Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 1,2,3-trisubstituted-1,4-dihydrobenzo[g]quinoxaline-5,10-diones and related compounds as antifungal and antibacterial agents

A series of (S)-N-(3-chloro-1,4-naphthoquinon-2-yl)-alpha-amino acid ethyl esters 3 and 1,2,3-trisubstituted-1,4-dihydrobenzo[g]quinoxaline-5,10-diones 6-23 were synthesized and evaluated for antifungal and antibacterial activities. The structure-activity relationship of these compounds was studied and the results show that the compounds 3a and 3b exhibited in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Sporothrix schenckii whereas compounds 12 and 22 showed in vitro antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli.     

Characterization of Semisynthetic and Naturally Nα-Acetylated α-Synuclein in Vitro and in Intact Cells: IMPLICATIONS FOR AGGREGATION AND CELLULAR PROPERTIES OF α-SYNUCLEIN

N-terminal acetylation is a very common post-translational modification, although its role in regulating protein physical properties and function remains poorly understood. α-Synuclein (α-syn), a protein that has been linked to the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease, is constitutively N(α)-acetylated in vivo. Nevertheless, most of the biochemical and biophysical studies on the structure, aggregation, and function of α-syn in vitro utilize recombinant α-syn from Escherichia coli, which is not N-terminally acetylated. To elucidate the effect of N(α)-acetylation on the biophysical and biological properties of α-syn, we produced N(α)-acetylated α-syn first using a semisynthetic methodology based on expressed protein ligation (Berrade, L., and Camarero, J. A. (2009) Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 66, 3909-3922) and then a recombinant expression strategy, to compare its properties to unacetylated α-syn. We demonstrate that both WT and N(α)-acetylated α-syn share a similar secondary structure and oligomeric state using both purified protein preparations and in-cell NMR on E. coli overexpressing N(α)-acetylated α-syn. The two proteins have very close aggregation propensities as shown by thioflavin T binding and sedimentation assays. Furthermore, both N(α)-acetylated and WT α-syn exhibited similar ability to bind synaptosomal membranes in vitro and in HeLa cells, where both internalized proteins exhibited prominent cytosolic subcellular distribution. We then determined the effect of attenuating N(α)-acetylation in living cells, first by using a nonacetylable mutant and then by silencing the enzyme responsible for α-syn N(α)-acetylation. Both approaches revealed similar subcellular distribution and membrane binding for both the nonacetylable mutant and WT α-syn, suggesting that N-terminal acetylation does not significantly affect its structure in vitro and in intact cells.     

Uptake of Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein by CD36 Occurs by an Actin-dependent Pathway Distinct from Macropinocytosis

The class B scavenger receptor CD36 has numerous ligands that include modified forms of low density lipoprotein, fibrillar amyloid, apoptotic cells, and Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells, linking this molecule to atherosclerosis, Alzheimer disease, malaria, and other diseases. We studied the signaling events that follow receptor engagement and lead to CD36 and ligand internalization. We show that oxidized low density lipoprotein or antibody-induced clustering of CD36 triggers macropinocytosis and internalization of the receptor-ligand complex. Remarkably, however, CD36 internalization is independent of macropinocytosis and occurs by a novel endocytic mechanism that depends on actin, but not dynamin. This actin-driven endocytosis requires the activation Src family kinases, JNK, and Rho family GTPases, but, unlike macropinocytosis, it is not affected by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase or Na/H exchange. Manipulation of this unique mode of internalization may prove helpful in the prevention and management of the wide range of diseases in which CD36 is implicated.Uptake and storage of cholesterol by macrophages are key contributors to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Endothelial cells, seemingly activated by the deposition of modified forms of low-density lipoprotein (LDL),³ release chemokines that recruit macrophages into the vascular intima. Infiltrated macrophages can then readily oxidize and take up the modified LDL. Accumulation of lipids derived from oxidized LDL (oxLDL) transforms macrophages into foam cells, which release excess cytokines, triggering an inflammatory cascade. In addition, foam cells express proteases and other factors that contribute to plaque rupture and subsequent thrombosis.OxLDL particles are recognized by a variety of receptors, including the class A scavenger receptor SR-A and the class B scavenger receptor CD36. CD36 is thought to be responsible for ∼50% of oxLDL uptake by murine and human macrophages (1–3). In addition, this protein mediates cholesterol uptake from high density lipoprotein (4) and is also a receptor for internalization of oxidized high density lipoprotein (5).CD36 encodes a protein with two transmembrane domains located near the N and C termini, leaving only short cytoplasmic tails at each end. Despite having small intracellular domains, engagement of CD36 by its cognate ligands triggers signaling reactions that lead to the internalization of the resulting complex. However, the precise pathways that are activated and the specific mode of internalization remain unclear.Jones and Willingham (6) demonstrated that, in macrophages, modified LDL stimulates ruffling activity and the formation of phase-bright macropinosomes. By transmission electron microscopy they found that gold-conjugated modified LDL associated with ruffles and was present within macropinosomes. These observations underlie the widely accepted view that uptake of modified LDL occurs by macropinocytosis. However, Zeng et al. (7) showed that internalized DiI-oxLDL and CD36 were found in moderately sized cytoplasmic structures that co-localized with a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein, suggesting uptake via lipid raft endocytosis. Moreover, Sun et al. (8) reported that uptake of oxLDL by CD36 was independent of actin but dependent on dynamin. The results of these two studies are not easily reconciled with mediation by macropinocytosis, an actin-dependent process that generates large vacuoles, and they suggest instead that CD36 is internalized by a more conventional endocytic pathway.It is not clear whether the apparent discrepancy stems from the engagement of different receptors in the different biological systems used in these studies. Jones and Willingham used macrophages, whereas Zeng et al. and Sun et al. studied, respectively, Chinese hamster ovary and COS cells heterologously transfected with CD36. The types and abundance of receptors capable of binding modified LDL in all likelihood differ greatly in these systems, and heterologous (over)expression in immortalized cells is liable to produce results of questionable biological relevance.In view of this uncertainty and considering the important and versatile roles of CD36, we set out to reexamine the mode of internalization of this receptor. We used both primary and cultured macrophages and selectively targeted CD36 using specific antibodies. The responses triggered by selective CD36 cross-linking were also compared with those elicited by oxLDL. We show that clustering CD36 initiates a signaling cascade that results in the activation of both macropinocytosis and internalization of CD36. Remarkably, however, CD36 internalization is largely independent of macropinocytosis and occurs by a novel dynamin-independent, actin-driven process that requires activation of Src family and c-Jun N-terminal kinases.     

