Chemoenzymatic synthesis of the sialyl-alpha-(2-->3')-lactosamine trisaccharide with a 3-aminopropyl group as a spacer at the reducing end

The trisaccharide, 3-aminopropyl 5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero-alpha-D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosylonic acid-(2-->3)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside has been synthesized chemoenzymatically for the first time. First, the acceptor, 3-aminopropyl beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside was synthesized in a conventional chemical manner, and then it was coupled with CMP-sialic acid using alpha-(2-->3)-(N)-sialyltransferase to afford the desired trisaccharide by an enzymatically stereocontrolled manner.     

Synthesis of the alpha-L-Araf-(1-->2)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->6)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->6)-[alpha-L-Araf-(1-->2)]-beta-D-Galp-(1-->6)-D-Gal hexasaccharide as a possible repeating unit of the cell-cultured exudates of Echinacea purpurea arabinogalactan.

For the characterization of the supposed epitope of an arabinogalactan, isolated from the extract of the cell-cultured Echinacea purpurea, the title hexasaccharide was synthesized. The whole synthetic route was based on the 6-O-(methoxydimethyl)methyl ether (MIP) protecting group strategy. 2-O-Benzyl-3,4-O-isopropylidene-6-O-(methoxydimethyl)methyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->6)-1,2:3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-galactopyranose was used to prepare the desired glycosyl donor and glycosyl acceptor both carrying a persistent O-benzyl group at position 2'. Reaction of the digalactose donor and the digalactose acceptor resulted in a beta-(1-->6)-linked galactose-containing tetrasaccharide in which OH-2' and OH-2"' were substituted with benzyl groups. Hydrogenolytic removal of the benzyl groups of the tetragalactose compound gave the diol aglycon which was diarabinosylated in one step to furnish the protected target compound, whose deprotection led to the title hexasaccharide. All of the synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectra, as well as by MALDI-TOF mass-spectrometry measurements.     

Synthesis of Neu5Ac- and Neu5Gc-alpha-(2-->6')-lactosamine 3-aminopropyl glycosides

In order to prepare 3-aminopropyl glycosides of Neu5Ac-alpha-(2-->6')-lactosamine trisaccharide 1, and its N-glycolyl containing analogue Neu5Gc-alpha-(2-->6')-lactosamine 2, a series of lactosamine acceptors with two, three, and four free OH groups in the galactose residue was studied in glycosylations with a conventional sialyl donor phenyl [methyl 5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-2-thio-D-glycero-alpha- and beta-D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosid]onates (3) and a new donor phenyl [methyl 4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-5-(N-tert-butoxycarbonylacetamido)-3,5-dideoxy-2-thio-D-glycero-alpha- and beta-D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosid]onates (4), respectively. The lactosamine 4',6'-diol acceptor was found to be the most efficient in glycosylation with both 3 and 4, while imide-type donor 4 gave slightly higher yields with all acceptors, and isolation of the reaction products was more convenient. In the trisaccharides, obtained by glycosylation with donor 4, the 5-(N-tert-butoxycarbonylacetamido) moiety in the neuraminic acid could be efficiently transformed into the desired N-glycolyl fragment, indicating that such protected oligosaccharide derivatives are valuable precursors of sialo-oligosaccharides containing N-modified analogues of Neu5Ac.     

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of the Salmonella group E1 core trisaccharide using a recombinant beta-(1-->4)-mannosyltransferase.

The chemical synthesis of the bacterial O-antigen from Salmonella serogroup E1, 3-O-(4-O-beta-D-mannopyranosyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-alpha-D-galactos e, presents a particular challenge because it contains a beta-(1-->4) mannosidic linkage to L-rhamnose. We report a chemoenzymatic synthesis of this crucial antigenic material which culminates in the enzymatic formation of the critical beta-mannosyl connection catalyzed by Salmonella GDP-alpha-D-Man:alpha Rha1-->3 alpha Gal-PP-Und beta-(1-->4)-mannosyltransferase (ManT beta 4). In comparison with previous synthetic routes, this method is advantageous since it utilizes intermediates, available in significant yield, which can be readily derivatized from the reducing end to present flexibility for analog construction, while the enzymatic construction of the Man1-->4Rha glycosidic bond is both rapid and occurs in high yield. Furthermore, the reported spectroscopic and enzymatic structural characterization of the trisaccharide product furnishes the first indisputable functional link between wbaO and ManT beta 4 and clearly sets the stage for the future mechanistic study and exploitation of this fascinating glycocatalyst.     

