The Importance of Confined Sulfur Nanodomains and Adjoining Electron Conductive Pathways in Subreaction Regimes of Li‐S Batteries

Polysulfide dissolution into the electrolyte and poor electric conductivity of elemental sulfur are well‐known origins for capacity fading in lithium–sulfur batteries. Various smart electrode designs have lately been introduced to avoid these fading mechanisms, most of which demonstrate significantly improved cycle life. Nevertheless, an in‐depth understanding on the effect of sulfur microstructure and nanoscale electron transport near sulfur is currently lacking. In this study, the authors report an organized nanocomposite comprising linear sulfur chains and oleylamine‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide (O‐rGO) to achieve robust cycling performance (81.7% retention after 500 cycles) as well as to investigate the reaction mechanism in different regimes, i.e., S₈ dissolution, polysulfide conversion, and Li₂S formation. In the nanocomposite, linear sulfur chains terminate with 1,3‐diisopropylbenzene are covalently linked to O‐rGO. The comparison with control samples that do not contain either the capping of sulfur chains or O‐rGO reveals the synergistic interplay between both treatments, simultaneously unveiling the distinct roles of confined sulfur nanodomains and their adjoining electron pathways in different reaction regimes.     

Role of glucosinolates in plant invasiveness

Many plants have been intentionally or accidentally introduced to new habitats where some of them now cause major ecological and economic threats to natural and agricultural ecosystems. The potential to become invasive might depend on plant characteristics, as well as on specific interactions with other organisms acting as symbionts or antagonists, including other plants, microbes, herbivores, or pollinators. The invasion potential furthermore depends on abiotic conditions in the habitat. Several species of the Brassicaceae, well known for their glucosinolate–myrosinase defence system, are invasive species. Various factors are reviewed here that might explain why these species were so successful in colonising new areas. Specific emphasis is laid on the role of glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products in the invasion potential. This particular defence system is involved specifically in plant–plant, plant–microbe and plant–insect interactions. Most research has been done on the mechanisms underlying invasion success of Alliaria petiolata and Brassica spp., followed by Bunias orientalis and Lepidium draba. Some examples are also given for plants that are not necessarily considered as invasives, but which were well investigated with respect to their interference potential with their biotic environment. For each species, most likely a combination of different plant characteristics enhanced the competitive abilities and led to diverse invasive phenotypes.     

Properties and identification of antibiotic drug targets

Background  

We analysed 48 non-redundant antibiotic target proteins from all bacteria, 22 antibiotic target proteins from E. coli only and 4243 non-drug targets from E. coli to identify differences in their properties and to predict new potential drug targets.     

Curcumin and cyclopalladated complexes: a recipe for bifunctional biomaterials

The first examples of binuclear and mononuclear ortho-palladated complexes based on a functionalized 2-phenylquinoline ligand have been synthesized and fully characterized. Conjugating cyclopalladated fragments to curcumin family biologically active beta-diketones gives in one single molecule two different functionalities. The structural variations based on the curcuminoid structure have been tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity. The activity of complexes comprised of a cyclopalladated fragment conjugated to functionalized bioactive ligands, represents the potential of organometallic systems in generating new bifunctional biomaterials.     

N‐terminal guanidinylation of the cyclic 1,4‐ureido‐deltorphin analogues: the synthesis,receptor binding studies,and resistance to proteolytic digestion

The synthesis of a series of N‐guanidinylated cyclic ureidopeptides, analogues of 1,4‐ureido‐deltorphin/dermorphine tetrapeptide is described. The δ‐ and μ‐opioid receptor affinity of new guanidinylated analogues and their non‐guanidinylated precursors was determined by the displacement radioligand binding experiments. Our results indicate that the guanidinylation of cyclic 1,4‐ureidodeltorphin peptide analogues does not exhibit a uniform influence on the opioid receptor binding properties, similarly as reported earlier for some linear peptides. All analogues were also tested for their in vitro resistance to proteolysis during incubation with large excess of chymotrypsin, pepsin, and papain by means of mass spectroscopy. Guanidinylated ureidopeptides 1G–4G showed mixed μ agonist/δ agonist properties and high enzymatic stability indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for treatment of pain. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A facile preparation of trehalose analogues: 1,1-thiodisaccharides

The synthesis of 1,1-thiodisaccharide trehalose analogues in good to excellent yields by a Lewis acid (BF₃·Et₂O)-catalysed coupling of sugar per-O-acetate with thiosugar is described. The reactivity of different sugar per-O-acetates and thiosugars is explored.     

