Photosynthesis, Morphology, Leaf Anatomy, and Cytogenetics of Hybrids between C(3) and C(3)/C(4)Panicum Species

The Laxa group of the Panicum genus contains species which have CO₂ exchange and anatomical characteristics intermediate to C₃ and C₄ photosynthetic types (C₃/C₄), and also species characterized as C₃. Hybrids were made between two of the C₃/C₄ species and two C₃ species. Carbon dioxide exchange and morphological, leaf anatomical, and cytogenetic characteristics of F₁ hybrids between Panicum milioides Nees. ex Trin (C₃/C₄) and P. laxum Mez. (C₃), P. spathellosum Doell (C₃/C₄) and P. boliviense Hack. (C₃), and P. spathellosum and P. laxum were studied. There were no consistent differences in apparent photosynthesis, although two of the three hybrids had higher net CO₂ uptake than the C₃ parent. Values of inhibition of apparent photosynthesis by 21% O₂, CO₂ loss in the light, and CO₂ compensation concentration for the hybrids were between those of the parents. All three hybrids showed leaf anatomical traits, especially organelle quantities in the bundle sheath cells, between those of their respective parents. Linear regression of CO₂ compensation concentration on the percentage of mitochondria and chloroplasts in vascular bundle sheaths of the parents and hybrids gave correlation coefficients of −0.94. This suggests that the reduction in CO₂ loss in the C₃/C₄ species, and to a lesser degree in the F₁ hybrids, was due to development of organelles and perhaps a higher proportion of leaf photorespiration in bundle sheaths. The overall morphology of the hybrids was so different from the parents that they could be described as new taxonomic forms. The chromosomes in the hybrids were mainly unpaired or paired as bivalents indicating possible homology between some parental genomes.     

Palladium(II) complexes containing pyrazole-derived ligands of biological interest. Four,five and six coordinate palladium(II) complexes with 5(3)-methylpyrazole-3(5)-carboxamide and 5(3)-methylpyrazole-3(5)-carbohydrazide

Neutral bis-complexes of palladium(II) with 5(3)- methylpyrazole-3(5)-carboxamide (mpa) and 5(3)- methylpyrazole-3(5)carbohydrazide (mph) of the type PdX₂·2L (where L = mpa, mph; X = Cl, Br, I, SCN, NO₃, ClO₄) have been synthesised and spectroscopically characterised. Available physico-chemical data indicate the mpa complexes of Pd(II) to be trans-square planar species with the primary ligand molecule showing monodentate behavior through the pyrazolyl ring nitrogen only. The Pd(II)—thiocyanate complex of mpa is proposed to have a pseudo-square pyramidal geometry attained through bridging anionic component. The complexes PdX₂·2mph (X = Cl, NO₃) appear to be six-coordinate species at least in the solid state; the corresponding thiocyanato variety has in all probability a five coordinate structure. The species, Pd(ClO₄)₂·2mph is a usual four coordinate one with non-coordinating perchlorate group. The monochelates, PdX₂·mph (X = Br, I), are cis-square planar varieties. The ligand molecule, mph, in all cases is believed to function as (N,N) bidentate ligand in its ‘imidol’ form except in the thiocyanate complex where unusually it exhibits both the monodentate and bidentate functions in the same species.     

Identification, gene structure, and expression of human frizzled-3 (FZD3)

We report the identification, genomic structure, chromosomal localization, and expression analysis of human frizzled-3 (FZD3), a 7-transmembrane receptor belonging to the frizzled family. The cDNA obtained from adult human brain shows 91% identity at the nucleotide level and 98% at the amino acid level to mouse frizzled-3 (fzd3). The FZD3 locus is located on chromosome 8p21, spans 48 Kb and its coding sequence is distributed in 6 exons intercalated by 5 introns. FZD3 is expressed in all analyzed human tissues, with quantitatively higher expression in the CNS and in urogenital structures.     

