Synthesis and TNF expression inhibitory properties of new thalidomide analogues derived via Heck cross coupling

A library of new thalidomide analogues containing an olefin functionality were synthesised using a Heck cross coupling reaction from their aryl halogenated precursor. All analogues were tested for their ability to inhibit the synthesis of the proinflammatory cytokine Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF). Compounds 22, 29, 33 and 37 were the most effective in this assay inhibiting TNF expression 50%, 69%, 52% and 50%, respectively.     

Fgf3 is required for dorsal patterning and morphogenesis of the inner ear epithelium

The inner ear, which contains sensory organs specialized for hearing and balance, develops from an ectodermal placode that invaginates lateral to hindbrain rhombomeres (r) 5-6 to form the otic vesicle. Under the influence of signals from intra- and extraotic sources, the vesicle is molecularly patterned and undergoes morphogenesis and cell-type differentiation to acquire its distinct functional compartments. We show in mouse that Fgf3, which is expressed in the hindbrain from otic induction through endolymphatic duct outgrowth, and in the prospective neurosensory domain of the otic epithelium as morphogenesis initiates, is required for both auditory and vestibular function. We provide new morphologic data on otic dysmorphogenesis in Fgf3 mutants, which show a range of malformations similar to those of Mafb (Kreisler), Hoxa1 and Gbx2 mutants, the most common phenotype being failure of endolymphatic duct and common crus formation, accompanied by epithelial dilatation and reduced cochlear coiling. The malformations have close parallels with those seen in hearing-impaired patients. The morphologic data, together with an analysis of changes in the molecular patterning of Fgf3 mutant otic vesicles, and comparisons with other mutations affecting otic morphogenesis, allow placement of Fgf3 between hindbrain-expressed Hoxa1 and Mafb, and otic vesicle-expressed Gbx2, in the genetic cascade initiated by WNT signaling that leads to dorsal otic patterning and endolymphatic duct formation. Finally, we show that Fgf3 prevents ventral expansion of r5-6 neurectodermal Wnt3a, serving to focus inductive WNT signals on the dorsal otic vesicle and highlighting a new example of cross-talk between the two signaling systems.     

How Ebola and Marburg viruses battle the immune system

The filoviruses Ebola and Marburg have emerged in the past decade from relative obscurity to serve now as archetypes for some of the more intriguing and daunting challenges posed by such agents. Public imagination is captured by deadly outbreaks of these viruses and reinforced by the specter of bioterrorism. As research on these agents has accelerated, it has been found increasingly that filoviruses use a combination of familiar and apparently new ways to baffle and battle the immune system. Filoviruses have provided thereby a new lens through which to examine the immune system itself.     

Effect of a fungal lectin from Xerocomus chrysenteron (XCL) on the biological parameters of aphids

Aphids are important pests of crop plants in Europe. Increasing resistance of aphids to insecticides and their side effects on the environment and non target organism's including human's stimulated research on alterative methods of aphid control, including the use of entomotoxic proteins. Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins that are widely distributed in nature; they have been isolated from microorganisms, fungi, plants and animals. Several of these proteins were tested for their potential biocide effect on plenty of pests. A fungal lectin, namely Xerocomus Chrysenteron lectin (XCL) was previously purified and was shown to be toxic for several pests including aphids. XCL was clearly the most toxic lectin against M. persicae. In this work, bioassays using artificial diets incorporating a broad range of XCL concentrations (from 10 microg x ml(-1) to 5000 microg x ml(-1)) were developed to assess the negative effects of XCL on the biological parameters (development duration, weight and fecundity) of M. persicae a polyphagous aphid found on more than 400 host plant species and transmitting more than 100 viral diseases. A significant mortality of aphids was observed, corresponding to the LC50 and LC90 of 0, 46 and 6, 02 mg/ml respectively after 24hrs. Significant differences of M. persicae weight, development duration and fecundity (P < 0.05) was observed between the tested XCL concentrations. Conavalia ensifomris lectin (ConA) was included as lectin reference on the bioassay experiments and was shown to be less toxic and induced lower negative changes in M. persicae biological parameters when compared with XCL.     