Bicyclic nucleoside analogues from D-glucose: synthesis of chiral as well as racemic 1,4-dioxepane ring-fused derivatives

The dioxepanofuranose derivatives 4 and 12, obtained through the cyclization of the 3-(2-hydroxyethyl) ether of a D-xylo-pentodialdose derivative, were appropriately functionalized and elaborated to the first examples of the new class of 3'-O and 5'-O-bicyclic nucleoside analogues 9, 10, and 14 with a fused seven-membered ring. Reactions carried out through the intermediacy of the D-xylo-pentodialdose derivative 5 yielded racemic products, while prior protection of the 4-formyl group (as in 7) before deprotection of the 1,2-hydroxyl groups led to optically active analogues.     

Single channel and monolayer studies of acylated gramicidin A: influence of the length of the alkyl group

Three different gramicidin A analogues bearing acyl chains of various length on the ethanolamine moiety have been studied by investigating their single channel behaviour and their monolayer properties. It is shown that the single channel conductance does not depend on the substitution of the ethanolamine OH group and that the channel lifetime is roughly proportional to the length of the alkyl chain. The monolayer study indicates that acylation of gramicidin A produces compounds which have medium-dependent conformations. These acylated compounds are miscible with lipids, while GA is not, and the surface potential is not modified by the esterification of the alcohol group. Offprint requests to: F. Heitz     

iVS analysis to evaluate the impact of scaffold diversity in the binding to cellular targets relevant in cancer

This study reports the application of inverse virtual screening (iVS) methodologies to identify cellular proteins as suitable targets for a library of heterocyclic small-molecules, with potential pharmacological implications. Standard synthetic procedures allow facile generation of these ligands showing a high degree of core scaffold diversity. Specifically, we have computationally investigated the binding efficacy of the new series for target proteins which are involved in cancer pathogenesis. As a result, nine macromolecules demonstrated efficient binding interactions for the molecular dataset, in comparison to the co-crystallised ligand for each target. Moreover, the iVS analysis led us to confirm that 27 analogues have high affinity for one or more examined cellular proteins. The additional evaluation of ADME and drug score for selected hits also highlights their capability as drug candidates, demonstrating valuable leads for further structure optimisation and biological studies.     

Novel indole-based melatonin analogues substituted with triazole,thiadiazole and carbothioamides: studies on their antioxidant,chemopreventive and cytotoxic activities

Melatonin (MLT) is a well-known free-radical scavenger, involving in the prevention of cellular damage that can lead to cancer, ageing and a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Research on MLT-related compounds has been required to optimise the maximum pharmaceutical activity with the lowest side effects. In our ongoing research, we have synthesized new indole-based MLT analogues as potential antioxidant agents by modifying the MLT molecule. In this study, we build on previous findings, through the synthesis, characterization and in vitro antioxidant profiling of a series of new indole-based MLT analogues which possess triazole, thiadiazole and carbothioamides on the third position on the indole ring. In vitro antioxidant activity was investigated by evaluating their reducing effect against oxidation of a redox sensitive fluorescent probe and their radical scavenging activity was assessed via the DPPH assay. In addition, in vitro cytotoxic effects of newly synthesized compounds were investigated in CHO-K1 cells using the MTT assay.     

