Preliminary Structure-Activity Relationship on Theonellasterol, a New Chemotype of FXR Antagonist, from the Marine Sponge Theonella swinhoei

Abstract

Using theonellasterol as a novel FXR antagonist hit, we prepared a series of semi-synthetic derivatives in order to gain insight into the structural requirements for exhibiting antagonistic activity. These derivatives are characterized by modification at the exocyclic carbon-carbon double bond at C-4 and at the hydroxyl group at C-3 and were prepared from theonellasterol using simple reactions. Pharmacological investigation showed that the introduction of a hydroxyl group at C-4 as well as the oxidation at C-3 with or without concomitant modification at the exomethylene functionality preserve the ability of theonellasterol to inhibit FXR transactivation caused by CDCA. Docking analysis showed that the placement of these molecules in the FXR-LBD is well stabilized when on ring A functional groups, able to form hydrogen bonds and π interactions, are present.

1. Introduction

Among marine sponges, certainly the Theonella species have been proven to be an extraordinary source of unusual new chemical entities, mainly peptides and macrolides, often endowed with impressive biological activities and therefore being promising lead compounds. Additionally the steroidal composition is peculiar in the Theonella sponges, which contain the rare 4-methylenesteroids as exclusive components of this biogenetic class. Thus, theonellasterol (1) and conicasterol (Figure 1), first isolated in 1981, are considered ideal biomarkers of Theonella swinhoei and Theonella conica, respectively [1]. These molecules share the same tetracyclic core with the unusual 4-methylene functionality and the rare ∆^8,14 double bond but differ in the side chain with a 24S-ethyl group in theonellasterol and a 24R-methyl group in conicasterol. Recently we had the opportunity to analyze the extracts of several Theonella collections affording the isolation of anti-inflammatory peptides [2,3,4,5,6,7] and sulfated steroids [8,9,10,11], cytotoxic macrolides [12] and a large number of 4-methylenesteroids demonstrating, for the first time, their ability to target the farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) and the pregnane-X-receptor (PXR) [13,14,15,16,17,18]. These are two nuclear receptors involved in regulating bile acid synthesis as well as in detoxification and excretion in the liver and gastro-intestinal tract [19,20,21,22] and therefore important pharmacological targets in the treatment of cholestatic disorders [23,24,25]. Cholestasis, a liver disease, represents the main biochemical feature of primary biliary cirrhosis [26,27] (PBC) and sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), two immune-mediated disorders characterized by progressive bile duct destruction for which medical therapy is still insufficiently effective and where investigations are ongoing to identify novel therapeutic approaches [24,25].

Figure 1. Theonellasterol (1) and conicasterol, the parent 4-methylenesteroids from Theonella sponges.

Figure 1. Theonellasterol (1) and conicasterol, the parent 4-methylenesteroids from Theonella sponges.

Within the family of 4-methylenesteroids from Theonella swinhoei, we have identified theonellasterol (1) as the first example of a sponge derived highly selective FXR antagonist [28,29,30] demonstrating its pharmacological potential in the treatment of cholestasis. Indeed theonellasterol directly inhibits FXR transactivation caused by CDCA (chenodeoxycholic acid) and reverses the effect of CDCA on the expression of canonical FXR target genes. In rodent models of cholestasis, theonellasterol (1) attenuates liver injury caused by bile duct ligation as measured by assessing serum alanine aminostrasferase levels and the extent of liver necrosis at histopathology [28].

In this experimental setting we found that the inhibition of FXR reverses the antagonism that this nuclear receptor exerts on basolateral transporters, specifically on MRP-4, thus allowing bile acids secretion from the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes. Indeed, activation of this “alternative” route for bile acids secretion in the presence of bile ducts obstruction, helps bile acids detoxification by the liver. Because extensive bile ducts destruction is the main pathological feature of advanced primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis, identification of FXR antagonists could be beneficial in the treatment of these “orphan” diseases. In addition to cholestasis, FXR antagonism might have pharmacological and clinical relevance in several human disorders, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach and pancreas which express high levels of FXR and whose proliferation is driven by bile acids in a FXR-dependent manner [18].

By docking calculations we have rationalized the binding mode of theonellasterol (1) in FXR [28]. Besides the trans junction between A/B rings and the unsaturation between C-8 and C-14 cause a different spatial arrangement with respect to the agonist 6-ethylchenodeoxycholic acid (6-ECDCA), a potent synthetic FXR agonist [31], theonellasterol (1) competes with 6-ECDCA in occupying FXR ligand binding domain (LBD). This thereby establishes several hydrophobic interactions of its tetracyclic core with aminoacids of the Helices 2–3, 5–7, and 10/11 and notably crucial interaction of the OH at C-3 position and the key aminoacids of LBD (namely Tyr358 in Helix 7, His444 in Helix 10/11, and Trp466 in Helix12) [32].

2. Results and Discussion

Theonellasterol (1) is the major component of the steroidal fraction of Theonella swinhoei and can be isolated in high amounts following a very simple procedure. The availability of reasonable amounts of 1, its stability, and the presence in the tetracyclic core of functional groups that could be modified, appeared to provide a good opportunity to investigate the effect of chemical transformations on biological activity and to perform the first structure-activity relationship (SAR) study on this new chemotype of FXR antagonist.

As the highly hindered 8,14 double bond was found to be chemically unreactive toward most chemical reagents, there remain two points for chemical modification in the structure of theonellasterol: The exocyclic carbon-carbon double bond at C-4 and the hydroxyl group at C-3. These functionalities were subjected to simple chemical reactions and the products obtained (2–12) were fully characterized by means of MS, and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy.

The methyl ether derivative (2), the 3-O-acetyl derivative (3) and the α,β-unsaturated ketone (4), already known as theonellasterone [1], were prepared from theonellasterol (Scheme 1) to explore the pharmacophoric role of the hydroxyl group at C-3 as hydrogen bond donor in the FXR-LBD (Scheme 1).

