DPM2 regulates biosynthesis of dolichol phosphate-mannose in mammalian cells: correct subcellular localization and stabilization of DPM1, and binding of dolichol phosphate.

Biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol and N-glycan precursor is dependent upon a mannosyl donor, dolichol phosphate-mannose (DPM). The Thy-1negative class E mutant of mouse lymphoma and Lec15 mutant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are incapable of DPM synthesis. The class E mutant is defective in the DPM1 gene which encodes a mammalian homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Dpm1p that is a DPM synthase, whereas Lec15 is a different mutant, indicating that mammalian DPM1 is not sufficient for DPM synthesis. Here we report expression cloning of a new gene, DPM2, which is defective in Lec15 cells. DPM2, an 84 amino acid membrane protein expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), makes a complex with DPM1 that is essential for the ER localization and stable expression of DPM1. Moreover, DPM2 enhances binding of dolichol phosphate, a substrate of DPM synthase. Mammalian DPM1 is catalytic because a fusion protein of DPM1 that was stably expressed in the ER synthesized DPM without DPM2. Therefore, biosynthesis of DPM in mammalian cells is regulated by DPM2.     

Exploration of diphenylalkyloxadiazoles as novel cardiac myosin activator

To explore novel cardiac myosin activator, a series of diphenylalkyl substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles have been prepared and tested for cardiac myosin ATPase activation in vitro. In all cases, three carbon spacer between the oxadiazole core and one of the phenyl ring was considered crucial. In case of 1,3,4-oxadiazole, zero to two carbon spacer between oxadiazole core and other phenyl ring are favorable. Phenyl ring can be replaced by cyclohexyl moiety. In case of 1,2,4-oxadiazole, zero or one carbon spacer between the oxadiazole and other phenyl ring are favorable. Introduction of hydrogen bonding donor (NH) group at the 2^nd position of the 1,3,4-oxadiazole enhances the activity. Substitutions on either of the phenyl rings or change of phenyl ring to other heterocycle are not tolerated for both the oxadiazoles. The prepared oxadiazoles showed selective activation for cardiac muscle over smooth and skeleton muscles.     

Deficiency of Dol-P-Man Synthase Subunit DPM3 Bridges the Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation with the Dystroglycanopathies

Alpha-dystroglycanopathies such as Walker Warburg syndrome represent an important subgroup of the muscular dystrophies that have been related to defective O-mannosylation of alpha-dystroglycan. In many patients, the underlying genetic etiology remains unsolved. Isolated muscular dystrophy has not been described in the congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) caused by N-linked protein glycosylation defects. Here, we present a genetic N-glycosylation disorder with muscular dystrophy in the group of CDG type I. Extensive biochemical investigations revealed a strongly reduced dolichol-phosphate-mannose (Dol-P-Man) synthase activity. Sequencing of the three DPM subunits and complementation of DPM3-deficient CHO2.38 cells showed a pathogenic p.L85S missense mutation in the strongly conserved coiled-coil domain of DPM3 that tethers catalytic DPM1 to the ER membrane. Cotransfection experiments in CHO cells showed a reduced binding capacity of DPM3(L85S) for DPM1. Investigation of the four Dol-P-Man-dependent glycosylation pathways in the ER revealed strongly reduced O-mannosylation of alpha-dystroglycan in a muscle biopsy, thereby explaining the clinical phenotype of muscular dystrophy. This mild Dol-P-Man biosynthesis defect due to DPM3 mutations is a cause for alpha-dystroglycanopathy, thereby bridging the congenital disorders of glycosylation with the dystroglycanopathies.     

Engineering a twist in 9,10-diethynylanthracenes by steric interactions.

A series of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracenes decorated with sterically demanding tert-butyl substituents have been prepared and spectroscopically characterised. We demonstrate that the introduction of two bulky substituents in the ortho position of the phenyl rings effectively locks the ground state into a conformation in which the three rings are orthogonal. Fluorescence spectroscopy reveals evidence for partial planarisation of this compound in the excited state at ambient temperature, but this is prevented in low temperature solvent glasses.     

