Effect of Anomeric Linkage on the Sialylation of Glycosides by Cells

The synthesis of sialylated glycosides using saccharide primers and cells was investigated. α · and β · Saccharide primers were chemically synthesized and introduced into B16 melanoma cells to prime oligosaccharide synthesis. Incorporation of α‐ and β‐dodecyl lactosides into B16 cells resulted in the sialylation of the galactose residue to give GM3‐type oligosaccharides. The β‐dodecyl galactoside primer was sialylated but the α‐dodecyl galactoside primer was not. Both the α‐ and β‐dodecyl glucoside primers were not elongated. In the glycosylation of primers by cells, this research confirmed that sialyl transferases tolerate acceptor modifications and are permissive to primer elongation regardless of the α‐ or β‐linkage to the aglycon unit. However, the presence of the terminal galactose residue that is β‐linked to the adjacent saccharide or aglycon unit is essential for sialylation by cellular enzymes to occur.     

Transition state analysis of Vibrio cholerae sialidase-catalyzed hydrolyses of natural substrate analogues

A series of isotopically labeled natural substrate analogues (phenyl 5-N-acetyl-α-d-neuraminyl-(2→3)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-1-thio-β-d-glucopyranoside; Neu5Acα2,3LacβSPh, and the corresponding 2→6 isomer) were prepared chemoenzymatically in order to characterize, by use of multiple kinetic isotope effect (KIE) measurements, the glycosylation transition states for Vibrio cholerae sialidase-catalyzed hydrolysis reactions. The derived KIEs for Neu5Acα2,3LacβSPh for the ring oxygen ((18)V/K), leaving group oxygen ((18)V/K), C3-S deuterium ((D)V/K(S)) and C3-R deuterium ((D)V/K(R)) are 1.029 ± 0.002, 0.983 ± 0.001, 1.034 ± 0.002, and 1.043 ± 0.002, respectively. In addition, the KIEs for Neu5Acα2,6βSPh for C3-S deuterium ((D)V/K(S)) and C3-R deuterium ((D)V/K(R)) are 1.021 ± 0.001 and 1.049 ± 0.001, respectively. The glycosylation transition state structures for both Neu5Acα2,3LacβSPh and Neu5Acα2,6LacβSPh were modeled computationally using the experimental KIE values as goodness of fit criteria. Both transition states are late with largely cleaved glycosidic bonds coupled to pyranosyl ring flattening ((4)H(5) half-chair conformation) with little or no nucleophilic involvement of the enzymatic tyrosine residue. Notably, the transition state for the catalyzed hydrolysis of Neu5Acα2,6βSPh appears to incorporate a lesser degree of general-acid catalysis, relative to the 2,3-isomer.     

Formation of water-soluble vitamin derivatives from lipophilic vitamins by cultured plant cells

Glycosylation of vitamin E, its homologues, and vitamin A by cultured plant cells of Phytolacca americana and Catharanthus roseus was investigated to produce water-soluble vitamin derivatives. Two new compounds, that is, 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4-methylpentyl)chroman-6-yl β-d-glucopyranoside and 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8-dimethylnonyl)chroman-6-yl β-d-glucopyranoside, together with 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yl β-d-glucopyranoside were isolated from the cultured cells of P. americana following administration of vitamin E and its homologues, that is, 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4-methylpentyl)-6-chromanol, 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8-dimethylnonyl)-6-chromanol and 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-6-chromanol (vitamin E). On the other hand, glycosylation by C. roseus gave two new compounds, that is, 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4-methylpentyl)chroman-6-yl 6-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranoside and 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8-dimethylnonyl)chroman-6-yl 6-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, as well. Furthermore, conversion of vitamin A (retinol) by these cultured cells afforded retinyl β-d-glucopyranoside.     

Synthesis of quercetin 3-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside

A concise method to construct a unique 2,6-branched trisaccharide was established by regioselective glycosylation of three free hydroxyl groups on a 3-O-protected glucose moiety, and successfully used in the synthesis of quercetin 3-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside, a flavonol O-glycoside isolated from glandless cotton seeds which showed notable antidepressant activities.     

An improved method for synthesizing antennary β-d-mannopyranosyl disaccharide units

The merits of an indirect protecting method for hydroxyl groups using allyl groups via allyloxycarbonyl groups in the synthesis of antennary β-d-mannopyranosyl disaccharides from β-d-galactopyranosyl disaccharides were studied. Regioselective allyloxycarbonylation and conversion reactions involving simultaneous double S_N2 nucleophilic substitution at C-2′ and C-4′ of benzyl O-[β-d-galactopyranosyl]-(1-4)-3,6-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-2-N-phthalimido-β-d-glucopyranoside were examined for comparison with the direct allylation method. The required β-d-mannopyranosyl disaccharide having proper protecting groups was obtained using this indirect method in 52% yield. In contrast, the reported direct allylation method using methyl O-(β-d-galactopyranosyl) disaccharide gave the corresponding β-d-mannopyranosyl disaccharide in only 7.5% yield.     

