Novel heparan mimetics potently inhibit the scrapie prion protein and its endocytosis

During prion diseases the normal prion protein PrP(C) is refolded into an abnormal conformer PrP(Sc). We have studied the PrP(Sc) inhibiting activity of a library of synthetic heparan mimetic (HM) biopolymers. HMs are chemically derived dextrans obtained by successive substitutions with carboxymethyl, benzylamide, and sulfate groups on glucose residues. Some HMs eliminated PrP(Sc) from prion-infected cells after a 5 day course at 100 ng/ml and were 15 x potent than pentosan sulfate in this system. The anti-PrP(Sc) activity of HMs correlated with the degree of sulfation but was increased by benzylamidation. HMs did not reduce the synthesis of PrP(C) nor its attachment to lipid rafts, but instead blocked its conversion into PrP(Sc). The anti-PrP(Sc) HMs also prevented the uptake of prion rods by cultured cells. HMs may thus block the interaction of PrP(Sc) with a putative cellular receptor, possibly heparan sulfate. HMs provide an attractive chemical approach for the synthesis of TSE therapeutic and prophylactic reagents.     

Negative Effects of Chelants on Soil Qualities of Five Soil Series

Due to the low phytoavailability of some heavy metals (HMs), a prolonged period is required when phytoextraction is used to remove these HMs from contaminated soils. The use of chelants and other chemical compounds are often used to increase the phytoavailability of the HMs for plant uptake. Negative effects of chemical agents on the soil and groundwater have rarely been reported during chemical-enhanced phytoextraction. This research applied chelants to various soil series with different characteristics to assess their impacts on soil quality. The experimental results showed that the application of 5 mmol kg^?1 of all chelants had a negative effect on the soil quality. This was especially true for electrical conductivity (EC) when diethylene trinitrilo pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was used as the chemical extracting agent.     

Oral contraceptives as substrates and inhibitors for human cytosolic SULTs

Cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) in mammals are involved in the biotransformation and homeostasis of various endogenous and xenobiotic compounds. The current study aimed to examine the sulfation of contraceptive compounds by various human cytosolic SULTs and to investigate the inhibitory effects and mode of action of these compounds on the sulfation of 17beta-estradiol, a major endogenous estrogen. A systematic study using all eleven known human cytosolic SULTs revealed the differential substrate specificity of these enzymes for the eight representative contraceptive compounds and two endogenous estrogens (estrone and 17beta-estradiol) tested as substrates. Activity data showed that SULT1A1 displayed the strongest activity toward 17alpha-ethynylestradiol. Kinetic studies revealed that the V (max) value of the sulfation of 17alpha-ethynylestradiol by SULT1A1 was 1.64 times that of the sulfation of 17beta-estradiol, while the K (m) values were almost equal for the two compounds. The inhibitory effects of three contraceptive compounds on the sulfation of 17beta-estradiol by SULT1A1 were examined. IC(50) values determined were 0.193, 1.84, and 2.98 mM, respectively, for 19-norethindrone acetate, ethynodiol diacetate and mifepristone. Kinetic analyses indicated that the mechanism underlying the inhibition by these contraceptives is of a mixed noncompetitive type. Metabolic labeling experiments confirmed the sulfation of contraceptive compounds and the release of their sulfated derivatives by HepG2 human hepatoma cells. Collectively, the results obtained suggest a role of sulfation in the metabolism of contraceptive compounds in vivo. Moreover, in view of their inhibitory effects on the sulfation of 17beta-estradiol, these compounds may potentially act to disrupt the homeostasis of endogenous estrogens.     

Sulfation and mitogenic activities of growth factors in human serum: importance of compounds of molecular weight lower than 1,000 in the global expression of activity of this serum on 3 different cellular types

A human serum ultrafiltrate contains compounds needed for a maximal expression of sulfation and mitogenic activities of the corresponding retentate. These low molecular weight (less than 1,000) molecules have no effect, by their own, on 35SO4(2-) uptake in chick embryo cartilage, but show a significant synergistic effect with serum growth polypeptides. Tested alone, they display a slight mitogenic activity as measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation in chick embryo fibroblasts or in lymphocytes activated by phytohemagglutinin. Here they also act in a synergistic way on mitogenic activities of growth factors from human retentate. A fraction (P2B), partially purified from human plasma ultrafiltrates, produces the same synergistic response with human retentate in the three cellular systems (cartilages, fibroblasts, activated lymphocytes). However, concentrations which lead to optimum responses are very different according to the cell type studied. These results suggest the existence of several compounds which can each act specifically on a cellular system.     

