Identification, cloning and characterization of a novel 47 kDa murine PKA C subunit homologous to human and bovine Cβ2

Background  

Two main genes encoding the catalytic subunits Cα and Cβ of cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) have been identified in all vertebrates examined. The murine, bovine and human Cβ genes encode several splice variants, including the splice variant Cβ2. In mouse Cβ2 has a relative molecular mass of 38 kDa and is only expressed in the brain. In human and bovine Cβ2 has a relative molecular mass of 47 kDa and is mainly expressed in lymphoid tissues.     

Identification of α-type subunits of the Xenopus 20S proteasome and analysis of their changes during the meiotic cell cycle

Background  

The 26S proteasome is the proteolytic machinery of the ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic system responsible for most of the regulated intracellular protein degradation in eukaryotic cells. Previously, we demonstrated meiotic cell cycle dependent phosphorylation of α4 subunit of the 26S proteasome. In this study, we analyzed the changes in the spotting pattern separated by 2-D gel electrophoresis of α subunits during Xenopus oocyte maturation.     

N–H···O=P hydrogen-bonded dimers as the main structural motif of aminophosphonate diesters

Abstract  

Crystal and molecular structures of three aminophosphonate diesters, diethyl and dibutyl [α-(quinolin-3-ylamino)-N-benzyl]phosphonates (1 and 2) and dibutyl [α-anilino-(quinolin-3-yl)methyl]phosphonate (3) were reported and comparatively discussed. Characteristic structural features for these compounds are strong N–H···O=P hydrogen bonds that connect two organophosphorus molecules in cyclic centrosymmetric dimer. Phosphoryl oxygen forms additional interaction with a C–H donor from the nearby aromatic group. Dimer formation in solution was also confirmed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Mass spectra of six structurally similar aminophosphonate derivatives, 1–3 along with diethyl [α-anilino-(quinolin-3-yl)methyl]phosphonate (4), diethyl and dibutyl [α-anilino-(quinolin-2-yl)methyl]phosphonates (5 and 6) were studied and dimolecular ions [2M + Na]⁺ and [2M + H]⁺ were observed.     

Chemistry of chromium bis-acetylide complexes

Abstract  

Stable paramagnetic Cr(II) and Cr(III) bis(alkynyl) complexes of the type [trans(RC≡C)₂Cr(dmpe)₂] ⁿ⁺ (R = Ph, SiMe₃, SiEt₃, C≡C–SiMe₃ n = 0, 1) were prepared and characterised by NMR, cyclic voltammetry, EPR, magnetic measurements, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction studies.     

A one-pot synthesis of alkyl acylcarbamodithioates from acid chlorides, thiols, and ammonium thiocyanate

Abstract  

An efficient synthesis of alkyl acylcarbamodithioates by reaction of acid chlorides with ammonium thiocyanate in the presence of thiols is described. The unusually large values of ⁵ J _FH = 12–15 Hz, observed for alkyl (2-fluorobenzoyl)carbamodithioates provide information about Ar–C–N–H torsion in these compounds.     

Aromaticity in heterocycles: new HOMA index parametrization

Abstract  

A new parametrization for the Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity (HOMA) index to determine aromaticity of heterocycles is introduced. The new HOMA for Heterocycle Electron Delocalization (HOMHED) is based on the experimental data from electron diffraction X-ray for the reference molecules used to estimate the simple, double, and optimal bond lengths. Bond length of “pure” single and double bonds of non-conjugated systems or systems without π-electrons and/or n-electron delocalization were considered. The HOMHED index was determined for a series of five and six heterocycles with C–C, C–N, C–O, C–S, N–N, N–O, and N–S bonds. The π-electron delocalization of these heterocycles was determined by Krygowski-reformulated HOMA and HOMHED and it was proved that HOMHED worked in line with HOMA for all heterocycles, except those containing oxygen, which were found to be weak aromatic from Krygowski rHOMA calculations.     

