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SET domain bifurcated protein 1 (SETDB1) is a human histone-lysine methyltransferase which is amplified in human cancers and was shown to be crucial in the growth of non-small and small cell lung carcinoma. In addition to its catalytic domain, SETDB1 harbors a unique tandem tudor domain which recognizes histone sequences containing both methylated and acetylated lysines, and likely contributes to its localization on chromatin. Using X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy fragment screening approaches, we have identified the first small molecule fragment hits that bind to histone peptide binding groove of the Tandem Tudor Domain (TTD) of SETDB1. Herein, we describe the binding modes of these fragments and analogues and the biophysical characterization of key compounds. These confirmed small molecule fragments will inform the development of potent antagonists of SETDB1 interaction with histones., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

As part of a program aimed at metal-catalyzed oxidative transformations of molecules with carbon-metalloid bonds, the synthesis of α-borylated ketones is reported via regioselective TBHP-mediated Wacker-type oxidation of N-methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA)-protected alkenylboronates. The observed regioselectivity correlates with the hemilabile nature of the B-N dative bond in the MIDA boronate functional group, which allows boron to guide selectivity through a neighboring group effect.

Medium-sized rings, particularly the corresponding cyclic peptides, are challenging synthetic targets. In the present study, we report an approach to medium-sized cyclic peptides through targeted formation and collapse of cyclol intermediates. This methodology operates on β-amino imides derived from 2,5-diketopiperazines and offers a straightforward transition from frequently examined scaffolds in drug discovery to a rarely visited class of medium-sized rings., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Despite their versatility, the application of telluradiazoles as supramolecular building blocks is considerably constrained by their sensitivity to moisture. Albeit more robust, their selenium analogues form weaker supramolecular interactions. These, however, are enhanced when one nitrogen atom is bonded to an alkyl group. Here we investigate general methods for the synthesis of such derivatives. Methyl, iso-propyl and tert-butyl benzo-2,1,3-selenadiazolium cations were prepared by direct alkylation or cyclo-condensation of the alkyl-phenylenediamine with selenous acid. While the former reaction only proceeds with the primary and tertiary alkyl iodides, the latter is very efficient. Difficulties reported in earlier literature are attributable to the formation of adducts of benzoselenadiazole with its alkylated cations and side reactions initiated by aerobic oxidation of iodide. However, the cations themselves are resilient to oxidation and stable in acidic to neutral aqueous medium. X-ray crystallography was used in the identification and characterization of the following compounds: [C6H4N2(R)Se](+)X(-), (R = CH(CH3)2, C(CH3)3; X = I(-), I3(-)], [C6H4N2(CH3)Se](+)I(-), and [C6H4N2Se][C6H4N2(CH3)Se]2I2. Formation of SeN secondary bonding interactions (chalcogen bonds) was only observed in the last structure as anion binding to selenium is a strong competitor. The relative strengths of those forces and the structural preferences they enforce were assessed with DFT-D3 calculations supplemented by AIM analysis of the electron density.

The photoredox-organocatalyzed α-alkylation of the α-MIDA boryl aldehyde with a range of α-bromoketones resulted in the first examples of boron-containing 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds. These novel trifunctional amphoteric molecules, which bear an additional, strategically placed electrophilic site compared to the starting amphoteric α-boryl aldehyde, were subjected to double-condensation reactions in the presence of various nucleophiles. As a result, a variety of synthetically challenging 3-borylated pyrroles and furans and 4-borylated pyridazines were generated. The borylated regioisomers accessible with this condensation-based strategy are distinctly different from those arising from the well-known lithiation and C-H activation processes., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)