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A bicyclic autotrophic CO2 fixation pathway in Chloroflexus aurantiacus.

Phototrophic CO(2) assimilation by the primitive, green eubacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus has been shown earlier to proceed in a cyclic mode via 3-hydroxypropionate, propionyl-CoA, succinyl-CoA, and malyl-CoA. The metabolic cycle could be closed by cleavage of malyl-CoA affording glyoxylate (the primary CO(2) fixation product) with regeneration of acetyl-CoA serving as the starter unit of the cycle. The pathway of glyoxylate assimilation to form gluconeogenic precursors has not been elucidated to date. We could now show that the incubation of cell extract with a mixture of glyoxylate and [1,2,3-(13)C(3)]propionyl-CoA afforded erythro-beta-[1,2,2'-(13)C(3)]methylmalate and [1,2,2'-(13)C(3)]citramalate. Similar experiments using a partially purified protein fraction afforded erythro-beta-[1,2,2'-(13)C(3)]methylmalyl-CoA and [1,2,2'-(13)C(3)]mesaconyl-CoA. Cell extracts of C. aurantiacus were also shown to catalyze the conversion of citramalate into pyruvate and acetyl-CoA in a succinyl-CoA-dependent reaction. The data suggest that glyoxylate obtained by the cleavage of malyl-CoA can be utilized by condensation with propionyl-CoA affording erythro-beta-methylmalyl-CoA, which is converted to acetyl-CoA and pyruvate. This reaction sequence regenerates acetyl-CoA, which serves as the precursor of propionyl-CoA in the 3-hydroxypropionate cycle. Autotrophic CO(2) fixation proceeds by combination of the 3-hydroxypropionate cycle with the methylmalyl-CoA cycle. The net product of that bicyclic autotrophic CO(2) fixation pathway is pyruvate serving as an universal building block for anabolic reactions.

Carbon Dioxide↗

Kinetics and mechanism of the citrate synthase from the thermophilic archaeon Thermoplasma acidophilum.

The kinetics and mechanism of the citrate synthase from a moderate thermophile, Thermoplasma acidophilum (TpCS), are compared with those of the citrate synthase from a mesophile, pig heart (PCS). All discrete steps in the mechanistic sequence of PCS can be identified in TpCS. The catalytic strategies identified in PCS, destabilization of the oxaloacetate substrate carbonyl and stabilization of the reactive species, acetyl-CoA enolate, are present in TpCS. Conformational changes, which allow the enzyme to efficiently catalyze both condensation of acetyl-CoA thioester and subsequently hydrolysis of citryl-CoA thioester within the same active site, occur in both enzymes. However, significant differences exist between the two enzymes. PCS is a characteristically efficient enzyme: no internal step is clearly rate-limiting and the condensation step is readily reversible. TpCS is a less efficient catalyst. Over a broad temperature range, inadequate stabilization of the transition state for citryl-CoA hydrolysis renders this step nearly rate-limiting for the forward reaction of TpCS. Further, excessive stabilization of the citryl-CoA intermediate renders the condensation step nearly irreversible. Values of substrate and solvent deuterium isotope effects are consistent with the kinetic model. Near its temperature optimum (70 degrees C), there is a modest increase in the reversibility of the condensation step for TpCS, but reversibility still falls short of that shown by PCS at 37 degrees C. The root cause of the catalytic inefficiency of TpCS may lie in the lack of protein flexibility imposed by the requirement for thermal stability of the protein itself or its temperature-labile substrate, oxaloacetate.

Acetyl Coenzyme A↗

Synthesis of aryl 3-O-beta-cellobiosyl-beta-D-glucopyranosides for reactivity studies of 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanases.

A series of substituted aryl beta-glycosides derived from 3-O-beta-cellobiosyl-D-glucopyranose with different phenol-leaving group abilities as measured by the pKa of the free phenol group upon enzymatic hydrolysis has been synthesised. Aryl beta-glycosides with a pKa of the free phenol leaving group > 5 were prepared by phase-transfer glycosidation of the per-O-acetylated alpha-glycosyl bromide with the corresponding phenol, whereas the 2,4-dinitrophenyl beta-glycoside was obtained by condensation of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene with the partially acetylated trisaccharide followed by acid de-O-acetylation. The aryl beta-glycosides have been used for reactivity studies of the wild-type Bacillus licheniformis 1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucanohydrolase. The Hammett plot log kcat versus pKa is biphasic with an upward curvature at low pKa values suggesting a change in transition-state structure depending on the aglycon.

