Acyl-CoA binding domain containing 3 (ACBD3) recruits the protein phosphatase PPM1L to ER-Golgi membrane contact sites

The metal-dependent protein phosphatase family (PPM) governs a number of signaling pathways. PPM1L, originally identified as a negative regulator of stress-activated protein kinase signaling, was recently shown to be involved in the regulation of ceramide trafficking at ER-Golgi membrane contact sites. Here, we identified acyl-CoA binding domain containing 3 (ACBD3) as an interacting partner of PPM1L. We showed that this association, which recruits PPM1L to ER-Golgi membrane contact sites, is mediated by a GOLD (Golgi dynamics) domain in ACBD3. These results suggested that ACBD3 plays a pivotal role in ceramide transport regulation at the ER-Golgi interface.

Structured summary of protein interactions

ACBD3 and PPM1Lcolocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)FYCO1physically interacts with PPM1L by pull down (View interaction)SEC14L2physically interacts with PPM1L by pull down (View interaction)ACBD3physically interacts with PPM1L by pull down (View interaction)SEC14L1physically interacts with PPM1L by pull down (View interaction)PPM1Lphysically interacts with ACBD3 by two hybrid (View interaction)     

Bcl-rambo induces apoptosis via interaction with the adenine nucleotide translocator

The Bcl-2 family proteins plays a central role in apoptosis. The pro- or anti-apoptotic activities of Bcl-2 family are dependent on the Bcl-2 homology (BH) regions. Bcl-rambo, a new pro-apoptotic member, is unusual in that its pro-apoptotic activity is independent of its BH domains. However, the mechanism underlying Bcl-rambo-induced apoptosis is largely unknown. Mitochondrial localization is indispensable for the pro-apoptotic function of Bcl-rambo. Bcl-rambo interacts physically with the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), suppresses the ADT/ATP-dependent translocation activity of ANT. Collectively, our data indicate Bcl-rambo is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, induces the permeability transition via interaction with ANT.

Structured summary of protein interactions:

Bcl-Rambo and HSP60colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)Bcl-rambobinds to ANT1 by pull down (View interaction)     

TRIAD1 inhibits MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitination and degradation

Murine double minute (MDM2) is an E3 ligase that promotes ubiquitination and degradation of tumor suppressor protein 53 (p53). MDM2-mediated regulation of p53 has been investigated as a classical tumorigenesis pathway. Here, we describe TRIAD1 as a novel modulator of the p53-MDM2 axis that induces p53 activation by inhibiting its regulation by MDM2. Ablation of TRIAD1 attenuates p53 levels activity upon DNA damage, whereas ectopic expression of TRIAD1 promotes p53 stability by inhibiting MDM2-mediated ubiquitination/degradation. Moreover, TRIAD1 binds to the C-terminus of p53 to promote its dissociation from MDM2. These results implicate TRIAD1 as a novel regulatory factor of p53-MDM2.Structured summary of protein interactions:p53 physically interacts with Mdm2 and Triad1 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3)Mdm2physically interacts with Triad1 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)p53physically interacts with Mdm2 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)Triad1binds to p53 by pull down (View interaction)Mdm2physically interacts with p53 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)p53physically interacts with Triad1 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)     

Genome-wide biochemical analysis of Arabidopsis protein phosphatase using a wheat cell-free system

Plant genome possesses over 100 protein phosphatase (PPase) genes that are key regulators of signal transduction via phosphorylation/dephosphorylation event. Here we report a comprehensive functional analysis of protein serine/threonine, dual-specificity and tyrosine phosphatases using recombinant PPases produced by wheat cell-free protein synthesis system. Eighty-two recombinant PPases were successfully produced using Arabidopsis full-length cDNA as templates. In vitro PPase assay was performed using phosphorylated myelin basic protein as substrate. Among the AtPPases examined, 26 serine/threonine, three dual-specificity and one tyrosine PPases exhibited catalytic activity, including 20 serine/threonine and one dual-specificity PPases that showed in vitro activities for the first time. Our study demonstrates genome-wide biochemical analysis of AtPPases using wheat cell-free system, and provides new information and insights on enzyme activities.

