Structure-activity relationship and bioactivity studies of neurotrophic -banglene.

The synthesis and bioactivity of neurotrophic banglenes and derivatives is described, establishing a structure-activity relationship which enables future mechanistic studies. Neuritogenesis assays indicate that (-) -banglene is the active enantiomer. Assays performed with and without NGF protein suggest that neurotrophic activity and potentiation of NGF activity by (-) -banglene might be distinct unassociated processes. Interestingly, (-) -banglene potentiation of NGF-induced neuritogenesis is unaffected by the presence of Erk1/2, Akt and Pkc inhibitors.