We then reasoned that the configuration at C-3 could also play a substantial role in accommodating the steroid nucleus in the binding site of FXR. Unfortunately, all attempts to obtain the C-3 epimer of theonellasterol through the reduction (NaBH₄ or LiAlH₄) of theonellasterone (4) failed, invariably producing theonellasterol. Also inversion at C-3 by treatment of theonellasterol with tosyl chloride followed by potassium acetate in water was unsuccessful only resulting in extensive degradation of the starting material.

Scheme 1. Modification at C-3 hydroxyl group. Reagents and conditions: (a) NaH, THF, MeI, 0 °C, 79%; (b) Ac₂O, pyridine (pyr), room temperature (rt), 96%; (c) PCC, CH₂Cl₂, quantitative yield.

Scheme 1. Modification at C-3 hydroxyl group. Reagents and conditions: (a) NaH, THF, MeI, 0 °C, 79%; (b) Ac₂O, pyridine (pyr), room temperature (rt), 96%; (c) PCC, CH₂Cl₂, quantitative yield.

Next, we turned our attention to reactions of the carbon-carbon double bond on ring A. As judged by the downfield shift of the C-19 methyl proton [1], hydrogenation of theonellasterol on different catalysts (Pt/C, Pd(OH)₂ Degussa type, PtO₂) produced exclusively the 4β-methyl derivative (5) through the approach of the hydrogen from the α-face of the steroid nucleus (Scheme 2).

Scheme 2. Modification at C-4 double-bond. Reagents and conditions: (a) H₂, 10% Pt/C, THF:MeOH 1:1; (b) NaBH₄, absolute MeOH, 0 °C; (c) TsCl, pyr, rt; (d) CH₃COOK, DMF:H₂O 7:1, reflux, 75%, over two steps.

Scheme 2. Modification at C-4 double-bond. Reagents and conditions: (a) H₂, 10% Pt/C, THF:MeOH 1:1; (b) NaBH₄, absolute MeOH, 0 °C; (c) TsCl, pyr, rt; (d) CH₃COOK, DMF:H₂O 7:1, reflux, 75%, over two steps.

To obtain the 4α-methyl theonellasterol derivative, we devised an alternative synthetic procedure via theonellasterone (Scheme 2).

Theonellasterone (4) was reduced to a mixture of the two 4-methyl diasteroisomers (H₂, 10% Pt/C, THF/MeOH), 6 and 7, which were efficiently separated by HPLC. In the ¹H NMR spectrum of 7, H-4 was observed as a double quartet (2.05, dq, J = 14.2, 6.1 Hz) and the large coupling constant with H-5 clearly pointed towards its axial position, thus implying the α-orientation of the methyl group at C-4.

Chemical correlation gave definitive confirmation of the above stereochemical assignment. As depicted in Scheme 2, for the concomitant steric effect played by Me-19 and Me-30, both orientated on the β-face of the steroidal nucleus, NaBH₄ reduction of 6 afforded exclusively 3β-hydroxy-4β-methyl steroisomer (5). On the other hand, reduction of 7 gave a mixture of 3β-hydroxy-4α-methyl theonellasterol derivative (8) with its C-3 epimer, 3α-hydroxy-4α-methyl- derivative (9).

As previously reported for several natural and synthetic 4-methyl cholestane derivatives [33], in the 4α-methyl-3β-ol derivative (8), the 3α-proton resonance is consistently shifted upfield with respect to the corresponding resonances in the 4α-methyl-3α-ol (9) and 4β-methyl-3β-ol diasteroisomers (5) (δ_H 2.93 in 8, δ_H 3.55 in 9, δ_H 3.54 in 5), thus substantiating the stereochemical assignment reported in Scheme 2. Moreover in the ¹H NMR of 9, H-3 was observed as a broad multiplet, allowing its assignment as equatorial and therefore establishing the orientation of the hydroxyl group at C-3 on the α-face of the molecule.

To access the 4β-methyl-3α-ol derivative, the 4β-methyl theonellasterol derivative (5) was subjected to a two step sequence involving treatment with tosyl chloride in pyridine followed by potassium acetate in DMF/H₂O (Scheme 2). Unfortunately the basic treatment of the 3-O-tosyl intermediate produced β-elimination with the formation of derivative 10 with the 3,4 double bond. Nevertheless, 10 could be instrumental in the evaluation of the pharmacophoric role played by the oxygen atom on ring A.

Finally we decided to investigate the effects of the introduction of a polar group at C-4 in the binding of theonellasterol (1) in FXR-LBD. Oxidative cleavage with ozone (O₃, CH₂Cl₂, −78 °C, 5 min) followed by dimethylsulfide or NaBH₄ work-up afforded the 4-keto derivative (11) and the 4-hydroxy derivative (12), respectively (Scheme 3). The presence in the ¹³C NMR spectrum of a signal at δ_C 212.1 clearly inferred the presence of a ketone at C-4 in 11 that was also confirmed by the chemical shift value of the H-3 resonance, shifted downfield with respect to 5 (δ_H 3.80 in 11, δ_H 3.54 in 5). In agreement with the steric influence played by Me-19, ¹H NMR spectrum analysis revealed that the sodium borohydride work-up proceeded in a stereoselective manner affording the exclusive formation of 4β-hydroxy derivative (12) as judged by the shape of H-4 as a broad singlet. This is consistent with an equatorial disposition for this proton, and therefore with the axial β-orientation of the hydroxyl group. It was confirmed by the strong downfield shift exhibited by Me-19 (δ_H 1.12 in 12, δ_H 0.63 in 1) caused by the 1,3-diaxial relationship with the hydroxy group at C-4.

All derivatives of this small library were tested in vitro, using a hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2 cells) transfected with FXR, RXR, β-galactosidase expression vectors (pSG5FXR; pSG5RXR and pCMV-βgal), and with p(hsp27)TKLUC reporter vector that contains the promoter of the FXR target gene heat shock protein 27 (hsp27) cloned upstream of the Luciferase gene.

Scheme 3. Modification at C-4 double-bond. Reagents and conditions: (a) O₃ solution in CH₂Cl₂, −78 °C, then DMS, 84%; (b) O₃ solution in CH₂Cl₂, −78 °C, then NaBH₄, 93%.

