Homo-C-nucleoside analogs III. Studies on the base-catalyzed dehydrative cyclization of 4-(d-manno-pentitol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole

Treatment of 4-(d-manno-pentitol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole with one molar equivalent of 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (TIBSCl) in pyridine solution afforded the homo-C-nucleoside analog; 4-(2,5-anhydro-d-manno-pentitol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole in 54% yield and 4-(α-d-arabinopyranosyl)-2-phenyl-2H1,2,3-triazole analog in 3% yield. The 4-(5-O-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl)-d-manno-pentitol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole analog was isolated as an intermediate and identified as its tetra-O-acetyl derivative. The 4-(5-chloro-5-deoxy-d-manno-pentitol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole analog was isolated as a byproduct. The structure and anomeric configuration of the products were determined by acylation, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel 1,4,5-triphenyl-1<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-imidazol-[1,2,3]-triazole derivatives

Novel 1-phenyl-4-((4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole derivatives were synthesized by click chemistry reaction and screened for antimicrobial activity against grampositive and gram-negative bacterial and fungal species. All the compounds were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, IR, and mass spectral data. The results of antibacterial study indicated that 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-4-((4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole, 1-(4-(4-((4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)ethanone, 1-(2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-((4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole, and 1-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-4-((4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole showed appreciable antibacterial activity while 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-((4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy) methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole, 1-(2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4-((4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole, and 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-((4-(1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole emerged as the most potential antifungal agents.     

Electrogenic and nonelectrogenic ion fluxes across lipid and mitochondrial membranes mediated by monensin and monensin ethyl ester

Monensin is a carrier of cations through lipid membranes capable of exchanging sodium (potassium) cations for protons by an electroneutral mechanism, whereas its ethyl ester derivative ethyl-monensin is supposed to transport sodium (potassium) cations in an electrogenic manner. To elucidate mechanistic details of the ionophoric activity, ion fluxes mediated by monensin and ethyl-monensin were measured on planar bilayer lipid membranes, liposomes, and mitochondria. In particular, generation of membrane potential on liposomes was studied via the measurements of rhodamine 6G uptake by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. In mitochondria, swelling experiments were expounded by the additional measurements of respiration, membrane potential, and matrix pH. It can be concluded that both monensin and ethyl-monensin can perform nonelectrogenic exchange of potassium (sodium) ions for protons and serve as electrogenic potassium ion carriers similar to valinomycin. The results obtained are in line with the predictions based on the crystal structures of the monensin complexes with sodium ions and protons (Huczyński et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1818 (2012) pp. 2108–2119). The functional activity observed for artificial membranes and mitochondria can be applied to explain the activity of ionophores in living systems. It can also be important for studying the antitumor activity of monensin.     

Cyanide-resistant electron transport in sporulating Bacillus megaterium KM

The NADH oxidase activity of stage V mother-cell membranes, isolated from sporulating Bacillus megaterium KM, shows a greater inhibition by cyanide and displays this response at lower concentrations of cyanide than the stage V forespore inner membrane. Comparison of the effects of various respiratory inhibitors reveals that the difference in cyanide sensitivity between these membranes is located on the oxidase side of the 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide-sensitive step. Both membranes contain cytochromes a+a₃, b-562, b-555, c and d, with three potential oxidases: cytochromes a+a₃, o and d. Cyanide difference spectra suggest that cytochromes b-562 and d may be the components involved in the cyanide-resistant electron transport pathway. Membrane ascorbate-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylphenylenediamine and ascorbate 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol oxidase activities are highly sensitive to cyanide. Evidence is presented for terminal branching of the respiratory chain with branches differing in cyanide sensitivity. The cyanide sensitivity of the NADH oxidase of membranes prepared from various stages of sporulation is compared. Morphogenesis of the mother-cell plasma membrane to a cyanide-sensitive form during stages II and III of sporulation is postulated.     