Synthesis of pseudo-C-nucleosides from β-formyl-α,β-unsaturated ester bearing a β-furanosidic moiety

Abstract  

Pseudo-C-nucleosides have potential biological activity, and an efficient synthesis of new pseudo-C-nucleosides has been developed via the reaction of a β-formyl-α,β-unsaturated ester bearing a β-sugar moiety with hydrazines in neutral and acidic conditions. The preparation of the β-formyl-α,β-unsaturated ester was accomplished by oxidation of the secondary hydroxyl group of 3-O-benzyl-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose, followed by elongation of its carbon chain with (ethoxycarbonylmethylene)triphenylphosphorane and oxidation of the hydroxymethyl group.     

Self-assembled cobalt(II) Schiff base complex: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

Abstract  

A mononuclear complex [CoL₂Cl₂]·3.5H₂O (L = 2-[(2,2-diphenylethylimino)methyl]pyridine-1-oxide) has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray structure analysis. The crystal structure confirms the formation of an interesting porous framework with channel diameters of about 8 ? through weak C–H···π and C–H···Cl interactions. The magnetic properties of this complex have also been studied, and the susceptibility and magnetization data were analyzed in terms of the spin Hamiltonian formalism. They confirm substantial zero-field splitting, D/hc = 75 cm⁻¹.     

Conformational properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">ortho</Emphasis>-nitrobenzenesulfonamide in gas and crystalline phases. Intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bond

A combined gas-phase electron diffraction and quantum chemical (B3LYP/6-311+G**, B3LYP/cc-pvtz, MP2/cc-pvtz) study of molecular structure of 2-nitrobenzenesulfonamide (2-NBSA) was carried out. Quantum chemical calculations showed that 2-NBSA has four conformers, two of which are stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bond. The latter (with the S–N bond in a close to orthogonal position around the phenyl ring and differing from each other by staggered or eclipsed positions of the N–H and S=O bonds in the SO₂NH₂ group) presented in a saturated vapor over 2-NBSA at T = 433 (3) K in commensurable amounts. Experimental internuclear distances (Ǻ) for the staggered conformer are (?): r _h1(C–H)_av. = 1.071(9), r _h1(C–C)_av. = 1.390(4), r _h1(C–S) = 1.789(8), r _h1(S=O)_av. = 1.427(6), r _h1(S–N) = 1.644(6), r _h1(N–O)_av. = 1.221(4), r _h1(C′–N) = 1.487(8), r _h1(N–H)_av. = 1.014. Calculations at B3LYP/cc-pvtz level were performed to determine the structure and the energies of the transition states between conformers. It was shown that the conformer structures of free molecule differ from those of a molecule stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen bonds in a crystal. Influence of a substituent X (X = –CH₃, –NO₂) on conformational features of the ortho-substituted benzenesulfonamide was established.     

Oxidation of steroidal diols and triols with air/NaH

Abstract  

The unusual air oxidation of steroidal triols and diols in the presence of sodium hydride in THF is described. The initial oxidation product, ketone or aldehyde, frequently undergoes further transformations in the reaction medium. The course of the reaction depends on the stereochemistry of the substrate. For example, oxidation of (20R)-20-hydroxymethyl-6β-methoxy-3α,5α-cyclopregnane-16β,17α-diol with air/NaH afforded 6β-methoxy-23,24,25,26,27-pentanor-3α,5α-cyclofurostane-16α,17α-diol in 60% yield whereas similar reaction of (20R)-20-hydroxymethyl-6β-methoxy-3α,5α-cyclopregnane-16α,17α-diol gave 6β-methoxy-D-homo-16a-oxa-3α,5α-cycloandrostan-16-one in 30% yield. The objective of this preliminary study was to select alcohols susceptible to air/NaH oxidation and to establish the effect of conditions on the course of the reaction.     