Bacillus↗

Interaction of lignans with human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

Lignans bind to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The lignan with the highest binding affinity is (+/-)-3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran. In a double Stobbe condensation--without use of protecting groups--a wide variety of lignans with different substitution pattern in the aromatic and aliphatic part of the molecule was synthesized. These lignans were tested in a SHBG-binding assay which allowed to deduce the following relationship between structure and activity: 1) (+/-)-diastereoisomers are more active than meso compounds 2.) the 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy (guajacyl) substitution pattern in the aromatic part is most effective 3.) the activity increases with the decline in polarity of the aliphatic part of the molecule.

Binding, Competitive↗

Selective derivatization and sequestration of ribose from a prebiotic mix.

Observations regarding the catalytic potential of RNA and the role of RNA in biology have formed the basis for the "RNA world" hypothesis, which suggests that a genetic system based on self-replicating polyribonucleotides preceded modern biology. However, attempts to devise a realistic prebiotic synthesis of nucleic acids from simple starting materials have been plagued by problems of poor chemical selectivity, lack of stereo- and regiospecificity, and similar rates of formation and degradation of some of the key intermediates. For example, ribose would have been only a small component of a highly complex mix of sugars resulting from the condensation of formaldehyde in a prebiotic world. In addition, ribose is more reactive and degrades more rapidly compared with most other monosaccharides. This study demonstrates an approach for the preferential sequestration of ribose relative to other sugars that takes advantage of its greater reactivity. Cyanamide reacts especially rapidly with ribose to form a stable bicyclic adduct. This product crystallizes spontaneously in aqueous solution, whereas the corresponding products derived from threose, galactose, glucose, mannose, and each of the other pentoses do not. Furthermore, when employing a racemic mixture of d- and l-ribose, enantiomerically twinned crystals are formed that contain discrete homochiral domains.

Cyanamide↗

Ligand substitution of receptor targeted DNA complexes affects gene transfer into hepatoma cells.

We have targeted the serpin enzyme complex receptor for gene transfer in human hepatoma cell lines using peptides < 30 amino acids in length which contain the five amino acid recognition sequence for this receptor, coupled to poly K of average chain length 100 K, using the heterobifunctional coupling reagent sulfo-LC SPDP. The number of sulfo-LC SPDP modified poly-L-lysine residues, as well as the degree of peptide substitution was assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Conjugates were prepared in which 3.5%, 7.8% or 26% of the lysine residues contained the sulfo-LC SPDP moiety. Each of these conjugates was then coupled with ligand peptides so that one in 370, one in 1039, or one in 5882 lysines were substituted with receptor ligand. Electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to assess complex structure and size. HuH7 human hepatoma cells were transfected with complexes of these conjugates with the plasmid pGL3 and luciferase expression measured 2 to 16 days after treatment. All the protein conjugates in which 26% of the K residues were modified with sulfo-LC SPDP were poor gene transfer reagents. Complexes containing less substituted poly K, averaged 17 +/- 0.5 nm in diameter and gave peak transgene expression of 3-4 x 10(6) ILU/mg which persisted (> 7 x 10(5) ILU) at 16 days. Of these, more substituted polymers condensed DNA into complexes averaging 20 +/- 0.7 nm in diameter and gave five-fold less luciferase than complexes containing less substituted conjugates. As few as eight to 11 ligands per complex are optimal for DNA delivery via the SEC receptor. The extent of substitution of receptor-mediated gene transfer complexes affects the size of the complexes, as well as the intensity and duration of transgene expression. These observations may permit tailoring of complex construction for the usage required.

Animals↗

Synthesis and utilization of 13C and 15N backbone-labeled proline: NMR study of synthesized oxytocin with backbone-labeled C-terminal tripeptide amide.

The 13C and 15N backbone-labeled proline was prepared using Oppolzer's method based on application of a sultam as chiral auxiliary. This isotopomer was used in the synthesis of the 13C, 15N backbone-labeled C-terminal tripeptide amide fragment of neurohypophyseal hormone oxytocin. Finally, this tripeptide amide was coupled by segment condensation with N-Boc- or N-Fmoc-tocinoic acid, followed by N-deprotection with TFA or piperidine. The labeled oxytocin exhibited biological activity identical with that of natural oxytocin. A detailed 1H, 13C and 15N NMR study confirmed the assigned oxytocin conformation containing a beta-turn in the cyclic part of the molecule, stabilized by H-bond(s) that can be perturbed by the C-terminal tripeptide amide moiety as indicated by comparison of NMR data for both the tocine ring in oxytocin and tocinoic acid.

