Inhibitory mechanisms of 1-(3-C-ethynyl-beta-D-ribopentofuranosyl)uracil (EUrd) on RNA synthesis

1-(3-C-ethynyl-beta-D-ribo-pentofuranosyl)uracil (EUrd) is an antimetabolite that strongly inhibits RNA synthesis and shows a broad antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. In mouse mammary tumor FM3A cells, EUrd is sequentially phosphorylated to its 5'-triphosphate, EUTP, a major metabolite, and the RNA synthesis is inhibited proportionally to its intracellular accumulation. To study the inhibitory mechanisms of EUrd on RNA synthesis, we have performed the kinetic analysis of EUTP on RNA polymerization using isolated nuclei RNA synthesis was inhibited competitively by EUTP. The inhibition constant, Ki was much lower than the Km value of UTP (Ki value of EUTP, 84 nM; Km value of UTP, 13 microM), indicating that the high affinity of EUTP could contribute to the specific inhibition of RNA synthesis. As a result of RNA synthesis inhibition, EUrd, but not ara-C, induced shrinkage of nucleoli, which are the main sites for RNA synthesis in FM3A cells. Thus, the strong affinity of EUTP to RNA polymerase and specific inhibition of RNA synthesis could contribute to its antitumor effect. EUrd is expected to be a new antitumor drug, possessing a strong inhibitory effect on the synthesis of RNA.     

前蛋白转换酶枯草溶菌素9抑制剂降低脂蛋白(a)作用的机制

脂蛋白(a)(lipoprotein(a),Lp(a))在结构上与低密度脂蛋白相似,是动脉粥样硬化性心血管疾病发病的独立危险因素和潜在的治疗靶点。前蛋白转换酶枯草溶菌素9(proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9,PCSK9)抑制剂可有效降低Lp(a)的循环水平并减少心血管事件风险。本文综合近年来的相关研究,阐述PCSK9抑制剂减少Lp(a)合成和促进其降解的相关机制,分析该领域所面临的挑战和未来的发展方向。     

Existence of malfunctioning pro alpha2(I) collagen genes in a patient with a pro alpha 2(I)-chain-defective variant of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Collagen synthesis was examined in skin fibroblasts from a patient with a variant of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The relative rate of collagen synthesis to total protein synthesis in the patient's fibroblasts was always one-half of that in fibroblasts from normal controls. Total collagen synthesis, as assessed by quantification of total hydroxyproline, was also significantly lower than that of controls, indicating that the rate of collagen synthesis by the patient's fibroblasts was decreased compared with that by normal fibroblasts. Analysis of procollagen and collagen components showed the absence of the pro alpha 2(I) chain and its derivatives. Dot-blot and Northern-blot analyses showed the patient's fibroblasts to contain less than 10% of the mRNAs for pro alpha 2(I) found in control fibroblasts. In spite of these results, Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA indicated the presence of the same number of genes for the pro alpha 2(I) collagen chain in the patient's fibroblasts as in control fibroblasts, suggesting malfunctioning pro alpha 2(I) collagen genes as the cause for failure of the patient's fibroblasts to synthesize pro alpha 2(I) collagen chains.     

Synthesis of a brain-specific protein (S100 protein) in a lectin-resistant mutant of a rat glial cell line (C6)

The synthesis of S100 protein increases toward the end of the exponential phase of growth of clonal rat glial cells C6 in monolayer culture. Moreover the synthesis of this protein can be increased by treatment of C6 cells with the lectin succinylated concanavalin A (succinyl ConA). In order to study the relationship between these two inductions of S100 protein we have isolated a cell line resistant to ConA from a population of C6 cells. The resistant cells (C6-ConAR) have less succinyl ConA receptors than C6 cells. In contrast to C6 cells, the synthesis of S100 protein does not increase in C6-ConAR cells after treatment with succinyl ConA. However in both cell types the synthesis of S100 protein increases toward the end of the exponential phase of growth. These results suggest firstly that the induction of S100 protein in C6 cells by succinyl ConA is mediated by an interaction of the lectin with its membrane receptors and secondly that the initial steps in the induction of S100 protein by the lectin are different from the initial steps in the induction of this protein which occurs toward the end of the exponential phase of growth in monolayer culture.     