Intramitochondrial phospholipid trafficking

Mitochondrial functions and architecture rely on a defined lipid composition of their outer and inner membranes, which are characterized by a high content of non-bilayer phospholipids such as cardiolipin (CL) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Mitochondrial membrane lipids are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or within mitochondria from ER-derived precursor lipids, are asymmetrically distributed within mitochondria and can relocate in response to cellular stress. Maintenance of lipid homeostasis thus requires multiple lipid transport processes to be orchestrated within mitochondria. Recent findings identified members of the Ups/PRELI family as specific lipid transfer proteins in mitochondria that shuttle phospholipids between mitochondrial membranes. They cooperate with membrane organizing proteins that preserve the spatial organization of mitochondrial membranes and the formation of membrane contact sites, unravelling an intimate crosstalk of membrane lipid transport and homeostasis with the structural organization of mitochondria.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Lipids of Mitochondria edited by Guenther Daum.     

Effect of Melafen on functional efficiency of mitochondrial membranes from sugar beet taproots

Mitochondria were isolated from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) taproots and incubated in the presence of low concentrations of Melafen (2 × 10^?9 and 4 × 10^?12 M). This treatment of mitochondrial membranes induced an appreciable decrease in microviscosity of superficial lipids in the lipid bilayer and a parallel increase in microviscosity of the deeply immersed lipid regions adjacent to membrane proteins. Melafen had no effect on fluorescence of lipid peroxidation products in membranes of freshly prepared mitochondria but declined this fluorescence to control values in artificially aged mitochondria. Melafen raised the maximum rates for oxidation of NAD-dependent substrates, elevated the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation, and activated electron transport in the terminal (cytochrome oxidase) step of mitochondrial respiratory chain, which implies the activation of energy metabolism within the cell. The acceleration of electron transport through the terminal step of mitochondrial respiratory chain was apparently accompanied by retardation of lipid peroxidation, which prevented impairment of mitochondrial membranes under stress conditions. A proposal is put forward that some properties of Melafen are favorable for adaptogenesis because its effects on mitochondrial energy metabolism depended on the functional state of mitochondria.     

Efficiency of mitochondrial uncoupling by modified butyltriphenylphosphonium cations and fatty acids correlates with lipophilicity of cations: Protonophoric vs leakage mechanisms

In order to determine the share of protonophoric activity in the uncoupling action of lipophilic cations a number of analogues of butyltriphenylphosphonium with substitutions in phenyl rings (C₄TPP-X) were studied on isolated rat liver mitochondria and model lipid membranes. An increase in the rate of respiration and a decrease in the membrane potential of isolated mitochondria were observed for all the studied cations, the efficiency of these processes was significantly enhanced in the presence of fatty acids and correlated with the octanol-water partition coefficient of the cations. The ability of C₄TPP-X cations to induce proton transport across the lipid membrane of liposomes loaded with a pH-sensitive fluorescent dye increased also with their lipophilicity and depended on the presence of palmitic acid in the liposome membrane. Of all the cations, only butyl[tri(3,5-dimethylphenyl)]phosphonium (C₄TPP-diMe) was able to induce proton transport by the mechanism of formation of a cation-fatty acid ion pair on planar bilayer lipid membranes and liposomes. The rate of oxygen consumption by mitochondria in the presence of C₄TPP-diMe increased to the maximum values corresponding to conventional uncouplers; for all other cations the maximum uncoupling rates were significantly lower. We assume that the studied cations of the C₄TPP-X series, with the exception of C₄TPP-diMe at low concentrations, cause nonspecific leak of ions through lipid model and biological membranes which is significantly enhanced in the presence of fatty acids.     

Studies on epimeric D-xylo-and D-lyxo-tetritol-1-yl-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazoles. Synthesis and anomeric configuration of 4-(alpha-and beta-D-threofuranosyl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole C-nucleoside analogs

Treatment of 4-(D-xylo-tetritol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole (1) with one mole equivalent of tosyl chloride in pyridine solution, afforded the C-nucleoside analog; 4-(beta-D-threofuranosyl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole (2) in 55% yield, as well as the byproduct 4-(4-chloro-4-deoxy-D-xylo-tetritol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazo le (4). Treatment of the epimeric 4-(D-lyxo-tetritol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole (6) with tosyl chloride in pyridine solution afforded the anomeric C-nucleoside analog; 4-(alpha-D-threofuranosyl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole (7) in 29% yield, as well as the byproduct 4-(4-chloro-4-deoxy-D-lyxo-tetritol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3- triazole (9). Similar treatment of 1 and 6 with trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride in pyridine solution afforded 2 and 7, respectively. The structure and anomeric configuration of these compounds were determined by acetylation, NMR, NOE, and circular dichroism spectroscopy, as well as mass spectrometry.     

