Synthesis of β-1, 3-Glucan and β-1, 3 and β-1, 4-Mixed Glucan from UDP-α-d-Glucose

A particulate enzyme preparation from Phaseolus aureus (mung bean) seedlings catalyzed the synthesis of a water insoluble β-1,3-glucan from UDP-α-d-glucose (UDPG) at high concentrations (0.4~20 mm) and an alkaline insoluble β-1,3 and β-1,4-mixed glucan from UDPG at a low concentration (8.5 µm).

Furthermore, the two kinds of β-glucan synthetases which were investigated with two reaction systems at high and low concentrations of UDPG had different properties in optimal pH, stability of enzyme activity, and metallic ion requirement.     

3′-3′,3′-5′ and 5′-5′ TpT-Amides: Synthesis,Characterization and Alkaline Hydrolysis

Abstract

A simple procedure is described for the preparation of the title compounds 1, 8 and 9. 3′-3′ or 3′-5′ or 5′-5′ TpT was reacted with a twofold molar excess of TPS in anhydrous DMF, at room temperature, for 5 min, followed by a 1 min in situ treatment of the reaction mixture with excess 7.0 N NH₄OH, at 0°C. The alkaline hydrolysis of 1, 8 and 9 proceeds without the assistance of 3′- and 5′-hydroxyl groups resulting in equimolar mixtures of thymidine (4) and thymidine 3′-phosphoramidate (6) (for the 3′-3′ isomer) or thymidine 5′-phosphoramidate (7) (for the 5′-5′ isomer) or 6 and 7 in equal quantities (for the 3′-5′ isomer).     

Arachidonic Acid Binds 14-3-3ζ, Releases 14-3-3ζ from Phosphorylated BAD and Induces Aggregation of 14-3-3ζ

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, like arachidonic acid, can bind proteins and affect their function. The 14-3-3 proteins bind phosphorylated sites on a diverse array of client proteins and, in this way, are involved in many intracellular signaling pathways. In this study, we used a novel approach to discover that 14-3-3ζ is able to directly bind arachidonic acid. Furthermore, arachidonic acid, at physiological concentrations, reduced the binding of 14-3-3ζ to phosphorylated BAD, an interaction that is important in regulating apoptosis. In addition, high concentrations of arachidonic acid caused the polymerization of 14-3-3ζ, an event observed in neurodegenerative disorders. Taken together, these results indicate that arachidonic acid directly interacts with 14-3-3ζ and that this interaction may be important in both normal and pathological cellular events. If so, then factors that mediate the release, metabolism and reacylation of arachidonic acid into membranes represent key points of regulation.     

Bcl-3, induced by Tax and HTLV-1, inhibits NF-κB activation and promotes autophagy

The human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a complex human retrovirus that causes an aggressive leukemia known as adult T cell leukemia (ATL). The HTLV-1-encoded oncoprotein Tax induces persistent activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, which is perceived as the primary cause of ATL. Bcl-3, a member of the NF-κB inhibitor (IκB) family, is highly expressed in many HTLV-1-infected T cell lines and ATL cells. However, the role of Bcl-3 in Tax-induced NF-κB activation has not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that Tax induces Bcl-3 expression, which in turn negatively regulates the Tax-induced NF-κB activation. Interestingly, both Bcl-3 up-regulation and NF-κB inhibition promote the autophagy process in HTLV-1-infected cells. Consistent with this, over-expression of Bcl-3 also results in enhancement of rapamycin-, pifithrin-α- or starvation-induced autophagy in control cells. Together, these data demonstrate that Bcl-3 acts as a negative regulator of NF-κB activation and promotes autophagy in HTLV-1-infected cells.     

Synthesis of the 2′-,3′-Didehydro-2′-,3′-dideoxy and 2′-,3′-Dideoxy Derivatives of 6-Azauridine and a New Route to 2′-,3′-Didehydro-2′-,3′-dideoxy-5-chlorouridine

Abstract

The 5′-O-(4,4′-dimethoxytrityl) and 5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl) derivatives of 2′-,3′-O-thiocarbonyl-6-azauridine and 2′,3′-O-thiocarbonyl-5-chlorouridine were synthesized from the parent nucleosides by reaction with 4, 4′-dimethoxytrityl chloride and tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride, respectively, followed by treatment with 1,1′-thiocarbonyldiimidazole. Introduction of a 2′-,3′-double bond into the sugar ring by reaction of the 5′-protected 2′-,3′-O-thionocarbonates with 1, 3-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1, 3, 2-diazaphospholidiine was unsuccessful, but could be accomplished satisfactorily with trimethyl phosphite. Reactions were generally more successful with the 5′-silylated than with the 5′-tritylated nucleosides. Formation of 2′-,3′-O-thiocarbonyl derivatives proceeded in higher yield with 5′-protected 6-azauridines than with the corresponding 5-chlorouridines because of the propensity of the latter to form 2,2′-anhydro derivatives. In the reaction of 5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2′-,3′-O-thiocarbonyl-6-azauridine with trimethyl phosphite, introduction of the double bond was accompanied by N³-methylation. However this side reaction was not a problem with 5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2′-, 3′-O-thioarbonyl-5-chlorouridine. Treatment of 5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2′-, 3′-didehydro-2′-,3′-dideoxy-6-azauridine with tetrabutylammonium fluoride followed by hydrogenation afforded 2′-,3′-dideoxy-6-azauridine. Deprotection of 5′-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2′-, 3′-didehydro-2′-,3′-dideoxy-5-chlorouridine yielded 2′-,3′-didehydro-2′-,3′-dide-oxy-5-chlorouridine.     

