Dioxygenases, key enzymes to determine the aglycon structures of fusicoccin and brassicicene, diterpene compounds produced by fungi

Fusicoccin A and cotylenin A are structurally related diterpene glucosides and show a phytohormone-like activity. However, only cotylenin A induces the differentiation of human myeloid leukemia cells. Since the cotylenin A producer lost its ability to proliferate during preservation, a study on the relationship between structure and activity was carried out and a modified fusicoccin A with hydroxyl group at the 3-position showed a similar biological activity with that of cotylenin A. We then searched for an enzyme source that catalyzes the introduction of a hydroxyl group into the 3-position and found that brassicicene C, which is structurally related to fusicoccin A with hydroxyl group at the 3-position, was produced by Alternaria brassicicola ATCC96836. We recently cloned a brassicicene C biosynthetic gene cluster including the genes encoding fusicocca-2,10(14)-diene synthase and two cytochrome P450s, which were responsible for the formation of fusicocca-2,10(14)-diene-8β,16-diol. In this study, we report that a α-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase, the gene coding for which was located in the cluster, catalyzed a hydroxylation at the 3-position of fusicocca-2,10(14)-diene-8β,16-diol. On the other hand, a α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase, which had been identified in a fusicoccin A biosynthetic gene cluster, catalyzed the 16-oxidation of fusicocca-2,10(14)-diene-8β,16-diol to yield an aldehyde (8β-hydroxyfusicocca-1,10(14)-dien-16-al), although both dioxygenases had 51% amino acid sequence identity. These findings suggested that the dioxygenases played critical roles for the formation of the fusicoccin A-type and cotylenin A-/brassicicene C-type aglycons. Moreover, we showed that short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase located in the fusicoccin A biosynthetic gene cluster catalyzed the reduction of the aldehyde to yield fusicocca-1,10(14)-diene-8β,16-diol.     

Enantioselective synthesis of the C10-C20 fragment of fusicoccin A

A synthesis of the fully protected C-ring fragment of the tricyclic diterpene fusicoccin A is reported. The desired cyclopentenyl halides 5a,b are obtained in a total of nine steps. Key transformations of the synthesis sequence are a nonconventional Cr-catalyzed allylic oxidation of a protected intermediate cylcopentenone, a diastereoselective addition of a propenyl Grignard/CeCl(3) reagent to the unmasked cyclopentenone, and an asymmetric hydroboration of the isopropenyl substituent. The protected and suitably functionalized C-ring fragment paves the way to explore further the total synthesis of fusicoccin A.     

Cooperative stabilisation of 14-3-3σ protein–protein interactions via covalent protein modification

14-3-3 proteins are an important family of hub proteins that play important roles in many cellular processes via a large network of interactions with partner proteins. Many of these protein–protein interactions (PPI) are implicated in human diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. The stabilisation of selected 14-3-3 PPIs using drug-like ‘molecular glues’ is a novel therapeutic strategy with high potential. However, the examples reported to date have a number of drawbacks in terms of selectivity and potency. Here, we report that WR-1065, the active species of the approved drug amifostine, covalently modifies 14-3-3σ at an isoform-unique cysteine residue, Cys38. This modification leads to isoform-specific stabilisation of two 14-3-3σ PPIs in a manner that is cooperative with a well characterised molecular glue, fusicoccin A. Our findings reveal a novel stabilisation mechanism for 14-3-3σ, an isoform with particular involvement in cancer pathways. This mechanism can be exploited to harness the enhanced potency conveyed by covalent drug molecules and dual ligand cooperativity. This is demonstrated in two cancer cell lines whereby the cooperative behaviour of fusicoccin A and WR-1065 leads to enhanced efficacy for inducing cell death and attenuating cell growth.

The aminothiol WR-1065 covalently modifies 14-3-3σ to stabilse its interactions with p53 and ERα. It enhances the effect of fusicoccin A via a cooperative mechanism that leads to 14-3-3 partner-protein specific activty against cancer cells.      

Studies towards the total synthesis of di- and sesterterpenes with dicyclopenta[a,d]cyclooctane skeletons. Three-component approach to the A/B rings building block

Sesqui- and sesterterpenes of ophiobolin and fusicoccin families are important synthetic targets because of complexity of structure and potentially useful physiological activities, including anti-tumor activity. A synthesis of versatile building blocks for these terpenoids is described. Cyclopenta[8]annulene rings system with properly dislocated substituents was constructed using as key steps ring closing metathesis reaction and Wagner - Meerwein rearrangement. Ring closing metathesis reaction leading to cyclopenta[8]annulene was studied in detail.     

