Minimalist Natural ORPphilin Macarangin B Delineates OSBP Biological Function

J Med Chem. 2025 Jan 9;68(1):196-211. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01705. Epub 2024 Dec 20.

Abstract

OSBP ligands from the ORPphilin family are chemically complex natural products with promising anticancer properties. Here, we describe macarangin B, a natural racemic flavonoid selective for OSBP, which stands out from other ORPphilins due to its structural simplicity and distinct biological activity. Using a bioinspired strategy, we synthesized both (R,R,R) and (S,S,S)-macarangin B enantiomers, enabling us to study their interaction with OSBP based on their unique optical properties. Experimental and computational analyzes revealed that (R,R,R)-macarangin B has the highest affinity for OSBP. Importantly, both enantiomers showed significantly decreased cytotoxicity compared to other ORPphilins, suggesting OSBP is not the primary target in ORPphilin-induced cell death. Yet, OSBP is an attractive antiviral target, as it is hijacked by many positive-strand RNA viruses. Remarkably, (R,R,R)-macarangin B significantly inhibited Zika virus replication in human cells, highlighting its potential as a lead compound for antiviral drug development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Antiviral Agents* / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents* / pharmacology
  • Biological Products / chemical synthesis
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Flavonoids / chemistry
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Virus Replication / drug effects
  • Zika Virus / drug effects

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Flavonoids
  • Biological Products
  • Antineoplastic Agents