Studies on Epimeric D-xylo-and D-lyxo-Tetritol-yl-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazoles. Synthesis and Anomeric Configuration of 4-(α- and β-D-Threofuranosyl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole C-Nucleoside Analogs

Abstract

Treatment of 4-(D-xylo-tetritol-1-y1)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole (1) with one mole equivalent of tosyl chloride in pyridine solution, afforded the C-nucleoside analog; 4-(β-D-threofuranosyl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole (2) in 55% yield, as well as the byproduct 4-(4-chloro-4-deoxy-D-xylo-tetritol-1-y1)-2-pheny1-2 H-1,2,3-triazole (4). Treatment of the epimeric 4-(D-lyxo-tetritol-1-y1)-2-pheny1-2H-1,2,3-triazole (6) with tosyl chloride in pyridine solution afforded the anomeric C-nucleoside analog; 4-(δ-D-threofuranosy1)-2-pheny1-2H-1,2,3-triazole (7) in 29% yield, as well as the byproduct 4-(4-chloro-4-deoxy-D-lyxo-tetritol-1-y1)-2-pheny1-2 H-1,2,3-triazole (9). Similar treatment of 1 and 6 with trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride in pyridine solution afforded 2 and 7, respectively. The structure and anomeric configuration of these compounds were determined by acetylation, NMR, NOE, and circular dichroism spectroscopy, as well as mass spectrometry.     

A fused pyrrolidotriazole derivative from bis(ethylsulphonyl)-(2,3-O-isopropylidene-4-O-methanesulphonyl-α-D-lyxopyranosyl)methane

Reaction of bis(ethylsulphonyl)-(2,3-O-isopropylidene-4-O-methanesulphonyl-α-D-lyxopyranosyl)methane (1) with sodium azide in N,N-dimethylformamide gave 1(S)-hydroxymethyl-2(R),3(S)-isopropylidenedioxypyrrolido-[1,2-c]-4-ethylsulphonyl-1,2,3-triazole (5). The latter was identified by p.m.r. and mass spectrometry, and by degradation to, and unambiguous synthesis of, 4-ethylsulphonyl-1,2,3-triazole (17).     

Synthesis of 1H-1,2,3-triazole derivatives as new α-glucosidase inhibitors and their molecular docking studies

Inhibition of α-glucosidase is an effective strategy for controlling the post-prandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. For the identification of new inhibitors of this enzyme, a series of new (R)-1-(2-(4-bromo-2-methoxyphenoxy) propyl)-4-(4-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole derivatives were synthesized (8a–d and 10a–e). The structures were confirmed by NMR, mass spectrometry and, in case of compound 8a, by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were investigated in vitro. Most derivatives exhibited significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase enzyme. Their structure-activity relationship and molecular docking studies were performed to elucidate the active pharmacophore against this enzyme. Compound 10b was the most active analogue with IC₅₀ value of 14.2 µM, while compound 6 was found to be the least active having 218.1 µM. A preliminary structure-activity relationship suggested that the presence of 1H-1,2,3-triazole ring in 1H-1,2,3-triazole derivatives is responsible for this activity and can be used as anti-diabetic drugs. The molecular docking studies of all active compounds were performed, in order to understand the mode of binding interaction and the energy of this class of compounds.     

Roles for L o microdomains and ESCRT in ER stress-induced lipid droplet microautophagy in budding yeast

Microlipophagy (µLP), degradation of lipid droplets (LDs) by microautophagy, occurs by autophagosome-independent direct uptake of LDs at lysosomes/vacuoles in response to nutrient limitations and ER stressors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In nutrient-limited yeast, liquid-ordered (L_o) microdomains, sterol-rich raftlike regions in vacuolar membranes, are sites of membrane invagination during LD uptake. The endosome sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) is required for sterol transport during L_o formation under these conditions. However, ESCRT has been implicated in mediating membrane invagination during µLP induced by ER stressors or the diauxic shift from glycolysis- to respiration-driven growth. Here we report that ER stress induced by lipid imbalance and other stressors induces L_o microdomain formation. This process is ESCRT independent and dependent on Niemann-Pick type C sterol transfer proteins. Inhibition of ESCRT or L_o microdomain formation partially inhibits lipid imbalance-induced µLP, while inhibition of both blocks this µLP. Finally, although the ER stressors dithiothreitol or tunicamycin induce L_o microdomains, µLP in response to these stressors is ESCRT dependent and L_o microdomain independent. Our findings reveal that L_o microdomain formation is a yeast stress response, and stress-induced L_o microdomain formation occurs by stressor-specific mechanisms. Moreover, ESCRT and L_o microdomains play functionally distinct roles in LD uptake during stress-induced µLP.     