Phosphopeptide-dependent labeling of 14-3-3 ζ proteins by fusicoccin-based fluorescent probes

Fluorescent combination: Cell-penetrating probes derived from the diterpene fusicoccin can form ternary complexes with 14-3-3 proteins and phosphopeptide ligands, whereupon the probes site-specifically attach a fluorescent tag onto the surface of the 14-3-3 proteins.     

Isolation of fusicoccin from a culture filtrate ofFusicoccum amygdali

Fusicoccin A has been isolated from a culture filtrate of the filtrate of the fungusFusicoccum amygdali Del., and it has been characterized as an α-glycoside of a tricyclic diterpenoid. The trimethylsilyl derivative of fusicoccin A has been investigated by combined GLC and mass spectrometry.     

The biosynthetic origin of fusicoccin hydroxyisopropyl group

The biosynthetic origin of the hydroxyisopropyl group of fusicoccin 1 has been determined. Two out of the eight tritium mevalonoid atoms retained in 1 following incorporation of MVA-[2-³H₂,2-¹⁴C] have been located at C-20; whilst none has been found in the C-19 methylene group.     

Carbon-13 NMR spectra of fusicoccin and its derivatives

The ¹³C NMR spectra of fusicoccin, some of its cometabolites and derivatives were studied. Using standard Fourier transform techniques, T₁ relaxation time measurements and lanthanide shift reagents, the resonances of individual carbon-13 nuclei were assigned.     

An optimised small-molecule stabiliser of the 14-3-3-PMA2 protein-protein interaction

Modulation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is a highly demanding, but also a very promising approach in chemical biology and targeted drug discovery. In contrast to inhibiting PPIs with small, chemically tractable molecules, stabilisation of these interactions can only be achieved with complex natural products, like rapamycin, FK506, taxol, forskolin, brefeldin and fusicoccin. Fusicoccin stabilises the activatory complex of the plant H(+)-ATPase PMA2 and 14-3-3 proteins. Recently, we have shown that the stabilising effect of fusicoccin could be mimicked by a trisubstituted pyrrolinone (pyrrolidone1, 1). Here, we report the synthesis, functional activity and crystal structure of derivatives of 1 that stabilise the 14-3-3-PMA2 complex. With a limited compound collection three modifications that are important for activity enhancement could be determined: 1) conversion of the pyrrolinone scaffold into a pyrazole, 2) introduction of a tetrazole moiety to the phenyl ring that contacts PMA2, and 3) addition of a bromine to the phenyl ring that exclusively contacts the 14-3-3 protein. The crystal structure of a pyrazole derivative of 1 in complex with 14-3-3 and PMA2 revealed that the more rigid core of this molecule positions the stabiliser deeper into the rim of the interface, enlarging especially the contact surface to PMA2. Combination of the aforementioned features gave rise to a molecule (37) that displays a threefold increase in stabilising the 14-3-3-PMA2 complex over 1. Compound 37 and the other active derivatives show no effect on two other important 14-3-3 protein-protein interactions, that is, with CRaf and p53. This is the first study that describes the successful optimisation of a PPI stabiliser identified by screening.     

An Optimised Small‐Molecule Stabiliser of the 14‐3‐3–PMA2 Protein–Protein Interaction