Possible pharmaceutical applications can be developed from naturally occurring phenanthroindolizidine and phenanthroquinolizidine alkaloids

Naturally occurring phenanthroindolizidine and phenanthroquinolizidine alkaloids (PIAs and PQAs) are two small groups of herbal metabolites sharing a similar pentacyclic structure with a highly oxygenated phenanthrene moiety fused with a saturated or an unsaturated N-heterocycle (indolizidine/quinolizidine moieties). Natural PIAs and PQAs only could be obtained from finite plant families (such as Asclepiadaceae, Lauraceae and Urticaceae families, etc.). Up to date, more than one hundred natural PIAs, while only nine natural PQAs had been described. PIA and PQA analogues have been applied to the development of potent anticancer agents all along because of their excellent cytotoxic activity. However, in the last two decades, other great biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities were revealed successively by different pharmacological assays. Especially because of their potent antiviral activity against coronavirus (TGEV, SARS CoV and MHV) and tobacco mosaic virus, PIA and PQA analogues have attracted much pharmaceutical attention again, some of them have been used to present interesting targets for total or semi synthesis, and structure–activity relationship (SAR) study for the development of antiviral agents. In this review, natural PIA and PQA analogues obtained in the last two decades with their herbal origins, key spectroscopic characteristics for structural identification, biological activity with possible SARs and application prospects were systematically summarized. We hope this paper can stimulate further investigations on PIA and PQA analogues as an important source for potential drug discovery.

     

Inhibitors of polyamine metabolism: Review article

Summary. The identification of increased polyamine concentrations in a variety of diseases from cancer and psoriasis to parasitic infections has led to the hypothesis that manipulation of polyamine metabolism is a realistic target for therapeutic or preventative intervention in the treatment of certain diseases.The early development of polyamine biosynthetic single enzyme inhibitors such as -difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) showed some interesting early promise as anticancer drugs, but ultimately failed in vivo. Despite this, DFMO is currently in use as an effective anti-parasitic agent and has recently also been shown to have further potential as a chemopreventative agent in colorectal cancer.The initial promise in vitro led to the development and testing of other potential inhibitors of the pathway namely the polyamine analogues. The analogues have met with greater success than the single enzyme inhibitors possibly due to their multiple targets. These include down regulation of polyamine biosynthesis through inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and decreased polyamine uptake. This coupled with increased activity of the catabolic enzymes, polyamine oxidase and spermidine/spermine N¹-acetyltransferase, and increased polyamine export has made the analogues more effective in depleting polyamine pools. Recently, the identification of a new oxidase (PAO-h1/SMO) in polyamine catabolism and evidence of induction of both PAO and PAO-h1/SMO in response to polyamine analogue treatment, suggests the analogues may become an important part of future chemotherapeutic and/or chemopreventative regimens.     

G protein coupled receptors as targets for next generation pesticides

There is an on-going need for the discovery and development of new pesticides due to the loss of existing products through the continuing development of resistance, the desire for products with more favourable environmental and toxicological profiles and the need to implement the principles of integrated pest management.Insect G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have important roles in modulating biology, physiology and behaviour, including reproduction, osmoregulation, growth and development. Modifying normal receptor function by blocking or over stimulating its actions may either result in the death of a pest or disrupt its normal fitness or reproductive capacity to reduce pest populations. Hence GPCRs offer potential targets for the development of next generation pesticides providing opportunities to discover new chemistries for invertebrate pest control. Such receptors are important targets for pharmaceutical drugs, but are under-exploited by the agro-chemical industry. The octopamine receptor agonists are the only pesticides with a recognized mode of action, as described in the classification scheme developed by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee, that act via a GPCR.The availability of sequenced insect genomes has facilitated the characterization of insect GPCRs, but the development and utilization of screening assays to identify lead compounds has been slow. Various studies using knock-down technologies or applying the native ligands and/or neuropeptide analogues to pest insects in vivo, have however demonstrated that modifying normal receptor function can have an insecticidal effect.This review presents examples of potential insect neuropeptide receptors that are potential targets for lead compound development, using case studies from three representative pest species, Tribolium castaneum, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and Drosophila suzukii.Functional analysis studies on T. castaneum suggest that GPCRs involved in growth and development (eclosion hormone, ecdysis triggering hormone and crustacean cardioacceleratory peptide receptors) as well as the dopamine-2 like, latrophilin-like, starry night, frizzled-like, methuselah-like and the smoothened receptors may be suitable pesticide targets.From in vivo studies using native ligands and peptide analogues, receptors which appear to have a role in the regulation of feeding in the pea aphid, such as the PISCF-allatostatin and the various “kinin” receptors, are also potential targets.In Drosophila melanogaster various neuropeptides and their signalling pathways have been studied extensively. This may provide insights into potential pesticide targets that could be exploited in D. suzukii. Examples include the sex peptide receptor, which is involved in reproduction and host seeking behaviours, and those responsible for osmoregulation such as the diuretic hormone receptors.However the neuropeptides and their receptors in insects are often poorly characterized, especially in pest species. Although data from closely related species may be transferable (e.g. D. melanogaster to D. suzukii), peptides and receptors may have different roles in different insects, and hence a target in one insect may not be appropriate in another. Hence fundamental knowledge of the roles and functions of receptors is vital for development to proceed.     