Structured summary of protein interactions

PTP1dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).AtPP2CdephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).POLTEdephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).TOPP8dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).HAB1dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).ABI2dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At1g34750dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At1g43900dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At3g15260dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At5g53140dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At1g18030dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At3g06270dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At2g25070dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At3g02750dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At5g10740dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).at4g26080dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At4g28400dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At5g06750dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At4g31860dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At3g17250dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At4g38520dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At3g05640dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At5g66080dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At1g79630dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At2g30170dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).At5g24940dephosphorylatesMBP by phosphatase assay (View interaction).     

Mononuclear and dinuclear model hydrolases of nickel and cobalt

Reaction between the dinuclear model hydrolases [M₂(μ-OAc)₂(OAc)₂(μ-H₂O)(tmen)₂]; M = Ni (1); M = Co (2) and trimethylsilyltrifluoromethanesulphonate (TMS-OTf) under identical reaction conditions gives the mononuclear complex [Ni(OAc)(H₂O)₂(tmen)][OTf] · H₂O (3) in the case of nickel and the dinuclear complex [Co₂(μ-OAc)₂(μ-H₂O)₂(tmen)₂][OTf]₂ (4) in the case of cobalt.Reaction of (3) with urea gives the previously reported [Ni(OAc)(urea)₂(tmen)][OTf] (5), whereas (4) gives [Co₂(OAc)₃(urea)(tmen)₂][OTf] (6) previously obtained by direct reaction of (2) with urea. Both (3) and (4) react with monohydroxamic acids (RHA) to give the dihydroxamate bridged dinuclear complexes [M₂(μ-OAc)(μ-RA)₂(tmen)₂][OTf]; M = Ni (7); M = Co (8) previously obtained by the reaction of (1) and (2) with RHA, illustrating the greater ability of hydroxamic acids to stabilize dinuclear complexes over that of urea by means of their bridging mode, and offering a possible explanation for the inhibiting effect of hydroxamic acids by means of their displacing bridging urea in a possible intermediate invoked in the action of urease.     

Structural and thermal properties of three novel alkaline earth metal coordination polymers based on 5-hydroxyisophthalate ligand

Three novel coordination polymers [Ca(5-OH-BDC)(H₂O)₃] · H₂O (1), [Sr(5-OH-BDC)(H₂O)₄] · H₂O (2) and [Ba(5-OH-BDC)(H₂O)₃] (3) were obtained by self-assembly of the corresponding alkaline earth metal chlorate with a ligand, 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid (5-OH-H₂BDC), and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. The results revealed that complexes 1, 2 and 3 have two-dimensional network with (6, 3) topology observed in the bc plane. Moreover, the two-dimensional layers can be assembled into three-dimensional supramolecular architectures via intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The two carboxylate groups of 5-OH-BDC²⁻ ligand adopt the same coordination mode in complex 1 as that in 2: a μ3-η2:η1 mode and a chelated mode while in complex 3 they coordinate to Ba(II) ions in a μ3-η2:η1 mode and a monodentate mode, which is not observed in previous reports. The constant-volume combustion energies, Δ_cU, of these complexes were determined by a precise rotating-bomb calorimeter at 298.15 K, then their standard enthalpies of combustion, , and the standard enthalpies of formation, , have been calculated.     