Loading of free radicals on the functional graphene combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry screening method for the detection of radical-scavenging natural antioxidants

A novel free radical reaction combined with liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (FRR-LC–PDA-ESI/APCI-MS/MS) screening method was developed for the detection and identification of radical-scavenging natural antioxidants. Functionalized graphene was prepared by chemical method for loading free radicals (superoxide radical, peroxyl radical and PAHs free radical). Separation was performed with and without a preliminary exposure of the sample to specific free radicals on the functionalized graphene, which can facilitate reaction kinetics (charge transfers) between free radicals and potential antioxidants. The difference in chromatographic peak areas is used to identify potential antioxidants. The structure of the antioxidants in one sample (Swertia chirayita) is identified using MS/MS and comparison with standards. Thirteen compounds were found to possess potential antioxidant activity, and their free radical-scavenging capacities were investigated. The thirteen compounds were identified as 1,3,5-trihydroxyxanthone-8-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (PD1), norswertianin (PD2), 1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone (PD3), 3, 3′, 4′, 5, 8-penta hydroxyflavone-6-β-d-glucopyranosiduronic acid-6′-pentopyranose-7-O-glucopyranoside (PD4), 1,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (PD5), swertiamarin (PS1), 2-C-β-d-glucopyranosyl-1,3,7-trihydroxylxanthone (PS2), 1,3,7-trihydroxylxanthone-8-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (PL1), 1,3,8-trihydroxyl xanthone-5-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (PL2), 1,3,7-trihydroxy-8-methoxyxanthone (PL3), 1,2,3-trihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyxanthone (PL4), 1,8-dihydroxy-2,6-dimethoxy xanthone (PL5) and 1,3,5,8-tetramethoxydecussatin (PL6). The reactivity and SC₅₀ values of those compounds were investigated, respectively. PD4 showed the strongest capability for scavenging PAHs free radical; PL4 showed prominent scavenging capacities in the lipid peroxidation processes; it was found that all components in S. chirayita exhibited weak reactivity in the superoxide radical scavenging capacity. The use of the free radical reaction screening method based on LC–PDA-ESI/APCI-MS/MS would provide a new approach for rapid detection and identification of radical-scavenging natural antioxidants from complex matrices.     

Synthesis of an aryl 2-deoxy-β-glycosyl tetrasaccharide to probe retaining endo-glycosidase mechanism

The synthesis of the 1,3–1,4-β-glucanase substrate analogue 4-nitrophenyl O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-2-desoxi-β-d-glucopyranoside 2 is reported. Starting from the main tetrasaccharide obtained by enzymatic depolymerization of barley β-glucan, the synthetic scheme involves preparation of the corresponding 3-O-substituted glycal which was converted into a 2-deoxy-α-glycosyl iodide as a glycosyl donor. The key glycosylation step was successfully achieved by nucleophilic substitution of the iodide donor with 4-nitrophenolate with high β-selectivity.     

Two new glycosides from the genus of Cassia

Two new glycosides were isolated and characterized by spectral analysis from the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia and the leaves of Cassia angustifolia.The structure was elucidated as 1-hydroxyl-2-acetyl-3,8-dimethoxynaphthalene-6-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl- (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside and 2-acetyl-3-methyl-8-methoxyl-1,4-naphthoquinone-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside.     

Justiciosides E-G, triterpenoidal glycosides with an unusual skeleton from Justicia betonica

Three new triterpenoidal glucosides, justiciosides E, F and G, were isolated from the aerial portion of Justicia betonica. Their structures were established through chemical and spectroscopic analyses, and showed an unusual A-nor-B-homo oleanan-12-ene skeleton type for the aglycone moiety as A-nor-B-homo-oleanan-10,12-diene-3β,11α,28-triol 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside, A-nor-B-homo-oleanan-10,12-diene-3β,11α,28-triol 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside, and 11α-methoxy-A-nor-B-homo-oleanan-10,12-diene-3β,11α,28-triol 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranoside, respectively.     

New constituents from Mikania laevigata Shultz Bip. ex Baker

A new phenylpropanoid and two new diterpenes were isolated from the leaves of the plant Mikania laevigata Shultz Bip. ex Baker. The structures of these compounds were established by 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry data. Taraxerol, lupeol, coumarin, syringaldehyde, trans-melilotoside, cis-melilotoside, adenosine, patuletin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, methyl 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinate, and 3,3′,5-trihydroxy-4′,6,7-trimethoxyflavone were isolated too. In addition, the compounds dihydrocoumarin, spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, kaurenoic acid, beyerenoic acid, and lupeol acetate were identified by GC-MS.     