Modifications at C-3 and C-4 of 2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose

Modifications at C-3 and C-4 of 2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose have been developed. A 3,4-double bond was introduced into benzyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3,4-di-O-Methylsulfonyl-α-d-glucopyranoside by treatment with NaI and Zn. Epoxidation of the double bond with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid gave an exo-epoxide exclusively. The stereochemistry of the epoxidation product has been confirmed by an alternative synthesis. An analysis of the ¹H-n.m.r. spectra indicates that both the 3,4-unsaturated derivatives and the epoxide exist in the °H₁ (d) conformation. Nucleophilic reagents (F^?, I^?) opened the 3,4-epoxide to give 4-substituted derivatives having the d-gulo configuration. Thus, 2-acetamido-1,3,6-tri-O-acetyl-2,4-dideoxy-4-iodo-α-d-gulopyranose and 2-acetamido-1,3,6-tri-O-acetyl-3,4-dideoxy-4-fluoro-α-d-gulopyranose have been synthesized. Reduction of the double bond in the key intermediate and deprotection gave 2-acetamido-2,3,4-trideoxy-d-glucopyranose. Some of the derivatives were active as inhibitors of growth of mouse, mammary adenocarcinoma cells in culture.     

Synthesis of Neu5Ac- and Neu5Gc-α-(2→6′)-lactosamine 3-aminopropyl glycosides

In order to prepare 3-aminopropyl glycosides of Neu5Ac-α-(2→6′)-lactosamine trisaccharide 1, and its N-glycolyl containing analogue Neu5Gc-α-(2→6′)-lactosamine 2, a series of lactosamine acceptors with two, three, and four free OH groups in the galactose residue was studied in glycosylations with a conventional sialyl donor phenyl [methyl 5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-2-thio- -glycero-α- and β- -galacto-2-nonulopyranosid]onates (3) and a new donor phenyl [methyl 4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-5-(N-tert-butoxycarbonylacetamido)-3,5-dideoxy-2-thio- -glycero-α- and β- -galacto-2-nonulopyranosid]onates (4), respectively. The lactosamine 4′,6′-diol acceptor was found to be the most efficient in glycosylation with both 3 and 4, while imide-type donor 4 gave slightly higher yields with all acceptors, and isolation of the reaction products was more convenient. In the trisaccharides, obtained by glycosylation with donor 4, the 5-(N-tert-butoxycarbonylacetamido) moiety in the neuraminic acid could be efficiently transformed into the desired N-glycolyl fragment, indicating that such protected oligosaccharide derivatives are valuable precursors of sialo-oligosaccharides containing N-modified analogues of Neu5Ac.     

Synthesis of disaccharide Neu5Gcalpha(2-6)GalNAcalpha as a spacer glycoside

The first synthesis of the Neu5Gc analogue of SiaTn disaccharide, which can be detected in breast tumors by immunochemical methods, is reported. The regioselective sialylation of (3-trifluoroacetamidopropyl)-2-azido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranoside with peracetate of the methyl ester of N-acetoxyacetylneuraminic acid beta-ethylthioglycoside in the presence of N-iodosuccinimide and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (or its trimethylsilyl ester) resulted in the derivatives of alpha- and beta-sialyl(2-->6)galactosaminide in 39 and 32% yields, respectively. The catalytic hydrogenolysis of the azido group and subsquent N- and O-acetylation of the alpha-anomer gave the trifluoroacetamidopropyl glycoside peracetate. Removal of the protective groups led to glycoside Neu5Gc alpha(2-->6)GalNAc alpha-O(CH2)3NH2. Using the Neu5Gc derivative with acetoxyacetyl groups at positions O9 and O4 as a donor increases the alpha-selectivity of sialylation to afford the alpha- and beta-anomers in 69 and 8% yields, respectively.     

