Preresonance Raman studies of poly(L-lysine), poly(L-glutamic acid), and deuterated N-methylacetamides

The Raman spectra of poly(L -lysine) with various structures, ionized poly(L -glutamic acid), and deuterated N-methylacetamides have been observed using visible and the 257.3-nm laser lines as the light source. Most of the Raman bands with significantly enhanced intensities in the uv-excited spectra of the polymers have been assigned to the vibrations associated with the C?O and C–N stretching modes, the amide I, II, III, I′, II′, and III′, with reference to the results obtained for simple amide molecules including the deuterated N-methylacetamides. Several amide frequencies have been newly identified and the structures of the polymers have been discussed through the comparison of the Raman and ir amide frequencies.     

Poly(gamma-L-diaminobutanoic acid), a novel poly(amino acid), coproduced with poly(epsilon-L-lysine) by two strains of Streptomyces celluloflavus

Two poly(ɛ- l -lysine) (ɛ-PL) producer strains of Streptomyces celluloflavus secreted a novel polymeric substance into their culture broths along with ɛ-PL. Three types of HPLC analysis plus one- and two-dimensional ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance experiments revealed that the secreted substance was poly(γ- l -diaminobutanoic acid) (γ-PAB), an l -α,γ-diaminobutanoic acid ( l -DAB) homopolymer linking between γ-amino and α-carboxylic acid functional groups. The γ-PABs from the two strains had an identical chemical structure, and the same number-average molecular weight of 2100–2200. No copolymers composed of the two amino acids l -DAB and l- lysine were found in either of the broths from the producers. Both strains coproduced high levels of the two poly(amino acid)s in the presence of SO₄²⁻ at pH 4.0 and 4.5 L min⁻¹ aeration in a 5-L jar fermentor. γ-PAB exhibited strong inhibitory activities against various yeasts and weaker actions against bacteria than ɛ-PL. γ-PAB may have various biological functions similar to ɛ-PL, and the use of γ-PAB along with ɛ-PL would be advantageous for technical applications in various fields.     

Proton magnetic relaxation in solid poly(L-alanine), poly(L-leucine), poly(L-valine), and polyglycine

Molecular motion in solid poly(L -alanine), Poly(L -leucine), poly(L -valine), and polyglycine has been investigated through measurement of the portion spin-lattice relaxation time at 30 and 60 MHz between 110 and 350°K. Rapid random reoriention of sied-chain methyl groups provides the dominent source of relaxation in the first three; activation energies are 10.5 ± 1 1, 8.5 ± 1 kJ/mol, respectively, significantly lower than in the monomeric crystals. Relaxation times in poyglycine are two orders of magnitude longer than in the monomeric crystals. Relaxation times in polyglycine, significantly lower than in the monomeric crystals. Relaxation times in polyglycine are two orders of magnitude longer and are attributed mainly to segmental motions of the polymer chains. Evidence of nonexponential recovery of nuclear magnetization was encountered in the first three homopolyamino acids but not in polylycine, and was attributed to the correlated time to characterize these motions gave quite good agreement with the data; some improvement was obtained for two polymers using a Cole-Davidson distribution of correlation times. For biopolymers using a Cole-Davidson distribution of correlation times. For biopolymers generally it is concluded that rapid methyl group reorientation is a common dynamical feature and an important source of nuclear magnetic relaxation.     

Ferric complexes of acetoacetyl derivatives of poly(L-lysine), poly(L-ornithine), and poly(L-diaminobutyric acid). I. Preparation and absorption properties in solution

Poly(N^ε-acetoacetyl-L -lysine), poly(N^δ-acetoacetyl-L -ornithine) and poly(N^γ-acetoacetyl-L -diaminobutyric acid) form colored complexes with ferric ions in water/dioxane solutions. These complexes are soluble at pH values lower than 2.8 and show their maximum absorption at 257 nm in the uv and at 478 nm in the visible region; whereas the ferric complex of the model compound n-hexylacetoacetamide exhibits absorptions centered at 258 and 536 nm, respectively. It is shown that in the complex of the model compound one metal ion is bound per acetoacetamide group, while in the complexes of the three polymers two β-ketoamides side chains are bound per ferric ion under the same solvent, pH, concentration, and ionic strength conditions. The binding constants of ferric ions to the three polymers, and the formation constant of the ferric complex of the model compound are also evaluated.     

