Abstract: The present invention provides methods for chemically synthesizing analogs and derivatives of naturally-occurring Flindersia alkaloids. Generally, the precursor borrerine is synthesized from tryptamine in the presence of an alkylating agent, an acylating agent and a reducing agent and dimerized in the presence of an acid, for example, trifluoroacetic acid, hydrochloric acid or acetic acid to yield the products. Analog and derivative compounds are produced by derivatizing one or more of the tryptamine, alkylating agent or acylating agent. Also provided are the synthetic alkaloids and derivatives and analogs thereof produced by the synthetic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for chemically synthesizing analogs and derivatives of naturally-occurring Flindersia alkaloids. Generally, the precursor borrerine is synthesized from tryptamine in the presence of an alkylating agent, an acylating agent and a reducing agent and dimerized in the presence of an acid, for example, tetrafluoroacetic acid, hydrochloric acid or acetic acid to yield the products. Analog and derivative compounds are produced by derivatizing one or more of the tryptamine, alkylating agent or acylating agent. Also provided are the synthetic alkaloids and derivatives and analogs thereof produced by the synthetic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for chemically synthesizing naturally-occurring alkaloids, for example, Flindersia alkaloids, and their analogs and derivatives. Generally, the precursor borrerine is synthesized from tryptamine in the presence of an alkylating agent, an acylating agent and a reducing agent and dimerized in the presence of an acid, for example, tetrafluoroacetic acid, hydrochloric acid or acetic acid to yield the products. Analog and derivative compounds are produced by derivatizing one or more of the tryptamine, alkylating agent or acylating agent. Also provided are the synthetic alkaloids and derivatives and analogs thereof produced by the synthetic methods.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions regarding suppression of double stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) to enhance cognition in an individual. In specific cases, an inhibitor of PKR is provided to the individual such that cognition is enhanced thereby, including by enhancing memory, for example. Kits are encompassed in certain embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for chemically synthesizing naturally-occurring alkaloids, for example, Flindersia alkaloids, and their analogs and derivatives. Generally, the precursor borrerine is synthesized from tryptamine in the presence of an alkylating agent, an acylating agent and a reducing agent and dimerized in the presence of an acid, for example, tetrafluoroacetic acid, hydrochloric acid or acetic acid to yield the products. Analog and derivative compounds are produced by derivatizing one or more of the tryptamine, alkylating agent or acylating agent. Also provided are the synthetic alkaloids and derivatives and analogs thereof produced by the synthetic methods.

Abstract: Biomimetic reagents capable of selectively forming non-covalent complexes and initiating intermolecular reactions with peptides in the gas phase are described. The reagents are particularly useful in gas phase peptides chemistry.