6-c-β-d-glucopyranosyl-8-c-β-d-galactopyranosylapigenin from cerastium arvense

The new C-glycosyiflavone, 6-C-β-d-glucopyranosyl-8-C-β-d-galactopyranosylapigenin, has been isolated from Cerastium arvense and identified on the basis of UV, MS and ¹³C NMR spectral data and comparison with the product obtained from 6-C-galactosylation of vitexin.     

Characterization of Labeled Residues from 5-Diazouracil-2-C Incorporated into Ribonucleic Acids of Filamentous Escherichia coli

E. coli B, filamented with 5-diazouracil (DZU)-2-¹⁴C, yielded ribonucleic acid (RNA)-(DZU-2-¹⁴C) which was converted by pancreatic ribonuclease to ¹⁴C-mono-and oligo-nucleotides. The mixed ¹⁴C-mononucleotides isolated by diethylaminoethyl-cellulose fractionation were identified as cytidylic, uridylic, and hydroxyuridylic acids, by using a combination of paper chromatography and treatment with alkaline phosphatase and cytidine deaminase. Rifampin blocked incorporation of DZU-2-¹⁴C under conditions which inhibit RNA synthesis. Division inhibition by DZU-2-¹⁴C and the incorporation into Escherichia coli B were retarded by uracil but not by other RNA bases. In a pyrimidine-requiring E. coli, DZU substituted for uracil or cytosine to an extent limited by toxic effects. Cytosine and uracil retarded these effects and retarded the incorporation of DZU-2-¹⁴C into the pyrimidineless strain. A small proportion of DZU-2-¹⁴C was converted by the latter strain into hydroxyuridylic acid, but the bulk of the incorporated label was in cytidylic and uridylic acid, as in the wild strain.     

Synthesis and properties of 3′-C-methylnucleosides and their phosphoric esters

3′-C-Methyluridine and 3′-C-methylcytidine were synthesized in 11 steps starting from d-glucose. The conformation of 3′-C-methylnucleosides was studied in solution and in the crystal by using the techniques of c.d., ¹H-n.m.r. spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. 3′-C-Methyluridine 2′,3′-cyclophosphate was prepared, and its hydrolysis with nucleases was studied. 3′-C-Methyluridine 5′- mono- and 5′-tri-phosphate were also synthesized.     

Synthesis of branched-chain,pyrrolidino-sugar derivatives related to apiose

3-C-(Acetamidomethyl)-1,2-O-isopropylidene-β-l-threofuranose (4) and the 3-acetate (5) have been prepared in high yields from mono-O-isopropylidene-d-apiose [3-C-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-O-isopropylidene-β-l-threofuranose] (1). Acid-catalyzed methanolysis of 4 caused migration of the isopropylidene group and the formation of methyl 4-acetamido-4-deoxy-3-C-(hydroxymethyl)-2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-erythrofuranoside (8) in 25% yield. The major product (45%) from the acetolysis of 4 was also a pyrrolidine derivative, namely, 4-acetamido-3-C-(acetoxymethyl)-1-O-acetyl-4-deoxy-2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-erythrofuranose (10). Acetolysis of 5 removed the isopropylidene group and gave four acetylated pyrrolidines (isomeric at C-1 and C-2). Conditions which resulted in minimal epimerization at C-2 were established, and the major isomers 12 and 13 were isolated in reasonable yields. ¹H- and ¹³C-n.m.r. data for equilibrium solutions of the pyrrolidines, and for intermediates 1-5, are given.     

Synthesis of 1,2,4-tri-O-acetyl-5-deoxy-5-C-[(R and S)-methoxy-phosphinyl]-3-O-methyl-α- and -β- d-xylopyranose,and their structural analysis by 400-MHz,proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

5-Deoxy-5-iodo-1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-O-methyl-α- d-xylofuranose, prepared quantitatively from its 5-Op-tolylsulfonyl precursor, readily gave the 5-C-(diethoxy-phosphinyl) derivative. Treatment of this compound with sodium dihydrobis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminate, followed by hydrogen peroxide, mineral acid, and hydrogen peroxide, yielded 5-deoxy-5-C-(hydroxyphosphinyl)-3-O-methyl-α,β- d-xylopyranoses in 65% overall yield. The structures of these sugar analogs were effectively established on the basis of the mass and 400-MHz, ¹H-n.m.r. spectra of the four title compounds, derived by treatment with diazomethane and then acetic anhydride in pyridine. 5-C-[(S)-(1-Acetoxyethenyl)phosphino]-1,2,4-tri-O-acetyl-5-deoxy-3-O-methyl-β- d-xylopyranose was also isolated and characterized.     