Purification and characterization of a Neu5Ac alpha 2-->6Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc and HSO3(-)-->6Gal beta 1-->GlcNAc specific lectin in tuberous roots of Trichosanthes japonica.

Two lectins were purified from tuberous roots of Trichosanthes japonica. The major lectin, which was named TJA-II, interacted with Fuc alpha 1-->2Gal beta/GalNAc beta 1-->groups, and the other one, which passed through a porcine stomach mucin-Sepharose 4B column, was purified by sequential chromatography on a human alpha 1-antitrypsin-Sepharose 4B column and named TJA-I. The molecular mass of TJA-I was determined to be 70 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. TJA-I is a heterodimer of 38-kDa (36-kDa) and 32-kDa (30-kDa) subunits with disulfide linkage(s), and the difference between 38 and 36 kDa, and between 32 and 30 kDa, is due to secondary degradation of the carboxyl-terminal side. It was determined by equilibrium dialysis that TJA-I has four equal binding sites per molecule, and the association constant toward tritium-labeled Neu5Ac alpha 2-->6Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc beta 1-->3Gal beta 1-->4GlcOT is Ka = 8.0 x 10(5) M-1. The precise carbohydrate binding specificity was studied using hemagglutinating inhibition assay and immobilized TJA-I. A series of oligosaccharides possessing a Neu5Ac alpha 2-->6Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc or HSO3(-)-->6Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc group showed tremendously stronger binding ability than oligosaccharides with a Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc group, indicating that TJA-I basically recognizes an N-acetyllactosamine residue and that the binding strength increases on substitution of the beta-galactosyl residue at the C-6 position with a sialic acid or sulfate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific for (1-->6) branched, (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan detection in environmental samples.

(1-->3)-beta-D-Glucans have been recognized as a potential causative agent responsible for bioaerosol-induced respiratory symptoms observed in both indoor and occupational environments. A specific enzyme immunoassay was developed to quantify (1-->6) branched, (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans in environmental samples. The assay was based on the use of a high-affinity receptor (galactosyl ceramide) specific for (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans as a capture reagent and a monoclonal antibody specific for fungal cell wall beta-D-glucans as a detector reagent. The assay was highly specific for (1-->6) branched, (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans (such as that from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and did not show any response at 200 ng/ml to curdlan, laminarin, pustulan, dextran, mannan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and endotoxins. The detection level was 0.8 ng/ml for baker's yeast glucan and Betafectin. A coefficient of variation of 7.8% was obtained for (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans in house dust samples. Metal working fluids spiked with (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans inhibited the glucan assay. Because the assay is specific for (1-->6) branched, (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans and is sensitive and reproducible, it will be useful for the investigation of health effects from exposure to this class of biologically active molecules.     

Synthesis of ethyl 2-acetamido-6-S-(5-amino-5-deoxy-beta-D- arabinopyranosyl)-2-deoxy-1,6-dithio-beta-D-glucopyranoside: a sulfur-linked 5-amino-5-deoxyglycopyranosyl disaccharide

A novel pseudo-disaccharide having an imino sugar residue at the non-reducing end, namely, a sulfur-linked 5-amino-5-deoxyglycopyranosyl disaccharide, which is a potential specific inhibitor for glycosidases that recognize not only the glycosidic linkage but also the aglycone moiety, was synthesized. Glycosidation of N-Boc-5-amino-5-deoxy-D-arabinose with ethyl 2-acetamido-3,4-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-1,6-dithio-beta-D- glucopyranoside in the presence of TsOH gave exclusively the corresponding 1,2-cis-linked thioglycoside. The interglycosidic linkage proved stable enough under conditions for the deprotection of the N-Boc group with TFA. This pseudodisaccharide was unstable at pH > 5, but stable at lower pH. The sulfur-linked 5-amino-5-deoxyglycopyranosyl disaccharide was shown to be formed from 5-amino-5-deoxy-D-arabinose and ethyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-1,6-dithio-beta-D-glucopyranoside in an acidic buffer solution.     