Palladium(II) complexes of 2-, 3-, and 4-quinolinyl(diphenyl)phosphane and di-(3-quinolinyl)phenylphosphane: Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic screening

One previously known and three novel quinolinyl phosphanes were synthesized by either a reaction between a lithiated diphenylphosphane and the appropriate chloroquinoline or by a reaction between a lithiated haloquinoline and an arylchlorophosphane. The reaction of the quinolinyl phenylphosphane ligands with PdCl₂(cod) produced monomeric palladium complexes in diethyl ether and dimeric, chlorine-bridged complexes in dichloromethane. Crystal structures of the palladium complexes confirm that the quinolinyl phenylphosphanes do not form chelated structures while bonded to the metal centre. 2-Quinolinyl(diphenyl)phosphane has a tendency to form a cis-isomer while bonded to the metal centre in the mononuclear complex due to attractive interactions between two ligands. A catalytic study showed that the quinolinyl phenylphosphane ligands are moderately active in the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of various aryl halides in air.     

Primary deuterium isotope effects for the 3-methylaspartase-catalyzed deamination of (2S)-aspartic acid, (2S,3S)-3-methylaspartic acid, and (2S,3S)-3-ethylaspartic acid

3-Methylaspartate ammonia-lyase catalyzes the deamination of (2S)-aspartic acid 137 times more slowly than the deamination of (2S,3S)-3-methylaspartic acid but catalyzes the amination of fumaric acid 1.8 times faster than the amination of mesaconic acid [Botting, N.P., Akhtar, M., Cohen, M. A., & Gani, D. (1988) Biochemistry (preceding paper in this issue)]. In order to understand the mechanistic basis for these observations, the deamination reaction was examined kinetically with (2S)-aspartic acid, (2S,3S)-3-methylaspartic acid, (2S,3S)-3-ethylaspartic acid, and the corresponding C-3-deuteriated isotopomers. Comparison of the double-reciprocal plots of the initial reaction velocities for each of the three pairs of substrates revealed that the magnitude of the primary isotope effect on both Vmax and V/K varied with the substituent at C-3 of the substrate. 3-Methylaspartic acid showed the largest isotope effect (1.7 on Vmax and V/K), 3-ethylaspartic acid showed a smaller isotope effect (1.2 on Vmax and V/K), and aspartic acid showed no primary isotope effect at all. These results, which are inconsistent with earlier reports that there is no primary isotope effect for 3-methylaspartic acid [Bright, H. J. (1964) J. Biol. Chem. 239, 2307], suggest that for both 3-methylaspartic acid and 3-ethylaspartic acid elimination occurs via a predominantly concerted mechanism whereas for aspartic acid an E1cb mechanism prevails.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Synthesis, resolution, and antiplatelet activity of 3-substituted 1(3H)-isobenzofuranone

A series of 3-substituted-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone 6a-g and 7a-g were synthesized from phthalic anhydride. The compound 6a-g was resolved. The antiplatelet activities of these compounds were evaluated using in vitro experiment of platelet aggregation. The levels of antiplatelet activity were displayed as following sequence: l-isomer >dl-isomer>d-isomer, respectively. The alkylphthalide is more active than the corresponding alkenephthalide. All these compounds were less active than n-butylphthalide (NBP, 6c) and Aspirin (Asp).     

Long-term treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with active vitamin D3, 1-alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1 alpha-OHD3) and 1, 24 Dihydroxycholecalciferol (1, 24(OH)2D3)