Flavone di-C-glycosides from Scutellaria baicalensis

From the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis two new di-C-glycosylflavones have been isolated. Their structures have been established on the basis of mass, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy as chrysin 6-C-glucoside-8-C-arabinoside and chrysin 6-C-arabinoside-8-C-glucoside.     

Synthesis of anomeric sulfonamides and their behaviour under radical-mediated bromination conditions

O-Peracetylated methyl 3-(d-glycopyranosylthio)propanoates of β-d-gluco, and α- and β-d-galacto configurations were oxidized to the corresponding S,S-dioxides (sulfones) by Oxone^® or MCPBA. Oxidation of the β-d-gluco derivative with H₂O₂/Na₂WO₄ gave the corresponding S-oxide (sulfoxide). DBU-induced elimination of methyl acrylate from the β-d-gluco and β-d-galacto configured S,S-dioxides (sulfones) gave O-peracetylated β-d-glycopyranosyl-1-C-sulfinates which, on treatment with H₂NOSO₃H, furnished the corresponding β-d-glycopyranosyl-1-C-sulfonamides. Radical-mediated bromination of the protected methyl 3-(β-d-glycopyranosylthio)propanoate S,S-dioxides gave mixtures of 1-C- and 5-C-bromoglycosyl compounds. Similar brominations of the O-peracetylated β-d-glycopyranosyl-1-C-sulfonamides resulted in the formation of α-d-glycopyranosyl bromides and 1-C- and 5-C-bromoglycosyl sulfonamides. A rationale for these observations was proposed. Methyl 3-(β-d-glucopyranosylthio)propanoate, its S,S-dioxide, and β-d-glucopyranosyl-1-C-sulfonamide proved inefficient when tested as inhibitors of rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase b.     

The stereochemistry of biosynthesis of decaprenoxanthin in a cell-free system

Intact cells of Flavobacterium dehydrogenans grown on glucose or acetate did not incorporate mevalonic acid-[¹⁴C]. After treatment with lysozyme the protoplasts were lysed by sonication in a dilute medium containing mevalonic acid-[¹⁴C] and the cell-free system produced incorporated label into uncyclized C₄₀, monocyclic C₄₅ and bicyclic C₅₀ carotenoids of which decaprenoxanthin was the most abundant.With mevalonate-[2-¹⁴C,4R-4-³H₁] the ¹⁴C:³H ratios of the carotenoids showed that the hydrogen atoms at C-2 and C-6 of the ring and that at C-3 of the 1-hydroxy, 2-methyl but-2-ene-4-yl residues of decaprenoxanthin were derived from the 4-pro-R hydrogen atom of mevalonic acid.Mevalonate-[2-¹⁴C,2R-2-³H₁] and mevalonate-[2-¹⁴C,2S-2-³H₁] gave ratios which showed that the C-4 hydrogen atoms of decaprenoxanthin were derived from the 2-pro-S hydrogen atom of mevalonic acid.     

C-4′-Branched-chain sugar nucleosides: synthesis of isomers of psicofuranine

Photoamidation of 3-O-acetyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-erythro-hex-3-enofuranose (1) afforded 3-O-acetyl-4-C-carbamoyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-gulofuranose (2) and 3-O-acetyl-3-C-carbamoyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-d-α-allofuranose (3) in 65 and 26% yields, respectively (based on consumed1). Treatment of2 with 5% hydrochloric acid in methanol yielded the spiro lactone5, which was deacetylated to yield7. Reduction of5 with sodium borohydride afforded 4-C-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-gulofuranose (9) in 79% yield. Oxidation of9 with sodium metaperiodate afforded a dialdose that was reduced with sodium borohydride to give 4-C-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-erythro-pentofuranose (11) in 88% yield. Treatment of the acetate12, derived from11, with trifluoroacetic acid, followed by acetylation, afforded the branched-chain sugar acetate14. Condensation of the glycosyl halide derived from14 withN⁶-benzoyl-N⁶, 9-bis-(trimethylsilyl)adenine yielded an equimolar anomeric mixture of protected nucleosides15 and16 in 40% yield. Treatment of the latter compounds with sodium methoxide in methanol afforded 9-[4-C-(hydroxymethyl)-β-d-erythro-pentofuranosyl]-adenine (17) and the α-d anomer18. The structure of3 was determined by correlation with the known 5,3′-hemiacetal of 3-C-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α,α′-d-ribo-pentodialdose (25).     