In Vitro Propagation and Conservation of Dendrobium lituiflorum Lindl Through Protocorm-Like Bodies

Axillary buds obtained from 5-month-old in vitro growing plants of Dendrobium lituiflorum Lindl were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-D. Fastest initiation (13.3 days) of protocormlike bodies (PLBs) was observed in cultures containing MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l^?1 2,4-D. Maximum explant response of 83% was also observed in the same medium. PLBs obtained in MS medium containing 0.5 mg l^?1 2,4-D showed maximum regeneration potential of seedlings (19 explant^?1) when subcultured in MS medium. Well developed shoots and roots of the seedlings were obtained in the medium containing 0.5 mg l^?1 each of NAA and BAP, in combination. Encapsulated PLBs of D. lituiflorum could be stored at 8°C for 90 days with 80% regeneration. However, it was observed that regeneration potential of encapsulated PLBs reduced with further storage. Seventy seven per cent hardened plants survived and bloomed after 2.5 years of hardening.     

Influence of dietary iron deficiency on acute metal intoxication

The influence of dietary iron deficiency on acute nickel, lead or cadmium toxicity as reflected by the induction of hepatic, renal and intestinal metallothionein (MT), disposition of the metals, and alterations in hematological parameters was investigated in rats. The administration of cadmium induced the hepatic, renal and intestinal MT while that of nickel or lead induced hepatic MT only. However, dietary iron deficiency did not influence the cadmium induced tissue MT but enhanced the ability of nickel or lead to restore the normal synthesis of renal and intestinal MT lowered under the influence of reduced body iron status. The accumulation of lead in liver and kidney and that of cadmium enhanced in liver only, while tissue deposition of nickel remained unaffected by iron deficiency. The induction of hepatic MT by three metals appears related to the concomitant rise in the hepatic zinc, calcium and iron levels in normal rats. However, dietary iron deficiency increased the hepatic zinc in response to nickel or cadmium and that of heptic calcium in response to lead.     

Chelation in metal intoxication. XXIII: Effect of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine on lead or lead and ethanol intoxicated rats

Efficacy of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine to reduce the body burden of lead and restore the altered biochemical parameters in lead or lead and ethanol intoxicated rats was investigated. The investigation was aimed to suggest suitable prophylaxis of lead poisoning prevalent among workers in lead industry who may also be exposed to ethanol. The rats were given lead (10 mg/kg, p.o.) or lead and ethanol (10% v/v in drinking water) daily for 8 weeks. Following exposure period a single dose of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine (0.3 mmole/kg, intraperitoneal) was given daily for 4 days. The chelator was effective in enhancing the urinary and faecal excretion of lead, reducing the concentration of lead in liver and kidney and lowering the excretion of delta-aminolevulinic acid in lead treated rats. However, the protection was more noticeable in animals treated with lead alone than with lead and ethanol.     

Production of coleonol (forskolin) by root callus cells of plant Coleus forskohlii

Summary Coleonol was produced in callus culture; the kind and level of phytohormones, glycine, casein hydrolysate and sucrose content of the medium differently influenced growth and product formation. Maximum specific growth rate was obtained in medium containing 7% sucrose. Biomass production was highest with 4 ppm of NAA. Maximum product (0.075% of dry cells) was formed in medium containing 0.5 ppm IAA and IBA each, 5 ppm glycine, 200 ppm casein hydrolysate and 7% sucrose.Abbreviations Su Sucrose - NAA naphthalene acetic acid - 2,4-D-2,4 diphenoxy acetic acid - IBA Indole-3-butyric acetic acid - IAA indole 3-acetic acid - Kn Kinetin - Gl glycine - Ch casein hydrolysate     

Coordination behavior and antifungicidal, antibacterial, and antifertility activities of dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes of biologically active heterocyclic benzothiazolines

Synthesis, characterization, and structural aspects of a new class of dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with biologically active benzothiazolines, 2-(2-pyridyl) benzothiazoline, 2-(2-thienyl) benzothiazoline, 2-(2-furyl) benzothiazoline, 2-(3-indolyl) benzothiazoline, glyoxal benzothiazoline, biacetylbenzothiazoline, benzil benzothiazoline, and terphthaldehyde benzothiazoline have been described. The newly synthesized complexes, [MoO2(Bzt)2] and [MoO2(Bzt')] (where BztH and Bzt'H2 represent benzothazoline molecules) have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductance measurements, molecular weight determinations, and magnetic studies. Based on IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and electronic spectral studies, distorted octahedral geometry with cis-MoO2 group has been indicated for the resulting complexes. Two benzothiazolines and their corresponding metal complexes were screened for their antifungicidal and antibacterial activity on several fungi and bacteria and found to be quite active in this respect. In addition, antifertility activity of representative ligands and their molybdenum complexes was also evaluated and discussed in male mice.