C-H activation generates period-shortening molecules that target cryptochrome in the mammalian circadian clock

The synthesis and functional analysis of KL001 derivatives, which are modulators of the mammalian circadian clock, are described. By using cutting-edge CH activation chemistry, a focused library of KL001 derivatives was rapidly constructed, which enabled the identification of the critical sites on KL001 derivatives that induce a rhythm-changing activity along with the components that trigger opposite modes of action. The first period-shortening molecules that target the cryptochrome (CRY) were thus discovered. Detailed studies on the effects of these compounds on CRY stability implicate the existence of an as yet undiscovered regulatory mechanism. A change in rhythm: The first functional analysis of KL001 derivatives, which are mammalian circadian-clock modulators, was enabled by cutting-edge CH activation. The sites of the KL001 derivatives that are critical for their rhythm-changing activity were elucidated, which led to the discovery of the first period-shortening molecules that target the cryptochrome.