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Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) of histones play a key role in epigenetic regulation. Unraveling the roles of each epigenetic mark can provide new insights into their biological mechanisms. On the other hand, it is generally difficult to prepare homogeneously‐modified histones/nucleosomes to investigate their specific functions. Therefore, synthetic approaches to acquire precisely mimicked histones/nucleosomes are in great demand, and further development of this research field is anticipated. In this review, synthetic strategies to modify histones/nucleosomes, including cysteine modifications, transformations of dehydroalanine residues and lysine acylation using a catalyst system, are cited. In addition, the functional evaluation of synthetically modified histones/nucleosomes is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iridoids are a large family of monoterpenoids found in traditional medicinal plants and show significant effects for the human species. In addition to their wide range of biological activities, such as neuroprotective and antitumor activities, the cis‐fused bicyclic ring systems of iridoids are still attractive as synthetic targets to apply novel synthetic methodologies. Accordingly, recent progress regarding the biosynthesis and chemical synthesis of iridoids is covered in this minireview. Identification of new enzymes for the iridoid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus and ingenious synthetic strategies for the construction of the iridoid skeleton are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]