Scheme 3. Modification at C-4 double-bond. Reagents and conditions: (a) O₃ solution in CH₂Cl₂, −78 °C, then DMS, 84%; (b) O₃ solution in CH₂Cl₂, −78 °C, then NaBH₄, 93%.

HepG2 cells were stimulated with compounds 1–12 in the presence or in the absence of CDCA (10 µM). As shown in Figure 2A, in accordance with our previously reported data for theonellasterol [28] none of these compounds appears to be an FXR agonist in the transactivation assay.

Figure 2. (A) Luciferase reporter assay performed in HepG2 transiently transfected with pCMVSPORT-FXR, pSG5-RXR, pGL4.70-Renilla, and p(hsp27)TKLUC vectors and stimulated 18 h with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), 10 μM, and compounds 1–12, 10 μM. ^# P < 0.05 vs. NT (n = 4); (B) Luciferase reporter assay performed in HepG2 transiently transfected with pCMVSPORT-FXR, pSG5-RXR, pGL4.70-Renilla, and p(hsp27)TKLUC vectors and stimulated 18 h with CDCA, 10 μM, alone or in combination with compounds 1–12, 50 μM. * P < 0.05 vs. CDCA (n = 4); (C) Antagonism reported as percent of inhibition normalized to CDCA as 100%.

Figure 2. (A) Luciferase reporter assay performed in HepG2 transiently transfected with pCMVSPORT-FXR, pSG5-RXR, pGL4.70-Renilla, and p(hsp27)TKLUC vectors and stimulated 18 h with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), 10 μM, and compounds 1–12, 10 μM. ^# P < 0.05 vs. NT (n = 4); (B) Luciferase reporter assay performed in HepG2 transiently transfected with pCMVSPORT-FXR, pSG5-RXR, pGL4.70-Renilla, and p(hsp27)TKLUC vectors and stimulated 18 h with CDCA, 10 μM, alone or in combination with compounds 1–12, 50 μM. * P < 0.05 vs. CDCA (n = 4); (C) Antagonism reported as percent of inhibition normalized to CDCA as 100%.

However, when HepG2 cells transfected with FXR vectors were treated with compounds 1–12 (Figure 2B) in the presence of 10 µM CDCA, several derivatives showed inhibitory activity against FXR transactivation induced by CDCA.

Out of all the synthetic derivatives obtained in this study, we then selected a subset of compounds (4, 6, 7, 12) and their relative efficacy in inhibiting FXR transactivation caused by CDCA was measured in a luciferase reporter assay. Data shown in Figure 3 demonstrated that, in comparison to theonellasterol (1) (EC₅₀ approximately 50 μM), the selected derivatives had an EC₅₀ ranging from 35 to 50 μM. The relative potency in inhibiting FXR transactivation caused by CDCA was similar to that of the parent theonellasterol (1) (i.e., 50%–60%).

Figure 3. Luciferase reporter assay on HepG2 transiently transfected with pCMVSPORT-FXR, pSG5-RXR, pGL4.70-Renilla, and p(hsp27)TKLUC vectors and stimulated with 10 μM CDCA alone (black bar), or in combination with increasing concentrations (10, 50 and 100 μM, grey bars) of derivatives 4, 6, 7, 12 and with theonellasterol (1) 100 μM (red bar). ^# P < 0.05 vs. CDCA (n = 3).

Figure 3. Luciferase reporter assay on HepG2 transiently transfected with pCMVSPORT-FXR, pSG5-RXR, pGL4.70-Renilla, and p(hsp27)TKLUC vectors and stimulated with 10 μM CDCA alone (black bar), or in combination with increasing concentrations (10, 50 and 100 μM, grey bars) of derivatives 4, 6, 7, 12 and with theonellasterol (1) 100 μM (red bar). ^# P < 0.05 vs. CDCA (n = 3).

To clarify the effects of the chemical modifications at C-3 and at C-4 of theonellasterol (1) at the atomic level, molecular docking calculations [34] were performed using the X-ray structure of the human FXR-LBD [13,15,17,28,29] (pdb code: 1OSV). In our three dimensional models (Figure 4), all synthetic derivatives 2–12 adopt the same positioning in the FXR-LBD with respect to the parent compound theonellasterol (1) maintaining hydrophobic contacts of their tetracyclic cores with the receptor (Leu345, Met287, Met325, Met262, Ser329, Trp466), and interacting in a different manner with the key aminoacids Tyr358, His444, and Trp466 (Figure 4) [32].

Figure 4. Superimposition of the binding modes of 1–12, and of the co-crystallized agonist 6-ECDCA in the FXR-LBD. The chain A of FXR (pdb code: 1OSV) and the key amino acids (see main text for details) are represented by grey ribbon, cpk and stick and balls respectively colored by atom type (C, grey; O, red; N, dark blue; S, yellow; H, light grey). 6-ECDCA (dark blue), 1 (red), 2 (light yellow), 3 (green), 4 (emerald green), 5 (olive green), 6 (purple), 7 (dark green), 8 (pink), 9 (yellow), 10 (orange), 11 (cyan), and 12 (light pink) are represented by stick and balls.

Figure 4. Superimposition of the binding modes of 1–12, and of the co-crystallized agonist 6-ECDCA in the FXR-LBD. The chain A of FXR (pdb code: 1OSV) and the key amino acids (see main text for details) are represented by grey ribbon, cpk and stick and balls respectively colored by atom type (C, grey; O, red; N, dark blue; S, yellow; H, light grey). 6-ECDCA (dark blue), 1 (red), 2 (light yellow), 3 (green), 4 (emerald green), 5 (olive green), 6 (purple), 7 (dark green), 8 (pink), 9 (yellow), 10 (orange), 11 (cyan), and 12 (light pink) are represented by stick and balls.