Modulation of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) is a highly demanding, but also a very promising approach in chemical biology and targeted drug discovery. In contrast to inhibiting PPIs with small, chemically tractable molecules, stabilisation of these interactions can only be achieved with complex natural products, like rapamycin, FK506, taxol, forskolin, brefeldin and fusicoccin. Fusicoccin stabilises the activatory complex of the plant H⁺‐ATPase PMA2 and 14‐3‐3 proteins. Recently, we have shown that the stabilising effect of fusicoccin could be mimicked by a trisubstituted pyrrolinone (pyrrolidone1, 1 ). Here, we report the synthesis, functional activity and crystal structure of derivatives of 1 that stabilise the 14‐3‐3–PMA2 complex. With a limited compound collection three modifications that are important for activity enhancement could be determined: 1) conversion of the pyrrolinone scaffold into a pyrazole, 2) introduction of a tetrazole moiety to the phenyl ring that contacts PMA2, and 3) addition of a bromine to the phenyl ring that exclusively contacts the 14‐3‐3 protein. The crystal structure of a pyrazole derivative of 1 in complex with 14‐3‐3 and PMA2 revealed that the more rigid core of this molecule positions the stabiliser deeper into the rim of the interface, enlarging especially the contact surface to PMA2. Combination of the aforementioned features gave rise to a molecule ( 37 ) that displays a threefold increase in stabilising the 14‐3‐3–PMA2 complex over 1 . Compound 37 and the other active derivatives show no effect on two other important 14‐3‐3 protein–protein interactions, that is, with CRaf and p53. This is the first study that describes the successful optimisation of a PPI stabiliser identified by screening.     

Copper‐Free Huisgen Cycloaddition for the 14‐3‐3‐Templated Synthesis of Fusicoccin‐Peptide Conjugates

Mid‐sized molecules have emerged as an attractive chemical space and potentially provide a robust basis for the development of synthetic agents to control intracellular protein interactions. However, the limited cell permeability and chemical tractability of such agents remain to be addressed. We envisioned that target‐templated synthesis of such mid‐sized molecules might provide a solution. Here, we exploited a copper‐free Huisgen cycloaddition for template synthesis using a peptide fragment containing a 4,8‐diazacyclononyne (DACN) moiety and an azide‐containing fusicoccin derivative in the presence or absence of recombinant 14‐3‐3ζ protein in vitro. Time‐course changes in the yield of products demonstrated that the reaction was accelerated in the presence of 14‐3‐3 and one of the regioisomers was generated predominantly, supporting the template effect.     

Discovering protein–protein interaction stabilisers by native mass spectrometry

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are key therapeutic targets. Most PPI-targeting drugs in the clinic inhibit these important interactions; however, stabilising PPIs is an attractive alternative in cases where a PPI is disrupted in a disease state. The discovery of novel PPI stabilisers has been hindered due to the lack of tools available to monitor PPI stabilisation. Moreover, for PPI stabilisation to be detected, both the stoichiometry of binding and the shift this has on the binding equilibria need to be monitored simultaneously. Here, we show the power of native mass spectrometry (MS) in the rapid search for PPI stabilisers. To demonstrate its capability, we focussed on three PPIs between the eukaryotic regulatory protein 14-3-3σ and its binding partners estrogen receptor ERα, the tumour suppressor p53, and the kinase LRRK2, whose interactions upon the addition of a small molecule, fusicoccin A, are differentially stabilised. Within a single measurement the stoichiometry and binding equilibria between 14-3-3 and each of its binding partners was evident. Upon addition of the fusicoccin A stabiliser, a dramatic shift in binding equilibria was observed with the 14-3-3:ERα complex compared with the 14-3-3:p53 and 14-3-3:LRRK2 complexes. Our results highlight how native MS can not only distinguish the ability of stabilisers to modulate PPIs, but also give important insights into the dynamics of ternary complex formation. Finally, we show how native MS can be used as a screening tool to search for PPI stabilisers, highlighting its potential role as a primary screening technology in the hunt for novel therapeutic PPI stabilisers.

Stabilising protein–protein interactions is challenging, yet therapeutically important. Native mass spectrometry can be used to monitor binding equilibria, allowing identification and measurement of novel protein–protein interaction stabilisers.     

Isolation of fusicoccin from a culture filtrate ofFusicoccum amygdali

Fusicoccin A has been isolated from a culture filtrate of the filtrate of the fungusFusicoccum amygdali Del., and it has been characterized as an -glycoside of a tricyclic diterpenoid. The trimethylsilyl derivative of fusicoccin A has been investigated by combined GLC and mass spectrometry.All-Union Scientific-Research Institute of Applied Biology and Genetics, VASKhNIL, Moscow. Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 6, pp. 792–796, November–December, 1980.     