Carbon Isotopes↗

Synthesis and identification in bacterial lipopolysaccharides of 5,7-diacetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto- and -D-glycero-D-talo-non-2-ulosonic acids.

5,7-Diacetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto- and -D-glycero-D-talo-non-2-ulosonic acids were synthesized by condensation of 2,4-diacetamido-2,4,6-trideoxy-D-mannose with oxalacetic acid. Comparison of the 1H and 13C NMR data and the specific optical rotation values of these monosaccharides and the corresponding L-glycero-D-galacto and L-glycero-D-talo isomers synthesized earlier [Tsvetkov, Y. E.; Shashkov, A. S.; Knirel, Y. A.; Backinowsky, L. V.; Zähringer, U. Mendeleev Commun. 2000, 90-92] with data of the natural compounds enabled the identification in bacterial lipopolysaccharides of derivatives of 5,7-diamino-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-non-2-ulosonic (legionaminic) acid and epimers of legionaminic acid at C-4 and C-8.

Legionella pneumophila↗

Synthesis and biochemical evaluation of phosphonoformate oligodeoxyribonucleotides.

Phosphonoformate oligodeoxyribonucleotides were prepared via a solid phase synthesis strategy. The first step in the preparation of appropriate synthons was condensation of bis(N,N-diisopropylamino)phosphine and diphenylmethylsilylethyl chloroformate in the presence of sodium metal to yield formic acid, [bis(N,N-diisopropylamino)phosphino]-beta-(diphenylmethylsilylethyl) ester. The product of this reaction was then condensed with appropriately protected 2'-deoxynucleosides using 4,5-dicyanoimidazole to yield the 3'-O-phosphinoamidite reactive monomers. The exocyclic amines of cytosine, adenine, and guanine were protected with 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl, and oligodeoxyribonucleotides were synthesized on controlled pore glass using the hydroquinone-O,O'-diacetic acid linker. Synthons were sequentially added to this support using tetrazole as an activator, oxidized to phosphonoformate, and the transient 5'-protecting group was removed with acid. Following total synthesis of an oligomer, protecting groups were removed with TEMED.HF and products purified by HPLC. These analogues were resistant to nucleases, formed duplexes with complementary RNA (A-form), and, as chimeric oligomers containing phosphate at selected sites, stimulated RNase H1 activity.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

Synthesis and induction of apoptosis in B cell chronic leukemia by diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside hydrochloride and its derivatives.

2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose hydrochloride (D-glucosamine hydrochloride) has been used for the preparation of 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-trifluoroacetamido-beta- (4) and 2-tetrachlorophthalimido-alpha,beta-D-glucopyranose (6), which have been transformed into the appropriate bromides and the chloride. Both bromo and chloro sugars were used as a glycosyl donors for the glycosylation of diosgenin [(25R)-spirost-5-en-3beta-ol]. These condensations were conducted under mild conditions, using silver triflate as a promoter, and gave diosgenyl glycosides 9 and 12. Each of them was converted into diosgenyl 2-amino-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside hydrochloride (11) and N-acylamido derivatives. The structures of all new glycosides were established by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. These diosgenyl glycosides are the first saponins containing the D-glucosamine residue that have been synthesized. These compounds show promising antitumor activities. The synthetic saponins increase the number of apoptotic B cells, in combination with cladribine (2-CdA), that are isolated from chronic lymphotic leukemia (B-CLL) patients.

2-Chloroadenosine↗

Poly (ethylenimine)-grafted-poly [(aspartic acid)-co-lysine], a potential non-viral vector for DNA delivery.

A potential non-viral gene-transfer vector, poly(ethylenimine)-grafted-poly[(aspartic acid)-co-lysine] (PSL), has been developed by thermal polycondensation of aspartic acid and lysine under reduced pressure. Low-molecular-mass branch poly(ethylenimine) (PEI600) was conjugated to the backbone. The chemical structure of the resulting co-polymer was identified by 1H-NMR, FT-IR, TGA and X-ray diffraction. The results of the MTT assay showed that at concentration up to 4000 nmol/l of the vector cell viability was over 80% and showed low toxicity. Electrophoretic retardation and ethidum bromide assay showed that at N/P ratios 12-15 (w/w) the DNA could be condensed and neutralized. Using the zeta potential assay we discovered that it had a high positive charge on its surface of the particle (over 30 mV). The particle sizes of the co-polymer/DNA complexes were 150-170 nm, as measured by DLS and AFM. Compared with PEI600, co-polymer/DNA complexes showed a significant enhancement of transfection activity in the absence and presence of serum in NT2 and COS7 cell lines. This means that the PEI600-PSL co-polymer is a promising candidate for gene delivery.

