Biomedical subjects

Roberto Fiammengo

Publications and source records attributed to Roberto Fiammengo.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

DNA-based phosphane ligands.

In order to expand the repertoire of DNA sequences specifically interacting with transition metals, we report here the first examples of DNA sequences carrying mono- and bidentate phosphane ligands as well as P,N-ligands. Aminoalkyl-modified oligonucleotides have been reacted at predetermined internal sites with carboxylate derivatives of pyrphos, BINAP and phosphinooxazoline (PHOX) 2 b-d. Carbodiimide coupling in the presence of N-hydroxysuccinimide provided the DNA-ligand conjugates in 38-78 % yield. Phosphane-containing oligonucleotides and their phosphane sulfide analogues were characterized by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF and FT-ICR-ESI) and their stability after purification and isolation was systematically investigated. While DNA-appended pyrphos ligand was quickly oxidized, BINAP and PHOX conjugates showed high stabilities, making them useful precursors for incorporation of transition metals into DNA.

Biochemistry↗

PubMed2005

Nucleic acid enzymes.

Since the discovery of the first natural ribozyme more than 20 years ago, it has become clear that nucleic acids are not only the static depository of genetic information, but also possess intriguing catalytic activity. The number of reactions catalyzed by engineered nucleic acid enzymes is growing continuously. The versatility of these catalysts supports the idea of an ancestral world based on RNA predating the emergence of proteins, and also drives many studies towards practical applications for nucleic acid enzymes.

Catalysis↗

PubMed2005

Allosterically activated Diels-Alder catalysis by a ribozyme.

We describe the allosteric control of Diels-Alder reactions by a small organic effector, theophylline. This is achieved by converting a Diels-Alder ribozyme into an allosterically regulated system. In contrast to other published systems, we have a bond-forming reaction with two small-molecule substrates and multiple turnover. This system could be very attractive for the development of assays for a variety of analytes and can be regarded as a prototype of fully synthetic signaling cascades.

Anthracenes↗

PubMed2005

Efficient preparation of organic substrate-RNA conjugates via in vitro transcription.

A concise synthetic way has been developed for the preparation of guanosine monophosphate derivatives carrying a decaethylene glycol spacer at their 5'-oxygen to which are attached a range of organic substrates. The four different compounds, prepared via a convergent synthetic strategy, carry a tethered benzylallyl ether residue (1a), an anthracene (1b), a benzyl carbamate residue (1c), or a primary amino group (1d), respectively. All four compounds have been successfully incorporated at the 5'-end of a 25-mer long RNA transcript via T7 RNA polymerase, and no inhibition of chain elongation could be observed. Under proper conditions, 1a and 1b can be incorporated up to 90-95% and 1c up to 68%. The amino-terminated initiator 1d is incorporated less efficiently although still up to 49%. These results show that the more hydrophobic the guanosine monophosphate derivative is, the higher is its enzymatic incorporation.

DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases↗

PubMed2003

Heme-protein active site models via self-assembly in water.

[structure: see text] Water-soluble models of heme-protein active sites are obtained via the self-assembly of cationic porphyrins 1 and tetrasulfonato calix[4]arene 2 (K(1.2)() = 10(5) M(-)(1)). Selective binding of ligands either outside or inside the cavity of assemblies 1.2 via coordination to the zinc center has been observed. Small ligands such as 4-methylpyridine and 1-methylimidazole are encapsulated, while the bulkier caffeine is bound outside. Assemblies Co-1.2, in which the Zn porphyrin moiety has been replaced by a Co(II) porphyrin, can act as O(2) carriers.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed2003

Recognition of caffeine in aqueous solutions.

Binding of caffeine in aqueous solutions has been achieved for the first time by using water-soluble, tetracationic peptide-porphyrin conjugates Zn-1 as the receptor molecules. The association constant for caffeine with receptor Zn-1 is in some cases as high as 6000 M(-1), only 5-6 times lower than the highest binding constant reported for an artificial caffeine receptor in low polarity aprotic solvents. The binding mechanism has been studied by a combination of experimental techniques such as UV-visible and NMR spectroscopy and microcalorimetry. Recognition of caffeine involves both stacking with the porphyrin ring and metal coordination. Subtle variations of the receptor structure affect the complexation. Receptors Zn-1 have also been investigated for the recognition of molecules structurally related to caffeine, for example, 1-methylimidazole. Selectivity towards oxopurine derivatives (caffeine and theophylline) have been found.

Caffeine↗

PubMed2002

Noncovalent secondary interactions in Co(II)Salen complexes: O2 binding and catalytic activity in cyclohexene oxygenation.

The O2 affinity of Co(II)Salen complexes 1-4 and their reactivity in cyclohexene oxygenation reactions of Co(II)Salen complexes 1-4 are modulated by noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding and steric hindrance using a functionalized diamino bridge. Higher O2 affinity is observed in the case of efficient hydrogen-bonding interactions (complex 1), while increased steric hindrance (cis vs trans diamino bridge) around the Co-coordinated O2 is influencing the reactivity of the complexes.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Guest encapsulation and self-assembly of molecular capsules in polar solvents via multiple ionic interactions.

Herein we report the formation and characterization of a novel type of capsules resulting from the self-association between oppositely charged complementary building blocks in MeOH/H2O. The assembly is based on the interaction between tetraamidinium calix[4]arenes 1a-d and tetrasulfonato calix[4]arene 2. Evidence for the formation of the expected 1:1 assemblies is provided by proton NMR, ESI-MS, and ITC. The association process is fast on the NMR time scale and strongly entropy driven, with association constants in the range of 10(6) M-1. The system 1a.2 shows binding affinity toward acetylcholine, tetramethylammonium, and N-methylquinuclidinium cations.

Journal Article↗