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. 2020 Jun 8;85(13):8330–8338. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c00173

Cooperative Multipoint Recognition of Sialic Acid by Benzoboroxole-Based Receptors Bearing Cationic Hydrogen-Bond Donors

Alice Di Pasquale †, Stefano Tommasone †, Lili Xu ‡, Jing Ma ‡, Paula M Mendes †,*
PMCID: PMC7340346  PMID: 32508094

Abstract

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Sialic acid recognition remains an interesting and challenging target in molecular receptor design. Herein, we report a series of benzoboroxole-based receptors in which cationic hydrogen-bond donors have been introduced and shown to promote multipoint sialic acid recognition. One striking feature revealed by these receptors is that the carboxylate sialic acid residue is the primary binding determinant for recognition by benzoboroxole, in which the presence of charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds results in enhanced selectivity for sialic acid over other carbohydrates and a 4.5-fold increase in affinity. These findings open up wide possibilities for benzoboroxole-based receptors use in life science research, biotechnology, and diagnostics.

Introduction

Sialic acid (SA) is a ubiquitous negatively charged monosaccharide that partakes in many important biological roles.1,2 SA exists in two different configurations; when free in solution, it is present predominately in the β anomeric configuration (>95%), while the α anomer occurs when bound to other sugar residues.3 SA can be found at the terminal end of glycans that decorate cell surfaces and mediate biological processes such as cell signaling, growth, and differentiation.1 Changes in SA levels or expression can indicate undergoing pathological conditions. Moreover, alteration of its lysosomal storage causes rare neurodegenerative conditions that are referred to as sialic acid storage diseases, characterized by high levels of sialic acid in urine.4 Alternatively, increased expression of sialic acid at the terminal end of glycoproteins occurs in cancer cells as a defense mechanism from the immune system.5,6 Due to the many biological functions in which sialic acid is involved, its recognition plays an important role in life science research, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

Phenylboronic acids have been extensively employed as receptors to detect carbohydrates, including sialic acid.7−11 The analogues benzoboroxoles,12 cyclic phenylboronic acid esters, have a higher affinity for monosaccharides.8,13,14 Nevertheless, there are not many examples of benzoboroxole-based receptors for the detection of sialic acid. The binding affinity of boron-based receptors for sialic acid is reported to be enhanced at acidic pH,15 unlike other monosaccharides that are bound at basic pH.16 Most of the boron-based receptors that target sialic acid have been developed considering the cis-diol, either C7/C9 or C8/C9, of the glycerol chain being the binding site. The receptors, in addition to the boronic acid unit, often present other functional groups, such as amino groups,10 heterocyclic rings,17 and urea moieties,18 which are reported to interact with the carboxylate group.

Alternatively, other theories regarding the binding site have been postulated. Djanashvili et al. proposed a model in which the binding site is pH-dependent.19 The glycerol chain is considered the main binding site at pH > 8, while at pH 2–8 the binding occurs via the α-hydroxyacid group, thus through the carboxylate and the vicinal hydroxyl group. Moreover, Nishitani et al. have proposed that the binding of boronic acid receptors occurs exclusively with the α-hydroxyacid (Figure 1).20

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Two possible binding sites of sialic acid.

Herein, the interaction between nonfunctionalized benzoboroxole and sialic acid was studied, leading to the unequivocal identification of the binding site. Consequently, a series of positively charged benzoboroxole receptors were designed and synthesized to promote further interactions and stronger binding with sialic acid. The binding affinity between the different receptors and sialic acid was determined using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), allowing us to uncover important cooperative binding effects. The molecular interactions responsible for this synergetic behavior are discussed on the basis of density functional theory calculations.

Results and Discussion

Binding Site

The binding affinity of the nonfunctionalized benzoboroxole receptor 1 to sialic acid (2) and 2-O-methyl-α-sialic acid (3) (Figure 2) was measured by ITC at three different pH values (5.5, 7.4, and 10.0). 2-O-Methyl-α-sialic acid 3 was used as a model molecule for the α configuration resembling sialic acid in glycoproteins (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Nonfunctionalized benzoboroxole receptor (1), β-sialic acid (2), 2-O-methyl-α-sialic acid (3), and β-sialic acid methyl ester (4).

In sialic acid (2), both the glycerol chain and the α-hydroxyacid binding sites are available, while in 3 the methoxy group in position 2 prohibits binding with the α-hydroxyacid. For the aforementioned ligands, the glycerol chain is always available for binding. Consequently, if binding occurs predominantly via the glycerol chain,17 both sugars 2 and 3 should bind to receptor 1 across the studied pH range.