The first total synthesis of calabricoside A

Quercetin 3-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranoside]-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (calabricoside A), a new flavonol triglycoside isolated from the aerial parts of Putoria calabrica showing strong radical scavenging activity, was synthesized through a combination of phase-transfer-catalyzed C-3 glycosylation and AgOTf promoted homogeneous C-7 glycosylation in CH₂Cl₂.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of the Forssman Antigen Pentasaccharide and Derivatives by a One‐Pot Glycosylation Procedure

The synthesis and biological evaluation of the Forssman antigen pentasaccharide and derivatives thereof by using a one‐pot glycosylation and polymer‐assisted deprotection is described. The Forssman antigen pentasaccharide, composed of GalNAcα(1,3)GalNAcβ(1,3)Galα(1,4)Galβ(1,4)Glc, was recently identified as a ligand of the lectin SLL‐2 isolated from an octocoral Sinularia lochmodes. The chemo‐ and α‐selective glycosylation of a thiogalactoside with a hemiacetal donor by using a mixture of Tf₂O, TTBP and Ph₂SO, followed by activation of the remaining thioglycoside, provided the trisaccharide at the reducing end in a one‐pot procedure. The pentasaccharide was prepared by the α‐selective glycosylation of the N‐Troc‐protected (Troc=2,2,2‐trichloroethoxycarbonyl) thioglycoside with a 2‐azide‐1‐hydroxyl glycosyl donor, followed by glycosidation of the resulting disaccharide at the C3 hydroxyl group of the trisaccharide acceptor in a one‐pot process. We next applied the one‐pot glycosylation method to the synthesis of pentasaccharides in which the galactosamine units were partially and fully replaced by galactose units. Among the three possible pentasaccharides, Galα(1,3)GalNAc and Galα(1,3)Gal derivatives were successfully prepared by the established method. An assay of the binding of the synthetic oligosaccharides to a fluorescent‐labeled SLL‐2 revealed that the NHAc substituents and the length of the oligosaccharide chain were both important for the binding of the oligosaccharide to SLL‐2. The inhibition effect of the oligosaccharide relative to the morphological changes of Symbiodinium by SLL‐2, was comparable to their binding affinity to SLL‐2. In addition, we fortuitously found that the synthetic Forssman antigen pentasaccharide directly promotes a morphological change in Symbiodinium. These results strongly indicate that the Forssman antigen also functions as a chemical mediator of Symbiodinium.     

An expeditious synthesis of quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucuronide from rutin

We report the synthesis of the major human metabolite of quercetin, quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucuronide, from rutin (quercetin-3-rutinoside), which is commercially available at low cost. This straightforward synthesis is based on the key intermediate 3′,4′,5,7-tetra-O-benzyl-quercetin which is obtained in only two steps by the total benzylation of rutin followed by acid hydrolysis of the rutinoside residue. Glycosylation of the free 3 hydroxyl group by 1-bromo-3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-d-glucopyranoside yields the protected glucoside. TEMPO-mediated oxidation of primary alcohol on the deprotected glucoside gives access to the benzylated glucuronide. Removal of the benzyl groups which protect the quercetin hydroxyl groups by H₂ (10% Pd/C) yields quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucuronide.     

Total synthesis of apigenin 7,4′-di-O-β-glucopyranoside, a component of blue flower pigment of Salvia patens, and seven chiral analogues

We have succeeded in the first total synthesis of apigenin 7,4′-di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1a), a component of blue pigment, protodelphin, from naringenin (2). Glycosylation of 2 according to Koenigs-Knorr reaction provided a monoglucoside 4a in 80% yield, and this was followed by DDQ oxidation to give apigenin 7-O-glucoside (12a). Further glycosylation of 4′-OH of 12a with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-d-glucopyranosyl fluoride (5a) was achieved using a Lewis acid-and-base promotion system (BF₃·Et₂O, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylpyridine, and 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine) in 70% yield, and subsequent deprotection produced 1a. Synthesis of three other chiral isomers of 1a, with replacement of d-glucose at 7 and/or 4′-OH by l-glucose (1b-d), and four chiral isomers of apigenin 7-O-β-glucosides (6a,b) and 4′-O-β-glucosides (7a,b) also proved possible.     

Structure determination of glycopeptide of p-momorcharin

The structure of the N-linked oligosaccharide chain of β-momorcharin, a ribosome-inactivating protein from the seeds of Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae) was determined. A glycopeptide liberated by pronase digestion of the glycoprotein was subjected to amino acid and neutral carbohydrate analysis to establish the composition of amino acid and sugar residues. The sequences and glycosylation linkages of the sugar and amino acid residues in the glycopeptide were determined as Manal-6(Xylβ1-2)-Manβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-4(Fucal-3)-GlcNAc-Asn-Leu by 2D-NMR spectroscopy and FAB-MS data.     