An efficient one-pot synthesis of heterocycle-fused 1,2,3-triazole derivatives as anti-cancer agents

A series of heterocycle-fused 1,2,3-triazoles were easily prepared by the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of heterocyclic ketene aminals or N,O-acetals with sodium azide and polyhalo isophthalonitriles in a one-pot reaction at room temperature without a catalyst and evaluated in vitro against a panel of human tumour cell lines. 1,3-Oxazoheterocycle fused 1,2,3-triazoles were more potent against the tumour cell lines Skov-3, HL-60, A431, A549 and HepG-2 than 1,3-diazoheterocycle fused 1,2,3-triazoles. 4-Methoxyphenyl substituted 1,3-oxazoheterocycle fused 1,2,3-triazole 6j was found to be the most potent derivative with IC₅₀ values lower than 1.9 μg/mL against A431 and K562 human tumour cell lines.     

Mitochondrial cholesterol import

All animal subcellular membranes require cholesterol, which influences membrane fluidity and permeability, fission and fusion processes, and membrane protein function. The distribution of cholesterol among subcellular membranes is highly heterogeneous and the cholesterol content of each membrane must be carefully regulated. Compared to other subcellular membranes, mitochondrial membranes are cholesterol-poor, particularly the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). As a result, steroidogenesis can be controlled through the delivery of cholesterol to the IMM, where it is converted to pregnenolone. The low basal levels of cholesterol also make mitochondria sensitive to changes in cholesterol content, which can have a relatively large impact on the biophysical and functional characteristics of mitochondrial membranes. Increased mitochondrial cholesterol levels have been observed in diverse pathological conditions including cancer, steatohepatitis, Alzheimer disease and Niemann-Pick Type C1-deficiency, and are associated with increased oxidative stress, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and changes in the susceptibility to apoptosis, among other alterations in mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are not included in the vesicular trafficking network; therefore, cholesterol transport to mitochondria is mostly achieved through the activity of lipid transfer proteins at membrane contact sites or by cytosolic, diffusible lipid transfer proteins. Here we will give an overview of the main mechanisms involved in mitochondrial cholesterol import, focusing on the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein StAR/STARD1 and other members of the StAR-related lipid transfer (START) domain protein family, and we will discuss how changes in mitochondrial cholesterol levels can arise and affect mitochondrial function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Lipids of Mitochondria edited by Guenther Daum.     

Substitution of terminal amide with 1H-1,2,3-triazole: Identification of unexpected class of potent antibacterial agents

3-Methoxybenzamide (3-MBA) derivatives have been identified as novel class of potent antibacterial agents targeting the bacterial cell division protein FtsZ. As one of isosteres for the amide group, 1,2,3-triazole can mimic the topological and electronic features of the amide, which has gained increasing attention in drug discovery. Based on these considerations, we prepared a series of 1H-1,2,3-triazole-containing 3-MBA analogues via isosteric replacement of the terminal amide with triazole, which had increased antibacterial activity. This study demonstrated the possibility of developing the 1H-1,2,3-triazole group as a terminal amide-mimetic element which was capable of both keeping and modulating amide-related bioactivity. Surprisingly, a different action mode of these new 1H-1,2,3-triazole-containing analogues was observed, which could open new opportunities for the development of antibacterial agents.     

SkQ3: The new member of the class of membranotropic uncouplers

In our previous studies we have described the non-equilibrium binding of hydrogen ions to the membranes upon induction of transmembrane proton flux in the model system (BLM) and in mitochondria. In 2009 the investigation program aimed to find uncouplers selectively interacting with the non-equilibrium bound protons was started. This study is devoted to a new representative of this class of uncouplers. The effect of respiratory stimulation evoked by this compound can be suppressed by 50–90% through the elimination of non-equilibrium fraction of protons associated with the outer side of the inner mitochondrial membrane. The peculiarity of this compound results from its belonging to the class of quinones with a high affinity to lipid membranes. It becomes a weak acid (hydroquinone) only after reduction. The formation of hydroquinone in the mitochondria determines the observed effect of respiratory stimulation. Thus, the artificial induction of interaction between redox-reactions and reactions of proton association and dissociation occurring on the surface of the inner mitochondrial membrane was demonstrated for the first time.     