A New Mode of Dimerization of Allosteric Enzymes with ACT Domains Revealed by the Crystal Structure of the Aspartate Kinase from Cyanobacteria

Aspartate kinases (AKs) can be divided in two subhomology divisions, AKα and AKβ, depending on the presence of an extra sequence of about 60 amino acids, which is found only in the N-terminus of all AKα's. To date, the structures of AKα failed to provide a role for this additional N-terminal sequence. In this study, the structure of the AKβ from the Cyanobacteria Synechocystis reveals that this supplementary sequence is linked to the dimerization mode of AKs. Its absence in AKβ leads to the dimerization by the catalytic domain instead of involving the ACT domains [Pfam 01842; small regulatory domains initially found in AK, chorismate mutase and TyrA (prephenate dehydrogenase)] as observed in AKα. Thus, the structural analysis of the Synechocystis AKβ revealed a dimer with a novel architecture. The four ACT domains of each monomer interact together and do not make any contact with those of the second monomer. The enzyme is inhibited synergistically by threonine and lysine with the binding of threonine first. The interaction between ACT1 and ACT4 or between ACT2 and ACT3 generates a threonine binding site and a lysine binding site at each interface, making a total of eight regulatory sites per dimer and allowing a fine-tuning of the AK activity by the end products, threonine and lysine.     

The novel 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one urea derivatives of N-aryl urea: synthesis, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal activity evaluation

A series of novel 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one urea derivatives of biological interest were prepared by sequential Bigineli’s reaction, reduction followed by reaction of resulting amines with different arylisocynates. All the synthesized (1-23) compounds were screened against the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and antimicrobial activity (antibacterial and antifungal). Biological activity evaluation study reveled that among all the compounds screened, compounds 12 and 17 found to have promising anti-inflammatory activity (68-62% TNF-α and 92-86% IL-6 inhibitory activity at 10 μM). Interestingly compounds 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 22 and 23 revealed promising antimicrobial activity at MIC of 10-30 μg/mL against selected pathogenic bacteria and fungi.     

β-Diiminatolanthanoid(III) halides revisited

The crystalline compounds [LnCl₂(L)(thf)₂] [Ln = Ce (1), Tb (2), Yb (3)], [NdI₂(L)(thf)₂] (4), [LnCl(L′)₂] [Ln = Tb (5), Yb (6) (a known compound)] and [YbCl(L′′)(μ-Cl)₂Li(OEt₂)₂] (7) have been prepared [L = {N(C₆H₃Prⁱ₂-2,6)C(H)}₂CPh, L′ = {N(SiMe₃)C(Ph)}₂CH, L′′ = {N(SiMe₃)C(C₆H₄Ph-4)}₂CH]. The X-ray molecular structures of 2-7 have been established; in each, the monoanionic ligand L, L′ or L′′ is N,N′-chelating and essentially π-delocalised. Each of 1-7 was prepared from the appropriate LnCl₃, or for 4 [NdI₃(thf)₂], and an equivalent portion of the appropriate alkali metal [Li for 7, Na for 2, 3 and 5, or K for 1, 4 and 6] β-diiminate in thf; the isolation of exclusively 5 and 6 (rather than the L′ analogues of 2 or 3) is noteworthy, as is the structure of 7 which has no precedent in Group 3 or 4f metal β-diiminato chemistry.     

Biomimetic conversion of (-)-fusoxypyridone and (-)-oxysporidinone to (-)-sambutoxin: further evidence for the structure of the tricyclic pyridone alkaloid, (-)-fusoxypyridone

Biomimetic-type reactions of the tricyclic pyridone alkaloid, (−)-fusoxypyridone [(−)-4,6′-anhydrooxysporidinone] (1), recently encountered in an endophytic strain of Fusarium oxysporum, and (−)-oxysporidinone (2) afforded (−)-sambutoxin (3) and an analogue of 1, identified as (−)-1′(6′)-dehydro-4,6′-anhydrooxysporidinone (4), thus confirming the structure previously proposed for 1 and suggesting that 1-3 bear the same relative stereochemistry. Oxidation of 4 with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) yielded a hitherto unknown sambutoxin analogue, (−)-4,2′-anhydrosambutoxin (5).     

