Structure-activity relationships between cryptopleurine and related compounds acting on yeast cell-free systems

The inhibitory effects on poly(U)-directed polyphenylalanine synthesis of cryptopleurine and a number of structurally related analogs have been compared in a yeast cell-free system. Results suggest that the quinolidine structure by itself does not promote biological activity, and for an inhibitory effect it must be condensed with a phenanthrene or another related compound such as naphthalene. The results are presented and possible relationships between structure and activity for the compounds emetine, tubolosine, tylophora alkaloids, and various cryptopleurine analogs are considered.