Interestingly, when a hydroxyl group was introduced in place of the exomethylene functionality (Figure 2, panels B and C), the resulting derivative 12 showed an antagonistic activity comparable with 1 thus suggesting a role of hydrogen bond donor for this group in FXR-LBD as confirmed by the inactivity of derivative 11 with a ketone functionality at C-4. In fact, with respect to 1 and 11, in the derivative 12 the OH group forms an additional hydrogen bond with the side chain of Met447 (Figure 5A).

Concerning the C-3 hydroxyl group, the complete inefficacy of derivatives 2 and 3 (Figure 2, panels B and C), confirms its role as hydrogen bond donor as demonstrated for 1 (Figure 5B) [28].

On the other hand, theonellasterone (4) maintained the antagonistic activity, with the ketone functionality at C-3 acting as H bond acceptor through the interactions with the Tyr358 and the His444 as for theonellasterol. As shown in Figure 5B these contacts are hampered in 2 and 3 for the steric effects played by the methyl or acetyl substitution, respectively. Moreover, the binding of theonellasterone (4) in the FXR-LBD is also stabilized by additional interactions, mainly a carbonyl-π contact with Tyr358 and His444 and an exomethylene-π interaction with Tyr358 of the aromatic pocket formed by His444, Phe326, Phe363, Tyr358, Tyr366, Trp466 and Trp451 (Figure 5B). These interactions may be also responsible for the retained FXR antagonist activity of 6 and 7 (Figure 6A) with respect to the 4-methyl theonellasterol derivatives (5, 8 and 9), which were found to be inactive towards FXR (Figure 6B). In other words these data suggest that in the 3-keto derivatives the antagonistic activity is also retained when the exomethylene at C-4 is replaced by a methyl group.

Figure 5. (A) Superimposition of the docking poses of 1 (red), 11 (cyan), and 12 (light pink) in the FXR-LBD. (B) Three dimensional model of the different interaction pattern of 1 (red), 2 (light yellow), 3 (green), 4 (emerald green), with FXR. In both figures the crucial amino acids (see main text for details) of the receptor are depicted by grey ribbon, cpk, and stick and balls respectively colored by atom type (C, grey; O, red; N, dark blue; S, yellow; H, light grey).

Figure 5. (A) Superimposition of the docking poses of 1 (red), 11 (cyan), and 12 (light pink) in the FXR-LBD. (B) Three dimensional model of the different interaction pattern of 1 (red), 2 (light yellow), 3 (green), 4 (emerald green), with FXR. In both figures the crucial amino acids (see main text for details) of the receptor are depicted by grey ribbon, cpk, and stick and balls respectively colored by atom type (C, grey; O, red; N, dark blue; S, yellow; H, light grey).

Figure 6. (A) Superimposition of the binding modes of 4 (emerald green) with 6 (purple) and 7 (dark green). (B) 4 (emerald green) with 5 (olive green), 8 (pink) and 9 (yellow). (C) 4 (emerald green) with 1 (red) and 10 (orange) in the FXR-LBD. In all the figures the crucial aminoacids (see main text for details) of the receptor are depicted by grey ribbon, cpk, and stick and balls respectively colored by atom type (C, grey; O, red; N, dark blue; H, light grey).

Figure 6. (A) Superimposition of the binding modes of 4 (emerald green) with 6 (purple) and 7 (dark green). (B) 4 (emerald green) with 5 (olive green), 8 (pink) and 9 (yellow). (C) 4 (emerald green) with 1 (red) and 10 (orange) in the FXR-LBD. In all the figures the crucial aminoacids (see main text for details) of the receptor are depicted by grey ribbon, cpk, and stick and balls respectively colored by atom type (C, grey; O, red; N, dark blue; H, light grey).

Further on, the presence of the above aromatic pocket in the LBD is also responsible for the ability of the derivative 10 to antagonize CDCA in FXR transactivation suggesting that modifications at C-3 and C-4 with concomitant elimination of the hydroxyl and the exomethylene group could produce active compounds if the π interactions with Tyr358, His444, and Trp451 are maintained (Figure 6C). Therefore, the ability to form hydrogen bonds and π interactions with the FXR-LBD seems to represent the main driving force to obtain stable and efficient sterol-receptor complexes.

3. Experimental Section

3.1. General

Specific rotations were measured on a Jasco P-2000 polarimeter. High-Resolution ESI-MS spectra were performed with a Micromass Q-TOF mass spectrometer. NMR spectra were obtained on Varian Inova 400 and Varian Inova 500 NMR spectrometers (¹H at 400 and 500 MHz, ¹³C at 100 and 125 MHz, respectively) equipped with a Sun hardware and recorded in C₆D₆ (δ_H = 7.16 and δ_C = 128.4 ppm). J values are in hertz and chemical shifts (δ) are reported in ppm and referred to C₆HD₅ as internal standards. HPLC was performed using a Waters Model 510 pump equipped with Waters Rheodyne injector and a differential refractometer, model 401.

Reaction progress was monitored via thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on Alugram^® silica gel G/UV254 plates. Silica gel MN Kieselgel 60 (70–230 mesh) from Macherey-Nagel Company was used for column chromatography. All chemicals were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Inc. Solvents and reagents were used as supplied from commercial sources with the following exceptions. Tetrahydrofuran and dichloromethane were distilled from calcium hydride immediately prior to use.

Methanol was dried from magnesium methoxide as follow. Magnesium turnings (5 g) and iodine (0.5 g) are refluxed in a small (50–100 mL) quantity of methanol until all of the magnesium has reacted. The mixture is diluted (up to 1 L) with reagent grade methanol, refluxed for 2–3 h then distilled under nitrogen. All reactions were carried out under an argon atmosphere using flame-dried glassware. All reactions were carried out under an argon atmosphere using flame-dried glassware.