Another model predicts that the binding site is pH-dependent, where binding occurs with the α-hydroxyacid below pH 8 and with the glycerol chain under more basic conditions.19 Under the assumption that this model holds, 1 would bind 2 under all conditions, while the interaction with 3 would only occur at pH > 8. The data in Table 1 indicates that there is no significant binding between 1 and 3; therefore, the availability of α-hydroxyacid is pivotal for the binding to occur. The lack of binding to α-sialic acid is also reported in the literature with binding constants Ka < 10 M–1.21,22 To support this hypothesis, the binding of receptor 1 to sialic acid methyl ester 4 (Figure 2) was measured at pH 5.5, with no significant binding detected by ITC, thus confirming the participation of α-hydroxyacid in the binding events.

Table 1. ITC-Binding Studies of Receptor 1 with Sialic Acid (2), 2-O-Methyl-α-sialic Acid (3) and Sialic Acid Methyl Ester (4) at pH 5.5 (0.1 M Acetate Buffer), 7.4 (0.1 M Phosphate Buffer), and 10.0 (0.1 M Ammonium Acetate Buffer) at 25 °Ca.

  Ka (M–1)
pH 2 3 4b
5.5 51.2 ± 1.2 1.6 ± 2.4 <1.0
7.4 39.3 ± 0.6 <1.0  
10.0 12.5 ± 2.5 <1.0  
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a

Each experiment consists of three titrations. The heat of dilution was measured and subtracted.

b

The binding affinity of 1 to sialic acid methyl ester 4 was not measured at pH ≥ 7.4 due to the fast hydrolysis of the ester group.

To confirm these findings, 1:1 mixtures of 1 with 2 and 3, respectively, were investigated by NMR and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses. The 1H NMR spectrum of receptor 1 showed four protons of the aromatic ring as three multiplets in the 7.70–7.25 ppm region (Figure 3a).

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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1H NMR spectra in 0.1 M CD3COOD at 400 MHz and 298 K: (a) 1; (b) 1:1 mixture 1–2; and (c) 1:1 mixture 1–3.

The 1H NMR spectrum of the 1–2 mixture presented the aromatic region signals of unbound receptor 1, which were shifted by ∼0.05 ppm due to changes in the environment, and additional peaks between 7.32 and 7.19 ppm (Figure 3b), which are could be ascribed to the complexed species as their intensity changed upon different receptor/ligand ratios (Figure S22). On the other hand, the analysis of the 1–3 mixture showed only three sets of multiplets corresponding to the unbound 1 shifted by ∼0.02 ppm, confirming that there is no complexation with α-sialic acid (Figure 3c). The presence of the complexed species in the 1–2 mixture was also confirmed by electrospray ionization ESI (−) MS analysis, where a peak at m/z = 424.14 [M]− was observed (Figure S41), while a similar analysis of the 1–3 mixture showed only the peaks of unbound species (Figure S42).

Furthermore, the binding affinity of 1 for 2 is pH-dependent. At pH 5.5, the measured binding constant is Ka= 51.2 ± 1.2 M–1, which decreases at more basic pH values, with Ka= 12.5 ± 2.5 M–1 at pH 10 (Table 1). This pH-dependent binding profile has been previously seen for the binding of boronic acids to other α-hydroxyacids, such as lactic23 and tartaric acid.24 The complexation between boronic acid derivatives and an α-hydroxyacid has been reported as occurring predominantly at acidic pH (pH < pKa); therefore, the complexation occurs between sialic acid and trigonal benzoboroxole (Figure 4). On the other hand, at pH ≥ 7.4 (pKa of 1 is 7.2)8 there is electrostatic repulsion between the boronate ion and the carboxylate ion that needs to be overcome for the complexation to occur, hence the lower binding affinity at pH ≥ 7.4.

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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Equilibrium between receptor 1 and sialic acid 2 to give the boronate ester complex at acidic pH.

The results of the above-described experiments allow us to conclude that the α-hydroxyacid is the site through which boron-based receptors bind sialic acid rather than the glycerol chain, as previously reported. This is a very important finding since it provides the rationale for developing benzoboroxole-based receptors with enhanced binding affinity and selectivity for sialic acid. With this provision in mind, we have designed and synthesized a series of positively charged benzoboroxoles.

Design and Synthesis of Benzoboroxole Receptors

Synthetic receptors that interact with sialic acid solely through noncovalent interactions have been developed and consist of an aromatic core and positively charged branches.25,26 Herein, we combine covalent and noncovalent interactions by designing receptors 5–10 (Figure 5) with a benzoboroxole unit bearing an amino or a guanidino group. In addition, derivatives 9 and 10 are functionalized with an aromatic side chain that can provide CH−π interactions, as seen in lectins.27,28

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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Benzoboroxoles receptors 5–10 and control molecule 11.