Synthesis of a brain-specific protein (S100 protein) in a lectin-resistant mutant of a rat glial cell line (C6)

The synthesis of S100 protein increases toward the end of the exponential phase of growth of clonal rat glial cells C6 in monolayer culture. Moreover the synthesis of this protein can be increased by treatment of C6 cells with the lectin succinylated concanavalin A (succinyl ConA). In order to study the relationship between these two inductions of S100 protein we have isolated a cell line resistant to ConA from a population of C6 cells. The resistant cells (C6-ConAsuitr) have less succinyl ConA receptors than C6 cells.In contrast to C6 cells, the synthesis of S100 protein does not increase in C6-ConAsuitr cells after treatment with succinyl ConA. However in both cell types the synthesis of S100 protein increases toward the end of the exponential phase of growth.These results suggest firstly that the induction of S100 protein in C6 cells by succinyl ConA is mediated by an interaction of the lectin with its membrane receptors and secondly that the initial steps in the induction of S100 protein by the lectin are different from the initial steps in the induction of this protein which occurs toward the end of the exponential phase of growth in monolayer culture.     

Translesion synthesis by human DNA polymerase kappa on a DNA template containing a single stereoisomer of dG-(+)- or dG-(-)-anti-N(2)-BPDE (7,8-dihydroxy-anti-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene)

Several recently discovered human DNA polymerases are associated with translesion synthesis past DNA adducts. These include human DNA polymerase kappa (pol kappa), a homologue of Escherichia coli pol IV, which enhances the frequency of spontaneous mutation. Using a truncated form of pol kappa (pol kappa Delta C), translesion synthesis past dG-(+)- or dG-(-)-anti-N(2)-BPDE (7,8-dihydroxy-anti-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene) adducts was explored. Site-specifically-modified oligodeoxynucleotides containing a single stereoisomeric dG-N(2)-BPDE lesion were used as DNA templates for primer extension reactions catalyzed by pol kappa Delta C. Primer extension was retarded one base prior to the dG-N(2)-BPDE lesion; when incubated for longer times or with higher concentration of enzyme, full primer extension was observed. Quantitative analysis of fully extended products showed preferential incorporation of dCMP, the correct base, opposite all four stereoisomeric dG-N(2)-BPDE lesions. (+)-trans-dG-N(2)-BPDE, a major BPDE-DNA adduct, promoted small amounts of dTMP, dAMP, and dGMP misincorporation opposite the lesion (total 2.7% of the starting primers) and deletions (1.1%). Although (+)-cis-dG-N(2)-BPDE was most effective in blocking translesion synthesis, its miscoding properties were similar to other dG-N(2)-BPDE isomers. Steady-state kinetic data indicate that dCMP is efficiently inserted opposite all dG-N(2)-BPDE adducts and extended past these lesions. The relative frequency of translesion synthesis (F(ins) x F(ext)) of dC.dG-N(2)-BPDE pairs was 2-6 orders of magnitude higher than that of other mismatched pairs. Pol kappa may play an important role in translesion synthesis by incorporating preferentially the correct base opposite dG-N(2)-BPDE. Its relatively low contribution to mutagenicity suggests that other newly discovered DNA polymerase(s) may be involved in mutagenic events attributed to dG-N(2)-BPDE adducts in human cells.     

Synthesis of (-)-isishippuric acid A, a 4,5-secoquadranoid from a gorgonian coral

The first synthesis of (-)-isishippuric acid A was accomplished in two steps from a bicyclic synthetic intermediate for isishippuric acid B, which confirmed the structure of isishippuric acid A, including its absolute stereochemistry.     

脂蛋白(a)合成的调节

脂蛋白(a) ［ LP(a)］是一种与低密度脂蛋白(LDL)结构极其相似的脂蛋白,它由LDL脂质核心、载脂蛋白B100(apoB100)及特异性的成分载脂蛋白(a)［ apo(a)］组成. 大量的研究表明,高LP(a)是动脉粥样硬化独立的危险因素.而LP(a)在血浆中的水平及致病能力取决于其合成的速率及其颗粒的大小. 因此, 如何抑制LP(a)合成,进而从源头减少LP(a) 的血浆水平,对动脉粥样硬化的防治具有重要的意义.本文就当前关于影响LP(a)合成的环节及相关机制进行综述, 从而为降LP(a)药物的研究提供新的视角.     

In vivo regulation of de novo methionine biosynthesis in a higher plant (lemna)

Administration of methionine to growing Lemna had essentially no effect on accumulation of sulfate sulfur in protein cysteine, but decreased accumulation into cystathionine and its products (homocysteine, methionine, S-methylmethioninesulfonium salt, S-adenosylmethionine, and S-adenosylhomocysteine) to as low as 21% that of control plants, suggesting that methionine regulates its own de novo synthesis at cystathionine synthesis. Methionine caused only a slight reduction (to 80% that of control plants) in the accumulation of sucrose carbon into the 4-carbon moieties of cystathionine and products. This observation was puzzling since cystathionine synthesis proceeds by incorporation of equivalent amounts of sulfur (from cysteine) and 4-carbon moieties (from O-phosphohomoserine). The apparent inconsistency was resolved by the demonstration in Lemna (Giovanelli, Datko, Mudd, Thompson 1983 Plant Physiol 71: 319-326) that de novo synthesis of the methionine 4-carbon moiety occurs not only via the established transsulfuration route from O-phosphohomoserine, but also via the ribose moiety of 5′-methylthioadenosine. It is now clear that the more accurate assessment of the flux of sulfur (and 4-carbon moieties) through transsulfuration is provided by the amount of ³⁵S from ³⁵SO₄²⁻ that accumulates in cystathionine and its products, rather than by the corresponding measurements with ¹⁴C. These studies therefore unequivocally demonstrate in higher plants that methionine does indeed feedback regulate it own de novo synthesis in vivo, and that cystathionine synthesis is a locus for this regulation.     