3,3-diphenylpentane skeleton as a steroid skeleton substitute: novel inhibitors of human 5alpha-reductase 1

We designed and synthesized novel type 1 5alpha-reductase inhibitors by using 3,3-diphenylpentane skeleton as a substitute for the usual steroid skeleton. 4-(3-(4-(N-Methylacetamido)phenyl)pentan-3-yl)phenyl dibenzylcarbamate (11k) is a competitive 5alpha-reductase inhibitor with the IC(50) value of 0.84 microM.     

Design and synthesis of estrogen receptor ligands with a 4-heterocycle-4-phenylheptane skeleton

The estrogen receptor (ER), a member of the nuclear receptor (NR) family, is involved in the regulation of physiological effects such as reproduction and bone homeostasis. Approximately 70% of human breast cancers are hormone-dependent and ERα-positive, and, thus, ER antagonists are broadly used in breast cancer therapy. We herein designed and synthesized a set of ER antagonists with a 4-heterocycle-4-phenylheptane skeleton.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 11β-(4-substituted phenyl) estradiol analogs: transition from estrogen receptor agonists to antagonists

IntroductionAs part of our program to develop estrogen receptor (ER) targeted imaging and therapeutic agents we chose to evaluate 11β-substituted estradiol analogs as a representative scaffold. Previous synthetic studies provided an entry into this class of compounds and other work indicated that 11β-(substituted aryl) estradiol analogs were potent antagonists of the ER. Little information existed about the specific structural features involved in the transition from agonism to antagonism for the 11β-aryl estradiol analogs or their potential as scaffolds for drug conjugation.MethodsWe prepared and characterized a series of 11β-(4-Substituted phenyl) estradiol analogs using modifications of existing synthetic methods. The new compounds, as well as standard steroidal agonists and antagonists, were evaluated as competitive ligands for the ERβ-LBD. Functional assays used the induction of alkaline phosphatase in Ishikawa cells to determine potency of the compounds as ER agonists or antagonists.ResultsThe synthetic strategy successfully generated a series of compounds in which the 4-substituent was sequentially modified from hydroxyl to methoxy to azidoethoxy/N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy and eventually to a prototypical 1,4-naphthoquinone-containing moiety. The new compounds all retained high relative binding affinity (RBA) for the ERα-LBD, ranging from 13–83% that of estradiol. No subtype selectivity was observed. More importantly, the transition from agonist to antagonist activity occurs at the 4-methoxy stage where the compound is a mixed antagonist. More notably, antagonism appeared to be more dependent upon the size of the 11β-substituent than upon the nature of the terminal groupConclusionsWe have developed a synthetic strategy that provides facile access to potent 11β-(4-substituted phenyl) estradiol analogs. The resultant compounds retain high affinity for the ERα-LBD and, more importantly, demonstrate potent antagonist activity in cells. Large functionalities distal to the 11β-phenyl ring had little additional effect on either affinity or efficacy, suggesting the incorporation of diverse imaging or biologically active groups can be attached without significantly compromising the ER-binding capacity. Future studies are in progress to exploit the 11β-aryl estradiol analogs as potential drug delivery systems and imaging agents.     

Total synthesis of 0231B,an inhibitor of 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase produced by Streptomyces sp. HKI0231

The new inhibitors of 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 0231A 1 and 0231B 2, have a unique benz[c,d]indol-3(1H)-one structure in their molecules. In our advanced studies on indole chemistry, we have developed an efficient synthetic method for benz[c,d]indol-3(1H)-one derivatives. We report here its application to the synthesis of 0231B in 10 steps (8.1% overall yield) from 6-methylindole 8 by introducing an acyl group into the 3-position of the indole nucleus, cyclization of the side chain at the 3-position to the 4-position and subsequent elimination of the phenyl group, and conjugate addition of the substituted phenyl group.     