Design,synthesis and evaluation of retinoids with novel bulky hydrophobic partial structures

Many synthetic retinoids contain an aromatic structure with a bulky hydrophobic fragment. In order to obtain retinoids with therapeutic potential that do not bind to or activate retinoic acid X receptors (RXRs), we focused on the introduction of novel hydrophobic moieties, that is, metacyclophane, phenalene and benzoheptalene derivatives. The designed compounds were synthesized and their agonistic activities towards RARs and RXRs were evaluated. Most of the active compounds showed selectivity for RARα and RARβ over RARγ, and higher RARβ transactivating activity seemed to correlate with higher cell differentiation-inducing activity towards promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60. These compounds showed no agonistic activity towards RXRs.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-substituted 8-hydroxyadenines as potent interferon inducers with improved oral bioavailabilities

In order to create novel compounds which possess potent interferon (IFN) inducing activities with excellent oral bioavailabilities, a series of 8-hydroxyadenines, which have various alkoxy or alkylthio moieties at the adenine C(2)-position, were synthesized and evaluated. The introduction of hydrophobic groups was not considered to be effective for potentiating the IFN-inducing activity, but several compounds having hydrophilic groups were effective. Among the compounds tested, compound 13f induced IFN from the dosage of 0.03 mg/kg, which was approximately 100-fold more potent than that of Imiquimod, and showed an excellent oral bioavailability (F=40%) which was 10-fold improved over 5, a lead compound (F=4%).     

Inhibitors of the sulfation of proteins, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans

Two categories of compounds, substrates of sulfation and sulfate analogs, were tested for the ability to inhibit sulfation of macromolecules secreted by HepG2 cells. Several compounds which most effectively inhibited sulfation without toxic effects on cells were tested for their relative inhibition of sulfation of tyrosine residues (using the fourth component of complement as a model substrate), of N-linked oligosaccharides (alpha 2HS-glycoprotein as substrate), and of proteoglycans. Inhibitors decreased the sulfation of all three classes of substrate, but not always equally. Use of inhibitors from both categories in combination yielded synergistic effects, with more effective inhibition of sulfation and low toxicity. Such combinations of inhibitors should provide a valuable tool for probing the significance of the sulfation of macromolecules.     

Additional interaction of allophenylnorstatine-containing tripeptidomimetics with malarial aspartic protease plasmepsin II

Based on a highly potent allophenylnorstatine-containing inhibitor, KNI-10006, against the plasmepsins of Plasmodium falciparum, we synthesized a series of tripeptide-type compounds with various N-terminal moieties and evaluated their inhibitory activities against plasmepsin II. Certain phenylacetyl derivatives exhibited extremely high affinity with K(i) values of less than 0.1n M suggesting successful hydrophobic interactions.     

The heparanome--the enigma of encoding and decoding heparan sulfate sulfation

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a cell surface carbohydrate polymer modified with sulfate moieties whose highly ordered composition is central to directing specific cell signaling events. The ability of the cell to generate these information rich glycans with such specificity has opened up a new field of "heparanomics" which seeks to understand the systems involved in generating these cell type and developmental stage specific HS sulfation patterns. Unlike other instances where biological information is encrypted as linear sequences in molecules such as DNA, HS sulfation patterns are generated through a non-template driven process. Thus, deciphering the sulfation code and the dynamic nature of its generation has posed a new challenge to system biologists. The recent discovery of two sulfatases, Sulf1 and Sulf2, with the unique ability to edit sulfation patterns at the cell surface, has opened up a new dimension as to how we understand the regulation of HS sulfation patterning and pattern-dependent cell signaling events. This review will focus on the functional relationship between HS sulfation patterning and biological processes. Special attention will be given to Sulf1 and Sulf2 and how these key editing enzymes might act in concert with the HS biosynthetic enzymes to generate and regulate specific HS sulfation patterns in vivo. We will further explore the use of knock out mice as biological models for understanding the dynamic systems involved in generating HS sulfation patterns and their biological relevance. A brief overview of new technologies and innovations summarizes advances in the systems biology field for understanding non-template molecular networks and their influence on the "heparanome".     

Monoterpenol glycosides in plants and their biotechnological transformation

The present paper reviews the different monoterpenols and monoterpene polyols identified in the glycoside form in the plant kingdom. The glycosidic moieties involved are also considered. The natural pathways for the synthesis and hydrolysis of these monoterpene glycosides and the different hypothesis concerning their metabolism are discussed. The present state of different projects for the biotechnological transformation of these aromatic precursor compounds is reported.     