Cobalt complexes bridge with a (μ-X)(μ-carboxylato) unit (X = OH, N3): synthesis and structural studies

By using the hindered tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligand Tp^iPr2 (hydrotris(3,5-diisopropyl-1-pyrazolyl))borate, both mono- and binuclear complexes of cobalt [Tp^iPr2Co](X) (X = NO₃ and OBz) and [Tp^iPr2Co]₂(μ-X)(μ-OBz) (X = OH, N₃) were synthesized. The nitrato complex, [Tp^iPr2Co](NO₃) (1), which could be converted to (2), was prepared by reaction of KTp^iPr2 with hydrated Co(NO₃)₂ and its molecular structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. The dinuclear di(μ-hydroxo) complex, [Tp^iPr2Co]₂(μ-OH)₂ (2), which was obtained by treatment of 1 with aqueous NaOH, reacted with one equivalent of benzoic acid to give the (μ-benzoato)(μ-hydroxo) complex, [Tp^iPr2Co]₂(μ-OH)(μ-OBz) (3). X-ray crystallography shows the presence of both hydroxy and carboxylate group as bridging ligands and both cobalt metals are in five coordination environment in 3. The μ-azido complex, [Tp^iPr2Co]₂(μ-N₃)(μ-OBz) (5), was prepared by reaction of 3 with one equivalent of aqueous sodium azide. The spectroscopic studies suggested μ-1,1-bridging nature of group in this complex. The reaction of 2 with excess amount of benzoic acid resulted in the destruction of the bimetallic core to give the mononuclear carboxylato complex, [Tp^iPr2 Co](OBz) (4), which was characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis of regioisomeric 17β-N-phenylpyrazolyl steroid derivatives and their inhibitory effect on 17α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase

The reaction of 3β-hydroxy-21-hydroxymethylidenepregn-5-en-3β-ol-20-one (1) with phenylhydrazine (2a) affords two regioisomers, 17β-(1-phenyl-3-pyrazolyl)androst-3-en-3β-ol (5a) and 17β-(1-phenyl-5-pyrazolyl)androst-5-en-3β-ol (6a). The direction of the ring-closure reactions of 1 with p-substituted phenylhydrazines (2b-e) depends strongly on the electronic features of the substituents. Oppenauer oxidation of 3β-hydroxy-17β-exo-heterocyclic steroids 5a-e and 6a-e yielded the corresponding Δ⁴-3-ketosteroids 9a-e and 10a-e. The inhibitory effects (IC₅₀) of these compounds on rat testicular C_17,20-lyase were investigated by means of an in vitro radioligand incubation technique.     

Synthesis, structures and DNA binding of ternary transition metal complexes M(II)L with the 2,2-bipyridylamine (L = p-HB, M = Co, Ni, Cu and Zn)

New ternary transition metal complexes of formulations [Co(bpa)(p-HB)₂](bpa = 2,2′-bipyridylamine, p-HB = p-hydroxybenzenecarboxylic acid) (1), [Ni(bpa)(p-HB)(H₂O)₂]⁺(NO₃)⁻ · H₂O (2), , [Cu(bpa)(p-HB)Cl] (4) and [Zn(bpa)(p-HB)₂]₂ · 0.5H₂O (5) are prepared, their structural features are characterized by crystal structural studies, and their DNA binding propensity has been evaluated by fluorescence method. The molecular structure of complex 1 shows the six coordinate octahedral geometry with one bpa and two p-HB ligands, complex 2 is the cationic complex and has the six coordinate octahedral structure with one bpa, one p-HB and two aqua ligands, complex 3 is also the cationic complex of octahedral coordination with two bpa and one p-HB ligands, complex 4 is five coordinate distorted square pyramidal with one bpa, one p-HB and chloride ligands and complex 5 has the distorted octahedral coordination with two p-HB and one bpa ligands. In all of the complexes, both bpa and p-HB act as the bidentate N and O-donor ligands, respectively. The intermolecular H-bond networks, together with π-π interaction in their solid state are also described. The complexes show the competitive inhibition of ethidium binding to DNA, and the DNA binding propensity can be reflected as the relative order: 3 > 2 > 1 > 5 > 4, in which the cationic charged Ni(II) complexes 2 and 3 show the most effective inhibition ability.     