Synthesis and inhibitory activity of thymidine analogues targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis thymidine monophosphate kinase

We report on Mycobacterium tuberculosis thymidine monophosphate kinase (TMPKmt) inhibitory activities of a series of new 3′- and 5′-modified thymidine analogues including α- and β-derivatives. In addition, several analogues were synthesized in which the 4-oxygen was replaced by a more lipophilic sulfur atom to probe the influence of this modification on TMPKmt inhibitory activity. Several compounds showed an inhibitory potency in the low micromolar range, with the 5′-arylthiourea 4-thio-α-thymidine analogue being the most active one (K_i = 0.17 μM). This compound was capable of inhibiting mycobacteria growth at a concentration of 25 μg/mL.     

Synthesis and characterization of functionalized thymidine as a potential carrier for cisplatin-like drugs

Pursuing the idea of using a biological nanovector to drive the non-specific cytotoxic activity of Pt(II) complexes toward biological targets, we have singled out thymidine (T) as a potential biological carrier for delivery of cisplatin-like drugs to DNA. Thymidine was functionalized by first reacting it with solid sodium hydride and 1,3-diiodopropane, producing high yields of N3-iodopropylthymidine. Further reaction with ethylenediamine gave the bio-ligand N3-(3-ethylenediamine)propylthymidine which reacts in turn with K₂PtCl₄, resulting in a cisplatin-like nucleoside.This derivative (or more soluble analogues) can be phosphorylated by the cellular enzyme pool and incorporated into the growing DNA chain, thus making them suitable candidates as potential antiproliferative agents, exploiting both alkylating and antimetabolite mechanisms.     

Mycobacterium Sulfur Metabolism and Implications for Novel Drug Targets

New antibiotic targets are urgently needed to tackle the multidrug resistant and latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of the most formidable infectious disease tuberculosis. Sulfur metabolism is essential for the survival and virulence of many pathogens including M. tuberculosis. The absence of most genes involved in microbial sulfur metabolism in human beings suggests abundant novel potential antibiotic targets in pathogen sulfur metabolism. In this article, a comparative genomic landscape of Mycobacterium sulfur metabolism, such as the uptake, activation, and reduction of sulfate and allied enzymes, the biosynthesis pathway of some sulfated metabolites, and the enzymes involved in these pathways were presented. Novel clues for antibiotic targets are put forward.     