The effects of active vitamin D3 analogues on radial mineral content (RMC) in postmenopausal osteoporosis were examined. Seventy eight subjects with postmenopausal osteoporosis were divided into 5 groups; Group 1 (n = 23) as the control group and Group 2 (n = 27), Group 3 (n = 8), Group 4 (n = 9) and Group 5 (n = 11) which were given 1 microgram of 1, 24(R) (OH)2D3 per day, 1 microgram of 1, 24(S)(OH)2D3 per day, 0.5 and 1 microgram of 1 alpha-OHD3 per day for 6 to 24 months, respectively. After 3-months administration of these drugs, RMC values were significantly increased in Groups 2 (102.8 +/- 1.8%), 4 (103.9 +/- 3.3%) and 5 (114.2 +/- 3.6%), when compared with the controls (97.9 +/- 2.4%). RMC in Group 3 (97.9 +/- 2.4%) was not significantly different from the control value. The administration of 1 alpha-OHD3 caused in increase in RMC in a dose-related manner. A rapid decrease in RMC was observed after withdrawal of the treatment in Groups 2, 4, and 5. A subsequent increase in RMC was observed after re-administration of 1 alpha-OHD3 and 1, 24(R)(OH)2D3. Serum Ca levels were increased in the group treated with 1, 24(R)(OH)2D3 and were decreased after the discontinuation of 1 alpha-OHD3 administration. Serum A1-P activity was decreased by treatment with 1 alpha-OHD3 (1 microgram per day) and a subsequent increase was observed in both groups treated with 1, 24(R)(OH)2D3 and 1 alpha-OHD3. Serum PTH levels were decreased by the administration of 1, 24(R)(OH)2D3 and 1 alpha-OHD3. In the group treated with 1 microgram of 1 alpha-OHD3 per day, hypercalcemia (2 out of 11 cases and these patients took calcium tablets) and an increase in BUN (1 out of 2 hypercalcemic patients) were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK3): Inflammation, Diseases, and Therapeutics

Deciphering what governs inflammation and its effects on tissues is vital for understanding many pathologies. The recent discovery that glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) promotes inflammation reveals a new component of its well-documented actions in several prevalent diseases which involve inflammation, including mood disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer. Involvement in such disparate conditions stems from the widespread influences of GSK3 on many cellular functions, with this review focusing on its regulation of inflammatory processes. GSK3 promotes the production of inflammatory molecules and cell migration, which together make GSK3 a powerful regulator of inflammation, while GSK3 inhibition provides protection from inflammatory conditions in animal models. The involvement of GSK3 and inflammation in these diseases are highlighted. Thus, GSK3 may contribute not only to primary pathologies in these diseases, but also to the associated inflammation, suggesting that GSK3 inhibitors may have multiple effects influencing these conditions. Special issue dedicated to John P. Blass.     

Inhibition of 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD) activity of human lung microsomes by genistein, daidzein, coumestrol and C(18)-, C(19)- and C(21)-hydroxysteroids and ketosteroids

Epidemiologic data suggest a relationship between dietary intake of phytochemicals and a lower incidence of some cancers. Modulation of steroid hormone metabolism has been proposed as a basis for this effect. It has been shown that aromatase, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) are inhibited by the isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, and by coumestrol. In general, the extent of inhibition has been expressed in terms of IC50-values, which do not give information as to the pattern of inhibition, i.e., competitive, non-competitive, or mixed. Less is known of the effects of these compounds on 3alpha-HSD. The human lung is known to have a high level of 17beta-HSD and 3alpha-HSD activity. During the course of studies to characterize both activities in normal and inflamed lung and lung tumors we noted that 3alpha-HSD activity with 5alpha-DHT of microsomes from normal, adult lung was particularly susceptible to inhibition by coumestrol. To clarify the pattern of inhibition, the inhibition constants Ki and K'i were evaluated from plots of 1/v versus [I] and [S]/v versus [I]. Genistein, daidzein and coumestrol gave mixed inhibition patterns versus both 5alpha-DHT and NADH. In contrast, 5alpha-androstane-3,17-dione and 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione were competitive with 5alpha-DHT. NAD inhibited competitively with NADH. Our findings demonstrate that phytochemicals have the potential to inhibit 5alpha-DHT metabolism and thereby affect the androgen status of the human lung. The observation of a mixed inhibition pattern suggests these compounds bind to more than one form of the enzyme within the catalytic pathway.     

Syntheses of 3-fluoro-, 3-epi-3-fluoro-, and 3,3-difluoro-3-de(methoxy)sporaricin A

3-Fluoro- (4), 3-epi-3-fluoro- (3), and 3,3-difluoro-3-de(methoxy)sporaricin A (5) have been prepared by reaction of diethylaminosulfur trifluoride with the corresponding precursors: 1,2′,6′-tris(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)-4-N, 5-O-carbonyl-3-de(O-methyl)sporaricin B (6), its 3-epi-3-hydroxy isomer (10), and the 3-oxo derivative (9). The structures of 3,4, and 5 were determined by ¹H-, ¹³C-, and ¹⁹F-n.m.r. spectroscopy.     