Anticancer and antifungal activity of copper(II) complexes of quinolin-2(1H)-one-derived Schiff bases

The condensation of substituted aromatic aldehydes with 7-amino-4-methyl-quinolin-2(1H)-one (1) has lead to the isolation of quinolin-2(1H)-one derived Schiff bases (2-14). The copper(II) complexes (2a-14a) of the ligands were also prepared, and together with their corresponding free ligands were fully characterised by elemental analyses, spectral methods (IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, AAS, UV-Vis), magnetic and conductance measurements. The bidentate ligands coordinated to the copper(II) ion through the deprotonated phenolic oxygen and the azomethine nitrogen of the ligands in almost all cases. X-ray crystal structures of two of the complexes, 5a and 8a, confirmed the bidentate coordination mode. All of the compounds were investigated for their antimicrobial activities against the fungus, Candida albicans, and against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The compounds were found to have excellent anti-Candida activity but were inactive against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Selected compounds (2-8 and 2a-8a) were also screened for their in vitro anticancer potential using the human hepatic carcinoma cell line, Hep-G₂. Several derivatives were shown to be active comparable to that of cisplatin.     

The crystal structure of galactitol-1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli K12 provides insights into its anomalous behavior on IMAC processes

Endogenous galactitol-1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase (GPDH) (EC 1.1.1.251) from Escherichia coli spontaneously interacts with Ni²⁺-NTA matrices becoming a potential contaminant for recombinant, target His-tagged proteins. Purified recombinant, untagged GPDH (rGPDH) converted galactitol into tagatose, and d-tagatose-6-phosphate into galactitol-1-phosphate, in a Zn²⁺- and NAD(H)-dependent manner and readily crystallized what has permitted to solve its crystal structure. In contrast, N-terminally His-tagged GPDH was marginally stable and readily aggregated. The structure of rGPDH revealed metal-binding sites characteristic from the medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductase protein superfamily which may explain its ability to interact with immobilized metals. The structure also provides clues on the harmful effects of the N-terminal His-tag.

Structured summary of protein interactions

GPDH and GPDHbind by molecular sieving (View interaction)GPDH and GPDHbind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)GPDH and GPDHbind by cosedimentation in solution (View interaction)     

Allosteric modulators of human A2B adenosine receptor

Background

Among adenosine receptors (ARs) the A_2B subtype exhibits low affinity for the endogenous agonist compared with the A₁, A_2A, and A₃ subtypes and is therefore activated when concentrations of adenosine increase to a large extent following tissue damages (e.g. ischemia, inflammation). For this reason, A_2B AR represents an important pharmacological target.

Methods

We evaluated seven 1-benzyl-3-ketoindole derivatives (7–9) for their ability to act as positive or negative allosteric modulators of human A_2B AR through binding and functional assays using CHO cells expressing human A₁, A_2A, A_2B, and A₃ ARs.

Results

The investigated compounds behaved as specific positive or negative allosteric modulators of human A_2B AR depending on small differences in their structures. The positive allosteric modulators 7a,b and 8a increased agonist efficacy without any effect on agonist potency. The negative allosteric modulators 8b,c and 9a,b reduced agonist potency and efficacy.

Conclusions

A number of 1-benzyl-3-ketoindole derivatives were pharmacologically characterized as selective positive (7a,b) or negative (8c, 9a,b) allosteric modulators of human A_2B AR.

General significance

The 1-benzyl-3-ketoindole derivatives 7–9 acting as positive or negative allosteric modulators of human A_2B AR represent new pharmacological tools useful for the development of therapeutic agents to treat pathological conditions related to an altered functionality of A_2B AR.     