Receptor 5 was synthesized from 2-formylphenylboronic acid to give initially the nitrofunctionalized benzoboroxole, which was then reduced with NiCl2 and NaBH4 to give the Boc-protected amine derivative.29 The protection was cleaved with 2 M HCl in Et2O. Receptors 7 and 9 were synthesized via the coupling of 5 with Boc-glycine-OH and 4-(Boc-aminomethyl)benzoic acid, respectively, in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDCI) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) (Scheme 1).

Scheme 1. Synthesis of Benzoboroxole Receptors.

Scheme 1

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(i) CH3NO2, NaOH, H2O; (ii) Boc2O, NaBH4, NiCl2·6H2O, MeOH; (iii) 2 M HCl in Et2O; vi N,N′-di-Boc-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine, Et3N, MeOH; (v) AcCl, MeOH, EtOAc; (vi) Boc-Gly-OH or 4-(Boc-aminomethyl)benzoic acid, DMAP, EDCI, dimethylformamide (DMF).

Guanidino derivatives 6, 8, and 10 were synthesized from the corresponding amino derivatives 5, 7, and 9, respectively, with N,N′-di-Boc-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine to give the Boc-protected derivative. The deprotection was initially attempted with 2 M HCl in Et2O and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in methanol, affording only a partial cleavage of the Boc groups. The complete cleavage of the Boc groups was achieved by generating hydrochloric acid in situ adding acetyl chloride to a mixture of methanol and ethyl acetate at 0 °C.

Given the chirality of the synthesized receptors 5–10, these were used as racemic mixtures for all of the studies presented herein.

ITC-Binding Studies

The binding affinities of receptors 5–10 to sialic acid were evaluated by ITC at pH values of 5.5, 7.4, and 8.5 (Figure 6), with a binding model postulated. All synthesized receptors, 5–10, present an increase in the binding affinity when compared to nonfunctionalized receptor 1. This can be ascribed to the presence of the positively charged group that creates charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds25 with sialic acid H-bond acceptors, resulting in stabilization of the boronate ester. All synthesized receptors, 5–10, achieved their highest affinity toward sialic acid at pH 5.5 with an increase of 2- to 4.5-fold in the binding constants, when compared to nonfunctionalized benzoboroxole 1.

Figure 6.

Figure 6

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Isothermal titration calorimetry binding studies of receptors 1 and 5–10 with sialic acid (2) at pH 5.5 (0.1 M acetate buffer), 7.4 (0.1 M phosphate buffer), and 8.5 (0.1 M ammonium acetate buffer) and 25 °C. Each experiment consists of three titrations. The heat of dilution was measured and subtracted.

The enhanced binding affinity occurring at acidic pH is due to the lack of repulsion between the receptors and the binding site, as seen for 1, and to the contribution of the charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds. Differences in the affinities are also attributed to the different buffer solutions (sodium acetate, phosphate, and ammonium acetate buffer) used for the studies at the selected pH values.30 Furthermore, the guanidino moiety has a greater effect in enhancing the binding affinity when compared to the amino group. This effect can be seen especially for receptors 5 and 6. At pH 5.5, receptor 5 presents a binding constant of 150.4 ± 7.9 M–1, while the corresponding guanidino derivative, 6, has a 1.5 times greater binding constant (Ka = 234.3 ± 8.0 M–1). The guanidino moiety provides additional charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds, creating a wider network of interactions that results in further stabilization of the complex, hence the higher binding affinity.

An enhancement in the affinity, although reduced when compared to the aforementioned receptors, was also observed for receptors 7 (Ka = 129.6 ± 0.8 M–1) and the corresponding guanidino derivative 5 (Ka = 141.0 ± 8.0 M–1). On the other hand, 9 (Ka = 104.4 ± 5.2 M–1) and 10 (Ka = 110.2 ± 3.4 M–1) present a similar binding constant, within error, suggesting that the positively charged moiety does not participate in the binding. Therefore, the side chain plays a role in the complexation, with the affinity being reduced when it is either rigid or longer, as seen for derivatives 7–10. These findings indicate that, for receptors 9 and 10, the rigid aromatic structure might be blocking the amino and guanidino groups in unsuitable conformations, preventing the formation of charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds between the positively charged moiety and sialic acid. The enhanced binding of receptors 9 and 10, when compared to 1, suggests the presence of another type of noncovalent interaction with the ligand, such as CH−π interactions. CH−π interactions are often seen in sialic acid-specific lectins27,28 and occur between the aromatic moiety and the sialic acid backbone. The contribution to the binding of these interactions is reduced in comparison to charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds, hence the lower binding affinities of 9 and 10 versus the other synthesized receptors at pH 5.5.