IP(3) receptors, stress and apoptosis

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors are intracellular calcium channels that are able to release calcium from intracellular stores upon activation by IP3 and modulation by calcium. IP3 receptors are involved in variety of processes during physiological, but also in the pathophysiological states. Unraveling their regulation and function, especially under the pathological situations can result in a development of new therapeutic strategies based on the IP3 receptor′s activation and/or blocking. To the stimuli that can modulate IP3 receptors belong several stress factors (e.g. immobilization stress, oxidative stress and hypoxia) and also apoptosis. Depending on the length and strength of the stress stimulus, expression of IP3 receptors can be increased, or decreased. Therefore, in this minireview modulation of IP3 receptors by some stressors is discussed. Since it was already shown that strong hypoxia might lead to the apoptosis induction, special focus will be given to the hypoxic stress and induction of apoptosis.     

IP(3) receptors, IP(3) transients, and nucleus-associated Ca(2+) signals in cultured skeletal muscle

Inositol1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) receptors (IP₃R) andryanodine receptors (RyR) were localized in cultured rodent muscle fractions by binding of radiolabeled ligands (IP₃ andryanodine), and IP₃R were visualized in situ byfluorescence immunocytological techniques. Also explored was the effectof K⁺ depolarization on IP₃ mass andCa²⁺ transients studied using a radio-receptor displacementassay and fluorescence imaging of intracellular fluo 3. RyR werelocated in a microsomal fraction; IP₃R were preferentiallyfound in the nuclear fraction. Fluorescence associated withanti-IP₃R antibody was found in the region of the nuclearenvelope and in a striated pattern in the sarcoplasmic areas. Anincrease in external K⁺ affected membrane potential andproduced an IP₃ transient. Rat myotubes displayed afast-propagating Ca²⁺ signal, corresponding to theexcitation-contraction coupling transient and a much slowerCa²⁺ wave. Both signals were triggered by high externalK⁺ and were independent of external Ca²⁺. Slowwaves were associated with cell nuclei and were propagated leaving"glowing" nuclei behind. Different roles are proposed for atleast two types of Ca²⁺ release channels, each mediating anintracellular signal in cultured skeletal muscle.

     

(2R,3S)-(+)- and (2S,3R)-(-)-Halofuginone lactate: synthesis, absolute configuration, and activity against Cryptosporidium parvum

The trans-enantiomers of the commercially important anti-protozoal compound Halofuginone have been prepared and characterized, and the absolute configuration was assigned by X-ray crystallography. The activity of both enantiomers against Cryptosporidium parvum was determined in vitro and related to acute toxicity in vivo. It was shown that both the activity and the toxicity are properties of the (2R,3S)-enantiomer. We conclude that with respect to broadening the therapeutic window there is no advantage in application of one enantiomer over the application of the racemic mixture in the treatment of C. parvum infections.     

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,...     

Photosynthesis, Leaf Anatomy, and Morphology of Progeny from Hybrids between C(3) and C(3)/C(4)Panicum Species

Species in the Laxa group of Panicum have C₃ or C₃/C₄ photosynthesis based on leaf anatomical and CO₂ exchange characteristics. Hybrids were previously made between C₃/C₄ and C₃ species in this group (RH Brown et al. 1985 Plant Physiol 77: 653-658). In this paper, CO₂ exchange, morphological, and leaf anatomical characteristics of F₂ or F₅ progeny from colchicine-induced amphiploids of C₃/C₄ × C₃ hybrids (Panicum milioides Nees ex Trin. [C₃/C₄] × Panicum laxum Mez [C₃] and Panicum spathellosum Doell [C₃/C₄] × Panicum boliviense Hack. [C₃]) were studied.