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Protects against NO-Induced Ototoxicity through the Regulation of Caspase- 1, Caspase-3, and NF-κB Activation

Excessive nitric oxide (NO) production is toxic to the cochlea and induces hearing loss. However, the mechanism through which NO induces ototoxicity has not been completely understood. The aim of this study was to gain further insight into the mechanism mediating NO-induced toxicity in auditory HEI-OC1 cells and in ex vivo analysis. We also elucidated whether and how epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main component of green tea polyphenols, regulates NO-induced auditory cell damage. To investigate NO-mediated ototoxicity, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) was used as an NO donor. SNAP was cytotoxic, generating reactive oxygen species, releasing cytochrome c, and activating caspase-3 in auditory cells. NO-induced ototoxicity also mediated the nuclear factor (NF)-κB/caspase-1 pathway. Furthermore, SNAP destroyed the orderly arrangement of the 3 outer rows of hair cells in the basal, middle, and apical turns of the organ of Corti from the cochlea of Sprague–Dawley rats at postnatal day 2. However, EGCG counteracted this ototoxicity by suppressing the activation of caspase-3/NF-κB and preventing the destruction of hair cell arrays in the organ of Corti. These findings may lead to the development of a model for pharmacological mechanism of EGCG and potential therapies against ototoxicity.     

14-3-3 proteins,red light and photoperiodic flowering: A point of connection?

The 14-3-3 family of proteins is well known for participating in signal transduction by binding specifically phosphorylated proteins, thereby completing their kinase-induced transition in activity or localization. This interaction-based modulation of signal flux through metabolic pathways is a critical feature of many important eukaryotic signal transduction cascades. Only recently, however, have studies in Arabidopsis thaliana described that some of the most fundamental plant signal transduction pathways, including the photoperiodic flowering pathway, are functionally affected by 14-3-3s. There are pivotal points in the photoperiod pathway that are characterized by the accumulation, localization and stability of critical protein factors, all of which are strongly affected by light quality and photoperiod duration. These mechanisms (localization, phosphorylation, regulated proteolysis) are the same as those regulated by 14-3-3 proteins in other systems. Yet it is only recently that well characterized 14-3-3 genetic tools have become available in sufficient diversity to make it possible to truly tie 14-3-3 interactions to light signaling and flowering. This review presents an overview of photoperiodic flowering signaling and direct 14-3-3 participation in the process, coupled with a discussion of the overlapping and specific roles of 14-3-3s which present confounding issues in the functional dissection of this family of signaling proteins.Key words: isoform specificity, protein interaction, phosphorylation, signaling     

TIMP-1, -2, -3, and -4 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A prevailing nondegradative lung microenvironment?

Fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation characterize idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We evaluated the presence of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, -2, -3, and -4; collagenase-1, -2, and -3; gelatinases A and B; and membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in 12 IPF and 6 control lungs. TIMP-1 was found in interstitial macrophages and TIMP-2 in fibroblast foci. TIMP-3 revealed an intense staining mainly decorating the elastic lamina in vessels. TIMP-4 was expressed in IPF lungs by epithelial and plasma cells. TIMP-2 colocalized with Ki67 in fibroblasts, whereas TIMP-3 colocalized with p27 in inflammatory and epithelial cells. Collagenase-1 was localized in macrophages and alveolar epithelial cells, collagenase-2 was localized in a few neutrophils, and collagenase-3 was not detected. MMP-9 was found in neutrophils and subepithelial myofibroblasts. Myofibroblast expression of MMP-9 was corroborated in vitro by RT-PCR. MMP-2 was noticed in myofibroblasts, some of them close to areas of basement membrane disruption, and membrane type 1 MMP was noticed in interstitial macrophages. These findings suggest that in IPF there is higher expression of TIMPs compared with collagenases, supporting the hypothesis that a nondegrading fibrillar collagen microenvironment is prevailing.     

Synthesis and Properties of P1, P2-, P1, P3- and P1, P4-Dinucleoside Di-, Tri- and Tetraphosphate mRNA 5′-Cap Analogues

Abstract

Chemically synthesized dinucleoside P¹, P²-di-, P¹, P³-tri- and P¹, P⁴-tetraphosphates, derivatives of 5′-linked 7-methylguanosine and guanosine were characterized with respect to their structural properties and functional effect on eukaryotic translation inhibition.     