Synthesis of a 6-c-nitro-d-glucopyranose derivative having phosphorus in the hemiacetal ring

5,6-Dideoxy-6-C-nitro-5-(phenylphosphino)-d-glucopyranose was prepared by addition of phenylphosphine to 3-O-acetyl-5,6-dideoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-6-C-nitro-α-d-xylo-hex-5-enofuranose, followed by hydrolysis of the resulting 3-O-acetyl-5,6-dideoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-6-C-nitro-5-(phenylphosphino)-d-glucofuranose (10). Acetylation of 10 gave the crystalline 1,2,3,4-tetraacetate (16). 5,6-Dideoxy-6-C-nitro-5-(phenylphosphinyl)-d-glucopyranose (15) was obtained by oxidation of 10, and hydrolysis of the resulting 5-phenylphosphinyl compound. Acetylation of 15 gave the 1,2,3,4-tetraacetate (17). Although the n.m.r. spectrum of 17 was complex, the n.m.r. spectrum of 16 was rather simple. The n.m.r. data showed that 16 is the α anomer in the ⁴C₁(d) conformation.     

Nouvelles C-glycosylflavones extraites de Spergularia rubra

Three 6,8-di-C-glucosylflavones: 6,8-di-C-β-d-glucopyranosylapigenin, luteolin and chrysoeriol were isolated from the whole plant of Spergularia rubra. Two new compounds, 7,2″-di-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-6-C-α-l-arabinopyranosylapigenin and 6-C-α-l-arabinopyranosylapigenin (isomollupentin), were also characterized. Structural assignments were based on ¹H NMR and MS spectra and on comparison with synthetic samples. MS fragmentation patterns of the new di-O-glucosyl compound PM derivative and of its acid hydrolysis product are given.     

Non-oxidative and oxidative alkaline degradation of pectic acid

As alkaline degradation products of pectic acid, 6 hydroxymonocarboxylic, 16 dicarboxylic, and 2 tricarboxylic acids were identified by g.l.c.-m.s. as their trimethylsilyl derivatives. In the absence of oxygen, the most abundant degradation products are 3-deoxy-2-C-(hydroxymethyl)pentaric, 2,3-dideoxypentaric, 2-deoxy-3-C-methyltetraric, malic, and 2¹,4-anhydro-3-deoxy-2-C-(hydroxymethyl)pentaric acids, whereas, in the presence of oxygen, glycolic, oxalic, malic, 3-deoxypentaric, and 2-C-carboxy-3-deoxypentaric acids preponderate. The routes of formation of these acids show many similarities with those encountered in the alkaline degradation of cellulose.     

Interaction between the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Gluconeogenesis from Glycerol in the Liver

After exposure to [U-¹³C₃]glycerol, the liver produces primarily [1,2,3-¹³C₃]- and [4,5,6-¹³C₃]glucose in equal proportions through gluconeogenesis from the level of trioses. Other ¹³C-labeling patterns occur as a consequence of alternative pathways for glucose production. The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), metabolism in the citric acid cycle, incomplete equilibration by triose phosphate isomerase, or the transaldolase reaction all interact to produce complex ¹³C-labeling patterns in exported glucose. Here, we investigated ¹³C labeling in plasma glucose in rats given [U-¹³C₃]glycerol under various nutritional conditions. Blood was drawn at multiple time points to extract glucose for NMR analysis. Because the transaldolase reaction and incomplete equilibrium by triose phosphate isomerase cannot break a ¹³C-¹³C bond within the trioses contributing to glucose, the appearance of [1,2-¹³C₂]-, [2,3-¹³C₂]-, [5,6-¹³C₂]-, and [4,5-¹³C₂]glucose provides direct evidence for metabolism of glycerol in the citric acid cycle or the PPP but not an influence of either triose phosphate isomerase or the transaldolase reaction. In all animals, [1,2-¹³C₂]glucose/[2,3-¹³C₂]glucose was significantly greater than [5,6-¹³C₂]glucose/[4,5-¹³C₂]glucose, a relationship that can only arise from gluconeogenesis followed by passage of substrates through the PPP. In summary, the hepatic PPP in vivo can be detected by ¹³C distribution in blood glucose after [U-¹³C₃]glycerol administration.     