Poly(ADP-ribose) makes a date with death

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes catalyze the conversion of NAD(+) to polymers of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR). Although its role in the DNA-damage response has long been recognized, recent work indicates that PAR itself acts at the mitochondria to directly induce cell death through stimulation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) release. This review discusses PAR synthesis and degradation, and the role of PAR misregulation in various disease states. Attention is given to opportunities for therapeutic intervention with small molecules that are involved in PAR signaling, with specific focus on poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) and AIF.     

Chlorophyll Synthesis in a Deetiolated (det340) Mutant of Arabidopsis without NADPH-Protochlorophyllide (PChlide) Oxidoreductase (POR) A and Photoactive PChlide-F655

Chlorophyll (Chl) synthesis in Arabidopsis is controlled by two light-dependent NADPH-protochlorophyllide (PChlide) oxidoreductases (PORs), one (POR A) that is active transiently in etiolated seedlings at the beginning of illumination and another (POR B) that also operates in green plants. The function of these two enzymes during the light-induced greening of dark-grown seedlings has been studied in the wild type and a deetiolated (det340) mutant of Arabidopsis. One of the consequences of the det mutation is that POR A is constitutively down-regulated, and therefore, synthesis of the POR A enzyme is shut off. When grown in the dark, the det340 mutant lacks POR A and the photoactive PChlide-F655 species but maintains the second PChlide reductase, POR B. Previously, photoactive PChlide-F655 has often been considered to be the only PChlide form that leads to Chl formation. Despite its deficiency in POR A and photoactive PChlide-F655, the det340 mutant is able to green when placed in the light. Chl accumulation, however, proceeds abnormally. At the beginning of illumination, seedlings of det340 mutants are extremely susceptible to photooxidative damage and accumulate Chl only at extremely low light intensities. They form core complexes of photosystems I and II but are almost completely devoid of light-harvesting structures. The results of this study demonstrate that in addition to the route of Chl synthesis that has been studied extensively in illuminated dark-grown wild-type plants, a second branch of Chl synthesis exists that is driven by POR B and does not require POR A.     

Synthesis of gemcitabine triphosphate (dFdCTP) as a tris(triethylammonium) salt

First synthesis of gemcitabine triphosphate (dFdCTP) as a tris(triethylammonium) salt is reported.     

Solid phase synthesis of a fully active analogue of cholecystokinin using the acid-stable Boc-Phe (p-CH2) SO3H as a substitute for Boc-Tyr(SO3H) in CCK8

Substitution of the -OSO3H group in the sulfated-tyrosine by the non-hydrolyzable-CH2SO3H group was the first described modification of the sulfate ester that does not affect CCK8 activity. In addition to its capacity to mimic the sulfated tyrosine residue, the amino acid Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) was shown to be stable in acidic media, including HF containing mixtures. The synthesis of Boc-Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)-OH in racemic and resolved forms and its introduction into the sequence of CCK8 by solid phase using standard Boc/benzyl synthesis conditions and BOP as coupling reagent is now reported. The two CCK8 analogues containing the L- or the D-Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) residue, obtained in satisfactory yields, were separated by HPLC and the stereochemistry of Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) residue in each peptide was established by NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by a separate solid phase synthesis in which the pure L isomer was used. Both CCK8 analogues displayed high affinities for peripheral and central receptors (KI approximately 1 nM) and proved to be full agonists in the stimulation of pancreatic amylase secretion. The "stabilized-CCK8 peptide", easily prepared by solid phase, could replace the native peptide in biochemical and pharmacological studies. Moreover the modified amino acid Phe (p-CH2SO3Na) could also be used in solid phase synthesis to prepare a wide variety of CCK analogues and more generally, peptides analogues containing the acid-labile O-sulfated tyrosine.     

Synthesis of poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) in synchronized Chinese hamster cells.