3.2. Sponge Material and Isolation Procedures for Theonellasterol (1)

Theonella swinhoei sponge (S07102) was collected at a depth of 10–15 m, Kakeroma Island, Kagoshima prefecture (129, 21, 09’E) on June 22, 2007. The sample was immediately frozen after the collection and kept at -20 °C until the extraction. Frozen sponge (1.20 kg wet weight) was extracted with MeOH (3 L × 3 times). The MeOH extract was evaporated and partitioned between H₂O and CHCl₃. The aqueous layer was extracted with n-BuOH and the so obtainedn-BuOH was combined with the CHCl₃ layer. The combined layers were evaporated and subjected to the modified Kupchan procedure to obtain n-hexane (6.7 g), CHCl₃, and 60% MeOH extracts. The hexane extract was chromatographed by silica gel MPLC using a solvent gradient system from CH₂Cl₂ to CH₂Cl₂:MeOH 1:1. The fraction eluted with CH₂Cl₂:MeOH 995:5 (700 mg) was further purified by HPLC on a Nucleodur 100-5 C18 (5 μm; 10 mm internal diameter × 250 mm) with MeOH:H₂O (998:2) as eluent (flow rate 5 mL/min) to give 650 mg of theonellasterol (t_R = 19.6 min). The identity of theonellasterol (1) was established by comparison of NMR and mass data with those previously reported [1].

3.3. Synthetic Procedures

3.3.1. 3β-O-Methyl-theonellasterol 2

To a solution of theonellasterol (1) (10 mg, 0.023 mmol) in dry THF (5 mL) at 0 °C was added NaH (5.5 mg, 0.23 mmol). After 10 min methyl iodide (28.6 μL, 0.46 mmol) was added and the mixture was left to stand at room temperature for 4 h. The mixture was quenched by addition at 0 °C of methanol (2 mL) and then concentrated in vacuo. Ethyl acetate and water were added and the separated aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 × 50 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Purification by silica gel eluting with CH₂Cl₂ gave the methyl ether 2 as an amorphous solid (8.0 mg, 79%). [α]₂₅^D = +4.0 (c 0.75, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz C₆D₆): δ 5.49 (1H, s, H-30a), 4.77 (1H, s, H-30b), 3.39 (1H, dd, J = 4.5, 11.7 Hz, H-3), 3.33 (3H, s, OCH₃), 1.06 (3H, d, J = 6.9 Hz, H₃-21), 0.94 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-29), 0.93 (3H, s, H₃-18), 0.91 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-26), 0.90 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-27), 0.67 (3H, s, H₃-19). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz C₆D₆): δ 150.7 (C-4), 143.3 (C-14), 126.8 (C-8), 104.5 (C-30), 83.4 (C-3), 57.6 (C-17), 57.4 (-OCH₃), 50.4 (C-9), 50.1 (C-5), 47.0 (C-24), 43.5 (C-13), 40.8 (C-10), 38.2 (C-12), 37.5 (C-1), 35.7 (C-20), 34.6 (C-22), 31.0 (C-2), 30.2 (C-6), 29.7 (C-25), 27.9 (C-7), 27.0 (C-23), 26.5 (C-16), 25.4 (C-15), 23.8 (C-28), 21.2 (C-11), 20.1 (C-27), 19.9 (C-21), 19.6 (C-26), 18.9 (C-18), 13.7 (C-19), 13.0 (C-29); HRESI MS m/z 441.4092 (calcd for C₃₁H₅₃O 441.4096).

3.3.2. 3β-O-Acetyl-theonellasterol 3

A mixture of theonellasterol (1) (10 mg, 0.023 mmol) and acetic anhydride (55 μL, 0.575 mmol) in dry pyridine (10 mL) was left to stand at room temperature for 8 h. Then the solvent was evaporated and purification by silica gel eluting with CH₂Cl₂ gave 3 as an amorphous solid (10.3 mg, 96%). [α]₂₅^D = +0.5 (c 2.4, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz C₆D₆): δ 5.37 (1H, dd, J = 4.7, 11.5 Hz, H-3), 5.15 (1H, s, H-30a), 4.69 (1H, s, H-30b), 1.80 (3H, s, CH₃CO), 1.05 (3H, d, J = 6.6 Hz, H₃-21), 0.94 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-29), 0.91 (3H, d, J = 6.5 Hz, H₃-26), 0.91 (3H, s, H₃-18), 0.90 (3H, d, J = 6.5 Hz, H₃-27), 0.63 (3H, s, H₃-19). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz C₆D₆): δ 169.7 (CH₃CO), 149.1 (C-4), 143.4 (C-14), 126.6 (C-8), 104.4 (C-30), 75.1 (C-3), 57.6 (C-17), 50.0 (C-9), 49.6 (C-5), 46.9 (C-24), 43.5 (C-13), 40.3 (C-10), 38.1 (C-12), 36.9 (C-1), 35.7 (C-20), 34.6 (C-22), 30.4 (C-6), 29.9 (C-2), 29.7 (C-25), 27.9 (C-7), 27.0 (C-23), 26.6 (C-16), 25.2 (C-15), 23.8 (C-28), 21.1 (2C, C-11 and CH₃CO), 20.1 (C-27), 19.9 (C-21), 19.6 (C-26), 18.8 (C-18), 13.6 (C-19), 13.0 (C-29); HRESI MS m/z 469.4098 (calcd for C₃₂H₅₃O 469.4096).

3.3.3. Theonellasterone 4

To the solution of theonellasterol (1) (100 mg, 0.23 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was added pyridinium chlorochromate (99 mg, 0.46 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h, and then dichloromethane and water were added. The separated aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (3 × 30 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water, dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated to dryness. The brown oily residue was passed through a short column of silica gel (10 g) and eluted with CH₂Cl₂ to give 4 (95 mg, quantitative yield) as an amorphous solid. [α]₂₅^D = +2.2 (c 0.07, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz C₆D₆): δ 6.04 (1H, s, H-30a), 4.86 (1H, s, H-30b), 2.39 (1H, dd, J = 2.1, 13.8 Hz, H-2a), 1.06 (3H, d, J = 6.5 Hz, H₃-21), 0.95 (3H, t, J = 7.3 Hz, H₃-29), 0.92 (3H, d, J = 6.6 Hz, H₃-26), 0.90 (3H, s, H₃-18), 0.90 (3H, d, J = 6.6 Hz, H₃-27), 0.57 (3H, s, H₃-19); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz C₆D₆): δ 200.9 (C-3), 150.3 (C-4), 143.7 (C-14), 127.4 (C-8), 118.2 (C-30), 57.6 (C-17), 50.0 (C-9), 49.0 (C-5), 46.9 (C-24), 43.4 (C-13), 40.0 (C-10), 38.0 (C-12), 37.5 (C-1), 35.9 (C-2), 35.7 (C-20), 34.6 (C-22), 34.5 (C-6), 29.8 (C-25), 27.9 (C-7), 27.1 (C-3), 26.6 (C-16), 25.3 (C-15), 23.8 (C-28), 20.9 (C-11), 20.1 (C-27), 19.9 (C-21), 19.6 (C-26), 18.8 (C-18), 12.9 (C-29), 12.8 (C-19). HRESI MS m/z 425.3795 (calcd for C₃₀H₄₉O 425.3783).