Synthesis of propyl and 2-aminoethyl glycosides of alpha-D-galactosyl-(1-->3')-beta-lactoside.

Propyl and 2-aminoethyl alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3')-beta-lactosides (1 and 2) were prepared from the corresponding perbenzylated trisaccharide allyl glycoside 6 which, in turn, was obtained by methyl triflate promoted alpha-galactosylation of benzylated allyl lactoside acceptor 4 with thiogalactoside 3. Transformation of the allyl moiety in compound 6 into 2-azidoethyl one was achieved by cleavage of the double bond followed by reduction into alcohol 9, subsequent mesylation, and mesylate-->azide substitution. Alternatively trisaccharide 2 was synthesized using alpha-galactosylation of selectively benzoylated 2-azidoethyl lactoside 19 with 3 as the key step.     

An efficient and stereoselective synthesis of beta-D-Arap-(1-->2)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Manp, a tetrasaccharide fragment of Leishmania major lipophosphoglycan.

A tetrasaccharide fragment of Leishmania major lipophosphoglycan (which seems to be involved in a biological mechanism for the parasite transmission) has been synthesised using the thioglycoside, trichloroacetimidate and halide-exchange glycosylation procedures and step-wise chain elongation strategy.     

Simultaneous regioselective protection of phenyl 1-thioglucosides at the C-3 and C-6 or at the C-2 and C-6 hydroxy groups

Simultaneous regioselective 3,6- or 2,6-selective protection of 1-thio-beta- or alpha-D-glucopyranosides is described. The C-3 and C-6 hydroxy groups of the beta-thioglucoside were selectively protected with triisopropylsilyl or tert-butyldiphenylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate. The C-2 and C-6 hydroxy groups of the alpha-thioglucoside were selectively protected with tert-butyldiphenylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate.     

Immunologically active (1-->3)-(1-->4)-alpha-D-glucan from Cetraria islandica.

A polysaccharide, Ci-3, resembling isolichenan except with a much higher degree of polymerization, has been isolated from the water extract, as well as from the alkali extract, of the lichen Cetraria islandica (L.) using ethanol fractionation, dialysis, ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The mean M(r) of Ci-3 was determined to be 2000 kD, compared to 6-8 kD reported for isolichenan. The structure of Ci-3 was elucidated and found to be composed of (1-->3)- and (1-->4)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl units in the ratio of 2:1, using methanolysis, methylation analysis, optical rotation and NMR spectroscopy. The immunomodulating activity of Ci-3 was tested in an in vitro phagocytosis assay and anti-complementary, and proved to be active in both tests.     

Synthesis of 6-substituted uridines. synthesis of (R or S)-6-(3-amino-2-carboxypropyl)uridine

Addition of 5-bromo-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-trityluridine (2) in pyridine to an excess of 2-lithio-1,3-dithiane (3) in oxolane at 78° gave (6R)-5,6-dihydro-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene -5′-O-trityluridine (4), (5S,6S)-5-bromo-5,6-dihydro-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-trityluridine (5), and its (5R) isomer 6 in yields of 37, 35, and 10%, respectively. The structure of 4 was proved by Raney nickel desulphurization to (6S)-5,6-dihydro-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-6-methyl-5′-O-trityluridine (7) and by acid hydrolysis to give D-ribose and (6R)-5,6-dihydro-6-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)uracil (9). Treatment of 4 with methyl iodide in aqueous acetone gave a 30&%; yield of (R,S)-5,6-dihydro-6-formyl-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-trityl-uridine (10), characterized as its semicarbazone 11. Both 5 and 6 gave 4 upon brief treatment with Raney nickel. Both 5 and 6 also gave 6-formyl-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′- O-trityluridine (12) in ～41%; yield when treated with methyl iodide in aqueous acetone containin- 10%; dimethyl sulfoxide. A by-product, identified as the N-methyl derivative (13) of 12 was also formed in yields which varied with the amount of dimethyl sulfoxide used. Reduction of 12 with sodium borohydride, followed by deprotection, afforded 6-(hydroxymethyl)uridine (17), characterized by hydrolysis to the known 6-(hydroxymethyl)uracil (18). Knoevenagel condensation of a mixture of the aldehydes 12 and 13 with ethyl cyanoacetate yielded 38%; of E- (or Z-)6-[(2-cyano-2-ethoxycarbonyl)ethylidene]-2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-trityluridine (19) and 10%; of its N-methyl derivative 20. Hydrogenation of 19 over platinum oxide in acetic anhydride followed by deprotection gave R (or S)-6-(3-amino-2-carboxypropyl)uridine (23).     