Chinese hamster ovary cells were synchronized by mitotic selection and used to study the relation of poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) synthesis to DNA synthesis and the different phases of the cell cycle. DNA synthesis was measured in cells rendered permeable to exogenously supplied nucleotides. Poly(ADPR) synthesis was also measured in permeable cells in the presence of both minimum and maximum DNA damage. The maximum DNA damage was produced by treating the cells with saturating concentrations of DNase. As anticipated, the DNA synthesis complex showed its maximum activity during S phase and showed 4–5-fold less activity during the other phases of the cell cycle. The basal level of poly(ADPR) synthesis was elevated during G1, fell to its lowest level during S phase, then increased during G2 and rose to its highest level during G1. The DNase responsive activity of poly(ADPR) synthesis was relatively constant thru the cell cycle but showed a peak at the end of S phase; then the activity decreased during the subsequent G2-M period.     

Modified polynucleotides. VI. Properties of a synthetic DNA containing the anti-herpes agent (E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-2''-deoxyuridine

A new modified polydeoxynucleotide, a copolymer of nucleotides of 2'-deoxyadenosine and the very efficacious anti-herpesvirus agent (E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine was synthesized with E. coli DNA polymerase I enzyme. It is characterized by its physical (absorption and circular dichroism spectra, thermal transition, sedimentation analysis) and bioorganic (template activity, stability) properties. Compared to poly [d(A-T)], the modified polydeoxynucleotide had a lower thermal stability but exhibited higher stability against DNases and higher template activity for DNA synthesis. Template activity for RNA synthesis of this template was, however, poor and extent of AMP and UMP incorporation was limited as well.     

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibits interleukin (IL)-1 and/or IL-6 stimulated synthesis of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in primary cultures of human hepatocytes

Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are considered as important mediators for the modulation of liver synthesis of acute phase proteins. However, studies of the direct effect of individual or a combination of these cytokines on the synthesis of acute phase proteins in human hepatocytes are still very limited. In this study, we have examined the synthesis of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in primary cultures of human hepatocytes exposed to recombinant(r)IL-1 alpha (100 U/ml), rIL-6 (2000 U/ml), rTNF alpha (30 U/ml) and to various combinations of these cytokines in the presence of 1 microM dexamethasone. Monoclonal antibodies to rTNF alpha and monospecific anti-rIL-6 sheep antiserum were also used to investigate the possible endogenous production of TNF or IL-6. The findings indicate: (1) IL-1 and IL-6 are stimulatory cytokines for the liver synthesis of CRP and SAA. Anti IL-6 abolishes the stimulatory effect of IL-1. These findings support the previous observation and indicate that IL-1 exerts its action on the enhanced synthesis of CRP and SAA at least in part via IL-6 production in the liver cell. (2) TNF is an inhibitory cytokine for the liver synthesis of CRP. It inhibits also the stimulatory effect of IL-1 and IL-6 on the synthesis of CRP and SAA. (3) Since anti-TNF enhances the stimulatory effect of IL-6 on the synthesis of CRP and SAA, it seems likely that TNF is also produced by the human hepatocytes. However, further studies for more direct evidence of the liver cell production of TNF, such as the detection of TNF messenger RNA are required.     

(+/-)-cis-(6-Ethyl-tetrahydropyran-2-yl)-formic acid: a novel substance with antinociceptive properties

We described in this paper the first synthesis to the (+/-) cis (6-ethyl-tetrahydropyran-2-yl) formic acid (1) using the very efficient Prins cyclization reaction as strategy to construction of its tetrahydropyran skeleton. This new compound presented a significant antinociceptive property by the tail-flick model.     

Asynchronous dual lactation in a marsupial, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

Lactating tammars can provide two different milks simultaneously from adjacent glands to a young newborn (phase 2 of lactation) and an older animal at heel (phase 3 of lactation). Evidence that the two glands are controlled independently is shown by the capacity of mammary explants from these glands to synthesize different whey proteins and DNA and RNA at different rates. Prolactin is essential for the maintenance of milk synthesis, but its role in differential responses of the individual mammary glands remains to be established. Potential mechanisms for the control of milk synthesis are discussed.     

Effect of Benzo(a)pyrene and Piperonyl Butoxide on Formation of Respiratory System, Phospholipids, and Carotenoids of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus formed an electron transport system when exponentially growing cells were aerated. Formation of the electron transport system occurred concomitantly with increases in the phospholipids and the carotenoids. The addition of piperonyl butoxide or benzo(a)pyrene at the onset of aeration (i) slowed the formation of the electron transport system, (ii) both inhibited cytochrome oxidase o synthesis and decreased its stability, (iii) simultaneously depressed the increase in total phospholipid (especially cardiolipin), and (iv) depressed the synthesis of the carotenoid rubixanthin. Benzo(a)pyrene was the more inhibitory of the two, both on the rate of synthesis of the electron transport system and on rubixanthin formation. Evidence obtained with the inhibitors suggested that inhibition of the lipid synthesis was related to the formation of the electron transport system.