3.3.4. (24S)-24-Ethyl-4β-methyl-5α-cholestan-3β-ol 5

An oven-dried 50 mL flask was charged with 10% platinum on carbon (20 mg) and theonellasterol (1) (100 mg, 0.23 mmol) and the flask was evacuated and flushed with argon. Absolute methanol (10 mL) and dry THF (10 mL) were added, and the flask was flushed with hydrogen. The reaction was stirred at room temperature under H₂ for 5 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite, and the recovered filtrate was concentrated to give 85 mg of pure 5 as an amorphous solid (86%). [α]₂₅^D = +6.7 (c 0.25, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz C₆D₆): δ 3.54 (1H, m, H-3), 1.05 (3H, d, J = 6.2 Hz, H₃-21), 0.95 (3H, d, ovl, H₃-30), 0.94 (3H, s, H₃-18), 0.94 (3H, t, ovl, H₃-29), 0.91 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-26), 0.89 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-27), 0.75 (3H, s, H₃-19). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz C₆D₆): δ 143.8 (C-14), 127.0 (C-8), 74.1 (C-3), 57.7 (C-17), 51.7 (C-9), 48.6 (C-5), 46.9 (C-24), 43.8 (C-13), 40.9 (C-4), 40.5 (C-10), 38.1 (C-12), 37.9 (C-1), 37.8 (C-2), 35.7 (C-20), 34.6 (C-22), 30.8 (C-6), 29.7 (C-25), 27.9 (C-7), 27.1 (C-23), 26.6 (2C, C-15 and C-16), 23.8 (C-28), 20.1 (2C, C-11 and C-27), 19.9 (C-21), 19.6 (C-26), 19.1 (C-18), 15.5 (C-30), 15.4 (C-19), 12.9 (C-29); HRESI MS m/z 429.4076 (calcd for C₃₀H₅₃O 429.4096).

3.3.5. (24S)-24-Ethyl-4β-methyl-5α-cholestan-3-one 6 and (24S)-24-Ethyl-4α-methyl-5α-cholestan-3-one 7

An oven-dried 50 mL flask was charged with 10% platinum on carbon (20 mg) and theonellasterone (100 mg, 0.23 mmol) and the flask was evacuated and flushed with argon. Absolute methanol (10 mL) and dry THF (10 mL) were added, and the flask was flushed with hydrogen. The reaction was stirred at room temperature under H₂ for 5 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite, and the recovered filtrate was concentrated. The mixture was purified by HPLC on a Nucleodur Isis 100-5 C18 (5 μm; 4.5 mm internal diameter × 250 mm) with MeOH:H₂O (999.5:0.5) as eluent (flow rate 1 mL/min) to give 39 mg (40% from 5) of 6 (t_R = 55 min) and 30 mg (31% from 5) of 7 (t_R = 60 min) as amorphous solids.

3.3.5.1. (24S)-24-Ethyl-4β-methyl-5α-cholestan-3-one 6

[α]₂₅^D = −0.7 (c 0.06, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz C₆D₆): δ 2.38 (1H, m, H-4), 1.05 (3H, d, J = 6.8 Hz, H₃-21), 0.95 (3H, t, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-29), 0.95 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-30), 0.93 (3H, s, H₃-18), 0.91 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-26), 0.90 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-27), 0.73 (3H, s, H₃-19). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz C₆D₆): δ 196.0 (C-3), 143.4 (C-14), 126.6 (C-8), 57.6 (C-17), 50.8 (C-9), 49.6 (C-5), 48.7 (C-4), 46.9 (C-24), 43.4 (C-13), 39.0 (C-10), 38.3 (C-12), 37.9 (C-1), 37.7 (C-2), 35.6 (C-20), 34.6 (C-22), 30.4 (C-6), 29.7 (C-25), 27.8 (C-7), 27.0 (C-23), 26.6 (C-16), 26.5 (C-15), 23.8 (C-28), 20.1 (C-27), 19.9 (C-21), 19.7 (C-11), 19.6 (C-26), 19.0 (C-18), 14.6 (C-19), 14.5 (C-30), 12.9 (C-29); HRESI MS m/z 427.3936 (calcd for C₃₀H₅₁O 427.3940).

3.3.5.2. (24S)-24-Ethyl-4α-methyl-5α-cholestan-3-one 7

[α]₂₅^D = −12.3 (c 0.10, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz C₆D₆): δ 2.05 (1H, dq, J = 6.1, 14.2 Hz, H-4), 1.09 (3H, d, J = 6.1 Hz, H₃-30), 1.06 (3H, d, J = 6.7 Hz, H₃-21), 0.94 (3H, s, H₃-18), 0.94 (3H, t, J = 7.4 Hz, H₃-29), 0.91 (3H, d, J = 6.7 Hz, H₃-26), 0.89 (3H, d, J = 6.7 Hz, H₃-27), 0.70 (3H, s, H₃-19). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz C₆D₆): δ 199.1 (C-3), 143.2 (C-14), 126.4 (C-8), 57.5 (C-17), 53.8 (C-9), 49.5 (C-5), 46.9 (C-24), 45.5 (C-4), 43.4 (C-13), 39.0 (C-10), 38.5 (C-12), 38.1 (2C, C-1 and C-2), 35.7 (C-20), 34.6 (C-22), 30.1 (C-6), 29.7 (C-25), 27.9 (C-7), 27.0 (C-23), 26.8 (C-15), 26.6 (C-16), 23.8 (C-28), 20.7 (C-11), 20.1 (C-27), 19.9 (C-21), 19.6 (C-26), 18.9 (C-18), 13.4 (C-30), 12.9 (C-29), 12.3 (C-19); HRESI MS m/z 427.3944 (calcd for C₃₀H₅₁O 427.3940).