Conversely, at basic pH, the affinity toward sialic acid decreases, suggesting that the charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds have a reduced effect on the complexation at this pH. All receptors, but receptor 5, present at basic pH higher affinity than nonfunctionalized benzoboroxole 1, suggesting the presence of other noncovalent interactions (e.g., neutral hydrogen bonds, CH−π interactions). For instance, receptor 10, functionalized with an aromatic side chain, has the highest binding affinity to 2 at pH 8.5, yielding Ka = 41.4 ± 0.6 M–1.

All binding studies were conducted with the racemic mixture of the positively charged receptors; hence, the binding constants of the enantiomeric pure benzoboroxoles were not assessed directly. The shape of the ITC curve indicates whether two enantiomers have similar binding constants or whether one presents a higher affinity.31 If the binding constant of the two enantiomers, for a given receptor, was significantly different, the titration curves would be composed of two curves and therefore would present a step. Herein, the ITC curves for receptors 5–10 (for ITC graphs, see the Supporting Information (SI)) are composed of only one curve and do not present a step. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that both enantiomers, for a given receptor, have similar binding constants for sialic acid and that these do not differ greatly from the binding constant of the racemic mixture.

Furthermore, the cooperative nature of the binding was investigated. A control molecule (11) functionalized with a guanidino group, but without the benzoboroxole unit, was synthesized, and its affinity to sialic acid was measured at pH 5.5. Under these conditions, the guanidino moiety can form hydrogen bonds or electrostatic interactions with 2; however, these interactions are negligible, as no significant binding is detected by ITC.

Therefore, in the binding mechanism, the benzoboroxole unit binds covalently to sialic acid α-hydroxyacid with the formation of a boronate ester, which was proven to be essential for the binding to occur. Subsequently, the reversible complex is stabilized by noncovalent interactions, in particular charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds, resulting in an increase in the binding affinity. Charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds occur between the cationic group (amino or guanidino), and H-bond acceptors of sialic acid,25 such as the hydroxyl groups. No hydrogen bonds are formed with the carboxylate as this is engaged in an ester with the benzoboroxole unit. Similar behavior is shown in other boron-based receptors containing a guanindino unit,32 where the preferred interaction of the ligand α-hydroxyacid group is with the boronic acid rather than the guanidino unit. In addition to H-bonds, CH−π interactions stabilize the complex with sialic acid, although these interactions are weaker and thus their effect on the binding is reduced.

Enthalpy–Entropy Compensation (EEC)

The ITC experiments, in addition to Ka, provide information about the change in enthalpy (ΔH, kcal mol–1) and entropy (ΔS, cal mol–1 deg–1) of the system (for experimental values, see the SI). The experiments were conducted at 25 °C (298.15 K). The change in enthalpy is negative, as the binding event causes the release of heat. On the other hand, the entropy component is negative and unfavorable to the binding due to the loss of degrees of freedom of the two species when bound together.

When plotting the enthalpic component (ΔH) against the entropic one (TΔS), a linear dependency can be found, indicating an enthalpy–entropy compensation (EEC) effect. In Figure 7, the slopes of the linear dependency are 0.80, 1.02, and 0.86 for pH values of 5.5, 7.4, and 8.5, respectively. When the slope is 1, the EEC is complete. Slopes below <1 indicate that the binding is more sensitive to changes in the entropy of the system, while slopes >1 indicate that the binding in more sensitive to the enthalpic component.33 The EEC effect is a characteristic of all weak intramolecular interactions in aqueous (aq) systems34 and thus also to the boronate ester formation between benzoboroxole and sialic acid. The EEC effect was previously shown for other positively charged boronic acid receptors.32

Figure 7.

Figure 7

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Enthalpy (ΔH) against entropy (TΔS) plot at pH 5.5 (0.1 M acetate buffer), 7.4 (0.1 M phosphate buffer), and 8.5 (0.1 M ammonium acetate buffer) and 25 °C (298.15 K).

Theoretical Study of the Binding Affinity

The multipoint cooperative binding model was supported by both molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT). The geometries of the complex of the benzoboroxole derivatives 1 and 5–10 with sialic acid 2 were optimized using DFT as implemented in the Gaussian program35 at the level of M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p). The binding energies of nonfunctionalized benzoboroxole receptor 1 and functionalized receptors 5–10 with sialic acid were then calculated at the same theoretical level, with the results shown in Figure 8 and Table S5.

Figure 8.

Figure 8

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Binding energies (Eb, in units of kcal mol–1) and corresponding structures of interaction between sialic acid 2 and receptor 1; the S enantiomers of receptors 1, 6–8, and 10; and the R and S enantiomers of receptors 5 and 9. The DFT calculations were carried out at the level of M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p). The N–H···O hydrogen bonds were displayed by the dotted line. The purple ball indicates the counterion (Na+) in computation models.