There were no differences found in morphology or physiology between the amphiploids and the F₁ hybrids from which they were produced. In the segregating progeny, CO₂ compensation concentration and photorespiration values typical of C₃, but not of C₃/C₄ plants, were recovered. Progeny were found from both crosses which possessed O₂ inhibition of apparent photosynthesis typical of the parents, and in the case of the P. milioides × P. laxum cross, leaf anatomy and overall plant morphology typical of the parents were observed in some progeny. The progeny were found to possess recombinations of various traits associated with reduced photorespiration, so that no correlation existed among O₂ inhibition of apparent photosynthesis, CO₂ compensation concentration, and leaf anatomical traits. One plant was especially noteworthy in possessing leaf anatomy typical of C₃/C₄ plants, but with CO₂ exchange characteristics of C₃ plants.

     

Rare carotenoids, (3R)-saproxanthin and (3R,2'S)-myxol, isolated from novel marine bacteria (Flavobacteriaceae) and their antioxidative activities

We isolated three orange or yellow pigment-producing marine bacteria, strains 04OKA-13-27 (MBIC08261), 04OKA-17-12 (MBIC08260), and YM6-073 (MBIC06409), off the coast of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. These strains were classified as novel species of the family Flavobacteriaceae based on their 16S rRNA gene sequence. They were cultured, and the major carotenoids produced were purified by chromatographic methods. Their structures were determined by spectral data to be (3R)-saproxanthin (strain 04OKA-13-27), (3R,2'S)-myxol (strain YM6-073), and (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin (strains YM6-073 and 04OKA-17-12). Saproxanthin and myxol, which are monocyclic carotenoids rarely found in nature, demonstrated significant antioxidative activities against lipid peroxidation in the rat brain homogenate model and a neuro-protective effect from L-glutamate toxicity.     

2-Alkyl(aryl)-quinazolin-4(3H)-thiones, 2-R-(quinazolin-4(3H)-ylthio)carboxylic acids and amides: synthesis,molecular docking,antimicrobial and anticancer properties

In this study, a series of novel 2-alkyl(aryl)-quinazolin-4(3H)-thiones, 2-R-(quinazolin-4(3H)-ylthio)carboxylic acids and amides were synthesized and evaluated for antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Their structure was confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral data (FT-IR, LC-MS, ¹H-NMR). Antimicrobial activity was tested in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans and NCI in vitro preliminary anticancer activity against nine different cancer types. The most active antibacterial and antifungal compounds were: 2.1, 2.2 and 2.4. The introduction of the carboxylic acid or amide residue into the fourth position of quinazolin-4(3H)-thione resulted in the absence of antimicrobial activity. Substance 3.8 inhibited renal cancer UO-31 line and 2.18 – leukemia CCRF-CEM. The results of in silico molecular docking for DHFR and CK2 kinase had no correlation with in vitro properties, proposing the presence of other biological activity pathways.     

(Dien)M(II) (M=Pd, Pt) and (NH3)3Pt(II) complexes of 1-methylcytosine: Linkage and rotational isomerism, metal-promoted deamination, and pathways to dinuclear species

Despite their structural similarity, [Pt(dien)(1-MeC-N3)](2+) (1), [Pd(dien)(1-MeC-N3)](2+) (2), and [Pt(NH(3))(3)(1-MeC-N3)](2+) (3) (with dien=diethylenetriamine and 1-MeC=neutral 1-methylcytosine) behave in part markedly different at strongly alkaline pH (12-13) and at room temperature. While 1 and 2, yet not 3 show linkage isomerization from N3 to N4, deamination of the cytosine nucleobase to 1-methyluracilate occurs with 1 and 3, yet not with 2. Pathways leading to N3,N4-diplatinated 1-MeC(-) complexes (1-MeC(-)=1-methylcytosine, deprotonated at exocyclic amino group N4) have been studied at high pH by starting from 1 and 3, respectively, and adding (dien)Pt(II). It appears that initial migration of the metal entity from N3 to N4, followed by binding of the second metal to the available N3 site, is favored over sequential coordination to N3 and then N4. X-ray crystal data of 1-3 density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and NMR ((1)H, (195)Pt) data are presented.