Animals↗

Concerted bis-alkylating reactivity of clerocidin towards unpaired cytosine residues in DNA.

Clerocidin (CL) is a topoisomerase II poison, which cleaves DNA irreversibly at guanines (G) and reversibly at cytosines (C). Furthermore, the drug can induce enzyme-independent strand breaks at the G and C level. It has been previously shown that G-damage is induced by alkylation of the guanine N7, followed by spontaneous depurination and nucleic acid cleavage, whereas scission at C is obtained only after treatment with hot alkali, and no information is available to explain the nature of this damage. We present here a systematic study on the reactivity of CL towards C both in the DNA environment and in solution. Selected synthetic derivatives were employed to evaluate the role of each chemical group of the drug. The structure of CL-dC adduct was then characterized by tandem mass spectrometry and NMR: the adduct is a stable condensed ring system resulting from a concerted electrophilic attack of the adjacent carbonyl and epoxide groups of CL towards the exposed NH(2) and N3, respectively. This reaction mechanism, shown here for the first time, is characterized by faster kinetic rates than alkylation at G, due to the fact that the rate-determining step, alkylation at the epoxide, is an intramolecular process, provided a Schiff base linking CL and C can rapidly form, whereas the corresponding reaction of G N7 is intermolecular. These results provide helpful hints to explain the reversible/irreversible nature of topoisomerase II mediated DNA damage produced by CL at C/G steps.

Alkalies↗

[Preparation and steric structure elucidation of saturated or partially saturated isoindolo[2,1-a][3,1]benzoxazinones, -[1,2-b][2,4]benzoxazepinones, cyclopentane- and -cyclohexane[b]pyrrolo[2,1-a][3,1]-benzoxazines].

The reactions of 2-carboxybenzaldehyde (1) with 1,3- or 1,4-aminoalcohols (2a-i, 3a,b) were used to prepare partially or fully saturated tetra- and pentacyclic compounds containing a condensed 1,3-oxazino- or oxazepinoisoindolone moiety and one terminal saturated carbocycle. Isoindolo[2,1-a][3,1]benzoxazinones (4a-d, 6, 7), stereoisomeric isoindolo[1,2-b][2,4]benzoxazepinones (5a-c) hexahydrocyclopentane[b]pyrrolo[1,2-a][3,1]-benzoxazinone (10a,b), octahydroindolo[1,2-b]- and decahydroindolo[1,2-a]benzoxazinone (11a,b and 12a,b) and related pentacyclic derivatives (4e-g) were prepared. The diastereomers 5a-c differ in the ring annelation or in the position of the NCHO hydrogens and annelational hydrogens. The stereostructures of these compounds were elucidated by means of 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, including DNOE, DEPT, 2D-HSC measurements and X-ray analysis.

Indicators and Reagents↗

Chemical synthesis of 6"'-alpha-maltotriosyl-maltohexaose as substrate for enzymes in starch biosynthesis and degradation.

A branched nonasaccharide 6"'-alpha-maltotriosyl-maltohexaose was synthesised in 40 steps from D-glucose and maltose. Phenyl O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-O- (2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-2,3-di-O-benzyl-1-th io- beta-D-glucopyranoside and O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-O-(2,3,6-tri- O-benzyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-alpha, beta-D-glucopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate were coupled by a general condensation reaction to form the per-O-benzylated branched hexasaccharide phenyl thioglycoside. The phenylthio group of this compound was converted into a trichloroacetimidate, which was coupled with phenyl O-(2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-O-(2,3,6-tri-O- benzyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-1-thio-beta-D- glucopyranoside to afford the per-O-benzylated branched nonasaccharide phenyl thioglycoside. Replacement of the phenylthio group with a free OH-group followed by hydrogenolysis gave the desired product. The synthons reported for this synthesis constitute a versatile tool for the chemical synthesis of other complex carbohydrates.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗

Proteolytic refolding of the HIV-1 capsid protein amino-terminus facilitates viral core assembly.