Raman characterization and chemical imaging of biocolloidal self-assemblies, drug delivery systems, and pulmonary inhalation aerosols: A review

This review presents an introduction to Raman scattering and describes the various Raman spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, and chemical imaging techniques that have demonstrated utility in biocolloidal self-assemblies, pharmaceutical drug delivery systems, and pulmonary research applications. Recent Raman applications to pharmaceutical aerosols in the context of pulmonary inhalation aerosol delivery are discussed. The "molecular fingerprint" insight that Raman applications provide includes molecular structure, drug-carrier/excipient interactions, intramolecular and intermolecular bonding, surface structure, surface and interfacial interactions, and the functional groups involved therein. The molecular, surface, and interfacial properties that Raman characterization can provide are particularly important in respirable pharmaceutical powders, as these particles possess a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio; hence, understanding the nature of these solid surfaces can enable their manipulation and tailoring for functionality at the nanometer level for targeted pulmonary delivery and deposition. Moreover, Raman mapping of aerosols at the micro- and nanometer level of resolution is achievable with new, sophisticated, commercially available Raman microspectroscopy techniques. This noninvasive, highly versatile analytical and imaging technique exhibits vast potential for in vitro and in vivo molecular investigations of pulmonary aerosol delivery, lung deposition, and pulmonary cellular drug uptake and disposition in unfixed living pulmonary cells.     

Base-CP proteasome can serve as a platform for stepwise lid formation

26S proteasome, a major regulatory protease in eukaryotes, consists of a 20S proteolytic core particle (CP) capped by a 19S regulatory particle (RP). The 19S RP is divisible into base and lid sub-complexes. Even within the lid, subunits have been demarcated into two modules: module 1 (Rpn5, Rpn6, Rpn8, Rpn9 and Rpn11), which interacts with both CP and base sub-complexes and module 2 (Rpn3, Rpn7, Rpn12 and Rpn15) that is attached mainly to module 1. We now show that suppression of RPN11 expression halted lid assembly yet enabled the base and 20S CP to pre-assemble and form a base-CP. A key role for Regulatory particle non-ATPase 11 (Rpn11) in bridging lid module 1 and module 2 subunits together is inferred from observing defective proteasomes in rpn11–m1, a mutant expressing a truncated form of Rpn11 and displaying mitochondrial phenotypes. An incomplete lid made up of five module 1 subunits attached to base-CP was identified in proteasomes isolated from this mutant. Re-introducing the C-terminal portion of Rpn11 enabled recruitment of missing module 2 subunits. In vitro, module 1 was reconstituted stepwise, initiated by Rpn11–Rpn8 heterodimerization. Upon recruitment of Rpn6, the module 1 intermediate was competent to lock into base-CP and reconstitute an incomplete 26S proteasome. Thus, base-CP can serve as a platform for gradual incorporation of lid, along a proteasome assembly pathway. Identification of proteasome intermediates and reconstitution of minimal functional units should clarify aspects of the inner workings of this machine and how multiple catalytic processes are synchronized within the 26S proteasome holoenzymes.     

Discovery and structural characterization of an allosteric inhibitor of bacterial cis‐prenyltransferase

Undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase (UPPs) is an essential enzyme in a key bacterial cell wall synthesis pathway. It catalyzes the consecutive condensations of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) groups on to a trans-farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) to produce a C55 isoprenoid, undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (UPP). Here we report the discovery and co-crystal structures of a drug-like UPPs inhibitor in complex with Streptococcus pneumoniae UPPs, with and without substrate FPP, at resolutions of 2.2 and 2.1 Å, respectively. The UPPs inhibitor has a low molecular weight (355 Da), but displays potent inhibition of UPP synthesis in vitro (IC₅₀ 50 nM) that translates into excellent whole cell antimicrobial activity against pathogenic strains of Streptococcal species (MIC₉₀ 0.4 µg mL⁻¹). Interestingly, the inhibitor does not compete with the substrates but rather binds at a site adjacent to the FPP binding site and interacts with the tail of the substrate. Based on the structures, an allosteric inhibition mechanism of UPPs is proposed for this inhibitor. This inhibition mechanism is supported by biochemical and biophysical experiments, and provides a basis for the development of novel antibiotics targeting Streptococcus pneumoniae.