Rates of peptide bond hydrolysis by cobalt(III) complexes: observation by rate of amino acid release

The rates of hydrolysis of eleven dipeptides (Gly-Gly; Gly-l-Leu; Gly-d,l-Val; Gly-l-Phe: d,l-Leu-Gly; l-Leu-l-Tyr; l-Pro-l-Tyr; l-Ala-l-Phe; l-Val-Gly; l-Val-l-Ile; l-Ile-l-Val) by cis-β-Co(trien)(OH)(H₂O)²⁺ under pseudo first order conditions (excess Co(III)) are reported. The rates are determined by the rate of amino acid release by liquid chromatography. The range of rates observed for the eleven dipeptides is 10.1. Two of the dipeptides are hydrolyzed more rapidly than Gly-Gly, the remaining six more slowly. Phosphate does not have any significant effect on the rate of peptide hydrolysis. Aquohydroxy-1,8-diamino-3,6-dithiaoctanecobalt(III)²⁺ did not hydrolyze Gly-Gly at 25°, pH8, and aquohydroxy-1,6-bis-(α-pyridyl)-2,5-diazahexanecobalt(III)²⁺ did not hydrolyze Gly-Gly at 65°, pH 8, to any significant extent.     

Unnatural amino acids increase activity and specificity of synthetic substrates for human and malarial cathepsin C

Mammalian cathepsin C is primarily responsible for the removal of N-terminal dipeptides and activation of several serine proteases in inflammatory or immune cells, while its malarial parasite ortholog dipeptidyl aminopeptidase 1 plays a crucial role in catabolizing the hemoglobin of its host erythrocyte. In this report, we describe the systematic substrate specificity analysis of three cathepsin C orthologs from Homo sapiens (human), Bos taurus (bovine) and Plasmodium falciparum (malaria parasite). Here, we present a new approach with a tailored fluorogenic substrate library designed and synthesized to probe the S1 and S2 pocket preferences of these enzymes with both natural and a broad range of unnatural amino acids. Our approach identified very efficiently hydrolyzed substrates containing unnatural amino acids, which resulted in the design of significantly better substrates than those previously known. Additionally, in this study significant differences in terms of the structures of optimal substrates for human and malarial orthologs are important from the therapeutic point of view. These data can be also used for the design of specific inhibitors or activity-based probes.     

Directed biosynthesis of unnatural alkaloids in Dolichothele sphaerica

Using appropriate precursors, the two unnatural alkaloids 4(5)-[N-isocaproylaminomethyl]imidazole and 3-[2-N-isovalerylaminoethyl]pyrazole were produced by Dolichothele sphaerica. The former compound represents an unnatural alkaloid formed by the simultaneous introduction of two unnatural precursors, namely isocaproic acid and 4(5)-aminomethylimidazole. The latter compound represents an aberrant alkaloid formed by the introduction of a precursor of different heterocyclic entity, 3-aminoethylpyrazole.     

Synthesis and PGE2 production inhibition of 1H-furan-2,5-dione and 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione derivatives

3,4-Diphenyl-substituted 1H-furan-2,5-dione and 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for the inhibitory activities on LPS-induced PGE₂ production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Both 1H-furan-2,5-dione and 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione rings as main scaffolds were easily obtained using one of three synthetic methods. Among the compounds investigated, 1H-3-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)-4-phenyl-pyrrole-2,5-dione (6l) showed a strong inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.61 μM) of PGE₂ production.     

2-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzoxazole from 2,5-anhydro-d-allonoimidate,and 1,3-dimethyl-8-β-d-ribofuranosylxanthine from 2,5-anhydro-d-allono-thioimidates and -dithioates

The ability of imidates, thioimidates, and dithioates to react with o-aminophenol (2) and 5,6-diamino-1,3-dimethyluracil (6) was studied, using non-saccharide model compounds, as well as saccharide derivatives. All of the model compounds gave 2-methylbenzoxazole, but only ethyl dithioacetate gave a purine derivative with 6. Methyl 2,5-anhydro-d-allonoimidate hydrochloride reacted with 2 to yield 2-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzoxazole, but failed to react with compound 6. On reaction with compound 6 such fully acylated thioimidates as ethyl and benzyl 2,5-anhydrotri-O-benzoyl- or tri-O-p-toluoyl-d-allonothiomidate hydrochloride yielded amidines that underwent aromatization of the furanose ring. Such monoacylated thioimidates as ethyl or benzyl 2,5-anhydro-6-O-benzoyl--d-allonothioimidate hydrochloride yielded, with compound 6, 8-(5-O-benzoyl-β-d-ribofuranosyl)-1,3-dimethylxanthine, without aromatization. Such dithioates as benzyl 2,5-anhydro-6-O-benzoyl-d-allonodithioate and ethyl 2,5-anhydrotri-O-benzoyl-d-allonodithioate were obtained by treating the corresponding thioimidate with H₂S in pyridine. With compound 6, the first yielded 8-(5-O-benzoyl-β-d-ribofuranosyl)-1,3-dimethylxanthine, which afforded the free C-nucleoside 1,3-dimethyl-8-β-d-ribofuranosylxanthine on treatment with methanolic ammonia.     