Synthesis of chiral α-ethylphenylamine salts of tartaric acid and novel application to cyanosilylation of prochiral ketones

Abstract  

Chiral α-ethylphenylamine tartaric acid salts were synthesized from α-ethylphenylamine by direct reaction with chiral tartaric acid. The crystal structure of S-(−)-α-ethylphenylamine-(2R,3R)-(−)-dihydroxybutanedioic acid was determined. The crystal is monoclinic, of space group P2_1/n , with a = 6.331(5) ?, b = 14.209(11) ?, c = 7.495(6) ?, α = 90.00o, β = 107.000(13)o, γ = 90.00o, λ = 0.7103 Ǻ, V = 644.7(9), Z = 2, D _c = 1.397 g/cm³, M _r  = 271.27 and F(000) = 288, R = 0.0477, and ωR = 0.0838 for 1388 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). We then used the chiral α-ethylphenylamine tartaric acid salts as catalysts in the cyanosilylation of prochiral ketones, and moderate conversions were obtained.     

Novel quintet and triplet (nitrenoethynyl)halomethylenes at theoretical levels

Coupling of a local triplet carbene with a local triplet nitrene through an acetylene linkage gives a new brand of high spin quintet minima ( \textX-\textC ^··-\textC o \textC-\textN _·· ^·· {\text{X}}{-}\mathop {\text{C}}\limits^{ \cdot \cdot }{-}{\text{C}} \equiv {\text{C}}{-}\mathop {\text{N}}\limits_{ \cdot \cdot }^{ \cdot \cdot } , where X = H, F, Cl, Br), which are rather experimentally unreachable. Placing the same linkage between the local open-shell singlet carbene (σ¹π¹) and the local triplet nitrene (π¹π¹) gives triplet minima which are 54–56 kcal/mol more stable than their corresponding quintets. The carbenic angles in both quintets and triplets follow electropositivity of X (H > Br > Cl > F), with every divalent angle in quintet being smaller than the corresponding one in the triplet. Finally no reactive intermediate is observed through connecting singlet states of carbene and nitrene subunits which gives a neutral linear molecule with X–C≡C–C≡N formula, and show about 70 kcal/mol more stability than the corresponding triplet states. Our results are compared at B3LYP, HF, MP2, MP4(SDTQ), CCSD(T), and QCISD(T) levels using 6-311++G** basis set.     

alpha-Sarcin catalytic activity is not required for cytotoxicity

Background  

α-Sarcin is a protein toxin produced by Aspergillus giganteus. It belongs to a family of cytotoxic ribonucleases that inactivate the ribosome and inhibit protein synthesis. α-Sarcin cleaves a single phosphodiester bond within the RNA backbone of the large ribosomal subunit, which makes the ribosome unrecognizable to elongation factors and, in turn, blocks protein synthesis. Although it is widely held that the protein synthesis inhibition caused by the toxin leads to cell death, it has not been directly shown that catalytically inactive mutants of α-sarcin are non-toxic when expressed directly within the cytoplasm of cells. This is important since recent studies have cast doubt on whether protein synthesis inhibition is sufficient to initiate apoptosis.     

Kinetic parameters for thermal decomposition of supramolecular polymers derived from flunixin-meglumine adducts

Meglumine, (2R,3R,4R,5S)-6-methylaminohexane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol, is a carbohydrate derived from sorbitol in which the hydroxyl group in position one is replaced by a methylamine group. It forms binary adducts with substances having carboxyl groups, which have in common the presence of hydrogen bonding as the main force in the stabilization of these species. During melting, adducts of meglumine with flunixin (2-[[2-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid) polymerize or self-assemble in amorphous supramolecular structures with molecular weights around 2.0 × 10⁵ kDa. DSC curves, in a first heating, show isomorphic transitions where the last one at 137 °C for the flunixin-meglumine adduct originated the supramolecular amorphous polymers with glass transition around 49.5 °C. The kinetic parameters for the thermal decomposition step of the polymers were determined by the Capela-Ribeiro non-linear isoconversional method. From data for the TG curves in nitrogen atmosphere and heating rates of 5, 10, 15, and 20 °C min⁻¹, the E _α and B _α terms could be determined and, consequently, the pre-exponential factor, A_α, as well as the kinetic model, g(α).     