3.3.6. (24S)-24-Ethyl-4α-methyl-5α-cholestan-3β-ol 8 and (24S)-24-Ethyl-4α-methyl-5α-cholestan-3α-ol 9

To a solution of 7 (30 mg, 0.070 mmol) in dry methanol (5 mL) was added NaBH₄ (13 mg, 0.35 mmol) at 0 °C. After 30 min the reaction was quenched by addition of MeOH (3 mL) and then concentrated in vacuo. Ethyl acetate and water were added and the separated aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 × 30 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. The mixture was purified by HPLC on a Nucleodur Isis 100-5 C18 (5 μm; 4.5 mm internal diameter × 250 mm) with MeOH:H₂O (999.5:0.5) as eluent (flow rate 1 mL/min) to give 15 mg (50% from 7) of 8 (t_R = 47.5 min) and 10 mg of 9 (34% from 7) (t_R = 50 min) as amorphous solids.

3.3.6.1. (24S)-24-Ethyl-4α-methyl-5α-cholestan-3β-ol 8

[α]₂₅^D = −2.1 (c 0.02, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz C₆D₆): δ 2.93 (1H, m, H-3), 2.01 (1H, dt, J = 6.0, 12.6 Hz, H-4), 1.06 (3H, d, J = 6.5 Hz, H-21), 1.02 (3H, d, J = 6.0 Hz, H-30), 0.95 (3H, s, H-18), 0.94 (3H, t, J = 7.3 Hz, H-29), 0.91 (3H, d, J = 7.3 Hz, H-26), 0.90 (3H, d, J = 7.3 Hz, H-27), 0.71 (3H, s, H-19). HRESI MS m/z 429.4088 (calcd for C₃₀H₅₃O 429.4096).

3.3.6.2. (24S)-24-Ethyl-4α-methyl-5α-cholestan-3α-ol 9

[α]₂₅^D = +4.1 (c 0.04, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz C₆D₆): δ 3.55 (1H, br m, H-3), 1.05 (3H, d, J = 6.5 Hz, H₃-21), 0.95 (3H, d, J = 6.5 Hz, H₃-30), 0.95 (3H, s, H₃-18), 0.94 (3H, t, J = 6.8 Hz, H₃-29), 0.91 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-26), 0.89 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-27), 0.75 (3H, s, H₃-19). HRESI MS m/z 429.4084 (calcd for C₃₀H₅₃O 429.4096).

3.3.7. (24S)-24-Ethyl-4-methyl-5α-cholest-3-ene 10

To a solution of 5 (30 mg, 0.070 mmol) in dry pyridine (5 mL), a solution of tosyl chloride (66 mg, 0.35 mmol) in dry pyridine (5 mL) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 2 h and then concentrated in vacuo. The precipitate was re-dissolved in CH₂Cl₂, washed with NaHCO₃ saturated solution and water, dried with Na₂SO₄, and then evaporated to dryness to give the 3β-tosylate, which was subjected to the next step without any purification. A solution of 3β-tosylate and CH₃COOK (7.5 mg, 0.077 mmol) dissolved in DMF (3.5 mL) and water (0.5 mL) was refluxed for 2 h. The solution was cooled at room temperature and then ethyl acetate and water were added. The separated aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 × 30 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water, dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated to dryness. Purification by HPLC on a Nucleodur Isis 100-5 C18 (5 μm; 4.5 mm internal diameter × 250 mm) with MeOH:H₂O (999.5:0.5) as eluent (flow rate 1 mL/min) gave 10 (21 mg, 75% over two steps) as an amorphous solid. [α]₂₅^D = +43 (c 0.01, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz C₆D₆): δ 5.44 (1H, br s, H-3), 1.64 (3H, s, H₃-30), 1.06 (3H, d, J = 6.4 Hz, H₃-21), 0.96 (3H, s, H₃-18), 0.94 (3H, t, J = 7.5 Hz, H₃-29), 0.91 (3H, d, J = 6.8 Hz, H₃-26), 0.90 (3H, d, J = 6.8 Hz, H₃-27), 0.81 (3H, s, H₃-19); HRESI MS m/z 411.3985 (calcd for C₃₀H₅₁ 411.3991).

3.3.8. (24S)-24-Ethyl-3β-hydroxyl-5α-cholest-4-one 11

A stream of O₃ was bubbled into CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) at −78 °C until a blue-colored solution resulted. A portion of this solution (4 mL) was added to a solution of 1 (10 mg, 0.023 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ kept under argon at −78 °C. After stirring for 1 h, excess of ozone was removed upon bubbling with N₂ and the solution was treated with excess dimethylsulfide (2 mL). After 5 h, the solution was concentrated in vacuo to remove the solvent and the mixture was purified by HPLC on a Nucleodur Isis 100-5 C18 (5 μm; 4.5 mm internal diameter × 250 mm) with MeOH:H₂O (999.5:0.5) as eluent (flow rate 1 mL/min) to give 8.4 mg (84%) of 11 (t_R = 27.5 min) as an amorphous solid. [α]₂₅^D = +3.2 (c 0.37, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz C₆D₆): δ 3.80 (1H, m, H-3), 1.06 (3H, d, J = 6.4 Hz, H₃-21), 0.94 (3H, t, J = 7.4 Hz, H₃-29), 0.91 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-26), 0.90 (3H, d, J = 7.0 Hz, H₃-27), 0.83 (3H, s, H₃-18), 0.45 (3H, s, H₃-19); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz C₆D₆): δ 212.1 (C-4), 144.3 (C-14), 125.3 (C-8), 75.2 (C-3), 57.6 (C-17), 56.6 (C-9), 49.6 (C-5), 47.0 (C-24), 44.3 (C-10), 43.4 (C-13), 38.0 (C-1), 35.7 (C-20), 35.1 (C-12), 34.5 (C-22), 33.4 (C-2), 29.8 (C-25), 28.8 (C-7), 27.8 (C-15), 27.1 (C-23), 26.6 (C-16), 23.8 (C-28), 21.5 (C-6), 20.9 (C-11), 20.1 (C-27), 19.9 (C-26), 19.6 (C-21), 18.8 (C-18), 14.4 (C-19), 12.9 (C-29); HRESI MS m/z 429.3741 (calcd for C₂₉H₄₉O₂ 429.3733).

