ATP synthase: structure-function relationships.

Recent work has focused on obtaining a better understanding of the three-dimensional structural relationships between the alpha and beta subunits of the F1 moiety and the location of nucleotide binding domains within these subunits. Four types of approach are currently being pursued: X-ray crystallographic, chemical, molecular biological and biochemical. Here we briefly review some of the major conclusions of these studies, and point out some of the problems that must be resolved before an adequate model that relates structure to function in the ATP synthase molecule can be formulated.     

Interleukin-6: structure-function relationships.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a central role in host defense due to its wide range of immune and hematopoietic activities and its potent ability to induce the acute phase response. Overexpression of IL-6 has been implicated in the pathology of a number of diseases including multiple myeloma, rheumatoid arthritis, Castleman's disease, psoriasis, and post-menopausal osteoporosis. Hence, selective antagonists of IL-6 action may offer therapeutic benefits. IL-6 is a member of the family of cytokines that includes interleukin-11, leukemia inhibitory factor, oncostatin M, cardiotrophin-1, and ciliary neurotrophic factor. Like the other members of this family, IL-6 induces growth or differentiation via a receptor-system that involves a specific receptor and the use of a shared signaling subunit, gp130. Identification of the regions of IL-6 that are involved in the interactions with the IL-6 receptor, and gp130 is an important first step in the rational manipulation of the effects of this cytokine for therapeutic benefit. In this review, we focus on the sites on IL-6 which interact with its low-affinity specific receptor, the IL-6 receptor, and the high-affinity converter gp130. A tentative model for the IL-6 hexameric receptor ligand complex is presented and discussed with respect to the mechanism of action of the other members of the IL-6 family of cytokines.     

Discovery of triazolinone non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase

Novel non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV-RT that contain pyridazinone isosteres were prepared, and a series of triazolinones were found to be potent inhibitors of HIV replication. These compounds were active against several NNRTI-resistant virus strains. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that inhibitor 7e has good bioavailability in rats. Several fragments of inhibitor 7c were prepared, and the binding of these compounds to HIV-RT was analyzed by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy.     

Modified dinucleoside tetraphosphonates, new potential inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase

New gamma-substituted analogues of dNTP were synthesized and their enzymatic stability and antiviral properties were evaluated.