Efficient synthesis of novel glutamate homologues and investigation of their affinity and selectivity profile at ionotropic glutamate receptors

A convenient synthesis of four new enantiomerically pure acidic amino acids is reported and their affinity at ionotropic glutamate receptors was determined. The new compounds are higher homologues of glutamic acid in which the molecular complexity has been increased by introducing an aromatic/heteroaromatic ring, that is a phenyl or a thiophene ring, that could give additional electronic interactions with the receptors. The results of the present investigation indicate that the insertion of an aromatic/heteroaromatic ring into the amino acid skeleton of glutamate higher homologues is well tolerated and this modification could be exploited to generate a new class of NMDA antagonists.     

DELAYED PLUMAGE MATURATION IN PASSERINE BIRDS: RELIABLE SIGNALING BY SUBORDINATE MALES?

Three hypotheses (Cryptic, Female Mimicry, and Winter Adaptation) have been proposed to explain the occurrence of delayed plumage maturation (DPM) in passerine birds. We show that each of these hypotheses is really a composite of two different questions about: 1) the proximate function of dull plumage in second year (SY) males and 2) the selective mechanism that has favored that proximate function. We review the three hypotheses in the context of this distinction, and we find little evidence clearly supporting any of them. We propose a new Status Signaling Hypothesis (SSH) suggesting that dull SY male plumage is a reliable signal of subordinate. We suggest that female choice based on male plumage color (as an index of male quality) is the selective mechanism that has favored subordinate status signaling by SY males. If females prefer bright males, then dull plumage may be a reliable signal of subordinance and SY males may experience reduced levels of aggression from adult males. Male characters (like plumage color) are most likely to be the object of female choice when males defend simple nesting territories with little or no variation in territory quality. In such a system, SY males with low resource-holding potential would benefit (via matings or experience) by signaling subordinance and being allowed to settle among more brightly colored adults. Thus, DPM is expected to be more prevalent when males defend simple nesting territories. This prediction of the SSH is supported by data from the literature—a significantly higher proportion of species with DPM defend simple nesting territories (versus all-purpose territories) than do species without DPM.     

Dichroism and polarized fluorescence of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c and bacteriochlorophyll a dissolved in liquid crystals

Three photosynthetic pigments were studied: chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c and bacteriochlorcphyll a in nematic liquid crystal matrixes. The polarized absorption and fluorescence spectra as a function of the electric field have been measured. From the polarized components of the absorption A( parallel) and A( perpendicular) of the pigments in liquid crystals two reduced components A(x) and A(y) are calculated (x and y are the direction of the axis which is going through the second, fourth pyrrol rings, and the first, third rings, respectively). From these results the orientation of chlorophylls in liquid crystals and the configuration of the transition moments in the skeleton of the pigment molecules were determined.     

New synthetic analogues of N-acyl homoserine lactones as agonists or antagonists of transcriptional regulators involved in bacterial quorum sensing

A series of 22 novel synthetic N-acyl-homoserine lactone analogues has been evaluated for both their inducing activity and their ability to competitively inhibit the action of 3-oxo-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone, the natural inducer of bioluminescence in the bacterium Vibrio fischeri. In the newly synthesized analogues, the extremity of the acyl chain was modified by introducing ramified alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl substituents at the C-4 position. Most of the analogues bearing either acyclic or cyclic alkyl substituents showed inducing activity. In contrast, the phenyl substituted analogues displayed significant antagonist activity. We hypothesized that the antagonist activity of the phenyl compounds may result from the interaction between the aryl group and aromatic amino acids of the LuxR receptor, preventing it from adopting the active dimeric form.     

Synthesis and structure–activity relationships of 1-benzylindane derivatives as selective agonists for estrogen receptor beta

The estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) selective agonist is considered a promising candidate for the treatment of estrogen deficiency symptoms in ERβ-expressing tissues, without the risk of breast cancer, and multiple classes of compounds have been reported as ERβ selective agonists. Among them, 6-6 bicyclic ring-containing structures (e.g., isoflavone phytoestrogens) are regarded as one of the cyclized analogues of isobutestrol 5b, and suggest that other cyclized scaffolds comprising 5-6 bicyclic rings could also act as selective ERβ ligands. In this study, we evaluated the selective ERβ agonistic activity of 1-(4-hydroxybenzyl)indan-5-ol 7a and studied structure–activity relationship (SAR) of its derivatives. Some functional groups improved the properties of 7a; introduction of a nitrile group on the indane-1-position resulted in higher selectivity for ERβ (12a), and further substitution with a fluoro or a methyl group to the pendant phenyl ring was also preferable (12b, d, and e). Subsequent chiral resolution of 12a identified that R-12a has a superior profile over S-12a. This is comparable to diarylpropionitrile (DPN) 5c, one of the promising selective ERβ agonists and indicates that this indane-based scaffold has the potential to provide better ERβ agonistic probes.     