New syntheses of 2′-C-methylnucleosides starting from d-glucose and d-ribose

Effective general methods have been developed for the synthesis of 2′-C-methylnucleosides starting from d-glucose and d-ribose. 3-O-benzyl-1,2-O-isopropylidene-3-C-methyl-α-d-allofuranose was prepared in 5 steps from d-glucose and converted into 1,2,3-tri-O-acetyl-2-C-methyl-5-O-p-methylbenzoyl-d-ribofuranose (5), the starting compound for nucleoside synthesis. Compound 5 was also synthesised from 2-C-hydroxymethyl-2,3-O-isopropylidene-5-O-trityl-d-ribofuranose, prepared in 3 steps from d-ribose. Condensation of 5 with the bis-trimethylsilyl derivatives of uracil, N⁴-benzoylcytosine, and N⁶-benzoyladenine in the presence of F₃CSO₃OSiMe₃ followed by removal of the protecting acyl groups yielded the corresponding 2′-C-methylnucleosides.     

Biosynthetic relations between protoberberine-, benzo(C)phenanthridine- and B-secoprotoberberine type alkaloids in Corydalis incisa

The biosynthetic relations between protoberberine-, benzo[C]phenanthridine- and B-secoprotoberberine type alkaloids were demonstrated by use of (±)-tetrahydrocoptisine-[8,14-³H HCl, (±)-tetrahydrocorysamine-[8,14-³H]HCl and corynoline-[6-³H]HCl in Corydalis incisa, and the following results were presented. (±)-Tetrahydrocoptisine was converted to corynoline, corydalic acid methyl ester and corydamine hydrochloride. (±)-Tetrahydrocorysamine was converted to corynoline and corydalic acid methyl ester. Evidence that N-methyl-3-[6′-(3′,4′-methylenedioxyphenethylalcohol)]-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-[α-³H] HCl was incorporated into corynoline-[11-³H] indicates the occurrence of the ring fission at C₆-N followed by linking ofthe C₆ and C₁₃ positions in (±)-tetrahydrocoptisine and (±)-tetrahydrocorysamine, and suggests the participation of one of two possible intermediates in the biosynthesis of these alkaloids.     

Biosynthesis of C(20) and C(22) Fatty Acids by Developing Seeds of Limnanthes alba: CHAIN ELONGATION AND Delta5 DESATURATION

The storage triacylglycerols of meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) seeds are composed essentially of C₂₀ and C₂₂ fatty acids, which contain an unusual Δ5 double bond. When [1-¹⁴C]acetate was incubated with developing seed slices, ¹⁴C-labeled fatty acids were synthesized with a distribution similar to the endogenous fatty acid profile. The major labeled product was cis-5-eicosenoate, with smaller amounts of palmitate, stearate, oleate, cis-5-octadecenoate, eicosanoate, cis-11-eicosenoate, docosanoate, cis-5-docosenoate, cis-13-docosenoate, and cis-5,cis-13-docosadienoate. The label from [¹⁴C]acetate and [¹⁴C]malonate was used preferentially for the elongation of endogenous oleate to produce cis-[¹⁴C]11-eicosenoate, cis-13-[¹⁴C]docosenoate, and cis-5,cis-13-[¹⁴C]docosadienoate and for the elongation of endogenous palmitate to produce the remaining C₂₀ and C₂₂ acyl species. The Δ5 desaturation of the preformed acyl chain and chain elongation of oleate and palmitate were demonstrated in vivo by incubation of the appropriate 1-¹⁴C-labeled free fatty acids. Using [1-¹⁴C]acyl-CoA thioesters as substrates, these enzyme activities were also demonstrated in vitro with a cell-free homogenate.     

CD47 Promotes Protective Innate and Adaptive Immunity in a Mouse Model of Disseminated Candidiasis