Synthesis of a C-nucleoside analog of the antibiotic cordycepin

A C-nucleoside analog of cordycepin, 6-amino-8-(3-deoxy-β-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl)purine (6), has been synthesized. 3-Deoxy-2,5-di-O-(p-nitrobenzoyl)- β-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl bromide reacted with mercuric cyanide in nitromethane to give 2,5-anhydro-4-deoxy-3,6-di-O-(p-nitrobenzoyl)-D-ribo-hexononitrile which, after acid hydrolysis and removal of the protecting groups, afforded 2,5-anhydro-4-deoxy-D-ribo-hexonic acid. Reaction of this acid with 4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine gave the corresponding amide, which was pyrolyzed to give compound 6. The mass- and n.m.r.-spectral data for the synthesized analog are quite similar to those of the natural antibiotic.     

Identification of a brevianamide F reverse prenyltransferase BrePT from Aspergillus versicolor with a broad substrate specificity towards tryptophan-containing cyclic dipeptides

A putative brevianamide F reverse prenyltransferase gene brePT was amplified from Aspergillus versicolor NRRL573 by using primers deduced from its orthologue notF in Aspergillus sp. MF297-2 and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The soluble His-tagged protein BrePT was purified to near homogeneity and assayed with tryptophan-containing cyclic dipeptides in the presence of dimethylallyl diphosphate. BrePT showed much higher flexibility towards its aromatic substrates than NotF and accepted all of the 14 tested tryptophan-containing cyclic dipeptides. Structure elucidation of the enzyme products by NMR and MS analyses proved unequivocally the highly regiospecific reverse prenylation at C2 of the indole nucleus. K _M values of BrePT were determined for its putative substrates brevianamide F and DMAPP at 32 and 98 μM, respectively. Average turnover number (k _cat) at 0.4 s^?1 was calculated from kinetic data of brevianamide F and DMAPP. K _M values in the range of 0.082–2.9 mM and k _cat values from 0.003 to 0.15 s^?1 were determined for other 11 cyclic dipeptides. Similar to known fungal indole prenyltransferases, BrePT did not accept geranyl or farnesyl diphosphate as prenyl donor for its prenylation.     

Characterization of mixtures of dipeptides by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric behavior of over 120 different dipeptides has been investigated. The dipeptides were analyzed as their N,O-perfluoropropionyl methyl ester derivatives by combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Mass spectra of the dipeptides were obtained using both electron impact and chemical ionization. Gas chromatographic retention times were obtained for each of the dipeptides studied and utilized for the prediction of the retention times for most of the 400 common dipeptides. These techniques enable the unambiguous identification of dipeptides in mixtures.     

Biosynthesis of unnatural glycolipids possessing diyne moiety in the acyl chain in the green sulfur photosynthetic bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum grown by supplementation of 10,12-heptadecadiynic acid

Unnatural glycolipids possessing the diyne moiety in their acyl groups were successfully biosynthesized in the green sulfur photosynthetic bacterium Chlorobaculum (Cba.) tepidum by cultivation with supplementation of 10,12-heptadecadiynic acid. Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and rhamnosylgalactosyldiacylglycerol (RGDG) esterified with one 10,12-heptadecadiynic acid were primarily formed in the cells, and small amounts of glycolipids esterified with the two unnatural fatty acids can also be detected. The relative ratio of these unnatural glycolipids occupied in the total glycolipids was estimated to be 49% based on HPLC analysis using a evaporative light scattering detector. These results indicate that the acyl groups in glycolipids, which play important roles in the formation of extramembranous antenna complexes called chlorosomes, can be modified in vivo by cultivation of green sulfur photosynthetic bacteria with exogenous synthetic fatty acids. Visible absorption and circular dichroism spectra of Cba. tepidum containing the unnatural glycolipids demonstrated the formation of chlorosomes, indicating that the unnatural glycolipids in this study did not interfere with the biogenesis of chlorosomes.     