After budding, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) must 'mature' into an infectious viral particle. Viral maturation requires proteolytic processing of the Gag polyprotein at the matrix-capsid junction, which liberates the capsid (CA) domain to condense from the spherical protein coat of the immature virus into the conical core of the mature virus. We propose that upon proteolysis, the amino-terminal end of the capsid refolds into a beta-hairpin/helix structure that is stabilized by formation of a salt bridge between the processed amino-terminus (Pro1) and a highly conserved aspartate residue (Asp51). The refolded amino-terminus then creates a new CA-CA interface that is essential for assembling the condensed conical core. Consistent with this model, we found that recombinant capsid proteins with as few as four matrix residues fused to their amino-termini formed spheres in vitro, but that removing these residues refolded the capsid amino-terminus and redirected protein assembly from spheres to cylinders. Moreover, point mutations throughout the putative CA-CA interface blocked capsid assembly in vitro, core assembly in vivo and viral infectivity. Disruption of the conserved amino-terminal capsid salt bridge also abolished the infectivity of Moloney murine leukemia viral particles, suggesting that lenti- and oncoviruses mature via analogous pathways.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Solid-phase chemical synthesis of phosphonoacetate and thiophosphonoacetate oligodeoxynucleotides.

Phosphonoacetate and thiophosphonoacetate oligodeoxynucleotides were prepared via a solid-phase synthesis strategy. Under Reformatsky reaction conditions, novel esterified acetic acid phosphinodiamidites were synthesized and condensed with appropriately protected 5'-O-(4, 4'-dimethoxytrityl)-2'-deoxynucleosides to yield 3'-O-phosphinoamidite reactive monomers. These synthons when activated with tetrazole were used with an automated DNA synthesizer to prepare phosphonoacetic acid modified internucleotide linkages on controlled pore glass. The phosphinoacetate coupling products were quantitatively oxidized at each step with (1S)-(+)-(10-camphorsulfonyl)oxaziridine or 3H-1,2-benzodithiol-3-one-1,1-dioxide to produce mixed sequence phosphonoacetate and thiophosphonoacetate oligodeoxynucleotides with an average per cycle coupling efficiency of greater than 97%. Completely deprotected, modified oligodeoxynucleotides were purified by reverse-phase HPLC and characterized by ion exchange HPLC, (31)P NMR, and MALDI/TOF mass spectroscopy. Both analogues were stable toward hydrolysis with snake venom phosphodiesterase and stimulated RNase H1 activity.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Isolation, structure, and absolute stereochemistry of platensimycin, a broad spectrum antibiotic discovered using an antisense differential sensitivity strategy.

Fatty acids are essential for survival of bacteria and are synthesized by a series of enzymes including the elongation enzymes, beta-ketoacyl acyl carrier protein synthase I/II (FabF/B). Inhibition of fatty acid synthesis is one of the new targets for the discovery and development of antibacterial agents. Platensimycin (1a) is a novel broad spectrum Gram-positive antibiotic produced by Streptomyces platensis. It was discovered by target-based whole-cell screening strategy using antisense differential sensitivity assay. It inhibits bacterial growth by selectively inhibiting condensing enzyme FabF of the fatty acid synthesis pathway and was isolated by a two-step process, a capture step followed by reversed-phase HPLC. The structure was elucidated by 2D NMR methods and confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis of a bromo derivative. It was determined that potential reactivity of the enone moiety does not play a key role in the biological activity of platensimycin. However, cyclohexenone ring conformation renders for the stronger binding interaction with the enzyme. The isolation, structure elucidation, derivatization, and biological activity of 6,7-dihydroplatensimycin are described.

Adamantane↗

Characterization of the 310-helix in model peptides by HRMAS NMR spectroscopy.

A tetra- and a hepta-homopeptide from the C(alpha)-tetrasubstituted Aib (alpha-aminoisobutyric acid) residue were covalently linked to the POEPOP resin by the fragment-condensation approach. The conformational preferences of the two model peptides were determined for the first time on a solid support by means of high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. The results obtained indicate that the Aib homopeptides adopt a regular 3(10)-helical structure even when they are covalently bound to a polymeric matrix, and thus confirm the remarkable conformational stability of the peptides rich in this amino acid. An ATR-FTIR spectroscopic investigation, performed in parallel, also confirmed that these polymer-bound peptides do indeed adopt a helical conformation. The results of this study open the possibility to exploit the peptide-resin conjugates based on C(alpha)-tetrasubstituted alpha-amino acids as helpful, structurally organized templates in molecular recognition studies or as catalysts in asymmetric synthesis.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular↗