( S )-(?)-α-Methylbenzylamine as chiral auxiliary in the synthesis of (+)-lortalamine

Abstract  

(+)-Lortalamine was synthesised using (S)-(−)-α-methylbenzylamine as a chiral auxiliary. The stereochemistry of an intermediate compound was established on the basis of X-ray crystallography, allowing unambiguous assignment of the absolute configuration.     

Efficient synthesis of tetrahydroquinolinones by acetic acid-mediated formal [3+3] cycloaddition

Abstract  

A simple and efficient method to synthesize a variety of tetrahydroquinolinones was successfully achieved by reacting various β-enaminones with several α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. This strategy can be viewed as a Br?nsted acid-mediated formal [3+3] cycloaddition.     

Analysis of protein kinase A activity in insulin-secreting cells using a cell-penetrating protein substrate and capillary electrophoresis

A cell-penetrating, fluorescent protein substrate was developed to monitor intracellular protein kinase A (PKA) activity in cells without the need for cellular transfection. The PKA substrate (PKAS) was prepared with a 6×histidine purification tag, an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter, an HIV-TAT protein transduction domain for cellular translocation and a pentaphosphorylation motif specific for PKA. PKAS was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by metal affinity chromatography. Incubation of PKAS in the extracellular media facilitated translocation into the intracellular milieu in HeLa cells, βTC-3 cells and pancreatic islets with minimal toxicity in a time and concentration dependent manner. Upon cellular loading, glucose-dependent phosphorylation of PKAS was observed in both βTC-3 cells and pancreatic islets via capillary zone electrophoresis. In pancreatic islets, maximal PKAS phosphorylation (83 ± 6%) was observed at 12 mM glucose, whereas maximal PKAS phosphorylation (86 ± 4%) in βTC-3 cells was observed at 3 mM glucose indicating a left-shifted glucose sensitivity. Increased PKAS phosphorylation was observed in the presence of PKA stimulators forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP (33% and 16%, respectively), with corresponding decreases in PKAS phosphorylation observed in the presence of PKA inhibitors staurosporine and H-89 (40% and 54%, respectively).     

Bergamot (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus bergamia</Emphasis> Risso) fruit extracts and identified components alter expression of interleukin 8 gene in cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cell lines

Background  

Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway pathology is a fatal, autosomal, recessive genetic disease characterized by extensive lung inflammation. After induction by TNF-α, elevated concentrations of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e. IL-6, IL-1β) and chemokines (i.e. IL-8) are released from airway epithelial cells. In order to reduce the excessive inflammatory response in the airways of CF patients, new therapies have been developed and in this respect, medicinal plant extracts have been studied. In this article we have investigated the possible use of bergamot extracts (Citrus bergamia Risso) and their identified components to alter the expression of IL-8 associated with the cystic fibrosis airway pathology.     

10 α -Hydroxy- β -isomorphine, a by-product of the synthesis of 10 α -hydroxymorphine

Abstract  

A new compound was isolated from the reaction mixture after O-demethylation of 6-O-acetyl-10α-acetoxycodeine with boron tribromide. The structure of this compound, 10α-hydroxy-β-isomorphine, was elucidated by spectral data, and its spatial arrangement was deduced from an NOE experiment. Capillary zone electrophoresis was used for separation of morphine and its 10-hydroxy analogues.     

Ethylenebis(N-methylimidazolium) ditribromide (EBMIDTB): an efficient reagent for the monobromination of 1,3-diketones and β-ketoesters

Abstract  

Ethylenebis(N-methylimidazolium) ditribromide, a stable crystalline solid, is easily prepared by reaction of the corresponding dibromide salt with bromine in n-hexane. 1,3-Diketones and β-ketoesters can be brominated chemoselectively to the corresponding α-monobrominated products by using this reagent at 0–5 °C. Under the same reaction conditions, diethyl malonate, ethyl cyanoacetate, and malonitrile were monobrominated at moderate yield.