The binding energy (Eb) is defined in eq 1

graphic file with name jo0c00173_m001.jpg 1

where Ecomplex, ESA, and Ereceptor are the total energy of complex and the individual energies of 2 and the benzoboroxole receptor, respectively. The more negative the value of the binding energy (Eb), the stronger the interaction between the benzoboroxole derivatives and sialic acid. Simple computational models were used to differentiate between strong and weak binders according to DFT binding energies (Figure 8). A trend was identified in the strength of interaction with the target being 5–8 > 9–10 ≫ 1, which is in agreement with the ITC data. All computational studies presented herein are performed with the S enantiomers of the receptors. In addition, for benzoboroxoles 5 and 9, the binding energies for the R enantiomers were calculated and found to be of similar magnitude to the binding energies of the S enantiomers. This indicates that both enantiomers have a comparable affinity to sialic acid, as suggested by ITC. Furthermore, the results in Figure 8 were compared to the results obtained from different DFT functionals, M06-2X versus B3LYP, which confirmed the same trend in binding energies. The strong binding for receptors 5–8 is ascribed to N–H···O charge-reinforced hydrogen-bonding interactions (with the H···O bond length given in Figure 8) with the glycerol chain. When hydrogen bonds are not present, the interaction with the target is significantly weaker. For instance, receptors 9 and 10 do not form hydrogen bonds with sialic acid but instead provide weaker noncovalent interactions (e.g., CH−π interactions), resulting in medium strength complexation with the target. Receptor 1 does not provide any additional noncovalent interactions, hence the weak binding. For complexes 1–2 and 5–2, the binding was also assessed using more complex computational models, such as the implicit solvation model based on density (SMD), shown in Figure S43, and explicit solvent model (Figures S44 and S45). These models agree with the gas-phase model in concluding that the binding occurs with the α-hydroxyacid moiety. Therefore, the binding energies of all receptors 1 and 5–10 predicted by the gas-phase model are reasonable.

Selectivity Studies

In addition to the binding affinities to sialic acid, the selectivity of receptors 1, 5, and 6 to other monosaccharides (e.g., fructose, galactose, glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acid) was assessed at pH 5.5 by ITC. Nonfunctionalized receptor 1 is shown, in Table 2, to be selective for sialic acid under acidic conditions as the affinity to other monosaccharides is greatly reduced for pH values below the pKa of 1.8 Conversely, functionalized receptors 5 and 6 have an increased affinity toward monosaccharides when compared to 1, as they form charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds with the ligands.

Table 2. ITC-Binding Constants (Ka, M–1) of Receptors 1, 5, and 6 with Sialic Acid, d-Fructose, d-Galactose, d-Glucose, d-Mannose, and d-Glucuronic Acid at pH 5.5 and 25 °Ca.

  1 5 6
sialic acid 51.2 ± 1.2 150.4 ± 7.3 234.3 ± 8.0
d-fructose 18.5 ± 0.6 198.6 ± 16.1 162.6 ± 12.6
d-galactose 7.5 ± 0.4 10.6 ± 4.1 5.6 ± 2.4
d-glucose <1.0 10.1 ± 4.4 10.0 ± 0.9
d-mannose <1.0 9.6 ± 4.2 4.8 ± 1.1
d-glucuronic acid <1.0 11.6 ± 2.2 12.5 ± 0.3
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a

Each experiment consists of three titrations. The heat of dilution was measured and subtracted.

Furthermore, when considering the interaction of positively charged receptors 5 and 6 to negatively charged glucuronic acid, the binding affinity is consistent with the affinity toward neutral glucose, a neutral glucuronic acid analogue. This confirms that the possible electrostatic interaction between positively charged amino or guanidino group and negatively charged carboxylic acid does not play a role in binding, as seen for sialic acid and control 11. Therefore, there is no cross-reactivity with anionic species. The charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds are particularly significant for the interaction with fructose, with 5 and 6 yielding a binding constant 11 and 9 times greater, respectively, than the binding affinity of receptor 1. Therefore, the binding of charged receptors is cooperative toward other monosaccharides, as well as sialic acid. For receptor 5Ka fructose > Ka sialic acid, indicating that 5 is more selective for fructose. On the other hand, receptor 6 is selective for sialic acid at pH 5.5 with Ka fructose = 162.6 ± 12.6 M–1 and Ka sialic acid = 243.3 ± 8.0 M–1.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we have identified unequivocally that boron-based receptors bind sialic acid exclusively through the α-hydroxyacid group, leading to the formation of boronate esters. Prompted by this knowledge, we have rationally designed and synthesized a new group of benzoboroxole-based receptors, which contain additional sites for sialic acid interaction. The new receptors 5–10 display enhanced affinity for sialic acid, when compared to the nonfunctionalized benzoboroxole receptor 1. The highest binding affinity for all receptors 5–10 is achieved at pH 5.5, where charge-reinforced hydrogen bonds with sialic acid are particularly relevant in stabilizing the complex and there is no electrostatic repulsion between the ligand and receptor. In addition, guanidino-functionalized receptors often present a higher binding affinity than the corresponding amino-functionalized receptors, with the creation of wider networks of hydrogen bonds further stabilizing the complex. The presence of charged-reinforced hydrogen bonds between the positively charged amino or guanidino group and the glycerol chain of sialic acid has been confirmed by DFT studies. In addition, the side chain of the receptor has also been seen to play a significant role in the binding affinity. Receptors 7–10, characterized by longer and more rigid side chains, showed reduced binding when compared to 5 and 6 at acidic pH. Furthermore, the multipoint cooperative nature of the binding has been verified with control molecule 11, for which the absence of the benzoboroxole unit results in no significant binding occurring with sialic acid. Hence, the formation of the boronate ester is pivotal for any interaction to occur between the receptor and the ligand. The highest binding affinity for sialic acid was found under acidic conditions using the guanidino-functionalized receptor 6. Further studies have shown selectivity of this receptor for sialic acid among other monosaccharides. This work provides valuable insights into effective molecular interactions for sialic acid recognition and a new synthetic receptor, 6, with improved affinity and selectivity for such a biologically important carbohydrate.