CD47 is a widely expressed receptor that regulates immunity by engaging its counter-receptor SIRPα on phagocytes and its secreted ligand thrombospondin-1. Mice lacking CD47 can exhibit enhanced or impaired host responses to bacterial pathogens, but its role in fungal immunity has not been examined. cd47^-/- mice on a C57BL/6 background showed significantly increased morbidity and mortality following Candida albicans infection when compared with wild-type mice. Despite normal fungal colonization at earlier times, cd47^-/- mice at four days post-infection had increased colonization of brain and kidneys accompanied by stronger inflammatory reactions. Neutrophil and macrophage numbers were significantly elevated in kidneys and neutrophils in the brains of infected cd47^-/- mice. However, no defect in phagocytic activity towards C. albicans was observed in cd47^-/- bone-marrow-derived macrophages, and neutrophil and macrophage killing of C. albicans was not impaired. CD47-deficiency did not alter the early humoral immune response to C. albicans. Th1, Th2, and Th17 population of CD4⁺ T cells were expanded in the spleen, and gene expression profiles of spleen and kidney showed stronger pro-inflammatory signaling in infected cd47^-/- mice. The chemoattractant chemokines MIP-2α and MIP-2β were highly expressed in infected spleens of cd47^-/- mice. G-CSF, GM-CSF, and the inflammasome component NLRP3 were more highly expressed in infected cd47^-/- kidneys than in infected wild-type controls. Circulating pro- (TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were significantly elevated, but IL-17 was decreased. These data indicate that CD47 plays protective roles against disseminated candidiasis and alters pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive pathways known to regulate innate and T cell immunity.     

Divergent Metabolic Pathways for Propane and Propionate Utilization by a Soil Isolate

The metabolism of propane and propionate by a soil isolate (Brevibacterium sp. strain JOB5) was investigated. The presence of isocitrate lyase in cells grown on isopropanol, acetate, or propane and the absence of this inducible enzyme in n-propanol- and propionate-grown cells suggested that propane is not metabolized via C-terminal oxidation. Methylmalonyl coenzyme A mutase and malate synthase are constitutive in this organism. The incorporation of ¹⁴CO₂ into pyruvate accumulated during propionate utilization suggests that propionate is metabolized via the methyl-malonyl-succinate pathway. These results were further substantiated by radiorespirometric studies with propionate-1-¹⁴C, -2-¹⁴C, and -3-¹⁴C as substrate. Propane -2-¹⁴C was shown, by unlabeled competitor experiments, to be oxidized to acetone; acetone and isopropanol are oxidized in this organism to acetol. Cleavage of acetol to acetate and CO₂ would yield the inducer for the isocitrate lyase present in propane-grown cells.     

Alkaline decomposition of d-xylose-1-C, d-glucose-1-C, and d-glucose-6-C

The distribution of radioactivity in the three- and four-carbon saccharinic acids, lactic acid and 2,4-dihydroxybutyric acid, obtained from d-xylose-1-¹⁴C, d-glucose-1-¹⁴C, and d-glucose-6-¹⁴C, was measured. The relative importance of the various mechanisms for forming 2,4-dihydroxybutyric acid was determined. Recombination of two-carbon fragments was found to be an important mechanism at the high alkalinity and temperature employed.     

Novel antifungal α-hairpinin peptide from Stellaria media seeds: structure, biosynthesis, gene structure and evolution

Plant defense against disease is a complex multistage system involving initial recognition of the invading pathogen, signal transduction and activation of specialized genes. An important role in pathogen deterrence belongs to so-called plant defense peptides, small polypeptide molecules that present antimicrobial properties. Using multidimensional liquid chromatography, we isolated a novel antifungal peptide named Sm-AMP-X (33 residues) from the common chickweed (Stellaria media) seeds. The peptide sequence shows no homology to any previously described proteins. The peculiar cysteine arrangement (C¹X₃C²X_nC³X₃C⁴), however, allocates Sm-AMP-X to the recently acknowledged α-hairpinin family of plant defense peptides that share the helix-loop-helix fold stabilized by two disulfide bridges C¹–C⁴ and C²–C³. Sm-AMP-X exhibits high broad-spectrum activity against fungal phytopathogens. We further showed that the N- and C-terminal “tail” regions of the peptide are important for both its structure and activity. The truncated variants Sm-AMP-X1 with both disulfide bonds preserved and Sm-AMP-X2 with only the internal S–S-bond left were progressively less active against fungi and presented largely disordered structure as opposed to the predominantly helical conformation of the full-length antifungal peptide. cDNA and gene cloning revealed that Sm-AMP-X is processed from a unique multimodular precursor protein that contains as many as 12 tandem repeats of α-hairpinin-like peptides. Structure of the sm-amp-x gene and two related pseudogenes sm-amp-x-ψ1 and sm-amp-x-ψ2 allows tracing the evolutionary scenario that led to generation of such a sophisticated precursor protein. Sm-AMP-X is a new promising candidate for engineering disease resistance in plants.