Unusual α-glycosylation with galactosyl donors with a C2 ester capable of neighboring group participation

Glycosylation of 4-methoxyphenyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzoyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (2) with isopropyl 3-O-allyl-2,4,6-tri-O-benzoyl- (9) or 6-O-allyl-2,3,4-tri-O-benzoyl-1-thio-β-d-galactopyranoside (7) as the donor, afforded an α- and β-linked mixture, whereas with isopropyl 3-O-chloroacetyl-2-O-benzoyl-4,6-O-benzylidene- (13) and isopropyl 3-O-allyl-2-O-benzoyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-1-thio-β-d-galactopyranoside (15) as the donor, glycosylation of 2 gave α-linked products only, indicating that 4,6-O-benzylidenation led to α-stereoselectivity in spite of the C2 ester capable of neighboring group participation. Using 15 as the donor, glycosylation of mannose derivatives with 2- or 3-OH's, glucose with 2- or 3-OH's, galactose with 2-, or 3-, or 4-OH's, glucosamine and glucuronic acid with a 4-OH, and a lactose derivative with a 4-OH, also furnished α-linked products. However, when using 15 as the donor, glycosylation of aglycon alcohol or sugars with 6-OH's yielded normal β-linked products.     

Synthesis of plant arabinogalactans

Plant arabinogalactans consisting of a β-(1→6)-linked D-galactopyranosyl oligosaccharide back-bone with α-(1→2)-L-arabinofuranosyl branches are synthesized based on the 1,2-anhydro galactopyranose technique, orthogonal (methoxydimethyl)methyl (MIP) and (2-naphthyl)methyl (NAP) protection strategy, and selective acylation or glycosylation method. The third method is the most simple and effective and it is also used for the synthesis of arabinogalactans composed of a β-(1→6)-linked D-galactopyranosyl oligosaccharide backbone with α-(1→3)-L-arabinofuranosyl branches.     

Synthesis of Rosavin and its analogues based on a Mizoroki-Heck type reaction

The Rosavin framework could be constructed with either phenylboronic acids, the protected arabinopyranosyl bromide 4 or the protected xylopyranosyl bromide 5, along with allyl O-β-d-glucopyranoside 7 that could be easily prepared based on direct β-glucosidation between allyl alcohol and d-glucose using the immobilized β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21). The key reaction was the Pd(II)-catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck type reaction between allyl β-d-glucopyranoside congeners 9 or 10 and arylboronic acids. Deprotection of the coupling products afforded synthetic Rosavin 1, 4-methoxycinnamyl 6-O-(α-l-arabinopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside 2, and cinnamyl 6-O-(β-d-xylopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside 3, which were identical with the natural products in respect to the specific rotation and spectral data.     

Mannosazide methyl uronate donors. Glycosylating properties and use in the construction of β-ManNAcA-containing oligosaccharides

Mannosazide methyl uronate donors equipped with a variety of anomeric leaving groups (β- and α-S-phenyl, β- and α-N-phenyltrifluoroacetimidates, hydroxyl, β-sulfoxide, and (R(s))- and (S(s))-α-sulfoxides) were subjected to activating conditions, and the results were monitored by (1)H NMR. While the S-phenyl and imidate donors all gave a conformational mixture of anomeric α-triflates, the hemiacetal and β- and α-sulfoxides produced an oxosulfonium triflate and β- and α-sulfonium bistriflates, respectively. The β-S-phenyl mannosazide methyl uronate performed best in both activation experiments and glycosylation studies and provided the 1,2-cis mannosidic linkage with excellent selectivity. Consequently, an α-Glc-(1→4)-β-ManN(3)A-SPh disaccharide, constructed by the stereoselective glycosylation of a 6-O-Fmoc-protected glucoside and β-S-phenyl mannosazide methyl uronate, was used as the repetitive donor building block in the synthesis of tri-, penta-, and heptasaccharide fragments corresponding to the Micrococcus luteus teichuronic acid.     

Efficient preparation of 9-Z-11-methylretinal and 11-Z-11-methylretinal

[2-(β-Ionylidene)propyl]triphenylphosphonium bromide is reacted with 3-methyl-4-oxobut-2-enenitrile in refluxing 1,2-epoxybutane to give a mixture of 11-Z- and all-E-11-methylretinal via DIBAL-H reduction. In an analogous fashion, β-ionyl triphenylphosphonium bromide is reacted with 3,5-dimethyl-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienenitrile in 1,2-epoxybutane followed by subsequent DIBAL-H reduction to afford a mixture of new products consisting of 9-Z-11-methylretinal, its all-E isomer and 1-(2′,6′,6′-trimethylcyclohex-2′-en-1′-yl)-6-(buten-2″-al-3″-yl)-3,5-dimethylcyclohexa-1,3-diene. These molecules were obtained in pure form by HPLC.