The interaction between ADAM22 and 14-3-3β

ADAM family consists of a number of transmembrane proteins that contain a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain. ADAMs are involved in a highly diverse set of biological processes, including fertilization, neurogenesis, myogenesis and inflammatory response. The ADAM proteins have both cell adhesion and protease activities. Adam22 is highly expressed in human brain. The adam22-/- mice presented severe ataxia and died before weaning, but the function of ADAM22 is still unknown. 14-3-3β interacting with ADAM22 was detected by using yeast two-hybrid assay. The specificity of interaction between ADAM22 and 14-3-3β was proved by in vitro binding assay and immunoprecipitation. The major 14-3-3β binding site was located in the last 28 amino acid residues of ADAM22 cytoplasmic tail. Protein 14-3-3β is abundant and plays an important role in mediating cell diffusion, migration and cell cycle control. The interaction of ADAM22 and 14-3-3β suggests that the ADAM22 may play a crucial role in neural function and development.     

Structure of ferrichrome-type siderophores with dissimilarN δ-acyl groups: Asperchrome B1,B2,3,D1, D2 and D3

Summary Asperchromes are a series of iron-chelating compounds which contain a cyclic hexapeptide backbone as in ferrichrome siderophores and differ from the latter in having heterogenous acyl groups in the ornithine side chains. The molecular structures of the asperchrome B and D series have been determined by¹H- and¹³C-NMR spectroscopy; single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the detailed structural features of asperchrome B₁ and asperchrome D₁. Asperchrome B₁ crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 witha= 1.3143(5) nm,b=1.2200(5) nm,c=0.8949(3) nm,=105.17(4)°,=94.03(3)°, =109.65(3)°,V=1.2843 nm³,Z=1, _x =1.446 g cm^–3. FinalR=0.054 for 4625 reflections measured at 138 K using MoK. Asperchrome D₁ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁ witha=1.2248(11) nm,b=1.3795(9) nm,c=1.3644(6) nm,=93.24(6)°,V=2.3016 nm³,Z=2, _x =1.418 g cm^–3. FinalR=0.110 for 3180 reflections measured at 138 K using MoK radiation. The conformation of the molecular backbone and iron coordination geometry in both asperchrome B₁ and D₁ compare well with those observed in other known ferrichrome siderophores. The differences in the acyl groups are illustrated and the structural results are correlated with their iron transport properties.     

Assay and properties of alginate lyase and 1, 3-β-glucanase in intertidal sands

Summary Alginate lyase and 1, 3--glucanase activity were detected in intertidal sands below decomposing seaweeds (Fucus sp. andLaminaria sp). Linear relationships between activity and sand weight; length of incubation and substrate concentration, were established for both enzymes. Other properties of these enzymes in intertidal sands are reported.     

The interaction between ADAM22 and 14-3-3β

ADAM family consists of a number of transmembrane proteins that contain a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain. ADAMs are involved in a highly diverse set of biological processes, including fertilization, neurogenesis, myogenesis and inflammatory response. The ADAM proteins have both cell adhesion and protease activities. Adam22 is highly expressed in human brain. The adam22-/- mice presented severe ataxia and died before weaning, but the function of ADAM22 is still unknown. 14-3-3 β interacting with ADAM22 was detected by using yeast two-hybrid assay. The specificity of interaction between ADAM22 and 14-3-3β was proved by in vitro binding assay and immunoprecipitation. The major 14-3-3β binding site was located in the last 28 amino acid residues of ADAM22 cytoplasmic tail. Protein 14-3-3β is abundant and plays an important role in mediating cell diffusion, migration and cell cycle control. The interaction of ADAM22 and 14-3-3β suggests that the ADAM22 may play a crucial role in neural function a     

The interaction between ADAM22 and 14-3-3β

ADAM family consists of a number of transmembrane proteins that contain a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain. ADAMs are involved in a highly diverse set of biological processes, including fertilization, neurogenesis, myogenesis and inflammatory response. The ADAM proteins have both cell adhesion and protease activities.Adam22 is highly expressed in human brain. Theadam22-/- mice presented severe ataxia and died before weaning, but the function of ADAM22 is still unknown. 14-3-3 β interacting with ADAM22 was detected by using yeast two-hybrid assay. The specificity of interaction between ADAM22 and 14-3-3β was proved byin vitro binding assay and immunoprecipitation. The major 14-3-3β binding site was located in the last 28 amino acid residues of ADAM22 cytoplasmic tail. Protein 14-3-3β is abundant and plays an important role in mediating cell diffusion, migration and cell cycle control. The interaction of ADAM22 and 14-3-3β suggests that the ADAM22 may play a crucial role in neural function and development.