Structural transitions in poly(A), poly(C), poly(U), and poly(G) and their possible biological roles

The homopolynucleotide (homo-oligonucleotide) tracts function as regulatory elements at various stages of mRNAs life cycle. Numerous cellular proteins specifically bind to these tracts. Among them are the different poly(A)-binding proteins, poly(C)-binding proteins, multifunctional fragile X mental retardation protein which binds specifically both to poly(G) and poly(U) and others. Molecular mechanisms of regulation of gene expression mediated by homopolynucleotide tracts in RNAs are not fully understood and the structural diversity of these tracts can contribute substantially to this regulation.

This review summarizes current knowledge on different forms of homoribopolynucleotides, in particular, neutral and acidic forms of poly(A) and poly(C), and also biological relevance of homoribopolynucleotide (homoribo-oligonucleotide) tracts is discussed. Under physiological conditions, the acidic forms of poly(A) and poly(C) can be induced by proton transfer from acidic amino acids of proteins to adenine and cytosine bases. Finally, we present potential mechanisms for the regulation of some biological processes through the formation of intramolecular poly(A) duplexes.     

Metal complexs of poly (α-amino acids): Cu(II) chelates of acetoacetylated poly(L-lysine), poly(L-ornithine), and poly(L-diaminobutyric acid)

The cupric complexes of poly(N^ε-acetoacetyl-L -lysine), [Lys(Acac)]_n′ poly(N^δ-acetoacetyl-L -ornithine), [Orn(Acac)]_n′ and poly(N^γ-acetoacetyl-L -diaminobutyric acid), [A₂bu-(Acac)]_n, as well as of the model compound n-hexyl acetoacetamide, have been investigated by means of absorption, potentiometric, equilibrium dialysis, and CD measurements. While in the complex of the model compound, one chelating group is bound to one cupric ion, in the polymeric complexes two β-ketoamide groups are bound to Cu(II) under the same experimental conditions. The binding constant of cupric ions to the three polymers and the formation constant of the Cu(II)-nhexylacetoacetamide complex have been evluated. Investigation on the chiroptical properties of the three polymeric complexes shows that the peptide backbone does not undergo conformational transitions, remaining α-helical when up to 20% of the side chains are bound to Cu(II). The optical activity of the β-ketoamide chromophores is substantially affected by complex formation and is discussed in terms of asymmetric induction from the chiral backbone.     

Study of specific interactions of amino acid esters with the synthetic polynucleotides poly(A) x 2 poly(U), poly(A) x poly(U) and poly(A) by thermal denaturation

The interactions of amino acid esters with poly(A)x2poly(U) and poly(A)xpoly(U) have been investigated by means of thermal denaturation of these polynucleotides. The esters under consideration raised the melting point, revealing the preferable binding to helical polynucleotide structures. The melting point shifts demonstrate the following sequence of the stabilities of these complexes: Arg greater than Lys much greater than His greater than Met greater than Ser greater than Gly. The same stability order is observed when studying the polynucleotide renaturation in the presence of esters. This order coincides with that previously obtained for the nucleotide base--amino acid ester complexes excepting basic amino acid esters. The ester interactions with poly(A) and poly(U) also reveal the specificity of monomer--monomer interactions. Some dynamic contributions into the studied specificity are also discussed.     

Polynucleotides. XLIV. Synthesis and properties of poly (2-azaadenylic acid) and poly(2-azainosinic acid).

Chemically synthesized 2-azaadenosine 5'-diphosphate (n2ADP) and 2-azainosine 5'-diphosphate (n2IDP) were polymerized to yield poly(2-azaadenylic acid), poly(n2A), and poly(2-azainosinic acid), poly(n2I), using Escherichia coli polynucleotide phosphorylase. In neutral solution, poly(n2A) and poly(n2I) had hypochromicities of 32 and 5.5%, respectively. Poly(n2A) formed an ordered structure, which had a melting temperature (Rm) of 20 degrees C at 0.15 M salt concentration. Upon mixing with poly(U), poly(n2A) formed a 1 : 2 complex with Tm of 41 degrees C at 0.15 M salt concentration. Poly(n2A) and poly(n2I) formed three-stranded complexes with poly(I), and poly(A), respectively. Poly(n2A) . 2poly(I), poly(A) . 2poly(n2I), and poly(n2A) . 2poly(n2I) complexes had Tm values of 23, 48, and 31 degrees C at 0.15 M salt concentration, respectively. Poly(n2I) formed a double-stranded complex with poly(C), but its Tm was very low.     