Effect of indoleacetic acid on the proton conductivity of biological membranes

The effect of indolylacetic acid (IAA) on proton conductivity of tylacoid membranes of isolated pea chloroplasts at pH 5.5-8.0 and of artificial phospholipid membranes at pH 7.5 were studied. IAA was shown to decrease the stationary proton gradient value and increase those of the dissociation constant and electron transport rate in chloroplasts, while in the artificial phospholipid membranes it increased the proton conductivity. The membrane lipid phase is supposed to be a possible result of phytohormone action, IAA transporting the protons according to the monomeric mechanism.     

The inhibitors of antioxidant cell enzymes induce permeability transition in yeast mitochondria

In this study we investigated the effects of exogenous and endogenous oxidative stress on mitochondrial membrane permeability transition in yeast cells. E. magnusii yeast was used in the study as it is the only yeast strain possessing a natural high-capacity Са²⁺ transport system. The key reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxifying enzymes in the yeast cells - catalases (CATs) and superoxide dismutases (SODs) - were fully characterized. At least five isoforms of SODs and only one isoform of CATs were found in the E. magnusii mitochondria. The assessment of the main properties of mitochondrial non-specific permeability under physiological conditions such as dynamics of the membrane potential (?Ψ) and swelling in mitochondria showed that under physiological conditions classical inhibitors of CATs (ATZ - 3-amino-1, 2, 4-triazole) and of SODs (DDC - diethyldithiocarbamate) caused irreversible decline in ?Ψ in the yeast mitochondria. This decline was accelerated in the presence of 500 μM Са²⁺. The combined action of the inhibitors (ATZ + DDC) promoted moderate swelling in the isotonic medium, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial swelling in the cells exposed to antioxidant system inhibitors was accompanied by typical signs of early apoptosis, namely by chromatin margination and condensation, vacuolization of the cytosol, and damage of the plasma membrane. Here we showed, at both cellular and mitochondrial levels, that the deregulation of oxidant-scavenging enzymes directly leads to the opening of the mPTP, followed by induction of apoptotic markers in the whole yeast cells. Our studies are the first to clarify the highly contradictory data in the literature on mPTP in yeast mitochondria.     

Novel lipase-catalysed highly selective acetylation studies on D-arabino- and D-threo-polyhydroxyalkyltriazoles

Capabilities of lipases from Candida antarctica, Candida rugosa and porcine pancreas have been evaluated for regioselective acetylation of 2-phenyl-4-(D-arabino-tetrahydroxybutyl)-2H-1,2,3-triazole, 2-phenyl-4-(D-arabino-O-1',2'-isopropylidene-3',4'-dihydroxybutyl)-2H-1,2,3-triazole and 2-phenyl-4-(D-threo-trihydroxypropyl)-2H-1,2,3-triazole, precursors for the synthesis of triazolylacyclonucleosides. C. antarctica lipase and porcine pancreatic lipase exhibited exclusive selectivity for the acetylation of primary hydroxyl group over secondary hydroxyl group(s) in all the three cases.     

Acid-catalyzed dehydrative cyclization of 4-(D-galacto -pentitol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole. synthesis and anomeric configuration of D-lyxo-C-nucleoside analogs

Dehydration of 4-(D-galacto-pentitol-1-yl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole with 20% methanolic sulfuric acid afforded the anomeric pairs of nucleosides, 4-(alpha-D-lyxopyranosyl)-2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole (major component) and its beta-anomer, as well as 4-(alpha-D-lyxofuranosyl)-2H-1,2,3-triazole and its beta-anomer. The four anomeric C-nucleosides were separated by chromatography, and their structure and anomeric configuration were determined by periodate oxidation, acylation, and NMR spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. The anomeric assignment from optical rotation was not in agreement with final structure assignment and represented a violation of the Hudson isorotation rules. NOE studies and X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the anomeric configuration.