A new sesquiterpene from the entomogenous fungus Phomopsis amygdali

A new sesquiterpene, (+)-S-1-methyl-abscisic-6-acid (1), together with five known compounds, (+)-S-abscisic acid (2), fusicoccin J (3), 3α-hydroxyfusicoccin J (4), (R)-5-hydroxymethylmellein (5) and 4-hydroxyphenethyl acetate (6) was isolated from the fermentation extract of Phomopsis amygdali, an entomogenous fungus isolated from Call midge. Their structures were determined mainly by analysis of MS and NMR spectroscopic data. Compounds 1–6 were tested for antimicrobial activity against three plant pathogenic fungi: Gibberella zeae, Verticillium albo-atrum, and Fusarium nivale, and two bacteria: Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2033E. As a result, compounds 1–4 displayed antibacterial activity against Gram-negative P. aeruginosa 2033E, and the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC value) of 1–4 is 30 μg/mL, 58 μg/mL, 26 μg/mL, and 26 μg/mL, respectively.     

Two-dimensional crystallization of hard sphere particles at a liquid–liquid interface

A method for studying crystallization of hard sphere like particles in two dimensions is presented. The method involves trapping the particles at the interface between two immiscible liquids. Particles at the interface undergo 2D Brownian motion, and at sufficiently high densities crystallization is observed. The pseudo hard sphere nature of the particle interactions under these conditions is maintained, as demonstrated by the area density at which crystallization occurs. In contrast to established techniques for studying crystallization in pseudo 2D hard spheres, the particles trapped at the interface undergo no vertical motion, so the system is in principle closer to a true 2D system. The method is therefore amenable to the study of the effects of polydispersity on crystallization behaviour. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed.     

A practical and efficient method to calculate AIM localization and delocalization indices at post-HF levels of theory

A practical and efficient method is proposed for calculating localization and delocalization indices at post-Hartree-Fock levels, and the method is tested at the CISD/6-311G++(2d, 2p) level for a large set of molecules. Our method, which utilizes wave functions written in the natural molecular orbital format and obtained with GAUSSIAN 94 or GAUSSIAN 98, convincingly extends the concepts established at the HF level.     

A colorimetric fructose assay

A new spectrophotometric method for measuring fructose is presented. The method uses Tryptamine in HCl acid, is carried out at 60°C, and is complete within 60 min. The assay is read at 518 nm and shows very low interference from other sugars. The method can be used for fructose, fructosans, and inulin.     

A new extension of the polarizable continuum model: Toward a quantum chemical description of chemical reactions at extreme high pressure

A quantum chemical method for studying potential energy surfaces of reactive molecular systems at extreme high pressures is presented. The method is an extension of the standard Polarizable Continuum Model that is usually used for Quantum Chemical study of chemical reactions at a standard condition of pressure. The physical basis of the method and the corresponding computational protocol are described in necessary detail, and an application of the method to the dimerization of cyclopentadiene (up to 20 GPa) is reported. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

An Inexpensive,Rapid and Sensitive Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Trimipramine in Tablets

In this study trimipramine is determined on the basis of its reaction with concentrated nitric acid. Trimipramine reacts with nitric acid at room temperature to give a blue color, which rapidly converted to yellow color having maximum absorbance at 390 nm. This reaction is relatively selective with 1 mg/L as visual limit of quantitation and provides a basis for a new sensitive spectrophotometric method. The color is stable for at least 24 h and the linear dynamic range of the method is 4–80 mg/L. The repeatability of method is good and relative standard deviation is about 2% for six repeated experiments carried out on the solution having a concentration of 40 mg/L trimipramine. This method is used for quantitative assessment of the target analyte in pharmaceutical preparations. Interferences studies showed that most of the studied compounds have no interferential effect on the presented method.     

A new spectrophotometric method for quantitative multicomponent analysis resolution of mixtures of salicylic and salicyluric acids

A new spectrophotometric method for resolving binary mixtures is proposed. The method is based on use of the first derivative of the ratios of spectra. The absorption spectrum of the mixture is obtained and the amplitudes at appropriate wavelengths are divided by the corresponding amplitudes in the absorption spectrum of a standard solution of one of the components, and the first derivative of the ratio spectrum is obtained. The concentration of the other component is then determined from a calibration graph. The method has been applied for resolving binary mixtures of salicylic and salicyluric acids. Calibration graphs for 2.6-52 ppm salicylic acid and for 2.1-42 ppm salicyluric acid were established by measuring the analytical signals at the maximum at 241.5 nm (for salicylic acid) and from the peak at 258 nm to the trough at 247 nm (for salicyluric acid) in the first derivative ratio spectra.