Polynucleotides. L. Synthesis and properties of poly (2''-chloro-2''-deoxyadenylic acid) and poly (2''-bromo-2''-deoxyadenylic acid).

Poly (2'-chloro-2'-deoxyadenylic acid) and poly (2'-bromo-2'-deoxyadenylic acid) were synthesized from the corresponding diphosphates with the aid of polynucleotide phosphorylase from E. coli. UV, CD, acid titration and mixing with poly (U) were investigated. Comparing these properties with those of poly (A) and poly (2'-azido-2'-deoxyadenylic acid), it was found that 2'substituents exert significant effects on the thermal stability of these polynucleotides, though the overall conformational structure was not greatly changed.     

Activation of 2',5'-oligo(A) polymerase and protein kinase of interferon-treated HeLa cells by 2'-O-methylated poly (inosinic acid) . poly(cytidylic acid), Correlations with interferon-inducing activity

An oligonucleotide polymerase and a protein kinase which require double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for activation are induced in HeLa cells by human fibroblast interferon. The polymerase synthesizes a series of oligonucleotides from ATP, whereas the kinase phosphorylates a polypeptide of Mr = 72,000 and the alpha subunit of initiation factor eIF-2. Partially or fully 2'-O-methylated derivatives of poly(inosinic acid) . poly(cytidylic acid) (rIn . rCn) were used to determine the structural requirements of dsRNA in the activation of these two enzymes. While fully methylated polymers failed to activate either enzyme, partially methylated polymers activated the enzymes in specific manners. The activation of the kinase by the rIn . rCn analogues was affected more severely by the level of methylation than was the activation of the polymerase. Moreover, fully methylated analogues blocked the activation of the kinase by rIn . rCn but not the activation of the polymerase. These observations are consistent with a biphasic model for enzyme activation similar to that proposed for interferon induction, which required the recognition of a relatively small region of rIn . rCn as the last step. Differences in the activation of the polymerase and kinase are explicable on the basis of the polymerase requirement for a smaller recognition region of the rIn . rCn duplex than the kinase. Dependence of polymerase activation on the level of methylation shows striking similarities with the interferon inducing activities of these analogues, suggesting a possible relationship between polymerase activation and interferon induction.     

Energetics of Z-DNA formation in poly d(A-T), poly d(G-C), and poly d(A-C) poly d(G-T).

The conformational change for the alternating purine-pyrimidine polydeoxyribonucleotides i.e. poly d(A-T), poly d(G-C), and poly d(A-C) poly d(G-T) from a right-handed conformation at room temperature to the left-handed Z-DNA like double helix at elevated temperatures has been studied by UV spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and by adiabatic differential scanning microcalorimetry (DSC) in the presence of Na+ and Mg2+ or Ni2+ respectively as counterions. The differential UV spectra reveal through a hyperchromic shift at around 280nm and a hypochromic shift at 260nm that a conformational change to the left-handed conformation occurs. The Raman spectra clearly show characteristic changes, a drastic decrease of the band at 680cm-1 and the appearance of a new band at 628cm-1, due to the change of the purine bases to the syn conformation upon inversion of the helix-handedness. The course of the transition as function of temperature can be followed quantitatively by plotting the change in the excess heat capacity vs. temperature. The transition enthalpy delta H for the B- to Z-DNA transition per mole base pairs (mbp) amounts to 2.0 +/- 0.2kcal for poly d(G-C), to 4.0 +/- 0.4kcal for poly d(A-T), and to 3.1 +/- 0.3kcal for poly d(A-C) poly d(G-T). The enthalpy change due to the Z-DNA to coil transitions (per mole base pairs) amounts to 11kcal for poly d(G-C), 10.5kcal for poly d(A-T) and 11.3kcal for poly d(A-C) poly d(G-T).     