Experimental Section

General Comments

Reagents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, Acros Organics, and Alfa Aesar. N-Acetylneuraminc acid and 2-O-methyl-α-d-N-acetylneuraminic acid were purchased from Carbosynth Limited. All of the reagents were used without further purification. 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra were recorded at room temperature (RT) using the following spectrometers: Bruker AVIII400 at 400 and 101 MHz, respectively, and Bruker Ascend 400 at 400 and 101 MHz, respectively. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed using commercially available Macherey-Nagel aluminum backed plates coated with a 0.20 mm layer of 60 Å silica gel with a fluorescence indicator UV254. TLC plates were visualized using ultraviolet light of 254 nm wavelength. Silica gel column chromatography was carried out using Sigma-Aldrich 60 Å silica gel (35–70 μm). Mass spectra were recorded with a Bruker Daltonics MicrOTOF-Q II spectrometer.

General Procedure (A) for the Synthesis of Boc-Amine Benzoboroxole Derivatives

7-(Aminomethyl)benzoxaborole hydrochloride (5) (0.10 g, 0.50 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (5 mL). DMAP (0.15 g 1.25 mmol) was added followed by the addition of either Boc-Gly-OH or 4-(Boc-aminomethyl)benzoic acid (0.11g, 0.60 mmol) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDCI) (0.12 g, 0.60 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight; then, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with 1 M HCl (3 × 5 mL) and sat. aq NaHCO3 (5 mL). The organic layer was dried with MgSO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the Boc-amine benzoboroxole derivatives, which were not isolated.

General Procedure (B) for the Synthesis of Amino Benzoboroxole Receptors

Boc-amine benzoboroxole derivative was stirred overnight with 2 M HCl in Et2O (10 mL), and the solvent was removed either by filtration or evaporation under vacuum.

General Procedure (C) for Boc-Guanidine Benzoboroxole Derivatives

Amino-functionalized benzoboroxole derivative (5, 7, and 9) (0.20 g, 1.00 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (15 mL). N,N′-di-Boc-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxamidine (0.25 g, 1.00 mmol) and triethylamine (324 μL, 2.32 mmol) were added, and the mixture was stirred overnight. The solvent was removed under vacuum, and the crude was purified by column chromatography on silica gel.

General Procedure (D) for Guanidino Benzoboroxole Derivatives

Boc-guanidine benzoboroxole derivative (14, 15, and 16) (0.10 g, 0.25 mol) was dissolved in a mixture of EtOAc (5 mL) and MeOH (2 mL). The mixture was cooled to 0 °C, and acetyl chloride (0.5 mL) was added dropwise. The reaction was stirred at RT for 48–72 h, and the solvent was removed under vacuum.

Synthesis of 12

2-Formylphenylboronic acid (1.92 g, 12.82 mmol) was dissolved in 12.78 mL of water. The solution was cooled to 0 °C, and nitromethane was added (2.076 mL, 38.33 mmol) followed by the addition of NaOH (0.54 g, 13.50 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h, diluted, and acidified with 2 M HCl. The precipitate was filtered to give pure 12 as a white-yellow solid (2.37 g, 92%). 1H NMR spectra are in agreement with the literature.36

Synthesis of 5(29)