AtPTR1 and AtPTR5 transport dipeptides in planta

Transporters for di- and tripeptides belong to the large and poorly characterized PTR/NRT1 (peptide transporter/nitrate transporter 1) family. A new member of this gene family, AtPTR5, was isolated from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Expression of AtPTR5 was analyzed and compared with tissue specificity of the closely related AtPTR1 to discern their roles in planta. Both transporters facilitate transport of dipeptides with high affinity and are localized at the plasma membrane. Mutants, double mutants, and overexpressing lines were exposed to several dipeptides, including toxic peptides, to analyze how the modified transporter expression affects pollen germination, growth of pollen tubes, root, and shoot. Analysis of atptr5 mutants and AtPTR5-overexpressing lines showed that AtPTR5 facilitates peptide transport into germinating pollen and possibly into maturating pollen, ovules, and seeds. In contrast, AtPTR1 plays a role in uptake of peptides by roots indicated by reduced nitrogen (N) levels and reduced growth of atptr1 mutants on medium with dipeptides as the sole N source. Furthermore, overexpression of AtPTR5 resulted in enhanced shoot growth and increased N content. The function in peptide uptake was further confirmed with toxic peptides, which inhibited growth. The results show that closely related members of the PTR/NRT1 family have different functions in planta. This study also provides evidence that the use of organic N is not restricted to amino acids, but that dipeptides should be considered as a N source and transport form in plants.     

Synthesis of two peptide mimetics as markers for chemical changes of wool's keratin during skin unhairing process

The sheep skins unhairing process with preliminary alkaline treatment of the wool leads to two unnatural dipeptide mimetics lysinoalanine (Lys(*) - Ala) and ornithinoalanine (Orn(*)- Ala) obtaining. They are result from the keratin hydrolysis process. The changes of wool keratin make it resistant to sulphide degradation. We synthesized and characterized these unnatural dipeptides under the experimental conditions. The structures and mechanism of Lys(*) - Ala and Orn(*)- Ala obtaining were elucidated. The using of newly synthesized products as markers for control of wool's keratin changes during skin unhairing process was demonstrated. The developments have also been the result of economic and environmental pressures to meet environmental regulations.     

The synthesis and decomposition of 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-(N-nitroso)acetamido-α- and β-D-glucopyranose

The synthesis of 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-(N-nitroso)acetamido-α- and β-D-glucopyranose is described. Decomposition of the α-nitrosoamide in chloroform containing 2% of ethanol at room temperature afforded β-D-glucopyranose pentaacetate and ethyl β-D-glucopyranoside tetraacetate as major products, the former predominating. Reaction in 1:5 (v/v) acetic acid—acetic anhydride containing sodium acetate also gave β-D-glucose pentaacetate as major product, together with 1,1,3,4,6-penta-O-acetyl-2,5-anhydro-D-mannose aldehydrol. Decompositions of both α and β-nitrosoamides in 1:1 (v/v) acetone—water gave mainly 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2,5-anhydro-D-mannose and its aldehydrol form. The synthesis, from 2,5-anhydro-D-mannose, of four new derivatives is also reported.     

Analysis of problems encountered in the determination of amino acid enantiomeric ratios by gas chromatography

A previously described procedure for determining the enantiomeric ratios of amino acids has produced inconsistent results when determining relatively low (≤0.110) d/l ratios. The method involves synthesis of diastereomeric N-trifluoroacetyl-l-prolyl-d/l-amino acid ester dipeptides which are resolved by gas chromatography (GC). We have found that triethylamine, which is added to maintain a basic pH during the coupling reaction, racemizes the chiral reagent N-trifluoroacetyl-l-prolyl chloride (TPC). Coupling of partially racemized TPC to d/l-amino acid esters results in the formation of four dipeptides (two pairs of enantiomers) instead of the expected two diastereomeric dipeptides. The enantiomeric dipeptides coelute on an achiral GC column, resulting in erroneous d/l ratios. More accurate d/l ratios are obtained by preparing the volatile N-trifluoroacetyl-d/l-amino acid isopropyl ester derivative which can be separated into its enantiomers on a chiral GC column such as the Chirasil-Val III (registered trademark of Applied Science Laboratories).     