3.3.9. (24S)-24-Ethyl-5α-cholestan-3β,4β-diol 12

A stream of O₃ was bubbled into CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) at −78°C until a blue-colored solution resulted. A portion of this solution (4 mL) was added to a solution of theonellasterol (10 mg, 0.023 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ kept under argon at −78 °C. After stirring for 1 h, excess O₃ was removed upon bubbling with N₂. To the solution was added methanol (2 mL) and then treated with an excess of NaBH₄. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 3 h and then concentrated in vacuo. The precipitate was re-dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water, dried with Na₂SO₄ and then evaporated to dryness. The mixture was purified by HPLC on a Nucleodur Isis 100-5 C18 (5 μm; 4.5 mm internal diameter × 250 mm) with MeOH:H₂O (999.5:0.5) as eluent (flow rate 1 mL/min) to give 9.2 mg (93%) of 12 (t_R = 31.5 min) as a amorphous solid. [α]₂₅^D = +6.9 (c 0.5, CH₃OH); selected ¹H NMR (400 MHz, C₆D₆): δ 3.52 (1H, br s, H-4), 3.28 (1H, dd, J = 5.2, 10.6 Hz, H-3), 1.12 (3H, s, H-19), 1.05 (3H, d, J = 6.8 Hz, H-21), 0.94 (3H, s, H-18), 0.93 (3H, t, J = 7.5 Hz, H-29), 0.90 (3H, d, J = 7.2 Hz, H-26), 0.89 (3H, d, J = 7.2 Hz, H-27); ¹³C NMR (100 MHz C₆D₆): δ 143.1 (C-14), 127.3 (C-8), 74.8 (C-3), 72.7 (C-4), 57.6 (C-17), 51.0 (C-9), 49.0 (C-5), 46.9 (C-24), 43.6 (C-13), 38.3 (C-10), 38.2 (C-12), 37.2 (C-1), 35.8 (C-20), 34.6 (C-22), 30.6 (C-6), 29.7 (C-25), 27.9 (C-7), 27.0 (C-23), 26.6 (3C, C-2, C-15 and C-16), 23.8 (C-28), 20.1 (C-11), 20.0 (C-27), 19.9 (C-21), 19.6 (C-26), 19.0 (C-18), 15.4 (C-19), 13.0 (C-29); HRESI MS m/z 431.3883 (calcd for C₂₉H₅₁O₂ 431.3889).

3.4. In Vitro FXR Transactivations

HepG2 cells were cultured at 37 °C in Minimum Essential Medium with Earl’s salts containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 1% L-glutamine and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. The transfection experiments were performed using Fugene HD (Promega) according to the manufacturer’s specifications. HepG2 cells were plated in a 12-well plate at 1 × 10⁵ cells/well. Cells were transfected with 150 ng pCMVSPORT-FXR, 150 ng pSG5-RXR, 200 ng pGL4.70-Renilla and with 500 ng of the reporter vector p(hsp27)-TK-LUC containing the FXR response element IR1 cloned from the promoter of heat shock protein 27 (hsp27). At 24 h post-transfection, agonistic activity was measured by treating cells for 18 h with either 10 µM CDCA (positive control) and compounds 1–12; for antagonistic activity, cells were treated for 18 h with the combination CDCA (10 µM) plus compounds 1–12 (50 µM). After treatment, cells were lysed in 100 µL diluted reporter lysis buffer (Promega) and 20 µL cellular lysate was assayed for Luciferase and Renilla activity using the Luciferase or Renilla Assay System (Promega). Luminescence was measured using an automated luminometer. Luciferase activities were normalized for transfection efficiencies by dividing the Luciferase relative light units by Renilla relative light units expressed from cells co-transfected with pGL4.70-Renilla.

3.5. Computational Details

All docking calculations by Autodock 4.2 software [34] were performed on 4 × AMD Opteron 16 Core at 2.3 GHz, using a grid box size of 94 × 96 × 68 for chain A of FXR (pdb code:1OSV) [32], with spacing of 0.375 Å between the grid points, and centered at 20.689 (x), 39.478 353 (y), 10.921 (z) between the SCH₃ of Met262 and the OH group of Thr267, covering the active site of the receptor. The Lamarckian genetic algorithm (LGA) was employed for docking experiments, choosing an initial population of 600 randomly placed individuals. The maximum number of energy evaluations and of generations was set up to 5 × 10⁶ and to 6 × 10⁶ respectively. For all the docked structures, all bonds were treated as active torsional bonds except the bonds in cycles, which were considered fixed together with the receptor. Results that differed by <3.5 Å in positional root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) were clustered together and represented by the most favorable free energy of binding. Illustrations of the 3D models were generated with Python software [35] using MGLTools 1.5.6.

4. Conclusions

In conclusion we investigated the effect of chemical transformations on the biological activity of theonellasterol (1), performing the first preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) on this new chemotype of FXR antagonist. The discovery of a preserved FXR antagonistic activity in derivatives 6, 7, and 12 having more synthetically accessible function groups on ring A, opens the way to the design and the preparation of new potential leads in the pharmacological treatment of human FXR-mediated diseases.