A solution of 12 (0.50 g, 2.59 mmol) in anhydrous methanol was cooled to 0 °C. (Boc)2O (1.2 mL, 5.22 mmol) and NiCl2·6H2O (0.62 g, 2.96 mmol) were added, and the mixture was stirred under argon for 20 min. NaBH4 (0.59 g, 15.59 mmol) was added, and the mixture was stirred overnight at RT. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the crude was dissolved in EtOAc and filtered through Celite. The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the crude was deprotected overnight with 2 M HCl in Et2O (15 mL). The precipitated was filtered and triturated with Et2O to give derivative 5 as an off-white solid (0.40 g, 78%). 1H NMR spectra are in agreement with the literature.29

Synthesis of 7

Derivative 7 was synthesized from 5 following procedure A. The crude was not purified further and the deprotection was performed following procedure B. The precipitated was filtered and triturated with Et2O to give derivative 7 as an off-white solid. (40.2 mg, 31%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 9.38 (s, 1H), 8.67 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.18 (s, 3H), 7.79 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.38 (m, 1H), 5.19 (dd, J = 7.4, 4.0 Hz, 1H), 3.68 (ddd, J = 9.9, 5.6, 4.3 Hz, 1H), 3.53 (q, J = 16.3 Hz, 1H), 3.24 (m, 1H). 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 166.1, 154.0, 132.2, 130.7, 130.7, 127.5, 121.7, 78.6, 44.4, 40.1. ESI+ MS m/z 221.11 [M]+. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) (ESI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C10H14BN2O3 221.1092, found 221.1091.

Synthesis of 9

Derivative 9 was synthesized 5 following procedure A. The crude was recrystallized with hexane/EtOAc. The solid was filtered and deprotected following procedure B to give derivative 9 as an off-white solid (154.9 mg, 30%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 9.30 (s, 1H), 8.85 (dt, J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 8.52 (s, 3H), 7.90 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.76 (dt, J = 7.3, 1.1 Hz, 1H). 7.58 (m, 2H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.36 (dt, J = 7.0, 1.10 Hz, 1H), 5.34 (dd, J = 7.7, 4.40 Hz, 1H), 4.07 (s, 2H), 3.71 (dt, J = 5.0, 13.64 Hz, 1H), 3.40 (m, 1H). 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 165.9, 154.6, 137.2, 134.2, 130.7, 130.6, 128.8, 127.4, 121.7, 78.7, 45.4, 41.8. ESI+ MS m/z 297.14 [M]+. HRMS (ESI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C16H18BN2O3 297.1405, found 297.1402.

Synthesis of 13

Derivative 13 was synthesized from 5 following procedure C. The crude was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (hexane/EtOAc, 85:15) to give derivative 13 as an off-white solid (0.10 g, 24%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 11.48 (s, 1 H), 9.38 (s, 1H), 8.46 (t, J = 5.2 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (dt, J = 7.3, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.39 (td, J = 7.1, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 5.32 (dd, J = 8.2, 3.5 Hz, 1H), 3.97 (ddd, J = 13.7, 6.1, 3.6 Hz, 1H), 3.26 (ddd, J = 13.7, 8.2, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 1.47 (s, 9H), 1.39 (s, 9H). 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 163.0, 155.5, 153.7, 152.2, 130.8, 130.7, 127.7, 121.7, 83.2, 78.4, 78.3, 45.8, 28.0, 27.6. ESI+ MS m/z 406.22 [M + H]+. HRMS (ESI) m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C19H29BN3O6 406.2144, found 406.2164.

Synthesis of 6

Derivative 6 was synthesized from 13 following procedure D. The reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum to give derivative 6 as an off-white hygroscopic solid (59.6 mg, quant.). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 9.43 (s, 1H), 7.78 (dt, J = 7.2, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (m, 2H), 7.39 (m, 2H), 6.96 (s), 5.23 (dd, 1 H, J = 7.7, 3.3 Hz), 3.77 (ddd, J = 14.2, 6.0, 3.4 Hz, 1H), 3.28 (ddd, J = 13.8, 7.6, 5.9 Hz, 1H). 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 157.2, 153.2, 130.8, 130.7, 127.7, 121.8, 78.6, 46.0. ESI+ MS m/z 206.11 [M]+. HRMS (ESI) m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C9H14BN3O2 206.1095, found 206.1099.

Synthesis of 14

Derivative 14 was synthesized from 7 following procedure C. The crude was crude purified by gradient column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 85:15 to EtOAc/MeOH 98:2) to give derivative 14 as an off-white solid (232.0 mg, 60%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 11.43 (s, 1H), 9.26 (s, 1H), 8.69 (t, J = 4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (dt, J = 11.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.36 (dt, J = 7.2, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 5.17 (dd, J = 7.1, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 3.93 (dd, 1 H, J = 9.6, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 3.56 (ddd, J = 13.7, 5.8, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 3.24 (ddd, J = 13.3, 7.2, 5.7 Hz, 1H), 1.48 (s, 9H), 1.38 (s, 9H). 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 167.9, 162.9, 155.0, 154.3, 151.9, 130.6, 130.5, 127.4, 121.8, 83.0, 78.7, 78.3, 44.5, 43.5, 28.0, 27.6. ESI+ MS m/z 463.24 [M + H]+. HRMS (ESI) m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C21H32BN4O7 463.2359, found 463.2378.