Macrocyclic dinuclear gold(I) and silver(I) NHCs complexes

The ligands bis-(imidazolium) hexafluorophosphate (Himy = -C₃N₂H₃-, imidazolium; R = 1-naphthylmethylene, 1a; 9-anthracenylmethylene, 1b) with an oxoether chain were easily prepared by the reaction of substituted imidazole with the diglycol diiodide, followed by exchange of anions with . 1a and 1b reacted with Ag₂O in DMSO or CH₃CN to yield [2 + 2] dinuclear Ag(I) NHCs macrocyclic complexes 2a and 2b, which showed much different conformation in solid corresponding to the R- substituent. Carbene transmetalation reactions of 2a-b with Au(SMe₂)Cl give dinuclear Au(I) analogs 3a and 3b. The new NHCs complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and the structures of 2a-b and 3a were confirmed by X-ray diffraction determination.     

Sterically hindered carotenoids with 3Z, 5Z configuration from the seeds of oriental bitter sweet, Celastrus orbiculatus

Sterically hindered cis-carotenoids 1 and 2 were isolated from seeds of the oriental bitter sweet, Celastrus orbiculatus. Their structures were determined to be (3′Z, 5′Z)-celaxanthin and (3′Z, 5′Z)-torulene, respectively, on the basis of spectroscopic data and iodine-catalyzed stereomutation. This is the first report on carotenoids with a 3Z, 5Z configuration.     

Phenolic compounds and rare polyhydroxylated triterpenoid saponins from Eryngium yuccifolium

Phytochemical investigation on the whole plant of Eryngium yuccifolium resulted in the isolation and identification of three phenolic compounds (1-3) and 12 polyhydroxylated triterpenoid saponins, named eryngiosides A-L (4-15), together with four known compounds kaempferol-3-O-(2,6-di-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (16), caffeic acid (17), 21β-angeloyloxy-3β-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyloxyolean-12-ene-15α,16α,22α,28-tetrol (18), and saniculasaponin III (19). This study reports the isolation of these compounds and their structural elucidation by extensive spectroscopic analyses and chemical degradation.     

Chromium(III) complexes with 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

The preparation, crystal structure and variable temperature-magnetic investigation of three 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole-containing chromium(III) complexes of formula PPh₄[Cr(pyim)(C₂O₄)₂]·H₂O (1), AsPh₄[Cr(pyim)(C₂O₄)₂]·H₂O (2) and [Cr₂(pyim)₂(C₂O₄)₂(OH₂)₂]·2pyim · 6H₂O (3) [pyim = 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole, , and ] are reported herein. The isomorphous compounds are made up of discrete [Cr(pyim)(C₂O₄)₂]⁻ anions, cations [X = P (1) and As (2)] and uncoordinated water molecules. The chromium environment in 1 and 2 is distorted octahedral with Cr-N and Cr-O bond distances varying in the ranges 2.040(3)-2.101(3) and 1.941(3)-1.959(3) Å, respectively. The angle subtended by the chromium(III) ion by the two didentate oxalate ligands cover the range 82.49(12)-82.95(12)°, values which are somewhat greater than those concerning the chelating pyim molecule [77.94(13) (1) and 78.50(13)° (2)]. Complex 3 contains discrete centrosymmetric [Cr₂(pyim)₂(C₂O₄)₂(OH)₂] neutral units where the two chromium(III) ions are joined by a di-μ-hydroxo bridge, the oxalate and pyim groups acting as peripheral didentate ligands. Uncoordinated water and pyim molecules are also present in 3 and they contribute to the stabilization of its structure by extensive hydrogen bonding and π-π type interactions. The values of the intramolecular chromium-chromium separation and angle at the hydroxo bridge in 3 are 2.9908(12) Å and 99.60(16)°, respectively. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1-3 in the temperature range 1.9-300 K show the occurrence of weak inter- (1 and 2) and intramolecular (3) antiferromagnetic couplings. The magnetic properties of 3 have been interpreted in terms of a temperature-dependent exchange integral, small changes of the angle at the hydroxo bridge upon cooling being most likely responsible for this peculiar magnetic behavior.