Synthesis of 2-amino-2-deoxy-beta-glycosyl-(1-->5)-nucleosides and the interaction with RNA

1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-beta-D-glucopyranose and 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-beta-D-galactopyranose reacted with protected nucleosides in the presence of BF(3) as promoter at room temperature to give selectively 2-amino-2-deoxy-beta-glycosyl (1-->5)nucleosides in good yields. CD spectra and thermal melting studies showed that 2-amino-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->5)-nucleosides could interact with RNA in solution and 2-deoxy-2-amino-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->5)-nucleosides (17-19) exhibit higher affinity to RNA than 2-deoxy-2-amino-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->5)-nucleosides (14-16). It indicated that the majority of interactions are established between the polar group of glycosylnucleosides and the sugar-phosphate backbone of RNA helices and weak stacking interaction is observed. The different configuration of hydroxyl group on the glycosyl moiety may affect the glycosyl-nucleoside binding to RNA by induced fit.     

Studies on (beta,1-->5) and (beta,1-->6) linked octyl Gal(f) disaccharides as substrates for mycobacterial galactosyltransferase activity.

The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and the continuing pandemic of tuberculosis emphasizes the urgent need for the development of new anti-tubercular agents with novel drug targets. The recent structural elucidation of the mycobacterial cell wall highlights a large variety of structurally unique components that may be a basis for new drug development. This publication describes the synthesis, characterization, and screening of several octyl Galf(β,1→5)Galf and octyl Galf(β,1→6)Galf derivatives. A cell-free assay system has been utilized for galactosyltransferase activity using UDP[¹⁴C]Galf as the glycosyl donor, and in vitro inhibitory activity has been determined in a colorimetric broth microdilution assay system against MTB H37Ra and three clinical isolates of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Certain derivatives showed moderate activities against MTB and MAC. The biological evaluation of these disaccharides suggests that more hydrophobic analogues with a blocked reducing end showed better activity as compared to totally deprotected disaccharides that more closely resemble the natural substrates in cell wall biosynthesis.     

Synthesis and enzymatic polymerisation of 5-amino-1-(2''-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)imidazole-4-carboxamide-5''- triphosphate.

The chemical synthesis of 5-amino-1-(2'-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)imidazole-4-carboxamide, referred to as dZ, and of its 5'-triphosphate derivative (dZTP), from 2'-deoxyinosine is described. The polymerisation of dZTP using terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase to give a homopolymer is also presented.     

Synthesis, characterization and antiproliferative behavior of tricarbonyl complexes of rhenium(I) with some 6-amino-5-nitrosouracil derivatives: crystal structure of fac-[ReCl(CO)3(DANU-N5,O4)] (DANU=6-amino-1,3-dimethyl-5-nitrosouracil)

New complexes of rhenium(I) with some 5-nitrosopyrimidines with general formula [ReCl(CO)3L] have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, IR and 1H, 13C and 15N NMR spectroscopic methods. The complexes appear to be monomeric and the pyrimidine ligands act in a neutral form. The structure of [ReCl(CO)3(DANU)].CH3CN has been solved by X-ray diffraction. The coordination environment around the Re(I) may be described as a distorted octahedron in which the ligand behaves in a bidentate fashion through N5 and O4 atoms, making a five-membered chelate ring. The coordination sphere is completed with three carbonyl groups in fac-arrangement and one chlorine atom. The evaluation of the antiproliferative behavior against five human tumor cell lines (human breast cancer MCF-7 and EVSA-T, human neuroblastoma NB69, human glioma H4 and human bladder carcinoma cell line ECV) suggested a modulator behavior of cell growth at low concentrations due to their estrogenic-like characteristics.