Synthesis of 8

Derivative 8 was synthesized from 14 following procedure D. The crude was recrystallized with MeOH/Et2O to give derivative 8 as an off-white solid (45.4 mg, 30%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 9.33 (s, 1H), 8.44 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (dt, J = 7.2, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (m, 2H), 7.37 (td, J = 7.2, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (s), 5.18 (dd, J = 7.6, 4.1 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (t, J = 5.6 Hz, 2H), 3.62 (ddd, J = 13.8, 5.8, 4.2 Hz, 1H), 3.20 (ddd, J = 13.8, 7.6, 5.5 Hz, 1H). 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 167.5, 157.5, 154.2, 130.7, 130.7, 127.5, 121.7, 78.8, 44.7, 43.4. ESI+ MS m/z 263.12 [M]+. HRMS (ESI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C11H16BN4O3 263.1310, found 263.1312.

Synthesis of 15

Derivative 15 was synthesized from 9 following procedure C. The crude was purified by gradient column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 80:20 to EtOAc) to give derivative 15 as an off-white solid (139.3 mg, 55%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 11.54 (s, 1H), 9.27 (s, 1H), 8.80–8.71 (m, 2H). 7.83 (m, 2H), 7.73 (dt, J = 7.3, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (m, 2H), 7.39–3.34 (m, 3H), 5.32 (dd, J = 7.8, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 4.58 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.69 (dt, J = 13.6, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 3.40 (m, 1H), 1.48 (s, 9H), 1.37 (s, 9H). 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 166.2, 163.1, 155.6, 154.5, 152.0, 141.8, 133.1, 130.7, 130.6, 127.5, 127.4, 126.9, 121.8, 83.0, 78.7, 78.4, 45.4, 43.3, 28.0, 27.7. ESI+ MS m/z 539.24 [M + H]+. HRMS (ESI) m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C27H36BN4O7 539.2672, found 539.2697.

Synthesis of 10

Derivative 10 was synthesized from 15 following procedure D to give derivative 10 as an off-white solid (87.4 mg, quant.). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 9.28 (s, 1H), 8.80 (t, J = 5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.25 (t, J = 6.3 Hz), 7.88 (m, 2H), 7.76 (dt, J = 7.3, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (m, 2H), 7.37 (m, 3H), 5.33 (dd, J = 7.8, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 4.46 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.70 (dt, J = 13.6, 5.0 Hz, 1H), 3.39 (m, 1H). 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 166.0, 157.2, 154.6, 140.6, 133.5, 130.6, 130.6, 127.5, 127.4, 126.9, 121.7, 78.7, 45.4, 43.60. ESI+ MS m/z 339.16 [M]+. HRMS (ESI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C17H20BN4O3 339.1623, found 339.1614.

Synthesis of 11

Benzylamine (0.20 g, 1.87 mmol) was guanidinylated following procedure C. The precipitate was filtered and deprotected following procedure D to give derivative 11 as a white solid (51.6 mg, 18%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 8.23 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 4.39 (d, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H). 13C{1H} NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6, 298 K) δ ppm 157.2, 137.3, 128.5, 127.5, 127.2, 43.9. ESI+ MS m/z 150.09 [M]+. HRMS (ESI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C8H12N3 150.1026, found 150.1024.

Synthesis of 4(37)

Sialic acid (2) (5.00 g, 16,7 mmol) was suspended in anhydrous methanol (125 mL). TFA (1.5 mL, 19.4 mmol) was added, and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 72 h. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude was triturated with Et2O to give the sialic acid methyl ester (4) as a white solid (5.05, 97%). 1H NMR spectra are in agreement with the literature.37

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the financial support for this work from the EPSRC (EP/K027263/1), ERC (Consolidator Grant 614787), MRC (MC_PC_15032), and Prostate Cancer UK (RIA17-ST2-020). L.X. and J.M. thank Nanxin Pharm Co., Ltd., Nanjing, and Yang Ge for the technical support.

Supporting Information Available

The Supporting Information is available free of charge at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.joc.0c00173.

  • NMR spectra of the receptors, ITC-binding studies, and NMR and MS spectra of the different sialic acid derivatives (2–4) with benzoboroxole, 1 (PDF)

Author Contributions

The manuscript was written through the contributions of all authors.

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Supplementary Material

jo0c00173_si_001.pdf (2.4MB, pdf)

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