Purification and characterization of galactocerebroside sulfotransferase from rat kidney

Galactocerebroside sulfotransferase (EC 2.8.2.11) was purified to apparent homogeneity from rat kidneys. The purified protein is stable at -20 degrees C, and has an estimated molecular weight of 64,000 and a pI of 5.1. In contrast to other known sulfotransferases, the enzyme appears not to require divalent metal ions for activity. The Km for the donor, 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate, is 5.2 microM. Structural studies on this "active" sulfate donor show the requirement of a phosphate group at the 3' position of the ribose moiety. Modification of the amino group at either the 6 or 8 position on the purine ring renders the corresponding compounds poor substrates. Both galactosylceramide and lactosylceramide are effective acceptors for this enzyme, while galactosylsphingosine and galactosylglycerolipids are sulfated only poorly, suggesting that the in vivo sulfation of these glycolipids is carried out by different sulfotransferases. The active site of the enzyme contains arginine residues which appear to be important in binding the sulfate donor. The enzyme protein is hydrophobic and binds 0.17 mg [3H]Triton X-100/mg protein. The purified enzyme contains bound lipids, consisting primarily of cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine. The lipid environment affects the activity of the enzyme which, in turn, regulates the sulfation of glycolipids.     

Comparative mutagenicity of halomethanes and halonitromethanes in Salmonella TA100: structure-activity analysis and mutation spectra

Halonitromethanes (HNMs) are a recently identified class of disinfection by-products (DPBs) in drinking water that are mutagenic in Salmonella and potent inducers of DNA strand breaks in mammalian cells. Here we compared the mutagenic potencies of the HNMs to those of their halomethane (HM) homologues by testing all nine HNMs and seven of the nine HMs (minus bromomethane and chloromethane) under the same conditions (the pre-incubation assay) in Salmonella TA100 +/- S9. We also determined the mutation spectra for several DBPs. In the presence of S9, all nine HNMs, but only three HMs, dibromomethane (DBM), dichloromethane (DCM), and bromochloromethane (BCM), were mutagenic. Only two DBPs of each class were mutagenic in the absence of S9. The HNMs were generally more potent mutagens than their HM homologues, and the brominated forms of both classes of DBPs were more mutagenic and cytotoxic than their chlorinated homologues. The HNMs were at least 10 times more cytotoxic than the HMs, and the cytotoxicity rankings in the presence of S9 were similar for the HNMs and the HMs. The addition of a nitro-group to BCM did not change the mutation spectra significantly, with both homologues inducing primarily (55-58%) GC --> AT transitions. The greater cytotoxic and mutagenic activities of the HNMs relative to the HMs are likely due to the greater intrinsic reactivity conferred by the nitro-group. Energy calculations predicted increased reactivity with increasing bromination and greater reactivity of the HNMs versus the HMs (Elumo values were approximately 20 kcal/mol lower for the HNMs compared to their HM homologues). Given that the HNMs also are potent genotoxins in mammalian cells [Environ. Sci. Technol. 38 (2004) 62] and are more mutagenic and 10x more cytotoxic in Salmonella than the HMs, whose levels are regulated in drinking water, further study of their occurrence and potential health effects is warranted.     

Rational design and synthesis of selective BACE-1 inhibitors

An effective approach for enhancing the selectivity of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE 1) inhibitors is developed based on the unique features of the S1' pocket of the enzyme. A series of low molecular weight (<600) compounds were synthesized with different moieties at the P1' position. The selectivity of BACE 1 inhibitors versus cathepsin D and renin was enhanced 120-fold by replacing the hydrophobic propyl group with a hydrophilic propionic acid group.     

Tuning hydrophobicity of highly cationic tetradecameric Gramicidin S analogues using adamantane amino acids

Ring extended Gramicidin S analogues containing adamantane amino acids and six cationic residues were designed and evaluated. Systematic replacement of the hydrophobic residues with adamantane amino acids resulted in a small set of compounds with varying amphipathic character. It was found that the amphipathicity of these compounds is correlated to their biological activity. Several bacterial strains including MRSA strains were shown to be killed by the novel peptides. The most potent antibacterial peptides are tetradecameric GS analogues containing six positives charges and two adamantane moieties.     

