Malvone A, a phytoalexin found in Malva sylvestris (family Malvaceae)

The isolation and structure of a phytoalexin, malvone A (2-methyl-3-methoxy-5,6-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) is reported. Malvone A formation is induced in Malva sylvestris L. by the plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae. In a turbimetric assay for toxicity to V. dahliae, it had an ED50 value of 24 microg/ml. The structure of malvone A was determined by MS and NMR spectroscopy, and by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The X-ray analysis showed water molecules were located in channels that run along the a-axis.     

Synthesis and characterization of pyridoxine,nicotine and nicotinamide salts of dithiophosphoric acids as antibacterial agents against resistant wound infection

The pyridine-derived biomolecules are of considerable interest in developing medicinal compounds with various specific activities. Novel ammonium salts of pyridoxine, (S)-(–)-nicotine and nicotinamide with O,O-diorganyl dithiophosphoric acids (DTPA) were synthesized and characterized. The complexation of chiral monoterpenyl DTPA, including (S)-(–)-menthyl, (R)-(+)-menthyl, (1R)-endo-(+)-fenchyl, (1S,2S,3S,5R)-(+)-isopinocampheolyl derivatives, with pyridoxine and nicotine provided effective antibacterial compounds 3a,b,e,f, and 5a,b,d,f with MIC values against Gram-positive bacteria as low as 10?µM (6?µg/mL). Two selected pyridoxine and nicotine salts based on menthyl DTPA 3a and 5a were similarly active against antibiotic-resistant bacteria from burn wounds including MRSA. The compounds had enhanced amphiphilic and hemolytic properties and effectively altered surface characteristics and matrix-secreting ability of P. aeroginosa and S. aureus. MBC/MIC ratios of 3a and 5a suggested the bactericidal mode of their action. Furthermore, the compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxicity towards human skin fibroblasts (IC₅₀?=?48.6 and 57.6?µM, respectively, 72?h), encouraging their further investigation as potential antimicrobials against skin and wound infections.     

Amino acid sequence of orientotoxins I and II from the venom of the hornet Vespa orientalis

Orientotoxin I, a neurotoxin of presynaptic effect having a lysophospholipase activity, and orientotoxin II, a highly toxic phospholipase A2, were isolated from the hornet Vespa orientalis venom, and their primary structures were determined. Despite their different functional activity, orientotoxin I and II proved to be structural homologues, differing significantly in the amino acid sequence from well-known toxic phospholipase from other sources.     

Approach to elaborating immunochemical methods for removing peptides from the blood of kidney failure patients

A homogenic peptide (m. w. 2100 dalton) was isolated from blood serum of patients suffering from renal failure by gel chromatography on a Sephadex G-25 column and by partition chromatography on a column with cellulose MN-300. The peptide was not detectable in the blood of healthy donors. The amino acid composition of the peptide was studied. To obtain an immunosorbent, the peptide was conjugated by the bifunctional reagent, glutaric aldehyde. An optimal conjugation variant promoting the formation of conjugates with a molecular weight of 60000 dalton was developed. The molecular weight of the conjugates was measured by gel chromatography on a Sephadex column G-50 and with the aid of disc electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel.     

Synthesis of (3R,10R)- and (3S,10S)-Diastereomers of 3,10-Dimethylspermine

Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry - A simple and practical 10-step synthesis is reported for previously unknown diastereomers of C?methylated spermine (Spm) analogue,...     

Isolation of the lipid-transporting protein Ns-LTP1 from seeds of the garden fennel flower (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nigella sativa</Emphasis>)

A novel lipid-transporting protein (Ns-LTP1) has been isolated from seeds of the garden fennel flower Nigella sativa. The molecular mass, N-terminal amino acid sequence, and amino acid composition of the protein have been determined. Ns-LTP1 has a molecular mass of 9602 Da and contains eight cysteine residues which form four disulfide bridges. The protein is capable of suppressing the development of some phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes.     

Changes in the Electron Transfer Symmetry in the Photosystem I Reaction Centers upon Removal of Iron–Sulfur Clusters

Biochemistry (Moscow) - In photosynthetic reaction centers of intact photosystem I (PSI) complexes from cyanobacteria, electron transfer at room temperature occurs along two symmetrical branches of...     

Toxic components of the venom of the cellar spider Segestria florentina

Two neurotoxins and one insectotoxin have been isolated from venom of the cellar spider Segestria florentina, their homogeneity being proved by disk electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, and analysis of N-terminal amino acid residues. The neurotoxins are polypeptides with molecular mass about 5000 D. For the insectotoxin, containing 35 amino acid residues with molecular mass 3988 D, the total primary structure is established.     

Blocking of the beta-latrotoxin channels in bimolecular lipid membranes by antibodies

Asymmetric ion channels are formed in a bimolecular lipid membrane by beta-latrotoxin (LT) introduced to one (cis) side of the membrane. LT-specific antibodies added to the opposite (trans) side of the membrane block the current through the LT channels when a negative potential is applied to the cis side, no blockade is observed at positive potentials. LT-specific antibodies do not block the channel current when added to the cis compartment after removal of LT. LT-unspecific immunoglobulins have no influence on LT channel conductance.