A soft origin for a forceful bite: motor patterns of the feeding musculature in Atlantic hagfish,Myxine glutinosa

Despite lacking jaws and substantial rigid support for feeding muscles, hagfishes can forcefully grasp and ingest chunks of flesh from their prey. When feeding, bilaterally folding dental plates protrude from the mouth, then forcefully retract. This cyclic protraction and retraction occurs in the anterior region of the hagfish feeding apparatus (HFA) and involves both a cartilaginous skeleton and a complex array of muscles that act as a hydrostat. We recorded motor patterns from the largest muscles in the HFA in six specimens of Myxine glutinosa: the deep protractor muscle (DPM), clavatus muscle (CM), perpendicularis muscle (PM), and tubulatus muscle (TM). Individuals normally used four gape cycles to ingest food and four gape cycles to intraorally transport food. We measured burst duration from each muscle and the onsets of kinematic events and the onsets of CM, PM, and TM bursts relative to the onset of the DPM. The DPM fired during protraction, while the CM, PM and TM fired during retraction. Our study corroborates our anatomical predictions about DPM and CM function. Activation of the circumferentially and vertically oriented fibers of the TM and PM stiffens the origin of the CM, allowing it to forcefully retract the dental plates. The progressive decrease in retractor muscle activity during gape cycles following ingestion suggests a reliance on passive properties of the musculoskeletal system for retraction.     

Synthesis of atropisomeric 1-phenylpyrrole-derived amino alcohols: new chiral ligands

An efficient synthetic method has been developed for the preparation of a new family of atropisomeric amino alcohols with 1-phenylpyrrole backbone. The synthesis is based on the different reactivities of the two carboxylic groups in optically active 1-[2-carboxy-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (1). The chemical structures of the key intermediates were confirmed by spectroscopic methods and single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. The very first application of a new optically active amino alcohol as catalyst for the enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde demonstrated the practical usefulness of atropisomeric compounds in which there are six-atom chains between the two functional groups.     

Synthesis and evaluation of a series of homologues of lobelane at the vesicular monoamine transporter-2

A series of lobelane homologues has been synthesized and evaluated for their [(3)H]DTBZ binding affinity at the vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2). The structure-activity relationships (SAR) indicate that for retention of binding affinity at VMAT2, the lengths of the methylene linkers should be no shorter than one methylene unit at C-6 of the piperidine ring, and no shorter than two methylene units at C-2 of the piperidine ring. These results indicate that the intramolecular distances between the piperidine ring and two phenyl rings in lobelane analogues are an important criterion for retention of high affinity at VMAT2.     

Synthesis of thiazole-based substituted piperidinone oximes: Profiling of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity

The synthesis of novel thiazole-based piperidinone oximes and screening of their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity are described. The obtained results revealed that the electronic effects of active substituents at C-4 terminals of phenyl rings on either side of piperidinone skeleton, as well as at 2-hydrazinyl thiazole, played a major role in development of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Antioxidant activity seems to be based also on radical dissipating ability of the thiazole ring. The nucleophilic character of sulfur in thiazole and lipophilic nature of piperidinone skeleton substantially influenced the observed antimicrobial activity of thiazole-based piperidinone oximes. Among the synthesized compounds, 2,6-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-methylpiperidin-4-one O-(2-(2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)hydrazinyl)thiazol-4-yl) oxime exhibited excellent antioxidant activity whereas compound 2,6-bis(4-chloro phenyl)-1-methylpiperidin-4-one O-(2-(2-(4-nitrobenzylidene)hydrazinyl)thiazol-4-yl)oxime emerged as an outstanding antimicrobial agent.