Syntheses of alpha-D-galactosamine neoglycolipids

Several N-acetyl-alpha-d-galactosamine neoglycolipids, as well as hydrophobized T and T(N) antigen analogues, were prepared for embedment onto liposomes. Three different lipidic structures were used for the anchoring, that is cholesterol, 1,3-bis(undecyloxy)propan-2-ol and 1,3-bis(3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecyloxy)propan-2-ol. Oligoethyleneglycol spacers were used to link the carbohydrate and the hydrophobic moieties; their lengths were varied in order to obtain model compounds for the selective recognition by sialyl transferases involved in cancer processes. Glycosylation reactions were optimized to sluggish amphiphilic acceptor alcohols, in order to reach good 1,2-cis-stereoselectivities and acceptable yields. This aim was achieved by using 3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-d-galactopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate as the donor, trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate as the promoter and diethyl ether or mixtures of diethyl ether and dichloromethane as solvents.     

Synthesis of 1,2,3-triazolo-linked octyl (1→6)-α-D-oligomannosides and their evaluation in mycobacterial mannosyltransferase assay

The synthesis of conjugates consisting of two or three mannose units interconnected by a 1,2,3-triazole linker installed by the "click" reaction is reported. These conjugates were evaluated in mycobacterial mannosyltransferase (ManT) assay. Detailed analysis of the reaction products showed that these compounds with triazole linker between sugar moieties were tolerated by the enzyme, which elongated them by one or two sugar units with α-(1→6) linkage. The effectiveness of this transfer was reduced in comparison to that observed for the acceptor analogues containing a glycosidic linkage, but still, this is the first report on such unnatural compounds serving as substrates for mycobacterial ManT. The ability of the studied compounds to function as acceptors for the ManT suggests that the relative distance and spatial orientation of acceptor octyl hydrophobic aglycone (optimal length for the ManT) and free primary C-6 hydroxy group of the nonreducing terminal mannose unit (to which glycosyl residue is transferred by the mycobacterial ManT) are important for ManT activity, but at the same time, their variations are tolerated by the enzyme in a relatively wide range.     

Enzymatic treatments of pulp using laccase and hydrophobic compounds

The aim of this work was to develop an innovative method for the internal sizing of paper by use of laccase and hydrophobic compounds. Nine different products containing hydrophobic moieties were tested in combination with laccase derived from Trametes villosa on Eucalyptus globulus kraft pulp in order to assess their internal sizing capability. The strongest internal sizing effect was obtained with lauryl gallate (LG). Heat treatment of the handsheets was found to increase the resistance to water absorption of internally sized samples significantly. Tests were conducted under variable operating conditions, including enzyme and reactant doses and treatment time. In addition to altering the water absorption rate, internal sizing with the laccase–LG treatments was found to affect the mechanical and optical properties of the handsheets. As shown in this work, treatments based on laccase and a hydrophobic compound (particularly lauryl gallate), can provide a new, effective biotechnological method for the internal sizing of paper.     

Mutation of N304 to leucine in Streptomyces clavuligerus deacetoxycephalosporin C synthase creates an enzyme with increased penicillin analogue conversion

Superimposition of deacetoxycephalosporin C synthase (DAOCS) and isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS) structures revealed that R74, R160, R266 and N304 are strategically located in the catalytic cavity of Streptomyces clavuligerus DAOCS (scDAOCS) and are crucial for orchestrating different substrates. Substitutions at these sites to a hydrophobic leucine residue were expected to stabilize the hydrophobic substrate bound state. Substantial improvements in the biotransformation of penicillin G, ampicillin and amoxicillin to their respective cephalosporin moieties were observed using the N304L mutant scDAOCS. Thus, our results have demonstrated the enhancement of scDAOCS activity via critical computational analysis and site-directed mutagenesis of endogenous ligands.     

An investigation of phenylthiazole antiflaviviral agents

Flaviviruses are one of the most clinically important pathogens and their infection rates are increasing steadily. The phenylthiazole ring system has provided a template for the design and synthesis of antiviral agents that inhibit the flaviviruses by targeting their E-protein. Unfortunately, there is a correlation between phenylthiazole antiflaviviral activity and the presence of the reactive and therefore potentially toxic mono- or dibromomethyl moieties at thiazole-C4. Adding a linear hydrophobic tail para to the phenyl ring led to a new class of phenylthiazole antiflaviviral compounds that lack the toxic dibromomethyl moiety. This led to development of a drug-like phenylthiazole 12 that had high antiflaviviral selectivity (TI=147).