Ferric complexes of acetoacetyl derivatives of poly(L-lysine), poly(L-ornithine), and poly(L-diaminobutyric acid). II. Conformational properties in solution. Evidence for a stereospecific complex formation

The conformational properties of ferric complexes of poly(N^ε-acetoacetyl-L -lysine), poly(N^δ-acetoacetyl-L -ornithine), and poly(N^γ-acetoacetyl-L -diaminobutyric acid) were investigated in 1:1 water/dioxane by CD techniques. Optical activity was found in the visible and in the uv absorption region of the polymeric complexes. The conformation of the peptide backbone was always that of a right-handed α-helix, and was found independent of the degree of complexation, at least up to a degree of binding of 20%. In the absorption region of the side-chain chromophores the optical activity is substantially affected by complex formation. In all three cases a splitting of the ligand π → π* transition centered at 257 nm is observed. These data suggest a stereospecific complex formation. From the signs of the splitting it also appears that the chirality of the poly(N^δ-acetoacetyl-L -ornithine) complex is opposite that of the other two polymers.     

Multifunctional bionanocomposite films of poly(lactic acid), cellulose nanocrystals and silver nanoparticles

Nanocomposite films were prepared by the addition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) eventually surfactant modified (s-CNC) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles in the polylactic acid (PLA) matrix using melt extrusion followed by a film formation process. Multifunctional composite materials were investigated in terms of morphological, mechanical, thermal and antibacterial response. The nanocomposite films maintained the transparency properties of the PLA matrix. Thermal analysis showed increased values of crystallinity in the nanocomposites, more evident in the s-CNC based formulations that had the highest tensile Young modulus. The presence of surfactant favoured the dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals in the polymer matrix and the nucleation effect was remarkably enhanced. Moreover, an antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli cells was detected for ternary systems, suggesting that these novel nanocomposites may offer good perspectives for food packaging applications which require an antibacterial effect constant over time.     

Synthesis and self-assembly of well-defined poly(amino acid) end-capped poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOx) are water-soluble, biocompatible polymers with stealth hemolytic activities. Poly(amino acid) (PAA) end-capped PEG and PMOx were prepared using amino-terminated derivatives of PEG and PMOx as macroinitiators for the ring-opening polymerization of γ-benzyl protected l-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride and S-benzyloxycarbonyl protected l-cysteine N-carboxyanhydride, respectively, in the presence of urea, at room temperature. The molecular weight of the PAA moiety was kept between M(n) = 2200 and 3000 g mol(-1). PMOx was polymerized by cationic ring-opening polymerization resulting in molecular weights of M(n) = 5000 and 10,000 g mol(-1), and PEG was a commercial product with M(n) = 5000 g mol(-1). Here, we investigate the self-assembly of the resulting amphiphilic block copolymers in water and the effect of the chemical structure of the block copolymers on the solution properties of self-assembled nanostructures. The PEG-block-poly(amino acid), PEG-b-PAA, and PMOx-block-poly(amino acid), PMOx-b-PAA, block copolymers have a narrow and monomodal molecular weight distribution (PDI < 1.3). Their self-assembly in water was studied by dynamic light scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy. In aqueous solution, the block copolymers associate into particles with hydrodynamic radii (R(H)) ranging in size from R(H) 70 to 130 nm, depending on the block copolymer architecture and the polymer molecular weight. Larger R(H) and critical association concentration values were obtained for copolymers containing poly(S-benzyloxycarbonyl-l-cysteine) compared to their poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) analogue. FTIR investigations revealed that the poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) block adopts a helical conformation, while the poly(S-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-cysteine) block exists as β-sheet.     

Structure of the poly(2-thiouridylic) acid duplex

The crystal and molecular structures of poly(2-thiouridylic) acid are remarkably similar to those of A-DNA. How this might be contrived with homopolymer duplexes containing either symmetric or asymmetric pyrimidine pyrimidine base-pairs is described using molecular models optimized by the linked-atom least-squares method. This study supplements an earlier manual model-building study of the second possibility by Mazumdar et al. (1974).