Expanding the MiniAp‐4 BBB‐shuttle family: Evaluation of proline cis‐trans ratio as tool to fine‐tune transport

Venoms have recently emerged as a promising field in drug discovery due to their good selectivity and affinity for a wide range of biological targets. Among their multiple potential applications, venoms are a rich source of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) peptide shuttles. We previously described a short nontoxic derivative of apamin, MiniAp‐4, which can transport a wide range of cargoes across the BBB. Here, we have studied the conformation of the proline residue of a range of MiniAp‐4 analogues by high‐field NMR techniques, with the aim to identify whether there is a direct relation between the cis/trans population and a range of features, such as the capacity to transport molecules across a human‐based cellular model and stability in various media. The most promising candidate showed improved transport properties for a relevant small fluorophore.     

Desulfuromonas acetoxidans gen. nov. and sp. nov., a new anaerobic,sulfur-reducing,acetate-oxidizing bacterium

Anaerobic sea or fresh water media with acetate and elemental sulfur yielded enrichments of a new type of strictly anaerobic, rod-shaped, laterally flagellated, Gram-negative bacterium. Three pure culture-strains from different sulfide-containing sea water sources were characterized in detail and are described as a new genus and species Desulfuromonas acetoxidans.The new bacterium is unable to ferment organic substances; it obtains energy for growth by anaerobic sulfur respiration. Acetate, ethanol or propanol can serve as carbon and energy source for growth; their oxidation to CO₂ is stoichiometrically linked to the reduction of elemental sulfur to sulfide. Organic disulfide compounds, malate or fumarate are the only other electron acceptors used. Butanol and pyruvate are used in the presence of malate only; no other organic compounds are utilized. Biotin is required as a growth factor. The following dry weight yields per mole of substrate are obtained: in the presence of sulfur: 4.21 g on acetate, 9.77 g on ethanol; in the presence of malate: 16.5 g on acetate, 34.2 g on ethanol and 46.2 g on pyruvate. Accumulations of cells are pink; cell suspensions exhibit absorption spectra resembling those of c-type cytochromes (abs. max. at 419, 523 and 553 nm). Malate-ethanol grown cells contain a b-type cytochrome in addition.In the presence of acetate, ethanol or propanol, Desulfuromonas strains form robust growing syntrophic mixed cultures with phototrophic green sulfur bacteria.Dedicated to Prof. Roger Y. Stanier on the occasion of his 60th barthday     

Lipophilic methylene blue analogues enhance mitochondrial function and increase frataxin levels in a cellular model of Friedreich’s ataxia

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder resulting from reduced expression of the protein frataxin (FXN). Although its function is not fully understood, frataxin appears to help assemble iron sulfur clusters; these are critical for the function of many proteins, including those needed for mitochondrial energy production. Finding ways to increase FXN levels has been a major therapeutic strategy for this disease. Previously, we described a novel series of methylene violet analogues and their structural optimization as potential therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative and mitochondrial disorders. Presently, a series of methylene blue analogues has been synthesized and characterized for their in vitro biochemical and biological properties in cultured Friedreich’s ataxia lymphocytes. Favorable methylene blue analogues were shown to increase frataxin levels and mitochondrial biogenesis, and to improve aconitase activity. The analogues were found to be good ROS scavengers, and able to protect cultured FRDA lymphocytes from oxidative stress resulting from inhibition of complex I and from glutathione depletion. The analogues also preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and augmented ATP production. Our results suggest that analogue 5, emerging from the initial structure of the parent compound methylene blue (MB), represents a promising lead structure and lacks the cytotoxicity associated with the parent compound MB.     

Predicting selective drug targets in cancer through metabolic networks

The interest in studying metabolic alterations in cancer and their potential role as novel targets for therapy has been rejuvenated in recent years. Here, we report the development of the first genome‐scale network model of cancer metabolism, validated by correctly identifying genes essential for cellular proliferation in cancer cell lines. The model predicts 52 cytostatic drug targets, of which 40% are targeted by known, approved or experimental anticancer drugs, and the rest are new. It further predicts combinations of synthetic lethal drug targets, whose synergy is validated using available drug efficacy and gene expression measurements across the NCI‐60 cancer cell line collection. Finally, potential selective treatments for specific cancers that depend on cancer type‐specific downregulation of gene expression and somatic mutations are compiled.