Neolignans from Aniba lancifolia

The branches of the shrub Aniba lancifolia Kubitzki et Rodrigues (Lauraceae) contain besides 2-hydroxy-4,5- dimethoxyallylbenzene and its dimer cyclohexan-2-allyl- 5-en-4,5-dimethoxy-4-O-(2′-allyl-4′,5′-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-one (lancilin, 2) 6 further novel neolignans: (4S,2′R)- and (4R,2′E)-cyclohexan-2-allyl-2,5-dien-4,5-dimethoxy-4-[2′-(1′-guaiacyl)-propyl]-1-one (lancifolins A and B, 3a and 3b), (4S,2′R)- and (4R,2′R)-cyclohexan- 2-allyl-2,5-dien-4,5-dimethoxy-4-[2′-(1′-veratryl)-propyl]-1-one (lancifolins C and D, 3c and 3d), (4S,2′R)-and (4R,2′R)-cyclohexan-2-allyl-2,5-dien-4,5-dimethoxy-4-[2′-(1′-piperonyl)-propyl]-1-one (lancifolins E and F, 3e and 3f).     

1,4-Dioxane-2,5-dione-type monomers derived from l-ascorbic and d-isoascorbic acids. Synthesis and polymerisation

l-Ascorbic and d-isoascorbic acids have been used as the starting materials for the preparation of (3R,4′S)-3-(2′,2′-dimethyl-1′,3′-dioxolan-4′-yl)-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione (IPTA), (3R and S, 4′S,6R)-3-methyl-6-(2′,2′-dimethyl-1′,3′-dioxolan-4′-yl)-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione (IPTP) and (3R,4′R)-3-(2′,2′-dimethyl-1′,3′-dioxolan-4′-yl)-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione (IPEA), three novel 1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione-type monomers. Ring-opening homopolymerisation and copolymerisation of the IPTA monomer, derived from l-ascorbic acid, with d,l-lactide have been performed. The polymers were characterised by elemental microanalysis, as well as IR and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies. GPC was used to estimate product molecular weights, and thermal studies (DSC and TGA) revealed that all the polymers were amorphous, being stable up to 250 °C under nitrogen.     

The preparation of some bromodeoxy- and dibromodideoxy-pentonolactones

Brief reaction of d-lyxono-1,4-lactone (1) with hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (HBA) yields 2-bromo-2-deoxy-d-xylono-1,4-lactone (2), and a similar treatment of d-ribono-1,4-lactone (8) gives 2-bromo-2-deoxy-d-arabinono-1,4-lactone (12). On longer reaction with HBA, 1 is converted into 2,5-dibromo-2,5-dideoxy-d-xylono-1,4-lactone, whereas 8 forms a mixture of 2,5-dibromolactones. Reduction of 2 and 12 gives 2-bromo-2-deoxy-d-xylose and -d-arabinose, respectively. On hydrogenolysis, 2 and 12 are converted into 2-deoxy-d-threo- and 2-deoxy-d-erythro-pentono-1,4-lactone, respectively. The 2,5-dibromolactones can be selectively hydrogenolysed to 5-bromo-2,5-dideoxy-d-pentono-1,4-lactones.     

Ascocorynin,a terphenylquinone from Ascocoryne Sarcoides

Ascocorynin, 2,5-dihydroxy-3-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,4-benzoquinone, has been isolated from the fungus Ascocoryne sarcoides. The biogeneti     

Photo-oxygenation of glycosylfurans. Rearrangement of C-glycosyl into O-glycosyl derivatives

Photo-oxygenation of 3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-(2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-erythrofuranosyl)-2-methylfuran and 3-hydroxymethyl-5-(2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-erythrofuranosyl)-2-methylfuran yields the corresponding endo-peroxides which rearrange at room temperature into the O-glycosyl derivatives ethyl 2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-erythrofuranosyl 2-acetylfumarate and 2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-erythrofuranosyl 3-acetyl-3-hydroxymethylacrylate, respectively. The endo-peroxides can be reduced without rearrangement, yielding C-glycosyl derivatives. Alcoholysis of the O-glycosyl derivatives yields 2,3-O-isopropylidene-d-erythrose, dialkyl 2-acetyl-3-alkoxysuccinates, 4-ethoxycarbonyl-5-methoxy-5-methyl-2-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran and 4-hydroxymethyl-5-methoxy-5-methyl-2-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran.