking what was before a 5 step process, into a 1 step process. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Once published, my findings will provide evidence towards how plants in the genus Illicium form Neolignans with tetrahydrodibenzofuran cores. The findings will also be of biological interest in relation to their biological activity and as to whether or not these compounds can promote neurite outgrowth and/or inhibit acetylcholinesterase, attractive targets for the possible treatment of neurodegenerative disease's such as Alzheimer's disease. Mechanistic studies as well as development of new reactions might also be applicable to industry in large scale syntheses of drugs for human consumption or perhaps for other companies that make libraries of compounds. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
| Sector | Chemicals,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Impact Types | Societal,Economic |